Researchers at the University of Vienna have found that imbalances in soil nutrients, particularly low potassium combined with high nitrogen, severely disrupt the symbiosis between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. This relationship is essential for nutrient absorption, drought resistance, and pest protection in crops like wheat, maize, and potatoes.The findings, based on a 70-year-long experiment at the Raumberg-Gumpenstein Agricultural Research Station in Styria, reveal that nutrient imbalances can reduce fungal partners by half, weakening plant resilience. The study also showed that different fungal families respond differently to nutrient deficiencies, suggesting that agricultural practices could benefit from using a broader variety of fungi.Unbalanced fertilization may not immediately affect yields, but it can have long-term consequences for soil and plant health. The research underscores the value of long-term experiments for sustainable agriculture.
Source: University of Vienna
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