Enhanced N-Transfer from a Soybean to Maize by Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) Fungi

Using a split-root technique, roots of soybean plants were divided between two pots. In one of the two pots, two maize plants were grown and half of those pots were inoculated with the vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus, Glomus fasciculatus. Fifty-two days after planting, ¹⁵N-labeled ammonium sulfate was applied to the pots which contained only soybean roots. Forty-eight hours after application, significantly higher values for atom per cent ¹⁵N excess were found in roots and leaves of VAM-infected maize plants as compared with the non-VAM-infected maize plants. Results indicated that VAM fungi did enhance N transfer from one plant to another.