Study of Morphophysiological Adaptations in Alfalfa Under High Phosphate Regime.

Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient element required for the optimal growth and development of plants. However, its accumulation in soil due to poor livestock management and prolonged application of chemical fertilizer and animal manures in areas of intensive crop production can cause serious environmental problems like eutrophication of nearby water systems and contamination of ground water. Phytoremediation is an environmentally-conscious technology to remove phosphorus contamination from soil. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) could potentially be used to accumulate phosphorus to remediate soil. It is widely cultivated, easy to grow and easy to harvest, but little information is available with respect to its morphophysiological adaptations in the presence of high phosphorus. The present study provides insight into high phosphorus toxicity in terms of morphophysiological traits of plants. Analysis of different growth parameters such as biomass, root to shoot ratio, root system architecture and nutrient ionic profiling were carried out to characterize toxic effects of high phosphorus. At increasing concentrations, root system architecture was affected, root to shoot ratio decreased, and iron and zinc uptake decreased. Further investigation of biochemical parameters such as total soluble inorganic phosphate content, starch staining, and chlorophyll and anthocyanin content will be completed as a part of this study.