The interspecific competition presents greater nutrient facilitation compared with intraspecific competition through AM fungi interacting with litter for two host plants in karst soil

Abstract Litter is the crucial carrier of soil nutrition transformation. The influence arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on nutrient acquisition in plants has been widely recognized. However, nutrient-deficient karst habitat, how competitive utilize nutrients regulated by AM via litter remain largely unknown. experimental treatments included inoculation with or without Glomus etunicatum, addition mixed leaves Broussonetia papyrifera and Carpinus pubescens no addition, competition through intraspecific B. C. pubescens, respectively, interspecific both plants. differently affected plant acquisition, increasing acquisitions intra- competitions while decreasing for pubescens. presented opposite influences N fungi, being positive negative papyrifera, respectively. Under interaction litter, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) potassium (K) were all greater than competition. In competition, ability absorption significant species difference, which P K was significantly increased, converse K. conclusion, these results suggest that presents facilitation compared interacting soil.