Single and combined effects of fertilization, ectomycorrhizal inoculation, and drought on container-grown Japanese larch seedlings

Abstract Climate change can intensify drought in many regions of the world and lead to more frequent events or altered cycles soil water status. Therefore, it is important enhance tolerance thus health, vigor, success transplantation seedlings used forestry by modifying fertilization promoting mycorrhization. Here, we sowed seeds Japanese larch ( Larix kaempferi ) 0.2-L containers with 0.5 g (low fertilization; LF) 2 (high HF) slow-release fertilizer early growing season. One month later, irrigated non-sterilized ectomycorrhizal inoculum (ECM) sterilized solution (non-ECM), after about months, plants were either kept well watered (WW; 500 mL water/plant/week) subjected (DR; 50 per plant/week) until end HF largely stimulated plant growth above- belowground biomass production, effects that are practical significance, but caused a small decrease stomatal conductance (Gs 390 transpiration rate E ), which practice insignificant. ECM treatment resulted moderate inhibition seedling canceled out enhancement foliar K content HF. DR large CO assimilation, enhanced closure induced senescence. also depleted Mg enriched K. Although P LF, moderately increased Likewise, not decreased non-ECM plants. Conversely, exhibited enrichment under WW had lower potential when grown LF. These results indicate health vigor be modified fertility microorganisms. This study provides basis for new multifactorial research programs aimed at producing superior quality forestation climate change.