氮素形态对茶树根系释放质子的影响

为探讨茶树根系酸化土壤的机制,利用水培实验和自动电位滴定方法研究了恒定pH条件下铵态氮、硝态氮及其混合液对茶树根系释放质子的影响.结果表明,在氮供应量相同情况下,纯铵态氮处理茶树根系释放质子的量最多,其次为铵/硝比为1∶1处理,在纯硝态氮处理中,茶树根系释放羟基.随着铵初始浓度的增加,茶树根系释放质子数量增加,且茶树根系的质子释放量与其对铵态氮的吸收量呈显著正相关.在pH4.5至5.5范围内,茶树根系在初始pH5.0时质子释放量最大,其次是初始pH5.5的处理,在pH4.5时茶树根系的质子释放量最少.用硝酸铵培养验证了茶树的喜铵特性,发现随着培养时间的延长,茶树对铵态氮和硝态氮的吸收量均增加,且质子释放量也有相同趋势,但在整个培养期内茶树对铵态氮的吸收量均高于对硝态氮的吸收量.因此,茶树对铵态氮的偏好吸收导致其根系释放质子,从而引起根际土壤酸化.     

不同基因型小麦侧根生长对硝态氮的响应差异

以4个小麦品种石麦15、衡观35、H10和L14为供试作物,进行营养液培养试验,研究不同浓度硝态氮供应对小麦侧根发育的影响。结果表明:0.05~25.0 mmol/L硝态氮处理13 d,小麦生物量及侧根形态尚未受到明显影响;硝态氮处理22 d后,植株地上部生物量和氮含量明显增加,石麦15、H10和衡观35增加幅度较大,L14增幅较小;0.05 mmol/L低浓度硝态氮处理下,4个小麦品种的侧根平均长度较长。进一步研究发现,小麦侧根发育对不同浓度硝态氮供应的反应存在明显的基因型差异:0.05 mmol/L硝态氮处理下,石麦15的侧根长度和总根长增加,侧根密度无明显变化;H10的侧根总长度增加,侧根密度减少;衡观35的侧根密度减少,侧根总长度变化不大,而L14的侧根总长度和侧根密度均无明显改变。硝态氮处理浓度在2.5~20.0 mmol/L范围内,小麦侧根数量和长度均没有受到明显影响,在均匀供应硝态氮条件下,高浓度的硝态氮处理未影响小麦的侧根长度和数量。     

局部硝态氮供应对不同品种小麦侧根发育的影响

小麦为须根系植物,根系发生发育除了受遗传因素控制外,还受环境因素的影响。研究局部供应硝态氮对小麦侧根发生发育及植株氮素吸收的影响,可为小麦品种选育,增强小麦吸收硝态氮、提高氮素吸收效率提供技术支撑和理论基础。选择4个小麦品种,H10、L14、衡观35和石麦15,开展盆栽试验,设置3个施氮水平：N0、94.5、473.5 kg/hm²,研究硝态氮供应对不同品种小麦生物量和地上部氮素积累量的影响;进行营养液分根培养试验,两侧设置6个施氮处理：0/0、0/2.5、0/50、2.5/2.5、2.5/50和50/50 mmol/L,研究局部供应硝态氮对小麦侧根发生发育及植株氮素吸收的影响。研究发现,(1)小麦H10和衡观35在473.5 kg/hm²高氮处理下生物量和地上部氮素积累量最大,L14和石麦15相对较小。(2)分根培养条件下,两侧均施50.0 mmol/L硝态氮小麦地上部干重与氮浓度明显高于两侧不施硝态氮处理。2.50 mmol/L处理一侧衡观35根干重和侧根密度高于不施硝态氮一侧,而L14在50.0 mmol/L硝态氮处理一侧根干重较大、侧...     

氮素对不同大豆品种根系分泌物中有机酸的影响

采用室内溶液培养方法,分别研究了接种根瘤菌处理下,两种氮源和两种氮浓度对两个大豆品种根系分泌物中有机酸的影响。结果表明,合丰25号根系分泌的有机酸种类和数量无论苗期或花期,接种或不接种根瘤菌,均表现为硝态氮处理高于酰胺态氮处理,表明合丰25号大豆更喜硝态氮,硝态氮促进了有机酸的分泌。绥农10号在酰胺态氮下的有机酸种类和数量均高于硝态氮处理,表明其更喜酰胺态氮,酰胺态氮下根瘤菌的存在增加其根系分泌物中有机酸种类和数量。可见,大豆根系分泌物中有机酸的种类和数量因品种而异,因品种对氮源的喜好而变化;根瘤菌在不同程度上增强或减弱根系有机酸的分泌作用。柠檬酸受氮素供应浓度影响很大,当氮素供应浓度较低时,大豆根系分泌物中可检测到柠檬酸,供氮浓度升高则检测不到。     

弱光下硝铵比对小白菜氮吸收和碳氮分配的影响

通过水培试验研究了弱光下不同硝铵比对小白菜硝酸盐吸收和体内碳氮化合物在不同器官间分配的影响。结果表明:全硝培养条件下,与自然光相比,弱光导致小白菜叶片、叶柄和根系的干物重分别下降了73.8%、82.2%和74.4%;总碳及氮含量也分别下降了76.7%、84.5%和79.4%及71.2%、79.5%和80.4%;根系活力和硝态氮吸收量也显著下降。通过调节弱光下营养液的硝铵比,降低了硝态氮的吸收,促进了碳的同化和氮的积累,小白菜的干物重增加。当硝铵比为85:15时,小白菜取得最大的干物重,总碳氮积累量、根系活力与硝态氮吸收量随铵的增加而持续减少。     

土壤辐照灭菌对土壤中铵态氮和硝态氮行为的影响

拟通过土壤辐照灭菌的方法,研究土壤微生物对硝态氮和铵态氮在土壤中的相互转化、固持及损失的影响,为提高作物氮肥利用率提供理论依据。采用土壤纯培养的方法,通过外源添加~(15)N标记铵态氮肥[(~(15)NH_4)_2SO_4]和硝态氮肥(Na~(15)NO_3),结合γ辐照灭菌的方法,培养30 d后,测定分析了灭菌和未灭菌土壤中总的、来自于肥料的和来自于土壤的铵态氮和硝态氮含量,并定量评价了肥料氮在土壤中的残留、固持和损失情况。结果表明:灭菌显著抑制铵态氮向硝态氮的转化,激发土壤铵态氮的释放,对铵态氮在土壤中的残留、固持和损失没有显著影响;灭菌对土壤硝态氮转化为铵态氮的过程没有影响,降低了硝态氮在土壤中的残留和固持,增加了硝态氮的损失;与外源添加硝态氮相比,外源添加铵态氮促进了土壤自身无机氮的释放,外源添加的铵态氮在土壤中残留低、固持高、损失高。因此,总体来看,灭菌有利于土壤铵态氮的积累,却降低土壤硝态氮的积累。虽然外源铵态氮较外源硝态氮更能激发土壤无机态氮的释放,并更易被土壤固持,但是铵态氮肥较硝态氮肥在土壤中残留少、损失多。     

春玉米产量、氮肥效率及土壤矿质氮对施氮的响应

为了提高氮肥增产效益,减少对环境的污染,通过田间试验研究了施氮量对春玉米产量、氮肥效率及土壤矿质氮的影响。结果表明,施氮量较低时,春玉米籽粒产量随施氮量增加显著增加,当施氮量高于180 kg·hm-2时,产量保持不变或有减少趋势。氮肥农学利用率、氮素吸收效率、氮素偏生产力和氮收获指数均随着施氮量增加显著降低,氮肥表观利用率和氮肥生理利用率均先增加后降低。从苗期到收获期,施氮处理0~60 cm土层硝态氮含量呈现"上升—下降—上升—下降—稳定"的变化趋势,而60~120 cm土层硝态氮在春玉米生长后期有增加的趋势。随着土层加深,土壤硝态氮含量呈波浪式下降,施氮量240 kg·hm-2和300 kg·hm-2处理在60~100 cm土层硝态氮含量均显著高于其他处理。随着施氮量增加,0~120 cm土层硝态氮累积量显著增加,当施氮量超过240kg·hm-2时,土层中累积的硝态氮存在着较大的淋溶风险。综合考虑产量、氮肥效率和环境效应,179~209 kg N·hm-2是本试验条件下春玉米的合理施氮量。     

铵态氮和硝态氮调节盐胁迫豌豆幼苗生长和根系呼吸的作用

【目的】 土壤盐渍化在干旱和半干旱灌溉区是制约农业生产的非生物因素之一,合理的调控措施可以减轻盐渍化对植物的危害,本文探讨了氮源调节豆科植物盐胁迫的生理生态机制。 【方法】 采用砂培试验,以3个豌豆品种 (银豌1号、S5001-1和Ha) 为供试材料,设定三个盐分浓度(0、50、100 mmol/L),分别供应铵态氮和硝态氮4 mmol/L,每个品种均设六个处理。培养29天后对豌豆幼苗生物量、根系生长参数、根系呼吸及植株盐分离子含量进行测定。 【结果】 1) 三个盐分浓度相比,50 mmol/L NaCl处理下的3个豌豆品种幼苗的地上生物量和根系生长指标(根干重、根长和根表面积)显著高于0和100 mmol/L NaCl处理,且硝态氮处理显著高于铵态氮;2) 与无NaCl处理相比,3个豌豆品种植株含水量在100 mmol/L NaCl处理下明显降低,且硝态氮处理的显著低于铵态氮处理;3)豌豆根系呼吸速率均随着盐分浓度的增加和培养时间的延长总体呈降低趋势。3个豌豆品种根系呼吸速率对硝态氮和铵态氮的反应不同,相同盐分水平下,银豌1号铵态氮处理的高于硝态氮,Ha品种则相反,而S5001-1品种在两种氮源间差异不大。在50 mmol/L NaCl胁迫下,豌豆品种S5001-1与Ha硝态氮处理的根系呼吸累积量明显高于铵态氮,而银豌1号则相反;100 mmol/L NaCl胁迫下,豌豆品种Ha硝态氮处理的根系呼吸累积量显著高于铵态氮,其他两个品种在不同氮源处理间无差异。相同盐分胁迫水平下,银碗1号铵态氮处理的根系呼吸累积量明显高于品种S5001-1和Ha,而硝态氮处理下,品种Ha的根系呼吸累积量最高。4) 3个豌豆品种幼苗地上部Na+和Cl–含量均随盐浓度的增加而增加,而不同氮源对Na+在豌豆体内累积的影响因豌豆品种而异。 【结论】 在中度盐分胁迫下,施氮肥可缓解盐分胁迫对豌豆幼苗生长的影响,硝态氮缓解能力高于铵态氮,但在重度盐分胁迫下,盐胁迫是影响植物生长和离子吸收的主导因子,氮源调节作用变弱。尽管不同豌豆品种的根系呼吸对NH₄+-N与NO₃–-N的反应不同,但NO₃–-N缓解盐胁迫的效果总体上好于NH₄+-N。      

菠菜叶片硝态氮还原对叶柄硝态氮含量的影响

选用3个菠菜品种,设置N.0.1和0.3.g/kg2个施氮水平进行盆栽试验。在不同时期采样测定叶片内、外源硝酸还原酶活性、硝态氮代谢/贮存库大小,以及加入外源硝态氮培养后叶片硝酸还原酶活性的变化,探讨菠菜叶片的硝态氮还原与叶柄硝态氮含量的关系。结果表明,叶片内源硝酸还原酶活性、内源/外源硝酸还原酶活性比值、叶片的硝态氮代谢库大小及代谢/贮存库比值与叶柄硝态氮含量呈相反趋势。加入外源硝态氮培养后叶片硝酸还原酶活性的增加程度与叶柄硝态氮含量相一致。叶片内源硝酸还原酶活性高低及其发挥程度,叶片硝态氮代谢库大小及硝态氮在代谢、贮存库中的分配是造成品种间叶柄硝态氮含量高低差异的重要原因。     

3种豆科作物与玉米间作对土壤硝态氮累积和分布的影响

为提高氮肥利用效率,减少过量施用氮肥对环境造成的污染,本文以甘肃省河西灌区为试验地点,在0和225kg（N）·hm^-2氮水平下,探讨了蚕豆、豌豆、大豆3种豆科作物与玉米间作对土壤硝态氮累积和分布的影响。研究表明：蚕宜收获后,间作的蚕豆、大豆、豌豆和玉米土壤硝态氮累积量在两个氮水平下均低于相应的单作,蚕豆、大豆、豌豆的间作土壤剖面硝态氮含量也低于相应的单作,但表现的土层深度各异。玉米收获后,蚕豆和豌豆的间作土壤硝态氮累积量低于单作;不施氮条件下,大豆间作土壤硝态氮累积量低于单作,与蚕豆、豌豆和大豆间作的玉米土壤硝态氮累积量均高于单作玉米;在225kg（N）·hm^-2氮水平下,与蚕豆和豌豆阔作的玉米土壤硝态氮累积量低于单作玉米,间作大豆和与大豆间作的玉米土壤硝态氮累积量高于相应的单作。玉米收获期,不施氮条件下3种豆科作物间作0～60cm土壤硝态氮含量均低于单作;225kg（N）·hm^-2氮水平下,蚕豆、豌豆间作0～60cm土壤硝态氮含量低于单作,而间作大豆0～100cm土壤硝态氮含量高于单作。对不同深度土壤硝态氮相对累积量分析表明,蚕豆收获期间作0～60cm土层相对累积量高于单作,而100～180cm土层则低于单作。     

Changes in net proton release by roots of intact maize plants after local nutrient supply in a split root system

The effect of local nutrient supply to maize roots (Zea mays L. cv. Blizzard) on net proton release was studied using the split root technique (SRNS, SRCa) to compare plants that were cultivated with their roots completely in either nutrient solution (NS) or 0.1 mM CaSO₄ (Ca). Roots in NS released more protons than roots in Ca. This higher net proton release was associated with significantly higher ATP concentrations in the root tissue. Higher net proton release and ATP concentrations were also observed after a 4 h lag phase when 20 μM abscisic acid were exogenously applied to roots in 0.1 mM CaSO₄. It is suggested that higher metabolic activity in roots supplied with nutrients increased ATP concentrations and thus the substrate supply of the plasma membrane H⁺ ATPase. When only half of the root system was supplied with nutrient solution with the other half bathed in 0.1 mM CaSO₄, the roots in the SRNS compartment released significantly higher amounts of protons relative to the NS control plants. Conversely, roots in the SRCa compartment showed net proton uptake in contrast to the roots of control plants in 0.1 mM CaSO₄ which significantly acidified the root medium. These differences in proton release by roots in the split root system and control roots could not be explained in terms of differences in ATP concentrations. It is therefore suggested that an internal signal may lead to a modification of the plasma membrane H⁺ ATPase as shown earlier during plant adaptation to low pH in the root medium.     

Hydroxyl release by maize (Zea mays L.) roots under acidic conditions due to nitrate absorption and its potential to ameliorate an acidic Ultisol

Purpose

Hydroxyl ion release by maize (Zea mays L.) roots under acidic conditions was investigated with a view to develop a bioremediation method for ameliorating acid soils in tropical and subtropical regions.

Materials and methods

Two hydroponic culture experiments and one pot experiment were conducted: pH, nitrogen state, and rhizobox condition, which investigated the effects of different nitrogen forms on hydroxyl release by maize roots under acidic conditions.

Results and discussion

The pH of the culture solution increased as culture time rose. The gradient of change increased with rising NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺ molar ratios. Maize roots released more hydroxyl ions at pH 4.0 than at pH 5.0. The amount of hydroxyl ions released by maize roots at a constant pH was greater than those at a nonconstant pH. Application of calcium nitrate reduced exchangeable acidity and increased the pH in an Ultisol rhizosphere, compared with bulk soil. The increasing magnitude of soil pH was greater at higher doses of N. The absorption of NO₃ ^?–N increased as the NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺ molar ratios rose, which was responsible for hydroxyl ion release and pH increases in culture solutions and rhizosphere.

Conclusions

Root-induced alkalization in the rhizosphere resulting from nitrate absorption by maize plants can be used to ameliorate acidic Ultisols.     

酸性条件下氮素形态对西红柿根系释放羟基的影响

为研发酸化土壤的生物修复技术,本文用水培实验和电位滴定方法研究了酸性条件下氮素形态对西红柿根系释放羟基的影响,结果表明,在初始pH为4.0、NO3-/NH4+ 比为15:1、5:1、1:1和1:5的营养液中,由于西红柿对NO3--N的偏好吸收导致根系释放羟基,培养液pH升高。培养1周后4个NO3-/NH4+ 比培养液pH分别升高了1.60、1.15、0.57和0.29,与西红柿对NO3--N的吸收量和羟基释放量的大小一致。当西红柿生长在初始pH为5.0营养液中时,仅NO3-/NH4+ 比为15:1和5:1体系中西红柿根系释放羟基,导致培养液pH升高;在NO3-/NH4+ 比为1:1和1:5体系中西红柿根系释放质子,导致培养液pH降低。初始pH5.0条件下西红柿吸收的NO3--N低于初始pH4.0条件下的,其根系释放的羟基量也低于pH4.0体系中的。这些结果说明低pH条件有利于西红柿对NO3--N的吸收,西红柿根系也会释放更多的羟基。因此可以根据西红柿在强酸性条件下对NO3--N的偏好吸收和根系释放羟基的特点对酸化土壤进行生物修复。     

Acidification in the Rhizosphere of Rape Seedlings and in Bulk Soil by Nitrification and Ammonium Uptake

Ammonium salts used as fertilizers may cause soil acidification by two different processes: nitrification in soil and net release of protons from roots. Their influence on soil pH may vary depending on the distance from root surface. The aim of this study was to distinguish between these two processes. For this purpose rape seedlings were grown 10 d in a system which separated roots from soil by a fine-meshed screen. As a function of distance from the plane root layer formed on the screen, pH, titratable and exchangeable acidity and NO₃- and NH₄-nitrogen were determined. The soil, a luvisol from loess, was supplied with no N or (NH₄)₂SO₄ either with or without a nitrification inhibitor (DCD). The bulk soil pH remained unaffected when no N or 400 mg NH₄? N kg^?1 soil plus DCD was applied but it decreased from 6.6 to 5.8 without DCD. In contrast, rhizosphere pH decreased in all cases, mainly within a distance of 1 mm from the root plane only, but with gradients extending to between 2 and 4 mm into the soil. The strongest pH decrease, from 6.6 to 4.9, occurred at the root surface of plants treated with both NH₄-N and DCD where most of the mineral N remained as ammonium. In this case Al was solubilized in the rhizosphere as indicated by exchangeable acidity. Total soil acidity produced in the NH₄ treatment without DCD was mainly derived from nitrification compared to root released protons. However, acidification of the rhizosphere was diminished by nitrification because nitrate ions taken up by the roots counteracted net proton release. It is concluded that nitrification inhibitors may reduce proton input from ammonium fertilizers but enhance acidification at the soil-root interface which may cause Al toxicity to plants.     

Beziehung zwischen Kationen/Anionen-Aufnahme von Rotklee und Protonenabscheidung der Wurzeln

Relationship between the cation/anion uptake and the release of protons by roots of red clover Red Clover was cultivated in Mitscherlich pots on a brown podzolic soil. Besides a low N rate at the beginning of the experiment, the clover received only symbiontically fixed N. Soil pH dropped under clover from 7.2 to 4.5 during a period of 14 months. During this time seven cuts were obtained. In a parallel pot experiment with rye-grass grown on the same soil and under the same environmental conditions but supplied with NH₄NO₃ after each clipping, no drop in soil pH was observed. In the aerial plant parts of clover the cation excess was high and amounted to about 60 % of the H⁺ quantity required for the decrease in soil pH from 7.2 to 4.5. It is concluded that the cations taken up in excess were electrostatically balanced by an equivalent amount of protons secreted by the roots into the soil. The alcalinity assessed in the upper plant parts of clover was approximately equivalent to the cation excess. It is therefore supposed that the H⁺ release from roots resulted in an alkalinization in the plant cells which in return led to a synthesis of organic anions being equivalent to the amount of H⁺ released.     

Soil humic substances stimulate proton release by intact oat seedling roots

The effect of a soil humic fraction (HS) on proton extrusion into deionized water by intact oat seedling roots was studied. In the presence of HS, at concentration of 10 μg organic carbon (C) mL^‐1, a clear stimulation of acidification of the outer medium by the roots was observed after three to four hours of incubation. The addition of 0.5 mM vanadate to the solution bathing the roots drastically reduced the net proton extrusion, either in the presence or absence of HS, suggesting the involvement of the plasma membrane H⁺‐ATPase in the stimulation of the acidification of the outer medium by oat roots. The release of potassium (K) from the roots into deionized water was also monitored concomitantly to the proton extrusion. The loss of endogenous K from the roots was similar in the presence or absence of HS, while the recovery of the cation was slower in the presence of the humic fraction. However, after reabsorption of the released K, no net acidification was observed in control roots, while HS‐treated roots significantly decreased the pH of the deionized water. The addition of 3 mM K to the external medium greatly enhanced the proton release from roots, while the presence of humic substances reduced the magnitude of the stimulation by K. When K was supplied at a concentration closer to that encountered in the soil (<0.1 mM), HS significantly stimulated proton release. The effect of HS on root extracellular acidification supports the idea of a role of soil humic substances on plant nutrition via interaction with cell membrane functions.     

Soil pH changes during legume growth and application of plant material

During cultivation of legumes soil is acidified due to proton release from roots. As a consequence of proton release, plants accumulate organic anions which may, if returned and decomposed in the soil, neutralize the soil acids. Until now the detailed processes responsible for the change in soil pH after incorporation of plant material have not been completely understood. Using a pot experiment we studied the changes in acid and base in soil during growth of field beans (Vicia faba L. cv. Alfred) and after incorporation of the plant material into the soil. Soil pH was significantly decreased by field beans from 6.00 to 5.64 in a cultivation period of 45 days. Proton release amounted to 32.7 mmol H⁺ pot^-1, which was approximately equivalent to the accumulated alkalinity in the plant shoots (34.4 mmol). Return of field bean shoots caused a significant soil pH increase from 5.64 to 6.29. Within 7 days more than 90% of the added alkalinity was released. After 307 days incubation, soil pH decreased to 5.86 due to nitrification. In a second experiment, maize leaves (Zea mays L.), containing various concentrations of nitrogen and at various alkalinities, were incorporated into the soil. Soil pH change was positively correlated to alkalinity and malate concentration and negatively correlated to total nitrogen and water-soluble organic nitrogen of incorporated leaves. It is concluded that the soil acidification caused by legume cultivation can be partly compensated for if crop residues are returned to the soil. Addition of plant material may initially cause an increase in soil pH due to decomposition of organic anions and organic nitrogen. Soil pH may decrease if nitrification is involved. The concentrations of nitrogen and alkalinity of added plant material are decisive factors controlling soil pH change after incorporation of plant material.Dedicted to Professor J.C.G. Ottow on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Proton release by nodulated roots varies among common bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris) under phosphorus deficiency

Responses of proton release to phosphorus (P) availability by nodulated roots of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated for lines BAT 477 and CocoT, inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 in hydroaeroponic culture under glasshouse conditions. Phosphorus was supplied as KH₂PO₄ at 15 and 60 μmol plant^–1 week^–1 (15P and 60P). Proton release was higher for BAT 477 than for CocoT under both P supplies. However, it was higher for 60P than 15P, whatever the line. The ratio of proton release per unit biomass of nodulated root was higher for BAT 477 than for CocoT, independent of P deficiency. Proton release was correlated with the nodulated‐root respiration for both genotypes and with the nodule respiration linked with nitrogen fixation for CocoT. Thus, the nodulation was more limited by 15P than root and shoot growth and more in CocoT than in BAT 477. It is concluded that independent of symbiotic N₂ fixation, proton release was higher in BAT 477 than in CocoT and that the nodulated legume releases a substantial amount of protons into its rhizosphere that is correlated with its nitrogen fixation that eventually depends upon the nodule permeability to O₂ diffusion.     

Der Einfluß unterschiedlicher Kalium- und Nitraternährung auf pH-Änderungen in der Rhizosphäre

The Influence of potassium and nitrate nutrition on pH changes in the rhizosphere Seedlings of winter wheat, barley, sunflower, peanut and field bean were grown in soils differing in K and nitrate content. pH changes of the rhizosphere soil were measured periodically with antimony electrodes. In soils relatively poor in K the lowest pH values were measured at the root surface of the dicots (maximum pH decrease from 5 to 4.2), while soil pH increases from 5 to 5.4 in contact with roots of the monocots. Increasing K addition caused decreasing pH near peanut and field bean roots. In soils fertilized with K, monocot roots also decreased soil pH. In a K-rich soil the roots of the dicots decreased pH even after addition of 6.6 mg NO₃-N/100 g soil, while the roots of the monocots did not change pH. The pH changes are explained by an imbalance between anion and cation uptake, causing release of protons or hydroxyl ions. The reason for the differences in behaviour between monocots and dicots may be due to the differing cation-exchange capacity of the plant roots, causing a higher cation uptake by dicots and therefore greater proton release.     

Aluminum-Enhanced Proton Release Associated with Plasma Membrane H+-Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity and Excess Cation Uptake in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Plant Roots

Cultivated tea (Camellia sinensis) plants acidify the rhizosphere, and Aluminum (Al) toxicity is recognized as a major limiting factor for plant growth in acidic soils. However, the mechanisms responsible for rhizosphere acidification associated with Al have not been fully elucidated. The present study examined the effect of Al on root-induced rhizosphere acidification, plasma membrane H⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (H⁺-ATPase) activity, and cation-anion balance in tea plant roots. The exudation of H⁺ from tea plant roots with or without Al treatment was visualized using an agar sheet with bromocresol purple. The H⁺-ATPase activity of plasma membranes isolated from the roots was measured after hydrolysis using the two-phase partition system. The Al treatment strongly enhanced the exudation of H⁺, and the acidification of tea plant roots by Al was closely associated with plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase activity. The root plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase activity increased with Al concentration. The Al content, amount of protons released, and H⁺-ATPase activity were significantly higher in roots treated with Al than in those untreated. The results of the cation-anion balance in roots showed an excess of cations relative to anions, with the amount of excess cation uptake increasing with increasing Al concentrations. These suggest that Al-enhanced proton release is associated with plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase activity and excess cation uptake. Findings of this study would provide insights into the contributing factors of soil acidification in tea plantations.