Magnetized Phosphorus Solution and Mycorrhization with Diversispora versiformis Affect P Use Efficiency, Growth and Photosynthetic Parameters in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Abstract

Abstract In order to consider phosphorus (P) limitations in agriculture, research has been carried out on the methods that can improve plant growth and increase the efficiency of P use. A pot experiment was conducted to find the effects of magnetized Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O solutions as P source at concentrations 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg·dm−3 and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Diversispora versiformis on P use efficiency, growth and photosynthetic pigments in sweet basil. P solutions were treated with magnetic field of 110 mT at 3 dm3·min−1 volumetric flow rate. The results indicated that the growth of basil plant, the number of leaf, leaf area, harvest index and chlorophyll a and b contents significantly increased in the result of fertilization with magnetized P solutions and mycorrhizal inoculation as compared to the control. The application of magnetized P solution at 10 mg P·dm−3 and inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi increased P use efficiency by 18.9% and 23.5%, respectively. Findings of the experiment clearly showed that the use of magnetization of P fertilizer and mycorrhization potentially represent natural ways of promoting growth, P status and chlorophyll content in sweet basil.