MYCORRHIZAS IN GRASSLANDS: INTERACTIONS OF UNGULATES, FUNGI AND DROUGHT

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Summary: Fumigated and non‐fumigated plots were planted with several species of either mycorrhizal or non‐mycorrhizal grasses. These plots were either inside or outside enclosures which allowed grazing by native North American ungulates and longhorn cattle. The morphology and growth of plants as well as the level of vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) development were followed over one growing season during which growing season precipitation was 50 % of the normal level. Grazing was the most important treatment effect, greatly reducing plant size and relative growth rates. Mycorrhizal colonization had no effect upon plant, growth rates or size. Even in grazed plots where nutrient content and soil moisture were higher, no mycorrhizal effect on plant growth was observed. Grazing did not influence VAM colonization, although grazed plants which were growing in non‐fumigated soil had significantly lower colonization levels than any other treatment.

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