Specialised Roots: Phosphorus Uptake
Mycorrhizal association are particularly important in the phosphorus nutrition of native plant communities
on soils which are low in available phosphorus. Such soils are common in Australia leading to a heavy reliance on superphosphate
on agricultural land.
The enhancement of P uptake in mycorrhizal roots was clearly demonstrated by G.D. Bowen in 1968. He did this by placing uninfected and mycorrhizal roots of Pinus radiata in a solution of radioactive phosphorus (32P) for 15 minutes, then comparing the level of P uptake in each.
This coastal heathland and others like it, in South Gippsland Victoria, grow on sandy soils which have low reserves of phosphorus. Farmers must apply substantial quantites of superphosphate to maintain satisfactory growth of pastures and crops where similar vegetation has been cleared for agriculture.