Browsing by Author "Nakabonge, Grace"

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    Combined effects of indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and NPK fertilizer on growth and yields of maize and soil nutrient availability
    (MDPI Company, 2023-01-25) Fofana Fall, Abdoulaye; Nakabonge, Grace; Ssekandi, Joseph; Founoune-Mboup, Hassna; Badji, Arfang; Ndiaye, Abibatou; Ndiaye, Malick; Kyakuwa, Paul; Anyoni Otim, Godfrey; Kabaseke, Clovis; Kipkemoi, Amos Ronoh; Ekwangu, Joseph
    The excessive application of mineral fertilizers in maize cultivation leads to progressive soil contamination in the long term and increases the cost of production. An alternative to reduce over-fertilization is to perform a partial replacement with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). A pot experiment which was followed by two field experiments was performed with and without the application of indigenous AMF in combination with five nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilization rates (100% NPK = N120P60K60; 75% NPK = N90P45K45; 50% NPK = N60P30K30; 25% NPK = N30P15K15; control = N0P0K0). The objective was to investigate whether the soil application of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi inoculum combined with NPK fertilization can provide higher maize yields and soil-available N, P, and K than chemical fertilization can alone. The greenhouse results showed that the application of AMF with a 50% NPK treatment significantly increased the plant’s growth, root colonization, leaf chlorophyll content, and N, P, and K tissue content. The results from the field conditions showed that there was a highly significant yield after the treatment with AMF + 50% NPK. The study also revealed that mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased the available soil N and P concentrations when it was combined with a 50% NPK dose. This suggests that the inoculation of fields with AM fungi can reduce the chemical fertilizer application by half, while improving soil chemistry. The results suggested that AMF inoculation can be used in integrated soil fertility management strategies.
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    Roles of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on soil fertility and its importance in phytoremediation of polluted soil
    (Uganda National Council for Science and Technology & Research Education Network of Uganda, 2021) Fofana Fall, Abdoulaye; Nakabonge, Grace; Ssekandi, Joseph; Founoune, Hassna; Obeng Apori, Samuel; Ndiaye, Abibatou; Badji, Arfang; Ngom, Khady
    A single paragraph Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with many crops. These soil microbiotas improve the soil fertility through the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. extending the root absorbing area. In return, the symbiont receives plant carbohydrates for the completion of its life cycle. AMF also helps plants to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses such as extreme temperature, heavy metal, diseases, and pathogens. For soil physical properties, the mechanisms used by AMF are the production of a glycoprotein, glomalin, which creates a high quality of soil macro-aggregations. These macro-aggregations control soil erosion, nutrients and organic matter losses. For soil chemical properties, AMF produce acids and an enzyme called phosphatase. This enzyme hydrolyzes the inorganic phosphorus and the rock phosphate (RP) hence making P available in the soil for plant uptake. AMF also are involved in soil nitrogen, carbon and trace element cycling. Regarding the biological component of the soil, AMF influence the composition, diversity and activity of microbial communities in the hydrosphere. They also work in synergy with others soil microorganisms to improve soil fertility, plant growth and resistance against some diseases. In this review, we present the contribution of AMF on soil fertility and importance in polluted soils.