Carbohydrate utilization by belowground organs defines the capacity of faba bean to exploit organic phosphorus sources

Background Limited phosphate (Pi) reserves and the economic adverse environmental impacts of excessive application mineral fertilizers in soils are alarming. Therefore, use organic phosphorus (Porg) is suggested to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Aims There currently little information regarding accessibility Porg N2 fixation plants. present study aims address question what extent substrates can serve as reliable sources (P) for faba bean its nodulated phase. Specifically, we intended explore whether N2-fixing plants employ intrinsic mechanisms facilitate availability. Methods A pot experiment was conducted assess inherent capacity two varieties (Tiffany vs. Mallory) utilize supplied phytic acid Ca-glycerophosphate. Plants were inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 strain cultivated sterilized loamy sand under greenhouse conditions. Results Phytic relatively less efficient than Ca-glycerophosphate sustaining plant growth. Compared Mallory, variety Tiffany displayed a higher capability Porg, evidenced by biomass production, nodulation, efficiency, P- N-accumulations tissues. exploitation intimately linked utilization host's carbohydrate budget into nutrient-acquiring structures (roots nodules). In addition, preferential allocation Pi prolific nodules essential thrive best these circumstances. Conclusions Together N profitability, findings that (e.g., bean) promote sustainable thereby diminishing sizeable footprint.