Efficiency of Potassium Fertilization and Salicylic Acid on Yield and Nutrient Accumulation of Sugar Beet Grown on Saline Soil

Rising soil salinity has been a major problem in the soils of Egypt in recent decades. Potassium fertilization and salicylic acid (SA) play an important role in promoting plants to tolerate salt stress and increased the yield of sugar beet crop. A field experiment on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) grown on saline soil was carried out during 2014 growing season in Port Said Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of potassium fertilization of the soil at applications of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg potassium (K) ha^?1 and foliar spray of SA by solution of 1000 mg L^?1, twice (1200 L ha^?1 each time) on yield and nutrient uptake. Application of 200 kg K ha^?1 in combination with salicylic foliar spray gave the highest root length, root diameter, shoot and root yield, sucrose, juice purity percentage, gross sugar yield, and white possible extractable sugar, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content, and uptake of sugar beet. The highest increase in sucrose (20%) as well as white possible extractable sugar (184%) was obtained by 200 kg K ha^?1 in combination with salicylic foliar spray compared with untreated soil with potassium fertilization and without salicylic foliar spray.     

Effect of zinc application methods on apparent utilization efficiency of zinc and potassium fertilizers under rice-wheat rotation

Apparent utilization of zinc (Zn) and potassium (K) fertilizers was examined in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using combinations of no K; soil applied K levels and no Zn; soil and foliar applied Zn. Application of 33.2 kg K ha^?1 in rice and 24.9 kg K ha^?1 in wheat along with foliar spray of 2 kg Zn ha^?1 at 30 and 60 days gave the highest mean grain yields. Foliar application of zinc increased Zn concentration in flag leaves, grain, and straw of rice and wheat and K concentration in flag leaves of rice and straw of wheat significantly. Potassium application increased Zn concentration in rice grain and straw and K concentration in wheat straw significantly. Zinc and K increased the uptake of each other in grain; straw and total uptake by both crops significantly. Zinc fertilizer enhanced the utilization of soil K. Potassium fertilizer enhanced the utilization of applied Zn.     

Response of Cherry Rootstocks to Boron and Salinity

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present research was to study the effects of boron (B) and potassium chloride (KCl) induced salinity on growth, nutritional status, and chlorophyll content of the cherry rootstocks CAB 6P (Prunus cerasus L.) and Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus L. × Prunus canescens L.). Plants produced the longest shoots, more leaves, and the greatest fresh weights of shoots and leaves when treated with 0.025 mM B combined with the lower level of salinity (0.75 dS m^?1). CAB 6P plants retained most of their leaves until the end of the experiment, whereas Gisela 5 plants showed higher leaf shedding. Irrigation of plants with solutions containing 0.2 mM B and electrical conductivities (EC) of 4 dS m^?1 resulted in lower leaf chlorophyll contents (SPAD units) when compared with all other treatments. Nitrogen (N) concentrations of leaves from both rootstocks decreased as the EC of the nutrient solution increased from 0.75 to 4 mM. Potassium (K) concentrations of leaves from both rootstocks increased as salinity levels increased.     

Cumulative Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Sulfur on Growth,Physico-Biochemical Parameters,Yield Attributes,and Fatty Acid Composition in Oil of Erucic Acid-Free Rapeseed-Mustard Genotypes

ABSTRACT

The feasibility of split (soil + foliar) applications of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and addition of a small quantity of sulfur (S) in the spray was tested for improving performance of rapeseed-mustard genotypes in a factorial randomized field experiment. Three genotypes (two erucic acid free, viz. Brassica napus L. cv. ‘Hyola PAC – 401’ and Brassica juncea L. Czern. and Coss. cv. ‘TERI (0E) M 21-Swarna’, and one best performing high yielding Brassica juncea L. cv. ‘Rohini’ as a check) were grown with four soil (B) plus foliar (F) applications of N, P, and S with uniform basal 30 kg potassium (K) ha^{? 1} (K₃₀), viz. (i) the optimum soil-applied treatment supplemented with the spray of deionized water (B_N90P30 + Fw) comprising control, (ii) B_N70P30 + F _N20, (iii) B_N70P28 + F_N20P2, and (iv) B_N70P28 + F_N20P2S2. Soil Plus foliar application of nutrients, particularly B_N70P28 + F_N20P2S2, improved their performance with respect to growth characteristics (shoot length plant^{? 1}, leaf number plant^{? 1}, area leaf^{? 1}, leaf area index, fresh weight plant^{? 1}, and dry weight plant^{? 1}), physico-biochemical parameters (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, carboxylation efficiency, water use efficiency, carbonic anhydrase activity, leaf NPK content, and N use efficiency), yield attributes (pod number plant^{? 1}, seed number pod^{? 1}, 1000-seed weight, seed yield ha^{? 1}, oil content, and oil yield ha^{? 1}), and fatty acid composition in oil of these genotypes. The cultivar ‘Hyola PAC-401’ performed best particularly with B_N70P28 + F_N20P2S2. The improvement in the response of genotypes to the split application of nutrients may be attributed to their ready availability through foliar application.     

Beneficial effects of glycine on growth and leaf nutrient concentrations of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) plants

Abstract

In this study, the effect of glycine amino acid was evaluated on growth characteristics and nutrient uptake of coriander plants under greenhouse conditions. The treatments were soil application of glycine in two concentrations of 300 and 600?mg kg^?1 soil, foliar application of glycine (in 0.05% concentration), soil application of mix NPK fertilizer and no fertilizer control. The growth parameters of plant height, leaf SPAD value, shoot and root fresh weights were significantly improved by soil application of glycine, particularly in higher concentration. Soil application of glycine also reduced the number of flowered plants, while it increased soluble solids (TSS) and vitamin C of plant leaf extracts than control plants. Leaf nutrient concentrations of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), but not magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn), were significantly increased by soil application of glycine, whereas soil applied NPK significantly increased P and Ca of leaves than unfertilized control plants.     

Effect of foliar fertilization of potassium on yield,quality, and nutrient uptake of groundnut

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogae L.) is the most important oilseed crop of India and it is abundantly grown under rainfed conditions in vertisols of Western India. The objective of this work was to study the effect of potassium (K) basal and foliar fertilization on yield, nutrient concentration in tissue and quality parameters of groundnut. Two varieties, GAUG‐1 (bunch type) and GAUG‐10 (spreading type) were grown during Kharif (rainfed) and Rabi (irrigated) seasons at Junagadh, Gujarat. The experiment compared two foliarapplied K fertilizers (KCl and K₂SO₄) at two different doses (0.5 and 1.0%) with basal KCl application (0 and 50 kg K₂O ha^?1). Field soil was highly calcareous (pH 8.2, NH₄OAc extractable K 188 kg ha^?1 with 40% lime reserve) Vertic ustochrept. The results showed a significant response in pod yield with foliar and soil‐applied potassium as compared to the control treatment. Pod yields were significantly higher when basal and foliar applications were combined. The best results were achieved with foliar application of 1% KCl together with a basal fertilization with 50 kg K₂O ha^?1. Response to foliar‐applied K was higher in rainfed kharif crop than in irrigated rabi crop. Groundnut variety GAUG‐10 out yielded GAUG‐1. Foliar K application increased plant tissue concentration of K. Foliar fertilization with KCl and K₂SO₄ did not cause leaf burn. Potassium application improved the crop harvest index and grain quality parameters of boldness, protein and oil contents. Response to K in quality parameters of protein and oil contents of seed was more consistent with foliar applied K₂SO₄ . The results confirmed that the practice of foliar K nutrition when used as a supplement and not a substitute for standard soil fertilization, is beneficial for groundnut crop in Western India.     

MINERAL NUTRIENT CONTENT OF TOMATO PLANTS IN AQUAPONIC AND HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS: EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SOME MACRO- AND MICRO-NUTRIENTS

Effects of foliar applications of some micro- and macro-nutrients on mineral nutrient content of tomato leaves and fruits were investigated in an aquaponic system in comparison with a hydroponic system. Fourteen days old tomatoes seedlings were transplanted on to growth bed of aquaponic and hydroponic systems. Foliar nutrients application began 30 days after transplantation. Eight treatments were used, untreated control and foliar application at the rate of 250 mL plant^?1 with 0.5 g L^?1 potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄ 7H₂O), ferrous (Fe)- ethylenediamine-N,N′-bis (EDDHA), manganese sulfate (MnSO₄ H₂O), boric acid (H₃BO₃), zinc chloride (ZnCl₂), and copper sulfate (CuSO₄ 5H₂O). Foliar application of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) increased their corresponding concentrations in the leaves of aquaponic-treated plants. On the other hand, foliar spray of K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu caused a significant increment of applied element concentrations in the fruits of hydroponic-grown plants. These findings indicated that foliar application of some elements can effectively alleviate nutrient deficiencies in the leaves of tomatoes grown on aquaponics.     

Combined effect of deficit irrigation and potassium fertilizer on physiological response,plant water status and yield of soybean in calcareous soil

A 2-year field experiment (2013 and 2014) was conducted in calcareous soil (CaCO₃ 19.2%), on soybean grown under three irrigation regimes 100%, 85% and 70% of crop evapotranspiration combined with three potassium (K₂O) levels (90, 120 and 150 kg ha^?1). The objective was to investigate the complementary properties of potassium fertilizer in improving soybean physiological response under water deficit. Plant water status (relative water content RWC, chlorophyll fluorescence F_v/F₀ and F_v/F_m), had been significantly affected by irrigation or/and potassium application. Potassium improved growth characteristics (i.e. shoot length, number, leaf area and dry weight of leaves) as well as physiochemical attributes (total soluble sugars, free proline and contents of N, P, K, Ca and Na). Yield and yield water use efficiency (Y-WUE) were significantly affected by irrigation and potassium treatments. Results indicated that potassium application of 150 and 120 kg ha^?1 significantly increased seed yield by 29.6% and 13.89%, respectively, compared with 90 kg ha^?1 as average for two seasons. It was concluded that application of higher levels of potassium fertilizer in arid environment improves plant water status as well as growth and yield of soybean under water stress.     

Assessment of ZN Interaction with Nutrient Cations in Alkaline Soil and its Effect on Plant Growth

An experiment was conducted to assess the zinc (Zn) availability to wheat in alkaline soils during Rabi 2009–2010. Wheat seedlings in pots having 2 kg alkaline sandy soil per pot were treated with 5, 10 and 15 kg Zn ha^?1 as soil and with 0.5 and 1.0% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) as foliar application. Results showed that Zn increasing levels in soil helped in phosphorus uptake up to boot stage but its conversion to grain portion lacked in Zn treated plants. Potassium (K) uptake also increased up to 6.24% in boot stage with treatment of 10 kg Zn ha^?1 + 1.0% ZnSO₄ foliar spray. Zinc (Zn) concentration increased in plant tissues with the increasing level of Zn application but this disturbed the phosphorus (P)-Zn interaction and, thus, both of the nutrients were found in lesser quantities in grains compared to the control. Despite of the apparent sufficient Zn level in soil (1.95 mg kg^?1), improvement in growth and yield parameters with Zn application indicate that the soil was Zn deplete in terms of plant available Zn. The above findings suggest that the figure Zn sufficiency in alkaline soil (1.0 mg kg^?1) should be revised in accordance to the nature and type of soils. Furthermore, foliar application of Zn up to 1.0% progressively increased yield but not significantly; and it was recommended that higher concentrations might be used to confirm foliar application of Zn as a successful strategy for increasing plant zinc levels.     

Leaf Potassium Accumulation in Olive Plants Related to Nutritional K Status,Leaf Age,and Foliar Application of Potassium Salts

Four separate experiments were carried out in greenhouse conditions from spring of 2001 to summer of 2003. The aim of this research was to study the effect of factors such as leaf age, salt type and concentration, number of foliar applications, and the nutritional status on the efficiency of foliar applications of potassium (K) in olive plants. In all experiments, mist-rooted ‘Picual’ olive plants growing in 2 L pots containing perlite were fertigated with a complete nutrient solution containing 0.05 mM or 2.5 mM potassium chloride (KCl). In one experiment, plants received two foliar applications with five concentrations of KCl (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8%) at 63 and 84 days after transplanting. Foliar KCl applications at 2% or 4% increased shoot lengths and the K content of plants fertigated with 0.05 mM KCl (poor K nourished), while foliar KCl application did not have any influence on the growth or K content of plants fertigated with 2.5 mM KCl (normal K nourished). When the number of foliar applications was increased, the results showed that two foliar applications were enough to increase leaf K concentration in olive plants above the sufficiency level. Leaf age could influence the efficiency of foliar K application. Leaf K concentration were higher in young leaves than in mature ones. All K-salts studied as foliar sprays [KCl, potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), and potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄)] were effective in increasing leaf K concentration. The results obtained in the present study indicate that foliar applications of K effectively increase K content in K-deficient olive plants, and that foliar applications might be more effective on young leaves. Two foliar applications of 4% KCl or the equivalent for other salts are enough to increase leaf K concentration.     

Yield response of polyethylene mulched tomato to potassium source and rate on sand

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Sunny) was grown with the full‐bed polyethylene mulch‐seepage (modified furrow) irrigation system for three seasons to evaluate the effects of potassium (K) sources and K rates on fruit yields and leaf K concentrations. Soil in the experimental area was an Eau Gallie fine sand (sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic Alfic Haplaquods) that varied from 12 mg kg^‐1 (very low) to 56 mg kg^‐1 (medium) K by Mehlich I extraction prior to planting. Potassium sources, potassium chloride (KC1), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), and potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) were evaluated at 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg kg^‐1 K rates. Nitrogen (N) was applied at 270 kg kg^‐1 and P at 43 kg kg^‐1 with all K rates. Yields of extra‐large and marketable total yields in one season were higher (P<0.05) with potassium nitrate (KNO₃) than with KC1. Maximum yields were produced from 270 to 360 kg K kg^‐1, regardless of pre‐plant soil K concentrations. In the shoots, K concentrations increased with increasing K rates. At 90 and 180 kg K kg^‐1 application rates, K concentrations in the shoots were <2% and the plants and fruits had K‐deficiency symptoms.     

MODULATION IN YIELD AND JUICE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF CITRUS FRUIT FROM TREES SUPPLIED WITH ZINC AND POTASSIUM FOLIARLY

Citrus, especially K innow (Citrus deliciosa × Citrus nobilis), fruit yield and quality in Pakistan is not competitive with that of other countries which could be mainly attributed to the lack of good nutrient management for citrus orchards. The yield losses in this fruit crop occur mainly due to heavy fruit dropping. Experiments to overcome these problems were conducted at four different sites one each in Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Sargodha districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The soil and leaf chemical analysis showed severe deficiency of Zn and our pervious results have shown that soil amendment with potassium (K) at 75 K₂O kg ha^?1 improved the citrus fruit yield and quality at all selected sites. In the present experiments, effect of foliar application of Zn and K alone or in combination was studied on nutrient uptake, fruit yield, fruit dropping and juice quality. The fruit trees were pretreated with a selected K level of sulfate of potash (SOP) or muriate of potash (MOP), i.e., 75 kg K₂O ha^?1 along with recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) doses. Zinc [Zn, 1% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) solution], K [1% potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) solution] and Zn + K (solution containing 0.5% each of ZnSO₄ and K₂SO₄) were sprayed at the onset of spring and flush of leaves or flowers, fruit formation and at color initiation on fruit. Overall, application of Zn, K or Zn + K was effective in improving the nutrient uptake, yield and quality parameters of citrus fruit at all sites. Fruit dropping was also reduced by the foliar spray of Zn, K or Zn + K but the most promising results were recorded with foliar spray containing both Zn and K.     

Management practices to control premature senescence in Bt cotton

Commercial cultivation of Bt cotton produced higher boll load which led to stiff inter-original competition for photosynthates, resulting in early cessation of growth (premature senescence) due to more availability of sink and less sources. To overcome this problem, field experiment was conducted during 2011 and 2012 using five treatments of plant growth manipulation viz. no fruiting branch removal (F₁), removal of first fruiting branch (F₂), removal of first and second fruiting branch (F₃), removal of all squares from first fruiting branch (F₄), removal of all squares from first and second fruiting branches (F₅), and three potassium (K) application rates viz. 50 kg ha^?1 (K₁), 100 kg ha^?1 (K₂), and 150 kg ha^?1 (K₃). More nodes above white flower were recorded in F₅, followed by F₃, while minimum were recorded in F₁. Among potassium levels, maximum nodes above white flower were recorded in K₃ followed by K₂ and K₁ during both years of study. Plant height recorded at physiological cutout stage or at maturity stage showed that plants gained more height with removal of all squares from first tosecond fruiting branches with higher potassium dose. Leaf K increased with increasing applied potassium and also with square/branch removal. So early removal of squares/fruiting branches along with higher potassium dose helped in delaying canopy senescence in Bt cotton.     

EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE CAN ALLEVIATE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SALT STRESS ON SUNFLOWER

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine whether foliarly applied potassium + phosphorus (K + P) in the form of monopotassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄) could mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on sunflower plants. There were two levels of root-applied salt [0 and 150 mM of sodium chloride (NaCl)], and varying levels of KH₂PO₄ [(NS (no spray), WS (spray of water), 5 + 4, 10 + 8, 15 + 12, and 20 + 16 mg g^?1 K + P, pH 6.5] applied foliarly to 18-day old non-stressed and salt stressed sunflower plants. Salt stress adversely affected the growth, yield, photosynthetic capacity, and accumulation of mineral nutrients in the sunflower plants. However, varying levels of foliar applied KH₂PO₄ proved to be effective in improving growth and yield of sunflower under salt stress. The KH₂PO₄ induced growth in sunflower was found to be associated with enhanced photosynthetic capacity, water use efficiency and relative water contents.     

Genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, δ13C,and chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to tree growth of radiata pine clones in a serpentine soil

This study investigated the genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, isotopic signature (δ¹³C), and chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m) and tree growth of 40 radiata pine clones grown on a New Zealand serpentine soil, and the relationships between growth and physiological traits of these clones from improved and unimproved groups. Genotypic variation in growth and physiological traits existed within (i.e., clonal) and between groups, with larger variation among clones. The clonal repeatabilities were greater for foliar nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B) concentrations, δ¹³C, and Ca : Mg ratio (0.35–0.64) than for growth traits (0.14–0.27) and other physiological traits (0.08–0.24). Significant phenotypic correlations were found between growth traits and foliar phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), and K : Mg and Ca : Mg ratios and F_v/F_m (positive), and foliar Mg (negative). This study indicates that the trees on this serpentine soil generally suffered from multiple nutrient deficiencies and imbalances and the clonal variation in growth performance was more related to their capabilities of acclimation to nutrient than water stresses. Overall, the clones that absorbed more P, K, S, and Fe and less Mg from the soil grew better on this serpentine soil. For unimproved clones, the most limiting nutrients for tree growth were foliar K and Fe, while for improved clones it was foliar K.     

Effects of manure-based urea pellets on growth,yield, and nitrate content in coriander,garden cress,and parsley plants

Various organic residues and animal manures represent an excellent matrix material for production of natural-based pellet fertilizers. Fully decomposed cow manure with 50% w/w urea was used for pellet production in densities of 400 or 800 kg/m³, representing low and high compact urea pellets. The growth of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), and parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) were then evaluated under application of these pelleted urea compared to urea alone and unfertilized plants. The total amount of applied nitrogen (N) in the form of urea or pelleted urea was 300 mg/kg soil, wherein pelleted urea treatments, 30% of N was incorporated into the soil as urea alone before planting. The results showed that application of pelleted urea in low and high compactness resulted in different plant responses in the three vegetable crops. Plant growth and biomass production was increased in plants treated with urea or low compact urea pellets. Leaf N concentration and the Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index were increased by low but not by high compact urea pellet application. Regardless of compactness, pellet treated plants had less nitrate content compared to urea treated plants. Number of flowering plants in coriander and garden cress was higher with high compact urea pellet and in unfertilized plants, whereas plants treated with urea or with low compact urea pellet showed fewer flowering plants. So, for production of these leafy vegetables low compact pellet is preferred.     

Marandu Palisadegrass Mineral Nutrition and Production Related to Nitrogen and Potassium Supply

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization play a key role in forage crops and can significantly increase yields of ‘Marandu’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. exA. Rich.) Stapf.], one of the most important forage crops in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the concentrations of total N and K, nitrate (NO₃^?), and ammonium (NH₄⁺), chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD), and nitrate reductase activity (At-RNA) required to maximize yield. Plants were grown in quartz substrate and treated with nutrient solutions that ranged from 2 to 33 mmol L^?1 for N and 0.5 to 11 mmol L^?1 for K. Dry matter production and At-RNA increased with increasing N and K supplies. SPAD readings correlated strongly with N leaf concentration and dry matter production and can be used to assess the N status of this species. The supply of N and K in the fertilization promoted high yield and adequate N and K concentration for plant metabolism.     

Effects of Soil Amended with Cadmium and Lead on Growth,Yield, and Metal Accumulation and Distribution in Parsley

A greenhouse experiment was designed to determine the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) distribution and accumulation in parsley plants grown on soil amended with Cd and Pb. The soil was amended with 0, 5, 10 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg Cd kg^?1 in the form of cadmium nitrate [Cd(NO₃)₂] and 0, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg Pb kg^?1 in the form of lead nitrate [Pb(NO₃)₂]. The main soil properties; concentrations of the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable metals lead (Pb), Cd, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in soil; plant growth; and total contents of metals in shoots and roots were measured. The DTPA-extractable Cd was increased significantly by the addition of Cd. Despite the fact that Pb was not applied, its availability was significantly greater in treatments 40–100 mg Cd kg^?1 compared with the control. Fresh biomass was increased significantly in treatments of 5 and 10 mg Cd kg^?1 as compared to the control. Further addition of Cd reduced fresh weight but not significantly, although Cd concentration in shoots reached 26.5 mg kg^?1. Although Pb was not applied with Cd, its concentration in parsley increased significantly in treatments with 60, 80, and 100 mg Cd g^?1 compared with the others. Available soil Pb was increased significantly with Pb levels; nevertheless, the increase was small compared to the additions of Pb to soil. There were no significant differences in shoot and root fresh weights between treatments, although metal contents reached 20.0 mg Pb kg^?1 and 16.4 mg Pb kg^?1 respectively. Lead accumulation was enhanced by Pb treatments, but the positive effect on its uptake was not relative to the increase of Pb rates. Cadmium was not applied, and yet considerable uptake of Cd by control plants was evident. The interactive effects of Pb and Cd on their availability in soil and plants and their relation to other metals are also discussed.     

Growth and photosynthesis of salt‐stressed sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plants as affected by foliar‐applied different potassium salts

In order to assess the effectiveness of foliar‐applied potassium (K⁺, 1.25%) using different salts (KCl, KOH, K₂CO₃, KNO₃, KH₂PO₄, and K₂SO₄) in ameliorating the inhibitory effect of salt stress on sunflower plants, a greenhouse experiment was conducted. Sodium chloride (150 mM) was applied through the rooting medium to 18 d–old plants and after 1 week of salt treatment; different K⁺‐containing salts were applied twice in 1‐week interval as a foliar spray. Salt stress adversely affected the growth, yield components, gas exchange, and water relations, and also caused nutrient imbalance in sunflower plants. However, foliar‐applied different sources of potassium improved shoot and root fresh and shoot dry weights, achene yield, 100‐achene weight, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water‐use efficiency, relative water content, and leaf and root K⁺ concentrations of sunflower plants grown under saline conditions. Under nonsaline conditions, improvement in shoot fresh weight, achene yield, 100‐achene weight, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and root Na⁺ concentration was observed due to foliar‐applied different K sources. Of the different salts, K₂SO₄, KH₂PO₄, KNO₃, and K₂CO₃ were more effective than KCl and KOH in improving growth and some key physiological processes of sunflower plants.     

Influence of Foliar and Ground Fertilization on Yield,Fruit Quality,and Soil,Leaf, and Fruit Mineral Nutrients in Apple

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness of nitrogen (N)+ zinc (Zn) soil and foliar fertilizer applications on growth, yield, and quality of apple (Malus domestic Borkh ‘Golden Delicious’) fruit was studied in the Zanjan province, Iran. There were eight treatments 1) control (no fertilizer), 2) soil applied N, 3) soil applied Zn, 4) soil applied N+Zn, 5) foliar applied N, 6) foliar applied Zn, 7) foliar applied N+Zn and 8) combined soil and foliar applied N+Zn. The N source was urea [CO(NH₂)₂, 46% N] applied at 276 N tree^{? 1} yr^?1 and the Zn source was zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄,7H₂0, 23% Zn) applied at 110 g Zn tree^{? 1} yr^{? 1}. The soil treatments of N and Zn, were applied every two weeks during June through August (total of 6 times/year) in a 1 m radius around the tree trunk (drip line of trees). The foliar solutions of N (10 g l^{? 1} urea) and Zn [8 g l^{? 1} zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄)] were sprayed at the rate of 10 L tree^{? 1} every two weeks at the same times as described for soil applications. The highest yield (49 kg tree^{? 1}), and the heaviest fruits (202 g) were obtained in the soil and foliar combination of N+Zn treatment. The lowest yield (35 kg tree^{? 1}), and the smallest fruits (175 g) were recorded in the control. Nitrogen, and to a lesser extent Zn, foliar application resulted in decreasing fruit quality (caused russeting, and lower soluble solid), but increasing N leaf and fruit concentrations (2.4% DW and 563 mg kg^{? 1}, respectively). There were significant differences among yield and leaf mineral nutrient concentration in different treatments. But there was no significant difference between fruit mineral nutrient concentration (except N). Ratio of N/calcium (Ca), potassium (K)/Ca, and [magnesium (Mg)+K]/Ca in fruits were found suitable for fruit quality prediction. Combining the zinc sulfate with urea in the foliar applications increased the concentration of Zn from 0.7 to 1.5 mg per kg of apple tissue. Leaf N concentration varied during growth season. Foliar applied nutrient can be more efficient than soil applied, but a combination of soil and foliar applications is recommended for apple tree nutrient management.