Research Article

Wheat Yield, Physiology and Phenology Response to AM Fungi Application and Phosphorus Management

Mehran Ali* and Inamullah

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan.

Received | September 29, 2021; Accepted | February 13, 2022; Published | September 15, 2023

*Correspondence | Mehran Ali, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan; Email: mehran@aup.edu.pk

Citation | Mehran Ali and Inamullah. 2023. Wheat yield, physiology and phenology response to am fungi application and phosphorus management. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 39(3): 704-715.

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2023/39.3.704.715

Keywords | AM Fungi, Phosphorus Management, Phenology, Physiology, Wheat

Copyright: 2023 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Introduction

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accounts for the largest source of vegetable protein in human food as well as it fulfills about half of the carbohydrates and one-fifth of the global food calories requirement (FAO, 2020). In Pakistan, it provides nearly 30% to the total food grain basket particularly under cereal-based cropping pattern (MNFSR, 2019). Regardless of immense potential, national average productivity of wheat is 2769 kg ha-1, much lesser than the yield obtained in developed states (MNFSR, 2019). Despite of higher investment and inputs, wheat productivity in Pakistan undergoing stagnation and even follow declining trend in some areas. The declining trend in crop and soil productivity may be attributed to the adoption of conventional practices, imbalance use of fertilizers and no inclusion of soil beneficial biota.

Soil microorganisms particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi had a major role in wheat-maize cropping system by affecting the efficacy of applied fertilizers and residual influence, therefore lowering the dependency on fertilizers (Hussain et al., 2016; Jan et al., 2014). Symbiotic associations were made between plants and AM fungi, where up to 90% Phosphorus (P) and 20% Nitrogen (N) of plant supplied from AM fungi with soil hyphal networks in response of plant photosynthates (Bakhshandeh et al., 2017). Apart from accessibility, AM fungi increased nutrient interception through hyphae, will possibly reduce nutrient loss from rhizosphere (Cavagnaro et al., 2015). Under relatively meager nutrient conditions such associations of symbiosis have been played a pivotal role. For instance, lower availability of soil P could stimulate AM fungi colonization, which ultimately enhance P, N and Zn utilization and avert its losses (Behlr et al., 2015). Whereas, intensive agricultural practices including extravagant application of mineral fertilizers, extensive crop-free episodes, improper tillage practices and inclusion of non-synchronized crops have shown adverse effects on population and colonization of AM fungi (Manoharan et al., 2017).

P is one of the macro and most important plant nutrients required by crops in large amount for ensuring higher yield (Imran et al., 2014) and soil productivity (Inamullah and Khan 2015). P has the mayhem of immobility in the soil and despite of higher level of application only a part of it is available for plant uptake. According to Manimaran (2014), the contribution of phosphorus to biomass production cannot be overlooked. It is involved in many bio-chemical and physiological processes take place in the plants body (Opala et al., 2009). In addition to that, another major P contribution is ensuring the crop reproductive growth where it plays a pivotal role in fertilization and translocation of photosynthates from source to sink (Akhtar et al., 2016). Pakistani soils are widely P deficient, so its adequate amount application is indispensable for optimum yield and quality of crops (Aslam, 2016). The ever-escalating prices of commercial P fertilizers throughout the country engendering the need to discover some substitute sources and methodology. So, it could give some relief to small scale farmers by lowering production cost and improve the utilization efficiency of applied fertilizers.

Sustainable nutrient management and crop productivity using the available resources, the better option could be co-application of inorganic and organic P sources (Ali et al., 2020). Coupling of both organic-inorganic sources may not only improve the crop yield and soil fertility (Sharif et al., 2012) but also farmer’s net return (Ali et al., 2019) because it improves the efficiency of applied fertilizers (Uwah et al., 2011) and reduce the fertilizers losses (Zafar et al., 2017). Wahid et al. (2016) reported 25% higher economic yield with rock phosphate and poultry manure applied in 50:50 ratio. Furthermore, Shahzad et al. (2015) documented considerable increase in maize yield and yield related parameters (cob weight, cob length, 100-grains weight, shelling percentage etc.) from their multi-year experiments through application of PM plus mineral phosphatic fertilizers.

Thus, considering the significance of AM fungi and co-application of organic-inorganic P fertilizers, the current research study was designed to study the role of AMF and P fertilizers for getting higher productivity and optimization of wheat phenology and physiology in cereal-based cropping system.

Materials and Methods

AM Fungi

AM Fungi spores were isolated using the Wet-sieving and decanting technique (Wahid et al., 2016). This indigenous AMF inoculum was dominated with Glomus intraradices, whereas the spores of Glomus fasiculatum and Glomus mossea were present in minor quantities. For this purpose, 20 g alkaline calcareous soil samples were taken from the field cultivated with spring maize, having silty clay loam rhizosphere. The AMF spores were observed in the soil samples through a binocular microscope having 40X magnification power. For each pot, 100 spores were isolated and stored in Petri plates as suspension at 4°C for about 48 hours prior of application. The suspension was then applied to pots along with sorghum seeds to raise optimum inoculum for application of extensive field trails. The plant roots with rhizosphere soil were applied at the rate of 1 kg m-2.

Experimental site

A series of field trials were conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during Rabi Season 2018-19 and 2019-20. The site of field trial has continental climate and it is located at 71.460 E, 34.020 N and 359-meter altitude above sea level. Meteorological data obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department is shown in Figure 1, while the physico-chemical properties of the site are given in Table 1.

 

Experimental treatments and design

Randomized Complete Block design was used to test the efficacy of different P sources {1. Single super phosphate (SSP), 2. Rock phosphate (RP), 3. Poultry manure (PM), 4. 50% SSP + 50% PM and 5. 50% RP + 50% PM} applied at the rate of 60 and 90 kg ha-1. These treatments were explored with and without incorporation of AM fungi. One control treatment was used for reference and the experiment was replicated thrice. Test variety KHAISTA-2017 was planted in a 3m x 3m plot size. Each experimental unit was consisted of ten rows having 0.3m row to row with 3m length of the row. All the P sources were incorporated at the time of sowing along with potash application at the rate of 60 kg ha-1 uniformly. However, the half nitrogen (75 kg) was applied at sowing and the remaining half was at tillering stage. Recommended irrigation schedule and other agronomic practices were kept uniform for all the experimental units. The experimental trial was harvested when crop reached harvest maturity i.e. 30-34% grain moisture contents, on 11th May in 2020 and 13th May in 2021.

 

Table 1: Physico-chemical properties of the experimental site and PM.

Characteristics	Soil	PM
Sand (%)	7.81	--
Silt (%)	39.4	--
Clay (%)	52.7	--
Textural class	Silty clay loam
pH1:5(H2O)+	8.02	7.82
EC1:5 (dSm-1)+	0.18	1.34
BD (g cm-3)	1.25	--
Organic matter (%)	0.84	--
Total Nitrogen (%)	0.051	1.83
Mineral Nitrogen (mg kg-1)	19.13	--
Organic carbon (g kg-1)	5.73	674
AB-DTPA extractable P (mg kg-1)	2.84	25.6
AB-DTPA extractable K (mg kg-1)	81.1	--
Calcium carbonate (%)	17.0	--

+ = pH and EC of PM was measured on 1:10 (w/v basis)

 

Measurements and observations

Germination m-2 was considered when 85% seedlings emerged in each experimental unit. Phenological stages were quantified by days’ difference between planting to date when about 75% plants in each sub-plots reached to anthesis and physiological maturity. Similarly, physiological maturity was taken when 70% of the physical structure of the crop stand appeared yellowish-brown. Leaf area index (LAI) was calculated as the ratio of total leaf area (LA) of plants and total ground area covered by the plants. SPAD value was took on 5 flag leaves randomly selected in each plot with SPAD meter to approximate the leaf chlorophyll content. For grain yield, central four rows in each plot were harvested, sundried for couple of days, then threshed, weighed and finally converted to kg ha-1 using the formula:

 

Table 2: Phenological events and germination (m-2) of wheat as affected AMF and P management.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)	Days to emergence	Germination (m-2)	Days to anthesis	Days to physiological maturity
AMF applied	14	120	122	157
AMF not applied	14	120	122	158
LSD (P<0.05)	NS	NS	NS	0.42
Phosphorus levels (PL)
60 kg ha-1	14	118	122	158
90 kg ha-1	14	122	122	157
LSD (P<0.05)	NS	NS	NS	0.44
Phosphorus sources (PS)
Single Super Phosphate (SSP)	14	119	121 c	157 c
Rock Phosphate (RP)	14	117	122 b	158 b
Poultry Manure (PM)	13	123	123 a	159 a
SSP + PM (50:50)	14	123	122 b	159 a
RP + PM (50:50)	14	119	122 b	158 b
LSD (P<0.05)	NS	NS	0.57	0.69
Planned mean comparison
Control	14	114	123	160 a
Rest	14	120	122	158 b
Significance	NS	NS	NS	***
Interactions
PL x PS	NS	NS	NS	NS
AMF x PL	NS	NS	NS	NS
AMF x PS	NS	NS	NS	NS
AMF x PL x PS	NS	NS	NS	NS

NS: Non-significant; Means within the same category in columns followed by at least one common letter are not significantly different at P<0.05 level.

 

The data was statistically analyzed using the appropriate ANOVA for Randomized Complete block design and LSD at 0.05 level of probability (Jan et al., 2009).

Results and Discussion

Crop phenology

Days to emergence and germination m-2: Data regarding days to emergence and germination m-2 of wheat as affected by AMF application, P levels and P sources are presented in Table 2. Analysis of the data showed that AMF, P levels and sources had non-significant effect on days taken to emergence and germination counted per unit area. Similarly, planned mean comparison of control against rest had no significant effect on wheat seed emergence interval and seedlings emerged in unit area. Correspondingly, all the possible interactions were also found non-significant.

Days to Anthesis: P sources had significant, while AMF and P levels had non-significant effect on days to anthesis of wheat (Table 2). All the interactions between AMF, P levels and sources were non-significant. Mean values of the data indicated delayed anthesis with application of PM (123 days), followed by RP and RP+PM incorporation. Early anthesis (121 days) was observed in plots where P source was applied from SSP. Control plots in comparison with fertilized plots took more (123 days) to anthesis.

Days to Physiological Maturity: Perusal of the data presented in Table 2, revealed that AMF, P levels and sources had significant effect on days taken to physiological maturity of wheat. The planned mean comparison of control vs rest was also found significant. However, all the possible interactions were found non-significant. Plots incorporated with AMF inoculum noted early physiological maturity (157 days) than no-AMF applied units. Comparing different rates of P, delayed physiological maturity (158 days) noted in P applied at the rate of 60 kg ha-1. Whereas, 90 kg P ha-1 applied plots took less days to physiological maturity. Mean values of the different P sources indicated delayed physiological maturity with application of PM (159 days), followed by RP and RP+PM incorporated experimental units. Early physiological maturity (157 days) was observed in plots where SSP was incorporated as a P source. Control plots in comparison with fertilized plots took more (160 days) to physiological maturity.

 

Table 3: SPAD value, leaf area index and grain yield (kg ha-1) of wheat as affected AMF and P management.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)	SPAD value	Leaf area index	Grain yield (kg ha-1)
AMF applied	55	3.84	3875
AMF not applied	53	3.41	3683
LSD (P<0.05)	0.52	0.07	59
Phosphorus levels (PL)
60 kg ha-1	54	3.55	3631
90 kg ha-1	54	3.69	3928
LSD (P<0.05)	NS	0.08	62
Phosphorus sources (PS)
Single Super Phosphate (SSP)	54 b	3.67 b	3808 b
Rock Phosphate (RP)	53 c	3.34 c	3616 c
Poultry Manure (PM)	54 b	3.66 b	3743bc
SSP + PM (50:50)	56 a	4.02 a	3968 a
RP + PM (50:50)	54 b	3.42 c	3763bc
LSD (P<0.05)	0.87	0.13	98
Planned mean comparison
Control	50.1 b	2.48 b	2834 b
Rest	54.2 a	3.62 a	3779 a
Significance	***	***	***
Interactions
PL x PS	NS	*	**
AMF x PL	NS	**	NS
AMF x PS	*	***	**
AMF x PL x PS	NS	NS	NS

NS: Non-significant; Means within the same category in columns followed by at least one common letter are not significantly different at P<0.05 level.

 

Crop physiology

SPAD Value: Data pertaining to SPAD value of wheat as affected by AMF, P levels and P sources are given in Table 3. Statistical analysis of data revealed that SPAD value of wheat differed significantly in response to AMF and different P sources. The difference between control vs rest was significant and indicated that fertilized plots reported higher SPAD value (54.2) than control plots (50.1). However, P levels and all the possible interactions were not significant except AMF x PS. Mean values of AMF application revealed that higher SPAD value (55.0) with the incorporation of mycorrhiza inoculum. Regarding different P sources, co-application of SSP and PM in the 50:50 ratio noted higher SPAD value (55.8) which was statistically similar with PM (54.2) and SSP. Plots fertilized with RP as a P source observed lower SPAD value (53.0) of wheat. In AMF x PS, P applied in the form of both sole and integrated resulted positive increase in wheat SPAD value when AMF is amended. However, exception exists in the case of SSP application, where no considerable increase recorded in SPAD value with AMF (Figure 2).

 

Leaf area Index (LAI): Data regarding LAI of wheat as affected by AMF, P levels and P sources are given in Table 3. Statistical analysis of data revealed that LAI of wheat differed significantly in response to application of AMF, P levels and different P sources. The difference between control vs rest was significant and indicated that fertilized plots produced higher LAI compared with control plots. However, all the possible interactions were not significant except PL x PS, AMF x PL and AMF x PS. Mean values of data regarding AMF, indicated higher LAI (3.84) in AMF amended plots than no AMF applied plots (3.41). Likewise, P application at the rate of 90 kg P ha-1 produced higher LAI (3.69) as compared with 60 kg P ha-1 (3.55). Regarding different P sources, addition of integrated (50%SSP+50%PM) produced higher LAI (4.02), which was followed by SSP amended units with LAI of 3.67. Application of PM and RP+PM produced statistically similar LAI. Plots fertilized with RP produced lower LAI of wheat (3.34). Considering PL x PS interaction effect, significant positive increase observed in LAI when various P sources applied at higher rate than reduced one. At 60 kg P ha-1 SSP+PM application showed promising increase compared to rest of sources applied. However, at 90 kg P ha-1 highest LAI was observed in sole SSP incorporated plots (Figure 3). The interaction of AMF x PL revealed that AMF incorporation had positive effect on LAI under both levels. However, the effect was more prominent with reduced P application (Figure 4). In AMF x PS, P applied in the form of both sole and integrated responded positively when AMF is amended. However, exception exists in the case of SSP application, where no considerable increase recorded in LAI with AMF incorporation (Figure 5).

 

 

Grain Yield (kg ha-1)

Analysis of variance showed significant effect of AMF, P levels and various P sources on grain yield of wheat (Table 3). The planned mean comparison of control vs rest was found significant which suggested that fertilized plots resulted higher grain yield (3779 kg ha-1) as compared with control plots (2834 kg ha-1). However, all the possible interactions except PL x PS and AMF x PS were found non-significant for grain yield of wheat. Considering AMF application, plots incorporated with AMF produced higher grain yield (3875 kg ha-1) as compared with no AMF applied plots (3683 kg ha-1). Likewise, P levels also varied the grain yield. Application of 90 kg P ha-1 produced higher grain yield (3928 kg ha-1) than reduced P application i.e. 60 kg ha-1. Among various P sources, addition of P from SSP+PM produced higher grain yield (3968 kg ha-1) which was followed by SSP. However, grain yield of SSP (3808 kg ha-1), RP+PM (3763 kg ha-1) and PM (3743 kg ha-1) was statistically similar. Application of RP as a P source had lower grain yield (3616 kg ha-1). Interactive response of PL x PS revealed increasing trend in grain yield when the rate of P applied changed from 60 to 90 kg P ha-1 irrespective of the sources. 100%SSP and 50%SSP+50%PM showed noticeable increment in grain yield. However, nominal increment reported in the rest of P sources under consideration (Figure 6). In a similar way, different P sources incorporated in combination with AMF, performed significantly better when compared with sole application of them (Figure 7).

 

AMF incorporation had non-significant effect on earlier events and negatively affects the later phonological observations. The possible reason for the altering crop phenology is P uptake through diffusion process and coupled with increasing root exploration with indigenous AMF addition (Campos et al., 2018). Higher P uptake encourages the reduction of vegetative period and accompanies the transition to reproductive growth (Ortas and Bykova, 2018). Whereas, limiting P acquisition supports delaying the transformation to reproductive stage and it might be dis-proportionately beneficial for P acquirement (Yousefi et al., 2011; Nord et al., 2011). Similar results were also observed by Pellegrino et al. (2015) who documented that wheat growth and phonological observation like days to anthesis and physiological maturity were optimized with AMF inoculation.

 

 

Initial stages like days to emergence and emergence m-2 had no considerable variation with applied P irrespective of levels and sources. The emergence of seed mostly depends on above (air temperature) and below (soil temperature) (Saharan et al., 2016), food stored inside cotyledon (Saikia et al., 2015) and presence of available moisture (Zavattaro et al., 2017). Similarly, Shah et al. (2009) stated that seed utilizes its stored endospermic food for germination and doesn’t need any external food in order to emerge. These results corroborates with Khalil et al., (2010) who observed no obvious difference in various P treatments. In contrast later phonological events (days to anthesis and physiological maturity) responded positively to applied P as well as AMF. P application resulted in early flowering and ultimately early maturity. P application was negatively correlated with wheat phenology (Cu et al., 2020) due to its role in P uptake. Higher P concentrations in wheat optimize the photosynthetic rate and ultimately grain filling duration in wheat (Cu et al., 2020). In addition to that, low P availability typically delays plant phenology (Ma et al., 2002). Similarly, Nord and Lynch (2008) documented that one of the plant adaptive responses to low P availability is the delaying of phonological events, to get longer duration for P acquirement and utilization. The results are in accordance with (Hussain et al., 2008) who observed early arrival of flowering with increase in P rate eventually curtail the crop life cycle. Likewise, (Dugassa et al., 2019; Grant et al., 2001) corroborated that under P deficient conditions, wheat delays phonological events, curb primary and secondary root development, and in the long run declines plant canopy and dry matter yield, which are mainly irreversible. Moreover, Ali et al. (2019) also confirmed the positive results recorded and reported that plant phenology was optimized with the co-application of organic and inorganic P sources.

AMF incorporation improves wheat physiological parameters than no-AMF applied plots. Addition of AMF increased SPAD value by 2.79%. Likewise, LAI were enhanced by 11.17% in AMF amended plots. AMF have been shown to benefit crop growth and development due to their contribution to plant nutrition, soil structure and other ecosystem services (Ortas and Bykova, 2018). AMF addition can enhance the wheat roots ability to absorb several nutrients, the improvement of nutrients uptake is attributed to the far-reaching and penetrable hyphal and mycelial system. AMF acts as a bridge for nutrient transportation between soil and roots, and hyphae can also assist roots in water uptake (Wahid et al., 2016; Ortas 2012b).

Optimum rate of P application plays a vital role in wheat growth. The results revealed that LAI were improved by 3.63% than reduced P level. P is noted especially for enhancement of photosynthetic ability (Akhtar et al., 2015) and conversion of those useful plant compounds, required for optimum development and production (Rafique et al., 2018). P deficiency is directly proportional to the discoloration of chlorophyll pigment (Jacob and Lawlor, 1991) and photosynthetic capacity reduction of leaf (Zhu et al., 2012). The results corroborate by Dai et al. (2016) and Wiens et al. (2019) documented that optimum P rate had significant positive impact on wheat physiological parameters. Among different P sources, co-application of SSP and PM in the 50:50 ratio produced higher LAI which was statistically similar with sole SSP applied plots. Similarly, the same treatment resulted taller plants with higher SPAD value. P availability and concentration for plant use is often limited in calcareous soil although it is present in organic as well as in in-organic forms (Wahid et al., 2016). The restricted availability is mostly owing to the fixation and complex formation with other nutrients (Shafi et al., 2020). So, wisely integration of these available P sources is indispensible for the limited on-farm resources to sustain crop productivity on sustainable basis with lower environmental costs. These results are also in line with the findings reported by Zafar et al. (2017), Zhu et al. (2012) and Uwah et al. (2011) who outlined considerable improvement in physiological parameters which ultimately leads to higher yields under co-application of manures and synthetic fertilizers. Likewise, Pirdashti et al. (2010) noted chlorophyll pigments improvement, and Munir et al. (2007) reported increase in plant height, leaf area and LAI under integration of P sources.

Soils having high calcium and carbonate contents reduce P solubility and forming complex P compounds (Shafi et al., 2020). Field studies showed that AMF incorporation had significant positive impact on yield and yield components. 5% higher grain yield has been recorded with AMF when compared with no-AMF added plots. Higher yield and biomass in AMF amended plots attributed to the protons release and extension of hyphae by AMF for P uptake and acquisition (Smith and Smith, 2011). Confirmatory results are documented by Efthymiou et al. (2018) and Smith et al. (2015) who found that wheat yield and yield components increased with AMF inoculation under field study. Likewise, Garmendia et al. (2017) also confirmed the AMF vitality for sustainable wheat productivity even under a range of environments. A comprehensive study performed by Gupta and Abbott (2020) for AMF inoculated cereals, who documented that AMF inoculation had positive effect on root colonization for essential nutrients uptake and overall wheat productivity (Zhang et al., 2019).

In similar manner, 90 kg ha-1 P application produced higher grain yield than 60 kg ha-1. As the P application level increased in the present study, all the yield attributes showed positive response. P availability to plants can optimize several physiological processes; photosynthesis, respiration (Noonari et al., 2016), storage of energy and cell-division (Bakhsh et al., 2008). Similar to our results, Bashir et al. (2015) found that yield and yield related attributes had been improved to a certain level of P and reduced level performed better in terms of monetary returns and environmental costs (Xi et al., 2016; Reijnders, 2014). In current study comparing various P sources, addition of P from SSP+PM in 50:50 ratio produced higher grain, and biological yield and harvest index which was followed by sole SSP application. Plots fertilized with SSP, SSP+RP and PM was statistically similar for wheat productivity. Similarly, all the yield components observed were higher under the co-application of SSP and PM in 50:50 ratios. Among different P sources under experimental trails, incorporation of RP produced lower yield and yield attributes of wheat in both years. In similar manner, several studies on the integration of organic and synthetic P sources reported noticeable outcomes in cereal-based cropping system than the use of single source (Zafar et al., 2017). These additive effects are owing to the fact of gradual release and availability, as P from natural sources have lower susceptibility to loss from rhizosphere (Main et al., 2021). The benefits of combined P management were not limited to improving grain yield and its attributes (Venkatesh et al., 2019), as on-farm available organic amendments incorporation adds organic matter content to soil which can positively influence soil microbial activity and diversity. Consequently, use of diverse P sources (organic amendments and synthetic fertilizer) along with P solubilizing bio-fertilizers has been encouraged in several occasions (Ali et al., 2020; Kaur and Reddy, 2015).

Conclusions and Recommendations

In the light of results and discussion, it is concluded that AMF incorporation improved phenological events and grain yield (3875 kg ha-1) of wheat crop. Likewise, it also had positive impact on SPAD value (55) and LAI (3.84), compared to no-addition of AMF.

P management revealed that co-application of SSP+PM in 50:50 ratio at the rate of 60 kg ha-1 reported optimum days to physiological maturity, SPAD value (50), LAI (3.54) and grain yield (3614 kg ha-1). Sole application from SSP at the rate of 90 kg ha-1also performed better and reported statistically similar results for the said parameters.

Based on conclusion, the combined application of SSP and PM at the rate of 60 kg ha-1 along with AMF incorporation had more potential to improve wheat yield, phenology and physiology on sustainable basis in P deficient calcareous pH soils.

Acknowledgments

The authors greatly acknowledge Higher Education

Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for providing research scholarship and funds under HEC indigenous 5000 PhD Fellowship Program Batch-III, Phase-II with the support of which this research work was successfully conducted.

conducted.

Novelty Statement

This study contributes valuable insights to the field of agricultural management by shedding light on the overlooked potential of AM fungi in mobilizing P from alternative P sources in alkaline calcareous soils. Moreover, it also emphasizes the benefits of combining organic and inorganic P while highlighting the importance of AM fungi for sustainable wheat production and improved P uptake in P-deficient calcareous soils.

Author’s Contribution

Mehran Ali: Conducted the field experiment and responsible for all field work from sowing to harvesting and manuscript write-up including statistical analysis, figures and tables development.

Inamullah: Supervisor, helped in the idea, designing and supervision of the research. He shaped and checked the manuscript for publication.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

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