2024/08/06 by Matinizadeh, Mohammad, Nouri, Elham, Bayranvand, Mohammad +4
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi #Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology #Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions #Semi-arid rangelands #Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics #Soil Enzyme #Symbiosis
paper · doi:10.57647/jrs-2026-1601.05
openalex publication_date 2024/08/06 · openalex created_date 2025/12/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Understanding the symbiotic relationship between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plants, particularly with soil nutrient and enzyme activity, is crucial for preserving semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. AMF is remarkable in nutrient acquisition and carbon cycling within these ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among Root Colonization (RC), soil enzyme activity, and rhizosphere soil chemical properties in nine rangeland plant species. In the spring of 2019, soil and root samples were collected randomly from the rhizosphere of plant species [Acanthophyllum glandulosum, Astragalus gossypinus and Noaea mucronata (shrub growth); Centaurea virgate, Hypericum perforatum, Pterocephalus canus and Stachys inflata (forb growth); Melica persica and Stipa hohenackeriana (Grass growth)] in Kordan rangeland, Hashtgerd, Alborz province, Iran. Data were collected for RC% using the intersection method, soil enzyme activity by spectrophotometrically, Available Phosphorus (P) (by Olsen method), Organic Carbon (OC) (by wet oxidation method), and Exchangeable Potassium (K). There were significant differences among plant species for rhizosphere soil chemical properties, RC%, and enzyme activities. However, there were no significant differences for P and the activity of Acid Phosphatase (ACP) enzyme. Our results indicate that P. canus and C. virgata plants, characterized by moderate palatability, thrive in soils with balanced chemical properties, which promote AMF colonization and enzyme activity. There were positive and significant correlations between RC% and enzyme activities, except ACP. Additionally, strong positive correlations were found between Dehydrogenase (Deh) activity and both RC% and carbon content. The lowest RC% was observed in N. mucronata and A. gossypinus, potentially attributable to their competitive traits, which may reduce their reliance on mycorrhizal associations for nutrient acquisition and dispersal. Forb growth species exhibited more favorable rhizosphere functions than grass and shrub species. P. canus and C. virgata with the highest symbiotic association with AMF were suggested for the management and protection of semi-arid rangeland ecosystems in the study area.