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Ectomycorrhizal weathering of the soil minerals muscovite and hornblende
Article first published online: 22 JUN 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01790.x
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How to Cite
Van Schöll, L., Smits, M. M. and Hoffland, E. (2006), Ectomycorrhizal weathering of the soil minerals muscovite and hornblende. New Phytologist, 171: 805–814. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01790.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 22 JUN 2006
- Article first published online: 22 JUN 2006
- Received: 13 February 2006 Accepted: 17 April 2006
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Keywords:
- ectomycorrhizal fungi;
- hornblende;
- magnesium;
- muscovite;
- Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine);
- potassium;
- weathering
Summary
- • Ectomycorrhizal fungi are hypothesized to enhance mineral weathering in forest soils. Several studies have shown an increased uptake of mineral-derived nutrients by trees when in symbiosis with ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, it is difficult to determine from these studies if the improved nutrient uptake is the result of increased weathering or better exploitation of the substrate by the ectomycorrhizal fungi.
- • In a pot experiment, Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) seedlings were grown with or without ectomycorrhizal fungi, and with or without the mineral muscovite as the only potassium (K) source or the mineral hornblende as the only magnesium (Mg) source. After 27 wk, all pools of non-mineral-bound K or Mg were determined.
- • The ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus increased weathering of muscovite but not hornblende. The other ectomycorrhizal fungi tested, Piloderma croceum and Suillus bovinus, did not increase weathering of either muscovite or hornblende compared with the nonmycorrhizal trees. The P. involutus-mediated mobilization of K from muscovite resulted in increased K content of root plus adhering hyphae, but not of shoots.
- • In conclusion, ectomycorrhizal fungi may increase weathering of minerals in response to nutrient deficiencies, but this response is species specific.