Mycorrhizal efficiency in pepper yield by fertilization in clay soil growth conditions

Abstract

Biomass responses to mycorrhizae and fertilization of phosphorus (P) and elemental sulfur (ES) on green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown for 45 days on calcareous sterilized Menekşe soil (sub-group Typic Xerorthent) were investigated. Root yield was increased by mycorrhizal inoculation compared to the control treatment. However, shoot yield remained unchanged. On the other hand, there was more synergistic effect between mycorrhizae and combined fertilization of ES and P, compared to the ES or P fertilization alone. Accordingly, shoot concentrations of P significantly increased. The other shoot nutrient concentrations differed independently from each other as statistically significant. Results showed that P and ES fertilization increased the efficieny of mycorrhizae in the clay soil growth conditions and mycorrhizae has potential to increase yield.