Pre-inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increases early nutrient concentration and growth of field-grown leeks under high productivity conditions

Pre-inoculation of transplants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may increase the in-field P uptake through an increased exploitation of the soil volume and, thereby, reduce the need for P fertilizer application. The objective of this study was to investigate how pre-inoculation influences the post-transplanting rate of mycorrhizae development, nutrient uptake and growth of field-grown leek plants (Allium porrum L.) at various P levels. Field experiments were carried out in normal field soils supporting high crop production levels. This work demonstrated that pre-inoculation increased the post-transplanting rate of mycorrhizae development, the shoot and root concentration of P, Zn, Cu, and N, and the plant production. Therefore, module-raised pre-inoculated transplants should be adopted as a management strategy in leek production in order to ensure sufficient mycorrhization of young plants for uptake of P and, thereby, reduce the need for application of fertilizer P.