New Research from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences
A groundbreaking study published in Plant and Soil demonstrates how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can dramatically improve nitrogen (N) uptake in rice plants. Using a dual-compartment microcosm system and 15N-labeled urea, researchers discovered that AMF inoculation increased nitrogen accumulation in rice by up to 16%, regardless of phosphorus (P) fertilization levels.
Key Findings:
- AMF enhanced root biomass by over 30%, boosting the plant’s ability to absorb nitrogen.
- In the rhizosphere compartment, AMF increased the activity of key soil enzymes like protease and cellulase and enriched beneficial genera such as Clostridium and Cystobasidium.
- In the hyphosphere compartment, AMF improved the abundance of Bacillus and GS16 species, elevating β-glucosidase and phosphatase activity—vital for nitrogen cycling and uptake.
- Under low phosphorus conditions, AMF boosted microbial community complexity and enzymatic activity, leading to greater nitrogen assimilation via fungal hyphae.
Ecological Implications:
This study highlights the synergistic role of soil microbes, enzyme activity, and AMF in sustainable rice production, offering a biological alternative to heavy fertilizer dependency. By promoting balanced microbial ecosystems in both root and hyphal zones, AMF inoculation may reduce nitrogen losses and improve nutrient efficiency in paddy soils.
Conclusion:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi act as powerful biological partners for rice, not only improving plant nutrition but also shaping the soil microbiome to create a more efficient, sustainable nutrient cycle.
Reference
Chen, P., Cheng, Y., Chen, R., Wang, N., Yu, J., Xue, L., & Yang, L. (2025). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation enhances 15N uptake by rice via modifying rhizosphere and hyphosphere soil bacterial and fungal community and soil enzyme activity. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07986-3
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