Effect of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (Funneliformis mosseae) on soil microbial characteristics and Nitrogen and Phosphorus uptake by corn (Zea mays)

The activities of earthworms and mycorrhiza affect on water and nutrient uptake and crop yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF, Funneliformis mosseae) on root colonization, shoot dry weight, phosphorus and nitrogen uptake, organic carbon and soil microbial biomass C. In this regard, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications in Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The experimental treatments consisted of control, single and integrated treatments of earthworm and mycorrhiza. The results showed that inoculated treatments with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi significantly increased the amount of root colonization. The same trend was observed in combined treatments with mycorrhizal fungi and earthworm. The results also revealed that the integrated application of earthworm and mycorrhiza treatment increased the concentration of P and N in shoot by 105% and 79% ,respectively, compared to control treatment (p