Ecotypic response to ultramafic soils by some plant species of northwestern United States

Soils high in magnesium derived from ultramafic rocks (serpentine, peridotite, and dunite) in northwestern United States support endemic as well as wide-ranging but edaphically indifferent(bodenvag) species. The latter occur widely on diverse rock formations of the region. Severalbodenvag species are shown to respond ecotypically to ultramafic soils. Of 18 species tested, all but three are differentiated into strains either tolerant or intolerant of ultramafic soils. Tests for edaphic preferences were conducted with seedlings and mature transplants on ultramafic soils. Growth performances were determined in greenhouse pot tests, outdoor soil bins, and by transplants in the wild. Herbaceous perennials (e.g.,Achillea millefolium, Fragaria virginiana, Prunella vulgaris, Rumex acetosella) gave the clearest ecotypic differences. Woody species either showed only slight ecotypic response(Spiraea douglasii var.menziesii andGaultheria shallon) or delayed the expression of their genotypic adaptability(Pinus contorta). Where ultramafic abut non-ultramafic soils, those populations ofbodenvag species that grow in non-ultramafic habitats can have a significant proportion of individuals tolerant to ferromagnesian soils (e.g.,Achillea millefolium). This suggests gene flow between populations of contrasting edaphic sites and possibly preadaptedness for the ultramafic habitat. Strains of two introduced weeds(Prunella vulgaris andRumex acetosella) have become ecotypically tolerant to ultramafic soils, probably within the last 75 years.     

The seedbanks of the Breckland heaths and heath grasslands, eastern England, and their relationship to the vegetation and the effects of management

The vegetation and the associated germinable seedbank of a range of heath and grass heath communities in Breckland, eastern England, were compared. The composition of vegetation and seedbank were similar for heather-dominated communities due to the predominance of Calluna vulgaris . Recent rotovation of previously heather-dominated communities invaded by Deschampsia flexuosa reduced the number of emerging C. vulgaris seedlings by more than 80%. The composition of seedbanks of calcicolous grasslands differed considerably from the vegetation, with a significant contribution from many ruderal species not present in the vegetation and an absence of important species such as Pilosella officinarum. Acidic grasslands were intermediate between calcicolous grasslands and heather-dominated heathlands, with seedbanks characterized by high densities of Rumex acetosella and a number of ruderal species that were absent or rare in the vegetation. The composition of the seedbank of more mesotrophic grasslands suggests that the imposition of some form of disturbance may recreate more open grasslands typical of Breckland.     

Root sprouting in Rumex acetosella under different nutrient levels

Growth of Rumex acetosella, a root sprouting plant, was studied in a pot experiment. Each plant of R. acetosella consisted of two ramets which were interconnected by a root about 9 cm long. One of the ramets was placed in a compartment with nutrient-rich soil, the other with nutrient-poor soil. The root connection between the ramets either remained intact or was severed at the nutrient interface after planting. Growth of new roots was prevented at the nutrient interface.The presence of a connection between the ramets did not affect biomass or shoot production in either soil compartment, indicating a poor integration of the interconnected plant systems. In the nutrient-rich environment, two to four times more shoots and biomass were produced than in the low nutrient regime. A large proportion of buds initiated on roots remained dormant, forming a bud bank. When the number of shoots or buds was expressed per g of root dry weight or per m of root length, the nutrient response was no longer evident or, in a few cases, a significant effect in the opposite direction was obtained. These results show that the greater production of buds and shoots in the nutrient-rich environment reflected an allometric relationship between root biomass and the number of buds and shoots initiated on the roots.     

Ethylene Biosynthesis and Accumulation under Drained and Submerged Conditions (A Comparative Study of Two Rumex Species)

A model is presented of the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis in relation to submergence and flooding resistance. It is based on time-course measurements of ethylene production, ethylene accumulation, and concentrations of free and conjugated 1-aminocyclo-propane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in submerged and drained flooding-resistant Rumex palustris Sm. and flooding-sensitive Rumex acetosella L. plants. From these data, in vivo reaction rates of the final steps in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway were calculated. According to our model, submergence stimulates ACC formation and inhibits conversion of ACC to ethylene in both Rumex species, and as a result, ACC accumulates. This may explain the stimulated ACC conjugation observed in submerged plants. Although submergence inhibited ethylene production, physical entrapment increased endogenous ethylene concentrations in both flooding-resistant R. palustris and flooding-sensitive R. acetosella plants. However, R. palustris plants controlled their internal ethylene levels in the long term by a negative regulation of ACC synthase induced by ethylene. In flooding-sensitive R. acetosella plants, absence of negative regulation increased internal ethylene levels to more than 20 [mu]L L-1 after 6 d of submergence. This may accelerate the process of senescence and contribute to their low level of flooding resistance.     

Cover distributions of vascular plants in relation to soil chemistry and soil depth in a granite rock ecosystem

The variability in the cover distribution of vascular plants, accounted for by soil chemical properties and soil depth, on a granite slope with shallow autochtonous soil in southeast Sweden was evaluated using multivariate statistical regression and graphical methods. Soil acidity and soil depth were, to an often high degree, able to account for the variability in the distributions of the ca. 30 most frequent species, including Rumex acetosella, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, Filipendula vulgaris, Satureja acinos, Geranium columbinum, Silene rupestris, and Arenaria serpyllifolia. The best expression of soil acidity was pH-KCl, though exchangeable Ca and Al were also important measures of the soil-plant relationships. The Ca:Al ratio was inferior in this respect. Also exchangeable or acid soluble phosphate was significantly related to the distribution of several species, whereas soil organic matter content was almost unrelated.     

Growth, nitrogen fixation and ammonium assimilation in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): effect of phosphorus

The impact of phosphorous nutrition on plant growth, symbiotic N₂ fixation, ammonium assimilation, carbohydrate and amino-acid accumulation, as well as on nitrogen, phosphorus and ATP content in tissues in common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) plants was investigated. Plants inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT899 were grown in Leonard jars under controlled conditions, with P-deficient (0 and 0.1 m M ), P-medium (0.5, 1 and 1.5 m M ) and P-high (2 m M ) conditions in a N-free nutrient solution. The P application, increased leaf area, whole plant DW (67%), nodule biomass (4-fold), and shoot and root P content (4- and 6-fold, respectively) in plant harvested at the onset of flowering (28-days-old). However, P treatments decreased the total soluble sugar and amino acid content in vegetative organs (leaf, root and nodules). The root growth proved less sensitive to P deficiency than did shoot growth, and the leaf area was significantly reduced at low P-application. The absence of a relationship between shoot N content, and P levels in the growth medium could indicate that nitrogen fixation requires more P than does plant growth. The optimal amount for the P. vulgaris – R. tropici CIAT899 symbiosis was 1.5 m M P, this treatment augmented nodule-ARA 20-fold, and ARA per plant 70-fold compared with plants without P application.     

Trade-off between root porosity and mechanical strength in species with different types of aerenchyma

The objective of this work was to study the existence of a trade-off between aerenchyma formation and root mechanical strength. To this end, relationships among root anatomical traits and mechanical properties were analysed in plant species with contrasting root structural types: Paspalidium geminatum (graminaceous type), Cyperus eragrostis (cyperaceous type), Rumex crispus (Rumex type) and Plantago lanceolata (Apium type). Variations in anatomical traits and mechanical strength were assessed as a function of root diameter by exposing plants to 0, 7, 15 and 30 d of control and flooded conditions. For each species, the proportion of root cortex was positively associated with the increment of root diameter, contributing to the increase in root porosity under both control and flooded conditions. Moreover, cell lysis produced an additional increase in root porosity in most species under flooded conditions (except R. crispus). Both structural types that presented a uniseriate layer (epidermis) to cope with compression (Rumex and Apium types) were progressively weakened as root porosity increased. This effect was significant even when the increment of root porosity was solely because of increased root diameter (R. crispus), as when both processes (root diameter and cell lysis) added porosity to the roots (P. lanceolata). Conversely, structural types that presented a multiseriate ring of cells in the outer cortex (graminaceous and cyperaceous types) maintained mechanical strength over the whole range of porosity, in spite of lysogenic processes registered in the inner cortex. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a strong trade-off between aerenchyma formation and mechanical strength in root structural types that lacked a multiseriate ring of tissue for mechanical protection in the outer cortex. The results suggest that this ring of tissue plays a significant role in maintaining the mechanical strength of roots when flooding induces the generation of additional aerenchyma tissue in the root cortex.     

Seed longevity and fire: germination responses of an exotic perennial herb in NW Patagonian grasslands (Argentina)

Fire affects grassland composition by selectively influencing recruitment. Some exotic species can increase their abundance as a consequence of fire-stimulated seed germination, but response may depend on seed age. Rumex acetosella L. (Polygonaceae, sheep's sorrel) is a cosmopolitan herb that has invaded NW Patagonia's grasslands. This species forms persistent soil seed banks and increases after disturbances, particularly fire. We studied how fire and seed longevity influence R. acetosella germination. In 2008, we conducted laboratory experiments where we exposed different-aged seeds (up to 19 years old) to heat, smoke, charcoal, ash and control treatments. Total percentage germination and mean germination time depended on both seed age and fire treatment. Germination of younger seeds decreased with increasing temperature. There was no general pattern in germination responses of different-aged seeds to smoke, charcoal and ash. While smoke improved the germination of fresh seeds, charcoal decreased germination. Germination of untreated seeds was negatively correlated with seed age, and mean germination time increased with seed age. In most treatments, fresh seeds had lower germination than 1-5-year-old seeds, indicating an after-ripening requirement. Smoke stimulates R. acetosella germination, causing successful recruitment during post-fire conditions. Fresh seeds are particularly responsive to fire factors, possibly because they have not experienced physical degradation and are more receptive to environmental stimuli. Knowing the colonisation potential from the soil seed bank of this species during post-fire conditions will allow us to predict their impact on native communities.     

Effects of density on above and below ground biomass of the native alpine grass Poa fawcettiae and the environmental weed Achillea millefolium

Competition between Poa fawcettiae Vickery, the dominant native snowgrass, and the invasive herbaceous Achillea millefolium L., was examined in three glasshouse experiments. The first experiment investigated the potential for intra-specific competition in plants by growing them in pots with low and high density. The second experiment examined the potential for inter-specific competition at low, medium and high density. In the third experiment plants in pots where either roots or shoots of the species could not compete were compared to those where root and shoot competition was possible.
Achillea millefolium plants produced more than four times the biomass of P. fawcettiae plants. As a result the two species responded differently. In the A. millefolium monocultures both root and shoot biomass per plant declined at high density. By contrast, P. fawcettiae biomass was not affected. In mixed species pots, P. fawcettiae had no effect on the biomass of A . millefolium plants, while P. fawcettiae shoot and root biomass per plant decreased when grown with A. millefolium at all densities tested. Root competition from A. millefolium appears to be the main cause of the decrease in biomass of P. fawcettiae . The results imply that A. millefolium may have a competitive advantage over P. fawcettiae in the Australian Alps.     

铜和模拟酸雨复合胁迫对酸模铜富集、生长及抗氧化酶系统的影响

采用盆栽方法,研究了Cu(0～1500 mg·kg^-1)和酸雨(pH 2.5～5.6)复合胁迫对酸模Cu富集、生长和抗氧化酶系统的影响.结果表明：酸模根和地上部Cu的积累量随土壤Cu浓度增大而增加,且根>茎叶,酸雨能促进酸模对Cu的吸收;随着土壤中Cu浓度和酸雨强度的增加,酸模的生物量逐渐下降,根和叶中MDA含量增加,且与Cu处理浓度显著正相关,根和叶中SOD和POD活性则均呈先上升后下降的趋势.酸模对Cu和酸雨有很强的耐受能力,在酸雨地区Cu污染土壤修复中具有很好的应用潜力.     

Oxygen uptake by roots of Rumex species at different temperatures: the relative importance of diffusive resistance and enzyme kinetics

Abstract. Oxygen uptake characteristics of the roots of three Rumex species were compared, and related to kinetics of the respiratory system and to root anatomy. The observed differences could not be explained by differences in fundamental characteristics of the oxygen uptake system: with all three species, cytochrome-mediated respiration contributed 70% and cyanide-insensitive (alternative) respiration 30% of the total respiration rate, and apparent K_m values of cytochrome oxidase were lower than those obtained for the alternative oxidase in all cases. However, differences in critical oxygen pressure for respiration (COPR) and in apparent K_m for oxygen, were strongly correlated with differences in root porosity and root diameter. K_m(O₂) values at high and low temperatures were determined, and from Arrhenius plots of oxygen uptake rates between 11 and 32°C, the role of diffusional impedance could be estimated. Root respiration of Rumex maritimus and R. crispus , both with high root porosity, but differing in root diameter, had a low K_m for oxygen (3–7 mmol m⁻³). In contrast with this were the responses of R. thvrsiflorus , which has thin roots but low root porosity: a high K_m (10-20 mmol m⁻³) was found at all temperatures. The role of diffusional impedance as a function of temperature in oxygen uptake rate by the three species is discussed and related to the differential resistance of the species towards flooding.     

The influence of distilled water on the fluidity of protoplasm

Summary It is found that if distilled water is allowed to flow through the leaves of terrestrial plants (Achillea millefolium, Chenopodium album, Rumex acetosella, Ficaria verna), the protoplasm of the cells exhibits increased fluidity. The terrestrial plants thus react in the same way as the earlier investigatedHelodea. The cause is not the absence of nutrient salts or of microelements, since nutrient solutions prepared from distilled water have the same effect. The cause is instead the absence of the fluidity-active substances that have earlier been demonstrated in the soil fluid, and which derive from plants.The effect persists as long as the leaves take up distilled water, but disappears gradually (after 1–3 days) when the uptake has ceased. It is assumed that the return to the normal fluidity value is due to production of fluidity-decreasing substances by the leaf cells. The changes—the increase in fluidity and the subsequent decrease—suggest the existence of a system of equilibrium, which regulates the fluidity value.The expenses of the present investigation were defrayed by a grant from the Science Research Council of Sweden.     

Congeneric Serpentine and Nonserpentine Shrubs Differ More in Leaf Ca:Mg than in Tolerance of Low N, Low P, or Heavy Metals

Serpentine soils limit plant growth by NPK deficiencies, low Ca availability, excess Mg, and high heavy metal levels. In this study, three congeneric serpentine and nonserpentine evergreen shrub species pairs were grown in metalliferous serpentine soil with or without NPKCa fertilizer to test which soil factors most limit biomass production and mineral nutrition responses. Fertilization increased biomass production and allocation to leaves while decreasing allocation to roots in both serpentine and nonserpentine species. Simultaneous increases in biomass and leaf N:P ratios in fertilized plants of all six species suggest that N is more limiting than P in this serpentine soil. Neither N nor P concentrations, however, nor root to shoot translocation of these nutrients, differed significantly between serpentine and nonserpentine congeners. All six species growing in unfertilized serpentine soil translocated proportionately more P to leaves compared to fertilized plants, thus maintaining foliar P. Leaf Ca:Mg molar ratios of the nonserpentine species were generally equal to that of the soil. The serpentine species, however, maintained significantly higher leaf Ca:Mg than both their nonserpentine counterparts and the soil. Elevated leaf Ca:Mg in the serpentine species was achieved by selective Ca transport and/or Mg exclusion operating at the root-to-shoot translocation level, as root Ca and Mg concentrations did not differ between serpentine and nonserpentine congeners. All six species avoided shoot toxicity of heavy metals by root sequestration. The comparative data on nutrient deficiencies, leaf Ca:Mg, and heavy metal sequestration suggest that the ability to maintain high leaf Ca:Mg is a key evolutionary change needed for survival on serpentine soil and represents the physiological feature distinguishing the serpentine shrub species from their nonserpentine congeners. The results also suggest that high leaf Ca:Mg is achieved in these serpentine species by selective translocation of Ca and/or inhibited transport of Mg from roots, rather than by uptake/exclusion at root surfaces.     

Seed survival and seasonal emergence in some species of Geranium, Ranunculus and Rumex

Seeds of 14 species were collected, usually in each of 2 or 3 yr, and mixed with the top 7.5 cm of sterilised soil confined in cylinders sunk in the ground outdoors and cultivated three times yearly. Seedling emergence was recorded for at least 3 and usually 5 yr. Most seedlings of Ranunculus bulbosus and Rumex acetosa appeared during the autumn of sowing, while the main emergence of Geranium pratense. Ranunculus acris, Rumex conglomeratus and R. maritimus was in the following spring. Emergence of G. pyrenaicum and G. robertianum took place throughout much of the year after sowing. Seeds of all these species were relatively short-lived in cultivated soil, and few seedlings appeared after the second year. Seed survival was greater in G. dissectum. G. molle, Rumex acetosella. Ranunculus sceleratus and especially R. repens, of which emergence in the fifth year after sowing amounted to 4% of the seeds sown. Emergence from the persistent seed bank was mainly from May to September for G. dissectum and G. molle and during autumn for Ranunculus flammula and R. sceleratus, while seedlings of Ranunculus repens and Rumex acetosella appeared sporadically over most of the year.     

Comparison of acid and alkaline soil and liquid culture growth systems for studies of shoot and root characteristics of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) genotypes

Four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for P uptake were previously identified in a rice population that had been developed from a cross between the indica landrace Kasalath (high P uptake) with the japonica cultivar Nipponbare (low P uptake). For further studies, near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed for a major QTL linked to marker C443 on chromosome 12 and for a minor QTL linked to C498 on chromosome 6. On a highly P-deficient upland soil (aerobic conditions), NIL-C443 had three to four times the P uptake of Nipponbare, whereas the advantage of NIL-C498 was in the range of 60–90%. The superiority of NILs over Nipponbare vanished when grown in the same soil under anaerobic paddy conditions. All genotypes had high P uptake when P was supplied at a rate of 60 kg P ha^–1, regardless of soil conditions. These results confirmed the presence of both QTLs and furthermore implied that QTLs affected absorption mechanisms that specifically increased P uptake in a P deficient upland soil.Additional experiments were conducted to investigate if the effect of QTLs is linked to an increase in root growth or due to more efficient P uptake per unit root size (higher root efficiency). Root size did not differ significantly between genotypes in the plus-P treatment. P deficiency, however, reduced the root surface area of Nipponbare by more than 80% whereas NIL-C443 maintained almost half of its non-stress root surface area. The low root growth of Nipponbare observed under P deficiency was probably the result of insufficient P uptake to sustain plant growth, including root growth. Genotypic differences in the ability to maintain root growth, therefore are likely caused by some mechanism that increases the efficiency of roots to access P forms not readily available. This however, only had an effect in aerobic soil. Potential mechanisms leading to higher P uptake of NILs are discussed.     

Growth, respiration and nutrient acquisition by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae and its host plant Plantago lanceolata in cooled soil

Although plant phosphate uptake is reduced by low soil temperature, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are responsible for P uptake in many plants. We investigated growth and carbon allocation of the AM fungus Glomus mosseae and a host plant (Plantago lanceolata) under reduced soil temperature. Plants were grown in compartmented microcosm units to determine the impact on both fungus and roots of a constant 2.7 °C reduction in soil temperature for 16 d. C allocation was measured using two (13)CO(2) pulse labels. Although root growth was reduced by cooling, AM colonization, growth and respiration of the extraradical mycelium (ERM) and allocation of assimilated (13)C to the ERM were all unaffected; the frequency of arbuscules increased. In contrast, root respiration and (13)C content and plant P and Zn content were all reduced by cooling. Cooling had less effect on N and K, and none on Ca and Mg content. The AM fungus G. mosseae was more able to sustain activity in cooled soil than were the roots of P. lanceolata, and so enhanced plant P content under a realistic degree of soil cooling that reduced plant growth. AM fungi may therefore be an effective means to promote plant nutrition under low soil temperatures.     

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used for the Treatment of Stomach,Diabetes, and Ophthalmic Diseases in Sudhan Gali,Kashmir , Pakistan

The present paper represents the ethnopharmacological survey of Sudhan Gali, Kashmir, Pakistan. The study revealed that 12 plant species belonging to 11 families were used for the treatment of stomach, diabetes and ophthalmic diseases by the local people in Sudhan Gali. Achillea millefolium , Aconitum heterophyllum, Berberis lycium, Polygonum amplexicaule, Mentha longifolia, Paeonia emodi, Plantago lanceolata were locally used for stomach related problems treatment; Berberis lycium, Skimmia lareola, Solanum dulcamara for diabetes and Geranium wallichianum, Artemisia vulgaris, Solanum dulcamara, and Corydalis crassifolia used for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Two species Berberis lycium and Solanum dulcamara have multipurpose value. Former is used to treat stomach as well as diabetes while latter is used to treat not only to diabetes but also ophthalmic diseases. According to IUCN categories , out of these 12 plant species collected and marketed, Polygonum amplexicaule and Paeonia emodi are endangered, Aconitum heterophyllum; Berberis lycium species are vulnerable while Plantago lanceolata and Skimmia lareola species are rare.The availability of these medicinal plants has decreased during the past 20 years and these are facing a drastic biotic pressure due to their extensive usage and non-scientific methods of collection. It is quite evident that these valuable native medicinal plants species are going to decline in number and ultimately will become extinct if no timely proper conservation strategies are adopted.     

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used for the Treatment of Stomach,Diabetes, and Ophthalmic Diseases in Sudhan Gali,Kashmir , Pakistan

The present paper represents the ethnopharmacological survey of Sudhan Gali, Kashmir, Pakistan. The study revealed that 12 plant species belonging to 11 families were used for the treatment of stomach, diabetes and ophthalmic diseases by the local people in Sudhan Gali. Achillea millefolium , Aconitum heterophyllum, Berberis lycium, Polygonum amplexicaule, Mentha longifolia, Paeonia emodi, Plantago lanceolata were locally used for stomach related problems treatment; Berberis lycium, Skimmia lareola, Solanum dulcamara for diabetes and Geranium wallichianum, Artemisia vulgaris, Solanum dulcamara, and Corydalis crassifolia used for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Two species Berberis lycium and Solanum dulcamara have multipurpose value. Former is used to treat stomach as well as diabetes while latter is used to treat not only to diabetes but also ophthalmic diseases. According to IUCN categories , out of these 12 plant species collected and marketed, Polygonum amplexicaule and Paeonia emodi are endangered, Aconitum heterophyllum; Berberis lycium species are vulnerable while Plantago lanceolata and Skimmia lareola species are rare.The availability of these medicinal plants has decreased during the past 20 years and these are facing a drastic biotic pressure due to their extensive usage and non-scientific methods of collection. It is quite evident that these valuable native medicinal plants species are going to decline in number and ultimately will become extinct if no timely proper conservation strategies are adopted.     

不同基因型春小麦对磷胁迫适应性研究

采用盆栽试验,测定了4种基因型春小麦在不同生育期,3种磷水平下植株体内酸性磷酸酶活性、根长、根半径、根干重、根冠比、地上部干重、产量等指标,研究了小麦生长对磷素的利用效率。结果表明：甘春20号对磷素的敏感性在酸性磷酸酶活性、根干重、地上部干重、增产潜力均强于陇春16号、会宁18号和定西33号,是磷高效基因型;高磷对陇春16号的根冠比和根干重影响显著,定西33号和会宁18号的根长较长,因此陇春16号、会宁18号和定西33号仍具有一定的磷素利用潜势。     

Plantago lanceolata L. and Rumex acetosella L. differ in their utilisation of soil phosphorus fractions

To establish relationships between soil phosphorus (P) fractions and leaf P, a mycorrhizal species (Plantago lanceolata L.) was compared with a typically non-mycorrhizal species (Rumex acetosella L.) in a glasshouse experiment. The plants were grown in 40 soils from non-fertilised, abandoned pastures or abandoned arable fields and leaf P concentration were found to be related to various soil P fractions after six weeks of growth. The differences in the P fractions in soil can account for a large share of the variation in leaf P concentration in both species, but the two species differed in their utilisation of P fractions. Leaf P concentration of R. acetosella was more related to extractable soil P than that of P. lanceolata. Rumex acetosella showed a higher maximum P concentration. The P fractions accounting for the largest share of the variation in leaf P concentration was the Bray 1 extractable and the weak oxalate (1 mM) extractable P, and for P. lanceolata also the Na₂SO₄+NaF extractable P fraction. P extracted with these methods accounted for up to 80% of the variation in P concentration in leaves of R. acetosella and 65% of the variation in leaves of P. lanceolata. More P extractable with weak oxalate, Na₂SO₄+NaF and strong oxalate (50 mM) was released from the soil than was taken up by the plants during the experimental period. The Bray 1 extractable P fraction, however, decreased in both unplanted and planted soils. Phosphatase release was not induced in any of the plants during the experimental period, indicating that they were not mobilising soil organic P. However, some of the methods extracted a large share of the organic P and still explained much of the variation in leaf P concentration. Mycorrhizal colonisation of P. lanceolata was inversely related to the extractable soil P. The consistently fast P uptake of R. acetosella indicates that this species have a high demand for P. The differences in P utilisation between R. acetosella and P. lanceolata could be caused by their different mycorrhizal status.