Reduced P fertilization improves Fe and Zn uptake in potato when inoculated with AMF in P, Fe and Zn deficient soil

Mycorrhiza fungi can use as an efficient resource to increase the efficiency of potato nutrients use, especially phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) to achieve sustainable production and protecting the environment and human health. This experiment conducted to study the interaction of P levels and mycorrhiza fungi on absorption of elements and qualitative and quantitative yields of potato under field conditions. Factors including inoculation of mycorrhiza fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus mosseae and non-inoculation) and the amount of P (0, 28, 57, 86 and 115 Kg ha−1 P according to H2PO−4, equivalent 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of P recommended, respectively), with three replications in years 2015 and 2016 at Agriculture and Natural Resource Research Center of Hamadan. The results showed that the maximum of P in tubers (0.351%) and leaves (0.364%), Zn in tuber (24.4 ppm) and leaves (43.9 ppm) and tuber dry matter percentage (24.1%) achieved under inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis and using of 75% of recommended Phosphorus. Maximum tubers number per plant (7.2) obtained in inoculation with G. mosseae and using of 100% recommended P. Highest tubers weight per plant (898 g) and tuber yield (47.9 ton ha−1) were achieved under inoculation with G. mosseae and using of 75% of recommended P. Both species of mycorrhiza at all levels of P did not show significant difference. The P 75% and 100% under mycorrhizal inoculation treatment did not show significant difference. Highest nitrate percentage in tuber dry matter (136 ppm) and lowest amount of all traits were under non-inoculation along with no application of P. Inoculation treatment with mycorrhizal fungi significantly increased the average weight of tuber compared to non-inoculated treatment. Generally, the use of mycorrhizal fungi at low levels of P was more efficient on all studied traits compared to high levels of P. Given that, there was no significant difference between 75% and 100% P under inoculation with two species of mycorrhiza, provided this conclusion that applying mycorrhizal fungi can reduce agricultural phosphorus consumption without significant decrease in yield.