Effect of Rhizobium and VAM on Seedling Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Leguminous Tree Species Grown in Problematic Soils

Abstract

The response of Albizia lebbeck (L) Benth., Albizia procera (L) Benth., and Dalbergia sisoo Roxb. to inoculation with Rhizobium and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) was compared in four degraded soils (dolomite, limestone, coalmine and entisol soils). Microbial inoculation improved the growth and dry weight in the three species. The maximum root, shoot and total seedling dry weight was observed in A. lebbeck grown in dolomite soil inoculated together with VAM and Rhizobium. VAM inoculated seedlings had higher percentage of mycorrhizal root infection than inoculated together with VAM and Rhizobium. Nitrogen and phosphorus (total) concentration in different soil types increased due to microbes. Among all the inoculants a combination of inoculation enhanced Nand P concentration. The application of Rhizobium, VAM and its combination also influenced the nutrient uptake by the seedlings. Maximum N (60 mg plant^-1) and P (4.2 mg plant ^-1) uptake was in A.lebbeck seedlings grown in dolomite soil applied with both the inoculants together.