Applied mycorrhizal approach to quantify arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi effects on soil nitrate loss
A tomato mutant–based method using mycorrhizal-deficient and mycorrhizal progenitor genotypes to quantify how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation reduces nitrogen loss via leaching in fertilized field soils. The design separates mycorrhizal-specific effects on soil nitrate dynamics from broader soil biota influences, supporting improved nitrogen uptake and more efficient fertilizer use.
Overview
This research offers an applied method to quantify how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) reduce nitrogen loss from fertilized agricultural soils. By pairing a mycorrhizal-deficient tomato mutant (rmc) with its mycorrhizal progenitor (76R), the approach isolates mycorrhizal-specific effects on soil nitrogen cycling from broader soil biota influences. The work supports evidence that AMF can contribute to plant nitrogen uptake and reduce nutrient loss through leaching, improving fertilizer efficiency and reducing environmental impact from agricultural runoff.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Tomato mutant system enabling clear distinction between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal effects on soil nitrogen cycling
- Compatibility with two common agricultural nitrogen fertilizers (NH4NO3 and Urea)
- Greenhouse-based experimental design using field soil under controlled conditions
- Quantification of nitrate leaching following simulated rainfall events at two time points
- Measurement of AM formation, plant growth, and nitrogen nutrition parameters
- Option to test commercial AMF inoculants; alternatively, use an in-house Rhizophagus irregularis culture
- Inoculum viability testing prior to full experimentation
Technology readiness level
This research builds on prior work showing that AM formation can substantially reduce nitrate and phosphorus loss via leaching. The current stage involves extending findings to applied agricultural scenarios through greenhouse validation using commercial AMF inoculants and common nitrogen fertilizers over an 8-week growth period, representing a transition from controlled experimental validation toward field-applicable insights.
About The University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide was a comprehensive public research university in South Australia, with a city‑centre campus and specialised sites linking teaching, research and translation. Co‑location within Adelaide BioMed City placed teams beside the Royal Adelaide Hospital and SAHMRI, enabling clinical trials, while AIML at Lot Fourteen linked researchers to an innovation district. At the Waite Research Precinct, co‑located partners and infrastructure such as the Plant Accelerator supported industry‑engaged R&D. Research was backed by national funding, including the Australian Research Council and NHMRC. On January 5, 2026 it merged with the University of South Australia to form Adelaide University; these assets now operate within the new institution with dedicated tech transfer support.
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