Phosphorus Fertilization and Chemical Root Pruning: Effects on Root Traits During the Nursery Stage in Two Mediterranean Species from Central Chile.

ABSTRACT: The role of a plant root system in resource acquisition is relevant to confront drought events caused by climate change. Accordingly, nursery practices like phosphorous (P) fertilization and root pruning have been shown to modify root architecture; however, their combined benefits require further investigation in Mediterranean species. We evaluated the effect of applied P concentrations (0, 15, 60, and 120 mg L^-1 P) with or without chemical (copper) root pruning (WCu, WoCu, respectively) in Aristotelia chilensis and Quillaja saponaria on morpho-physiological and root architecture traits. Higher P concentration increased nutrient content in both species concurrent with higher growth. In A. chilensis, higher P concentrations only increased the length and volum

SUBMITTER: Calderon-Urena F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11768390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature