EFFECT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA FUNGI SPECIES

INOCULATION AND NANO FERTILIZER ON PLANT

NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN SALT AFFECTED SOIL CULTIVATED
WITH PEPPER

BY

MODUPEOLA, KUDIRAT OYINKANSOLA

201638

DEPARTMENT OF SOIL SCIENCE AND LAND MANAGEMENT

COLLEGE OF PLANT SCIENCE AND CROP PRODUCTION

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA

 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are natural symbiotic organisms which

create a beneficial relationship with plant roots, they are found in the roots of about
80-90% of plant species (grasses, herbs and agricultural crops specifically). These
fungi grow asexually underground and penetrate the root epidermis, using thread-like
filaments to form arbuscules inside the cells. These arbuscules are where the fungi
exchange phosphorus and other minerals from the soil, providing the plant with
nutrients and water to support its growth. Additionally, AMF helps crops become
more resilient to adverse conditions like heat, salinity, drought, toxic metals, and
extreme temperatures. The fungi also increase nutrient uptake, thanks to the
accumulation of minerals by their extraradical hyphae. In exchange for providing
plant roots with water and nutrient, there is a transfer of photosynthetic compounds to
the fungus (Bonfante and Genre, 2010).

Nano fertilizers offer a more efficient way to increase crop production and save
resources by improving fertilizer uptake and utilization in the soil. These
nanomaterials, which can be either macro or micro nutrients themselves or act as
carriers or additives, have a high surface area to volume ratio, nanometer regime, and
unique properties that make them effective for faster growth and yield of plants and
also improve the quality of soil. Their use can reduce pollution from the overuse of
inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, while their targeted delivery efficiency means they
can detect pollutants, plant diseases, pests and pathogens, as well as control the
delivery of nutrients, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Nutrient uptake of plants in salinized soils is an important factor in the health

and productivity of crops. Salinization of soils is a widespread and growing problem
due to human activities such as irrigation and poor irrigation practices, which can
cause a buildup of salts in the soil profile. This can have devastating effects on plant
growth and yield. The key to managing salinized soils is to understand the nutrient
uptake of plants in these environments and how to improve it. It is well known that
salinity negatively affects plant growth and yield, and can cause significant reductions
in the uptake of essential nutrients by plants. This is due to the osmotic stress caused
by the high salt concentration in the soil, which can cause dehydration, nutrient
deficiencies, and nutrient imbalances. Furthermore, the high salt concentrations can
reduce the availability of essential nutrients to the plant, resulting in a decrease in
nutrient uptake. The effects of salinity on plant nutrient uptake vary depending on the
type of plant, the type of salt, and the concentration of the salt. For example, sodium
chloride is the most commonly found salt in saline soils, and it has been found to
reduce the uptake of macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium by
plants. However, other salts such as calcium and magnesium can have different effects
on nutrient uptake. In addition to the effects of salt on nutrient uptake, it is also
important to consider the effects of soil pH. Soils with high salinity tend to have a low
pH, which can reduce the availability of essential nutrients to plants. Furthermore, the
high salt concentrations can also reduce the availability of micronutrients such as iron,
zinc, and manganese to the plant, resulting in a decrease in nutrient uptake.

Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are a crucial crop in horticulture, with

production having grown from 17 to 36 million tons over the last two decades and the
area cultivated increasing by 35%. It grows in a warm, moist soil at a temperature
range of 21◦C to 29◦C. (Brahn Khiar Saleh et al 2018). Unfortunately, these plants
face a number of stresses, both biotic and abiotic, that can decrease yields and affect
quality. Salt stress is particularly significant, as peppers are usually categorized as
moderately sensitive, sensitive or highly susceptible (López-Serrano et al., 2021).
Generally, peppers are often used in farmlands and gardens to repel insects,
nematodes, and other garden pests. In addition, they are packed with beneficial plant
compounds, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These peppers contain vitamin A,
vitamin C (ascorbic acid), iron, vitamin B, carotenoids, niacin, riboflavin, flavonoids,
and magnesium, as well as the antioxidant Capsaicin.

Justification

High soil salinity leads to poor germination, delayed stand establishment, and reduces
subsequent growth and yield of pepper. Seed germination and seedling emergence are
essential developmental stages for successful establishment of pepper. Previous
research observation indicated that it is more difficult for pepper to uptake nutrients in
stressed soils. Hence, elevated soil salinity and/or inadequate water supply can further
reduce the seedling establishment of pepper.
Objective

 To determine the effects of the different fertilizers on the growth and nutrient
uptake of pepper under salinity stress.

 To determine the effect of AMF and Nano fertilizer in bio remediating saline
soils.

 To determine the uptake of essential nutrients of pepper in the leaves, under

saline stressed soils.
 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

Pepper is one of the most important crops in the world and is grown in a variety
of soils, including salinized soils. In order to maximize nutrient uptake in salinized
soils, it is important to understand the effects of salt, soil pH, and irrigation
management on pepper growth and yield. By utilizing the strategies mentioned above,
it is possible to improve nutrient uptake in salinized soils and maximize the yield and
quality of pepper crops. Salt is one of the major abiotic factors that affect pepper
growth and yield. High salt concentrations in soils can inhibit root growth and nutrient
uptake, as well as reduce yield and quality of the crop. Salt can also increase soil pH,
which can lead to a decrease in nutrient availability for the plant. Therefore, it is
important to manage salt concentrations in soils in order to maximize pepper growth
and yield.
Soil pH is another important factor that influences the growth and yield of pepper
plants. The ideal soil pH for pepper production is between 6.5 and 7.5. Soil pH can be
managed through the use of soil amendments, such as lime or sulfur, to adjust the pH
to the desired level. Additionally, soil pH can also be managed through the use of
fertilizers, such as nitrogen, that are specifically designed for pepper production.

2.1 Role of soil pH on soil nutrient availability

Soil pH influences the availability of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and

micronutrients and biological activity. Soil with low pH (acidic) inhibits
Rhizobacteria that fixes Nitrogen in the soil, breaks down herbicides at a very slow
rate, and also, aluminium and manganese become more available and more toxic to
plant while calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are less available to the plant.
However, soil with high pH (basic/alkaline) reduces the availability of phosphorus
and most micronutrients, risk of plant injury and also breaks down herbicides of the
sulfonyl urea family at a slower rate.
Generally, the pH of a soil can indicate how acidic or alkaline it is. A pH of 7.0 is
considered neutral, while any number below 7.0 is considered acidic and any number
above 7.0 is considered basic or alkaline.
2.2 Soil salinity

Soil salinity is a major issue that affects millions of hectares of land around the
world. It is caused when too much salt accumulates in the soil, resulting in reduced
crop yields, soil degradation, and water pollution. It is the accumulation of salts in the
soil, mostly as a result of evaporation of water. The salts are naturally occurring
minerals, but can be increased by human activities such as irrigation, which can add
more salt to the soil (Edwards and Reider, 1989). When the salt content in the soil
increases, it reduces the water infiltration rate, the amount of water that can be taken
up by plants, and the availability of nutrients. This can lead to decreased crop yields
and soil degradation.
Soil salinity is a soil condition that can adversely affect the growth of crops due to the
presence of salt in the rooting zone. The osmotic potential of the soil is increased by
the presence of salts, leading to a reduction in the amount of water available to the
crop. Salinity can have a particularly detrimental effect on the germination and
emergence of crops, with some plants being more susceptible than others depending
on the type of root system and growth habit (Bowden and Daniel, 1998).
Soil salinity can have a number of negative impacts on crop production and soil
health. The most immediate effect is decreased crop yields. High soil salinity can
reduce water availability and the availability of nutrients, which can lead to stunted
plants and reduced yields. Additionally, high salt concentrations can cause soil to
become waterlogged, leading to anaerobic conditions that can further reduce crop
yields. Soil salinity can also reduce soil fertility and cause long-term degradation of
soil quality. Soil salinity can also have environmental impacts. High salinity levels
can lead to water pollution, as salt-laden water can leak into nearby waterways.
Additionally, soil salinity can reduce the diversity of plant species in an area, as some
plants are more tolerant of salinity than others.

2.3 Plant nutrient uptake in saline soils

The absorption and utilization of nutrients in soils affected by salt is limited

due to the stressful impact of salt and the conflicting effects of anions and cations in
high concentrations. Salts also reduce activity of many enzymes which supply energy
for nutrient uptake (Fageria N. K et al., 2011). High-salt conditions in the soil can
inhibit plant growth, as evidenced by past research (Paul, 2012). Microorganisms,
particularly beneficial bacteria and fungi, found in the rhizosphere, can aid in
improving plant performance and uptake of nutrients in these stressful environments,
leading to increased yields both directly and indirectly (Dimkpa et al., 2009). High
salinity can cause disruptions to nutrient availability, transport, and partitioning,
resulting in deficiencies or imbalances of certain nutrients. Nitrogen is particularly
prone to this, as it can lead to a decrease in plant growth. Additionally, phosphorus
and potassium are also affected, with high concentrations of sodium and
sodium/calcium ratios impacting the uptake and accumulation of potassium. These
disruptions can have a negative effect on plant growth, leading to decreased fresh and
dry mass, nodule weight, and number. Nutrient deficiencies in saline soils can be
caused due to the competition of Na + and Cl – with nutrients such as K + , Ca 2+ ,
and NO3. However, in saline soils N is one of the most growth-limiting nutrient
(Niste et al., 2014). Nutrients such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, potassium,
phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, boron, molybdenum,
manganese, chloride, zinc, cobalt, nickel, selenium, silicon, etc. Some of these
nutrients play important roles in plant metabolism, plant biochemistry, plant growth,
and development. Potassium play an important role in enzyme activity and cell
expansion, stomatal behavior, and osmo-regulation. opper and manganese are
essential components for numerous plant processes, including energy metabolism,
protein and nucleic acid synthesis, electron transfer and oxygen transport. Copper is
involved in the composition of proteins that facilitate electron transfer and oxygen
transport, while manganese is key for photosynthesis, the formation of riboflavin,
carotene, and ascorbic acid.

2.4 Soil physical properties on saline soils

The structure of the soil can have a detrimental effect on the water and air
circulation, thus impeding the growth of roots and hindering plants from optimizing
their use of water and nutrients. Furthermore, the structure of the soil can limit the
depth to which roots can spread. The composition of soil structure is significant
because it affects the ability of the soil to store and allow the passage of water,
nutrients, and oxygen that are necessary for the growth of roots. Soil water movement
plays an integral role in sustaining plant growth. Water is absolutely essential for plant
growth, as it serves as a major nutrient for metabolism (Kuncuro et al., 2014).
Compacted soil structure can impede a plant's ability to absorb water from the soil,
which can have a negative impact on the crop yield. Large pores are more adept at
facilitating water movement in the soil, but compaction can reduce the amount of pore
space available and thus limit both the rate of water infiltration and drainage (Obafemi
O. O. and Mouiz A. Y, 2019). Plant roots would need to use more strength in order to
break through the compressed layer of soil, as the stiffness of the soil increases when
it is compressed.

2.5 Effect of salinity on Biochemical processes in the soil

Soil salinity can lead to flocculation, which is the binding together of fine soil
particles. This process has many positive effects on soil physical properties, such as
improved aeration, enhanced root penetration and improved root growth (Nikos et al.,
2003). However, while increasing soil solution salinity has a positive effect on soil
aggregation and stabilization, at high levels salinity there is a very negative impact
and potentially lethal effects on plants growth and yield. Excess salinity in soil water
can decrease plant available water and cause plant stress. Salts, such as sodium and
chloride, can alter the composition of the soil, leading to changes in soil texture,
structure, and bulk density.
Salinity can alter soil texture by decreasing the amount of silt and clay particles in the
soil. This can lead to an increase in sand particles, resulting in a coarser soil texture.
Salinity can also affect the structure of the soil, resulting in a decrease in the size of
the soil aggregates and an increase in the porosity of the soil. This can lead to a
decrease in water-holding capacity and an increase in the rate of water infiltration.
The soil bulk density is not exempted, as the concentration of salts in the soil
increases, the bulk density of the soil increases because of the presence of the heavier
salt particles. This can lead to a decrease in the infiltration rate of water, as well as a
decrease in the amount of available water for plant growth.

2.6 Impact of Salinity on soil chemical and elemental composition

Salinity causes ion toxicity and upsets the soil nutritional balance. It alters the
soil nutrient cycles and decomposition processes (Wong et al. 2005). Salt stress has a
damaging effect on plants and soil microbiota, disrupting cellular activities and
leading to the death of organisms. High salt concentration impedes many microbial
activities such as respiration and nitrogen mineralization, and also inhibits the activity
of enzymes like dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, urease, protease, alkaline and acid
phosphatase, arylsulfatase and argininamide hydrolase. Additionally, increased
salinity alters root exudates, requiring soil microorganisms to spend energy to
maintain their osmotic balance, resulting in a decrease in microbial population and the
ability of root attachment in the rhizosphere (Sritongon et al., 2022).

2.7 Arbuscular Mychorrizal Fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonize land plants in every ecosystem,

even extreme conditions such as saline soils (Alejandra Becerra et al., 2014).
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial fungi that form mutualistic
relationships with plants. The fungi provide the plants with essential nutrients, while
the plants provide the fungi with energy in the form of carbohydrates. These fungi are
among the most important components of soil, and they play a major role in
regulating the health of terrestrial ecosystems. They are naturally occurring in saline
environments. The fungi are able to take up minerals such as phosphorus, potassium,
and nitrogen from the soil, and transfer them to the plant. This allows the plant to
access nutrients that it would otherwise not be able to obtain. The fungi also aid the
plant in absorbing water and other essential nutrients, and they produce chemicals that
help protect the plant from disease.
The presence of AMF in soil also has important implications for the environment. The
fungi help to increase the soil's water-holding capacity, reducing the amount of water
lost to evaporation. They also produce substances that help the soil retain nutrients,
reducing the amount of fertilizer needed for crop production. In addition, the fungi
help to reduce the amount of nitrogen lost to leaching, which helps to prevent
eutrophication of nearby bodies of water.

2.7.1 Effect of AMF on saline soils

AMF species occur naturally in saline environments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal

fungi (AMF) improves the ionic balance of plants exposed to salinity stress, as
evidenced by an increased K/Na ratio (K+ and Na+) (Klinsukon, C et al., 2021).
Additionally, AMF-colonized plants have greater nutrient uptake, photosynthesis,
water use efficiency, and osmoprotectant production, as well as the ability to
compartmentalize sodium within certain plant tissues, all of which contribute to their
enhanced growth compared to non-AMF plants.
Effect of AMF on Plant
Growth and Nutrient
Uptake
Under Salinity
2.7.2 Effect of AMF on plant growth and nutrient uptake under salinity stress

AMF that are commonly found in salt-affected soils (Juniper and Abbott, 1993)
are considered tolerant isolates. These AMF possess a greater capacity for promoting
the survival and growth of host plants compared to species or isolates from normal
edaphic conditions. AMF symbiosis in plants can help counteract the effects of salt-
stressed soil, as it helps to increase the uptake of less-mobile phosphorus and other
essential nutrients by extending the external hyphal network of the plant beyond the
zone of nutrient depletion. This has been demonstrated to lead to increased uptake of
phosphate ions, along with Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+, which are otherwise less available
to plants (Azcón-Aguilar et al. 1979). AMF helps plants cope with salinity stress by
improving soil characteristics, increasing nutrient and water availability, enhancing
root and shoot biomass development, and strengthening the plant's antioxidant
enzyme systems (Manoj et al., 2020). In addition, AMF upregulate the synthesis and
accumulation of compatible organic osmolytes such as proline and employed this
mechanism to maintain the osmotic balance of plant cell under external salt stress
environment (Ahanger et al. 2014).

2.7.3 Effect of AMF on nutrient uptake by pepper

Pepper is an early maturing annual herb with a deep taproot and lateral roots
that can spread up to 50-60 cm wide. Its flowers are small with white or purple petals,
developing into berries with white seeds. Previous studied samples of pepper plants
and strains of AMF showed that pepper was found to form an association with
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, even though the degree of the association varied.
Inoculating pepper plants with this fungus had a notable effect on fruit maturity,
economic yield, and disease tolerance when compared to the control. The positive
effect on pepper production is due to the increased soil fertility and plant productivity
that this association provides.
Claudia Castillo R. et al. (2009) discovered in a research that “In comparison to a
commercial inoculant, Glomusclaroideum AMF inoculant had a positive effect on
chili pepper production, resulting in healthier plants with increased foliar area and
shoot/root ratio, faster fruiting and improved quality, and increased soil fungal
propagule numbers, than Glomusintraradices. The application of Arbuscular
Mycorrhizal fungi has been shown to be a successful treatment for controlling the
severity of pepper foot rot in infected soils. The single application of mycorrhizae was
found to be more effective in reducing the rate of disease spread than sterilizing the
soil with hot water vapor for 3 hours. With the additional use of Arbuscular
Mycorrhizal fungi, the disease was successfully managed on pepper seedlings
(Getachew Yilma, 2019). The use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) also
provides a sustainable and environmentally safe way to improve salinity tolerance in
plants. AMF can help alleviate the detrimental effects of salinity on the growth of
pepper by improving nutrition (higher K and P and lower Na concentrations in leaf
tissue) and cell membrane stability, particularly at high P concentration and high-
saline conditions (Beltrano et al., 2013).

2.8 Nanofertilizer

The use of synthetic fertilizers to increase crop productivity is becoming

increasingly prevalent in modern agriculture. While these fertilizers provide short-
term benefits, their prolonged and continuous applications have a detrimental impact
on soil fertility and the nutrient dynamics of the rhizospheric microbiome. An eco-
friendly and efficient alternative to synthetic fertilizers is nanofertilizer, which is
created using nanotechnology. Nanofertilizers offer a slow and sustained release of
nutrients that not only supports plant growth but also preserves the diversity of
beneficial microorganisms. By doing so, it may help the phytomicrobiome to
effectively manage both biotic and abiotic stressors.

2.8.1 Effect of Nano fertilizer on saline soil

Nano-fertilizers are tiny particle nutrient carriers with nano dimensional

substrates ranging from 1 to 100 nm, which have an extensive surface area and can
carry a large amount of nutrients. They are designed to slowly and steadily release
nutrients that match the specific needs of a crop, without the negative side effects of
traditional fertilizers (P. S. Preetha and N. Balakrishnan, 2017). The introduction of
nano-fertilizers into the environment could potentially disrupt beneficial microbial
communities (Gupta et al., 2020). However, to assess the effect of nano-fertilizers on
microbial activity, soil respiration and enzymatic activities should be measured. The
increasing awareness of the potential of natural zeolites for use as fertilizer has
sparked considerable commercial interest in the development of zeolite-based nano-
fertilizers. Studies by (Chuprova et al., 2004) and (Jinghua, 2004) have found that
such fertilizers have beneficial effects on the mobile humus substances of Chernozem,
as well as on the biological productivity of maize. Additionally, Bhattacharya (2004)
observed that balanced application of NPK, as well as Sulphur, Zinc, Boron, and
Molybdenum, improved grain yields of pulses in red and lateritic soils by up to 38%.

2.8.2 Effect of Nano fertilizer on the Nutrient uptake by pepper

The application of excess chemical fertilizers has been shown to significantly

reduce the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization by plants. This decrease in
uptake efficiency has been found to range from 20–40% for carbon, nitrogen,
phosphorus, sulphur, and potassium (Guo et al., 2018). This reduction is likely due to
a number of factors, such as higher rates of nutrient release from chemical fertilizers,
as well as bioleaching, nutrient immobilization, and fixation (Seleiman et al., 2021).
The Nano fertilizers allow a slow and sustained release of nutrients that not only
supports plant growth but also conserve the diversity of the beneficial microbiome.
Such attributes may help the Phyto microbiome to efficiently mitigate both biotic and
abiotic stress conditions (Kalwani et al., 2022). A previous study examined the effect
of nano fertilizers on nutrient uptake by pepper plants. The study found that the
application of nano fertilizers resulted in significantly higher nutrient uptake than the
application of traditional fertilizers. Specifically, the pepper plants that were treated
with nano fertilizers showed a 21-35% increased uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium, compared to the control group (Ahmed Mohamed Abd El-All, 2019). The
study also found that the nutrient uptake was more efficient with nano fertilizers, as
the plants were able to absorb more of the nutrients they needed. This led to an overall
increase in the yield of the pepper plants, as they had access to more nutrients.
Overall, the study showed that nano fertilizers can be beneficial for nutrient uptake by
pepper plants. This is due to their small size, which allows them to penetrate soil and
plant cells more easily, and their increased availability of nutrients to the plants. As a
result, pepper plants treated with nano fertilizers showed increased nutrient uptake and
higher yields. Nano fertilizers can be a great way to improve nutrient uptake by
pepper plants. They are easy to apply, and can provide more efficient nutrient delivery
to the plants, leading to higher yields and better-quality crops.
 CHAPTER 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENTAL SITE

The experimental site was located in a greenhouse at the Federal University of
Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) within Odeda Local Government Area in Ogun
State.

EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS
Perforated experimental pots and pepper seeds was purchased from the local market
(pots that can hold about 5kg of soil), Nano fertilizer made with plantain peels,
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. The AMF species was prepared and multiplied using
maize as host for three months. Soil sample (top soil) was collected afterwards from
COLANIM farm at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND TREATMENT COMBINATION

The experimental design is a combination of three treatments, in a 4 x 4 x 4 factorial
using completely randomized design (CRD), and it was replicated three times.

Treatment 1 - Different quantity or levels of salt, at 0%, 25% and 50%.

Treatment 2 - Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi species
Treatment 3- Nano fertilizer
Control treatment – without nano fertilizer
Nano fertilizer + Zinc oxide,
Nano fertilizer + iron oxide,
Nano fertilizer + iron and zinc oxide.

Control treatment – without AMF

Funelliformis mossea,
Rhizophagus irregularis,
Glumus etunicartum.

In order to study the effects of the different fertilizers on the growth and
nutrient uptake of pepper under salinity stress except for treatment 1, the same amount
of fertilizer was applied to the soils of the other treatments. In addition, in order to
eliminate the effects of pesticides on the growth and ecology of pepper, pesticides and
other herbicides was not added to this experiment during the pepper growing season.
NURSERY OPERATION

Two pepper seeds were sown in each experimental pot in 0.5 – 1cm (0.2-0.4) depth.
Seedling was afterwards transplanted at the age of 5 - 6 weeks after planting, in which
they have developed 5 - 6 real leaves and they have reached a height of 15 - 30 cm (6
- 12 inches).

DATA COLLECTION

The plant and soil parameters were collected at 6 WAP, 8 WAP, and 10 WAP.

GROWTH PARAMETERS

Growth parameters which were recorded during the experiment were Plant height,
Leaf length, Ph content, Chlorophyll content, Chlorophyll a, b, Total chlorophyll,
Catenoid level, Leaf rolling score, Root length, Root density, Root volume, Root dry
weight, Root fresh weight.

Also, a routine analysis was carried out on the initial soil samples.

DATA ANALYSIS

Data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), using Duncan Multiple Range
Test (DMRT) to separate the means at 5% probability level using statistical package
for social sciences (SPSS).
 CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND OVERVIEW
Table 1: Effect of Nano-fertilizer and Arbuscular Mychorrizal fungi species inoculation on
the uptake of N, P, K and Na by Pepper

Table 1 showed the Effect of Nano-fertilizer and Arbuscular Mychorrizal fungi species
inoculation on the uptake of N, P, K and Na by Pepper. The table presented that there was no
significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in the different strains of AMF and Nano fertilizer in the
nutrient uptake characterization by Pepper plant. The inoculation of pepper with Funelliformis
mossea showed a significantly higher uptake in N, P, K, and Na. While inoculation with Glumus
etunicartum had a lower uptake of N, P, K, and Na. Strains of Nanofertilizer showed a
significantly higher uptake in K, and a lower uptake of N in pepper plant. The experiment also
showed that ZnFe (Ironoxide and Zincoxide) had a significantly lower uptake of N, P, K, and Na,
while plants treated with Fe (Ironoxide) had a significantly higher uptake of N, P, K, and Na.
Table 1: Effect of Nano-fertilizer and Arbuscular Mychorrizal fungi species inoculation on
the uptake of N, P, K and Na by Pepper

Treatments N P K Na
AMF
Control 1.09 1.49 10.06 5.04
Fm 1 1.96 13.29 6.64
Ge 1.14 1.43 9.57 4.74
Ri 1.16 2.03 13.43 6.6
LSD ns ns ns ns
NANO
Control 1.19 1.84 12.41 6
Fe 1.19 1.93 13.12 6.2
Zn 1.15 1.86 12.18 6.11
ZnFe 0.86 1.28 8.65 4.28
LSD ns ns ns ns
NaCl
control 0.99 1.46 10.18 4.7
25% 1.24 1.69 11.13 5.33
50% 1.07 2.03 13.45 7.23
LSD ns ns ns ns
INTERACTION
AMF x NANO ns ns ns ns
AMF x NaCl ns ns ns ns
NANO x NaCl ns ns ns ns
AMF x NANO x NaCl ns ns ns ns

Fm- Funelliformis mossea, Ri- Rhizophagus irregularis, Ge- Glumus etunicartum, Fe- Ironoxide, Zn- Zincoxide,
ZnFe- Zincoxide and Ironoxide, AMF- Arbuscular Mycorrizal fungi, NANO- Nanofertilizer, NaCl- Sodiumchloride
CHAPTER 5

Discussion
The experiment revealed that in plants inoculated with AMF, Potassium exhibited
a higher uptake while Nitrogen had a lower uptake effect in pepper plant. Pots
inoculated with Glumus etunicartum (a strain of AMF) showed a significantly
lower uptake in P, K, and Na except N. Nano fertilizer also showed a higher uptake
in K by pepper plant, however, there was a significantly lower uptake of N in pots
inoculated with Nanofertilizer. Pots treated with ZnFe exhibited lower uptake of
N<P<K<Na, respectively. NaCl (at 50%) impeded a higher uptake of P, K and Na,
except N. the interaction of the inoculants and fertilizer showed no significant
effect on the uptake of N, P, K and Na. Furthermore, the combined interaction of
the inoculants and the salt contaminant also showed no significant effect on the
uptake of N, P, K and Na.

Conclusion
The study concludes that the application of Rhizophagus irregularis aided a higher stimulation of
N, P, K and Na uptake in pepper cultivated under salt stressed soil. However, the study
demonstrated that nano fertilizer with Zincoxide (ZnFe), had a higher uptake of N, P and K
except Na.

Recommendation
Hence, the study recommends that AMF strain of Rhizophagus irregularis is a great bio-
stimulant in the uptake of NPK in salt stressed soils.
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