Abstract
Understanding the directions and magnitude of nitrogen (N) transfer between plants through common mychorrhizal networks (CMNs) may clarify the agricultural and ecological importance of CMNs. Studies have showed that plant-to-plant N transfer from the donor to the receiver occurred directly through CMNs that interconnect roots. Such mycorrhizal-mediated N movement between plants could have practical implications for plant performance, especially in N-limited habitats. However, recapture of decomposed and exuded plant and fungal materials by the receiver may occur simultaneously through soil pathways. We designed a two-chambered growth pot to determine two-way or net N transfer between plants through CMNs, by directly supplying external 15N-enriched chemicals to the N-donor side. Our experimental system could minimize soil mass flow and diffusion by a 5-mm air gap with the insertion of 25–37 µm fine mesh between the two chambers and the use of high water holding capacity crystals in the growth media.
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He, X., Critchley, C., Nara, K., Southworth, D., Bledsoe, C.S. (2009). 15N Enrichment Methods to Quantify Two-Way Nitrogen Transfer Between Plants Linked by Mychorrhizal Networks. In: Varma, A., Kharkwal, A.C. (eds) Symbiotic Fungi. Soil Biology, vol 18. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-95894-9_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-95894-9_17
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