Preliminary results of the effect of artificial mycorrization on the growth of siberian spruce (Picea obovata ledeb.) seedlings and soil properties

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of artificial mycorrhiza application on soil properties and seedlings growth of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) in the Novodolinsky nursery in Kazakhstan. Before transplanting, the roots of 3-years old seedlings were subjected to the mycorrhizal solution. The mycorrhizal strain includes mycelium of fungi of the genera Suillus Gray, Boletus Bull., Paxillus Fr., and Cortinarius (Pers.) Gray. The results showed that by applying the mycorrhizal activator, there were minor changes in the absorbed bases and soil pH. The value of phosphorus in the A horizon increased twice. The survival rate of the mycorrhizal seedlings is on average 2.4% higher than in the control. Significant differences were found in terms of the variables of the yellowing needles on seedlings, the formation of buds on young shoots, and the lignified stem of the seedlings. Particularly, in late August observation, mycorrhizal seedlings showed 14.2% more lignification. Due to the lignification, seedlings might be more resistant to stress factors such as drought, frost. These preliminary results are giving the information about adaptation to extreme ecosystems of the seedlings.