The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae and phosphorus fertilizer on the growth of Microlaena stipoides in arsenic rich sulphidic gold mine tailings

摘要

A glasshouse experiment using split pots was utilized to study the establishment of Microlaena stipoides (Australian weeping grass) in arsenic rich sulphidic gold mine railings. A factorial design was employed to investigate interaction between mycorrhizal treatment and P application on As uptake and general plant growth responses. The results from this experiment show that endophytic mycorrhizae enhance the growth of weeping grass in arsenic rich railings. Increased biomass and advanced floret production was strongly correlated with rnycorrhizal colonization. Uptake of As into leaf tissue by M. stipoides was minimal despite the elevated concentration of the rnetalloid in bioavailable (0.28-0.51mg·kg<'1> ammonium sulphate-extractable As) and total concentration (>1000mg·kg<'1>). These studies suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizae are tolerant to elevated total concentrations of arsenic in the railings which did not have high bioavailability.