Seasonal variation in AMF colonisation, soil and plant nutrient content in gypsum specialist and generalist species growing in P-poor soils

Abstract Aims Gypsum soils are P-limited atypical that harbour a rich endemic flora. These singular usually found in drylands, where plant activity and soil nutrient availability seasonal. No previous studies have analysed the seasonality of P nutrition its interaction with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonisation gypsum plants. Our aim was to evaluate seasonal changes status, AMF rhizospheric specialist generalist species. Methods We evaluated variation proportion root length colonised by structures (hyphae, vesicules arbuscules), status (leaf C, N fine C N) content (P, organic matter, nitrate ammonium) three specialists two generalists throughout year. Results All species showed arbuscules within roots, including Caryophyllaceae Brassicaceae . Root (AC) higher spring than other seasons, when plants high leaf P-requirements. Higher AC decoupled from inorganic soil, foliar content. Generalists specialists, but only spring. Conclusions Seasonality colonisation, status. The mutualism between highest spring, P-requirements for plants, especially generalists. However, demands autumn, increases soil.