THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ZN DOSES AND MYCORRHIZAE APPLICATION ON HORSE BEAN GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE UNDER STERILE AND NON STERILE SOIL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Due to semi-arid Mediterranean climate conditions and soil properties, south east Turkey's soils usually do not contain sufficient amount of plant nutritious elements, especially phosphorous (P) and zinc (Zn). This scarcity conditions is one of the factors limiting agriculture productivity and fertility and consequently, decrease the crop production. Mycorrhiza can be able to increase soil fertility and enhance nutrient uptake and plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and different Zn doses on horse bean (Vicia faba L.) growth and nutrient uptake under sterile and non-sterile soils conditions. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions with three replications. Horse bean was used as a test plant and Funneliformis mosseae was used as mycorrhiza species (1000 spore plant(-1)). Sterile and non-sterile Karaburun soils series from Cukurova region were used. Two doses of Zn (0 and 5 mg kg(-1)) were used as fertilizer. In both sterilized, non-sterilized soils mycorrhizal inoculation increased shoot dry matter and nutrient concentration. The results shown that shoot dry matter and nutrient concentration significantly increased of horse bean plants in non-sterilized soils. Maximum value of % P and Zn concentration was determined and in non-sterilized soils mycorrhiza inoculated have 0.28 % P (0 mg kg(-1)Zn) and in mycorrhiza inoculated sterile soils, 52.1 mg kg(-1)Zn (5 mg kg(-1)Zn). The results are encouraging that the mycorrhiza can be used as an organic fertilizer for plant production under large arable conditions.