Summary
This study provides experimental evidence that protists play a crucial role in mineralising protein-derived nitrogen within the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal hyphosphere, enabling nitrogen transfer to plant roots. Using compartmented in vitro microcosms with isotopically labelled nitrogen sources, the authors demonstrated that whilst bacteria facilitate chitin nitrogen mobilisation, protists specifically promote protein nitrogen mineralisation—a process significantly enhanced by AMF priming effects. These findings establish protists as key mediators of organic nitrogen acquisition by plants through mycorrhizal associations.
Regional applicability
This is fundamental research conducted under controlled laboratory conditions in the Czech Republic. Whilst the mechanisms identified are likely applicable to United Kingdom agricultural and horticultural systems wherever arbuscular mycorrhizal associations occur, field validation under UK soil and climate conditions would be required to assess practical significance for on-farm nitrogen cycling and crop nutrition management.
Key measures
15N isotope transfer efficiency from protein and chitin to roots; abundance of bacteria and protists in hyphosphere compartments; nitrogen mineralisation rates
Outcomes reported
The study measured the efficiency of nitrogen transfer from protein and chitin sources to plant roots via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal hyphae, mediated by bacterial and protist interactions in the hyphosphere.
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