Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study explored combining compost from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste with a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to improve phosphorus nutrition in corn (Zea mays L.) plants and consequently, their growth. The objectives were: to assess the abundance and composition of spores of a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in this type of compost, to determine the colonization capacity of these spores and to evaluate the joint application of compost and an inoculant composed of 12 species of a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the phosphorus content and growth of corn plants. The experiment was conducted in Mexico City in 2024 under greenhouse conditions for 53 days, with plant growth in unsterilized and sterilized soil, with and without compost, and with and without inoculant from a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The compost contained an average of 5 090 spores kg-1 and three taxa from a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; however, these did not colonize the plants’ roots. Colonization by a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decreased due to the compost. The joint application of compost and inoculant with a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased the cumulative phosphorus of the plants grown in sterilized soil, but not that of the plants in unsterilized soil. The joint application had a neutral effect on plant growth. In conclusion, the compost from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, enriched with a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, did not improve phosphorus content or plant growth in the presence of a consortium of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225581170