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.     

Potassium distribution in root and non‐root zones of two cotton genotypes and its accumulation in their organs as affected by drought and potassium stress conditions

A rhizobox experiment was conducted to compare the differences of soil potassium (K) distribution and absorption between two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes under drought and K‐deficit conditions. Treatments included two levels of water (drought and optimum soil moisture: 25% and 35% volumetric water content) and K fertilizer rates (0 and 0.48 g potash kg^?1 soil) applied to two cotton genotypes (namely HEG and LEG). Both the genotypes showed significant differences in total K accumulation without exogenous K addition. After absorption, soil content of the readily available potassium (RAK) decreased rapidly. This promoted the conversion of the mineral K into slowly available potassium (SAK). Drought significantly decreased the cotton growth and K use efficiency, and thereby reduced the effect of K fertilizer. Consequantly, the contents of RAK and SAK were greatly increased. However, K bioavailability was decreased under water stress conditions. Differences in root parameters and soil microorganisms between two cotton genotypes were significantly increased and had marked relations with available soil K contents. This study provides important information for understanding the mechanism of K use efficiency, especially under water and K stress.     

Growth and nutrient uptake of tomato in response to application of saline water,biological fertilizer,and surfactant

The importance of using low-quality water, such as saline waters, for food production has been increased in the recent decades. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diluted seawater (electrical conductivity (EC) of 6 dS m^?1) on growth and nutrient uptake of tomato. We examined if surfactant (0, 1, 2, 4 mg L^?1) and biological fertilizer (compost tea + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules) have potential to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity on tomato plant. Salinity stress significantly reduced all plant growth parameters. Under salinity stress, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) contents in tomato shoot were lower, while phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca) contents were higher than non-salinized plants; showing ionic imbalance in this condition. Biological fertilizer improved root weight in saline condition. Under salinity stress surfactant application at the rate of 1 mg L^?1 helped tomato plants to maintain their ionic balance, especially declining Na uptake, and improved plant growth.     

Effects of vermicompost and salinity stress on growth and physiological traits of Medicago rigidula L.

The use of vermicompost as a biological fertilizer under salinity stress conditions was tested in this research. Accordingly, the seeds of Medicago rigidula were grown in the greenhouse. The experiment was performed based on factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design using 5 replications. Application rates of vermicompost were 0, 10, 20 and 30%. Salinity stress was conducted in three levels (0, 50 and 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)). The highest and the lowest values of the plant survival capacity (%), shoot dry weight (g), leaf relative water content (LRWC) (%), total chlorophyll content (%), leaf area (cm²), total nitrogen content (TNC) (%) and potassium (K) content (%) of the plant tissues were found in VC4 × SL1 and VC1 × SL3 treatments, respectively. Whereas, the maximum and minimum values of root dry weight and root:shoot ratio were seen in VC1 × SL3 and VC4 × SL1 treatments, respectively.     

Evaluation of White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes for arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization,leaf nutrient concentrations and tuber yield under NPK fertilizer application

Yield decline in yam may not only be due to soil nutrient depletion but also to the activity of soil microflora. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis helps in plant nutrition but may be affected by the application of fertilizer. The effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on the AM colonization, leaf nutrient concentrations, and tuber yields of eleven genotypes of Dioscorea rotundata were investigated at Ibadan, Nigeria. The soil was ferric luvisol. Eleven genotypes were selected from the previously conducted screening of 75 genotypes of D. rotundata for fertilizer response. Four application rates: 0, 200, 400, and 600 kg ha^?1 of NPK 15-15-15 were applied in a split plot design with four replications. Fertilizer rate was the main plot and variety was the sub plot. Percentage AM colonization was significantly reduced at 600 kg ha^?1 but not at lower rates when compared to zero rate and it was negatively correlated with leaf N, P, and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Leaf N concentrations were significantly increased at 200 kg ha^?1 in five genotypes and at 600 kg ha^?1 in two genotypes compared to zero application. Leaf P and K concentrations were decreased with the application of fertilizer in most of the genotypes. The NPK fertilizer of 15-15-15 at the rate of 200–400 kg ha^?1 gave yield response in eight genotypes of D. rotundata, with minimal or no effect on their AM colonization when compared to zero application. Long term study on the effect of fertilizer application on AM symbiosis in yam is recommended.     

HIGH FERTILIZER RATES INCREASE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF TEA TO WATER STRESS

A study to determine the association of fertilizer with soil water deficit in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] was conducted in a rain-out shelter using potted plants, in which five rates of fertilizer (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg Nitrogen ha^?1) and six levels of soil water content (38, 34, 30, 26, 22 and 18% v/v) were applied in a complete randomized design and replicated three times. The soil water treatment was maintained for a period of 12 weeks during which shoot growth, plant water relations, and dry matter partitioning in tea were determined. A parallel field experiment with the above fertilizer rates was conducted at three sites in which shoot density and shoot weight were determined during the dry season. Fertilizer improved leaf-to-root and leaf-to-total mass ratios (P < 0.001), reduced shoot growth, shoot water potential and specific leaf area (P < 0.001). The fertilizer exacerbated drought effect on tea through disproportionate assimilate partitioning which consequently weakened the ability of tea to tolerate water stress. Results suggest an indirect contribution of fertilizer supply to drought susceptibility in tea.     

POTASSIUM SULFATE IMPROVES WATER DEFICIT TOLERANCE IN MELON PLANTS GROWN UNDER GLASSHOUSE CONDITIONS

Interactive effects of water stress and potassium (K) on some physiological attributes and nutritional status of melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. ‘Tempo F1’) plants were assessed in a pot experiment. Treatments used were: (1) control or well-watered (WW) + K1, (2) WW + K2, (3) WW + K3, (4) water stress (WS) + K1, (5) WS + K2, and (6) WS + K3. Water stress (WS) was imposed by maintaining the moisture level equivalent to 50% pot capacity, whereas well-watered (WW) pots (control) were maintained at full pot capacity (100% PC). Hoagland's nutrient solution was modified to supply K as potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) at 6, 9, and 12 mM for K1, K2, and K3 treatments, respectively. Water stress reduced fruit yield, total dry matter, chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC), but increased proline accumulation in the melon plants. However, additional supply of K as 3 or 6 mM significantly enhanced all the earlier mentioned physiological parameters, but the values were still not the same as the levels of the control treatment. Water stress also reduced leaf calcium (Ca) and K of the melon plants, but additional supply of K to the root zone increased the levels of both nutrients much higher than those at the control (C) treatment. Our study revealed that additional supply of K improved water stress tolerance in melon plants by enhancing chlorophyll, relative water content and concentrations of some essential nutrients in leaves.     

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.     

Lowland Rice Genotypes Evaluation for Potassium-Use Efficiency

Lowland rice significantly contributes to world as well as Brazilian rice production and information on genotypes potassium-use efficiency is limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate lowland rice genotypes for potassium (K)–use efficiency. Ten genotypes were evaluated at 0 mg K kg^?1 (low) and 200 mg K kg^?1 (high) of soil. Grain yield and shoot dry weight were significantly affected by K as well as genotype treatments. Genotypes CNAi 8860, CNAi 8859, BRS Fronteira, and BRS Alvorada were the best in relation to K-use efficiency because they produced best grain yield at low as well as at higher K levels. Shoot dry weight, number of panicles per pot, and 1000-grain weight had highly significant (P < 0.01) association with grain yield. Spikelet sterility, however, had significant negative association with grain yield. These plant parameters were mainly influenced by genotypes, indicating importance of selecting appropriate genetic material for improving grain yield. Soil K depletion was significant at harvest, suggesting large amount of K uptake by lowland rice genotypes.     

Iron requirement for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] inoculated with selected exotic and native isolates of Bradyrhizobium sp. under irrigated conditions

A field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the requirement of Fe nutrient supplied through foliar and soil application in soybean inoculated with different selected isolates of exotic and native Bradyrhizobium spp. in saline soils. Six soybean genotypes and three Bradyrhizobium spp. were used for the greenhouse experiments, whereas only two soybean genotypes, namely TGx-1336424 and GIZA, were selected for further study under field conditions. Two levels of FeSO₄ (0 and 4 mg Fe kg^?1 soil) directly supplied to the soil and three levels of Fe-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (0–2% of Fe) through foliar application were used for greenhouse and field experiments, respectively. The results of the greenhouse experiment indicated a non-significant effect of Fe application on nodulation and shoot biomass in soybean. Fe application did not improve the grain yield and total biomass yield in soybean inoculated with UK isolate and local isolate but showed remarkable improvement with TAL-379. High soil native N might be the cause for insignificant effect of Fe applied at 2% in highly effective inoculated plants. Therefore, it can be concluded that the symbiotic effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium sp. and the native soil N would affect the soybean Fe requirement supplied through foliar application.     

Phosphorus Application Affects the Soybean Root Response to Water Deficit at the Initial Flowering and Full Pod Stages

Application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer is an important factor for improving the tolerance to water deficit in many plants. A pot experiment was conducted to identify the effects of P application on soybean adaptability to water deficit at the R1 (initial flowering) and R4 (full pod) stages through the investigation of root morphological traits, plant P uptake and resultant yield in two soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivars (Dongnong 46 and Heisheng 101). The four levels of P application were 0, 7.3, 14.6 and 29.2 mg kg^?2, respectively. The three water treatments were (1) 65–75% of field water capacity (FWC) as a well-watered control, (2) 30–40% of FWC at the R1 stage, and (3) 30–40% of FWC at the R4 stage. Root traits, plant uptake of P and yield were significantly reduced by water deficiency at different growth stages, especially at the R4 stage. Application of P enabled to alleviate the adverse effects of water deficit, to increase the root dry weight, root length and root surface area, and to slow root senescence after the R5 (initial pod filling) stage. The response of soybean genotypes to both water and P deficit was different. In the absence of P application, Dongnong 46 showed relatively low adaptability to water deficit at the R4 stage, whereas Heisheng 101 showed a lower reduction of root traits and yield. The beneficial effects of P application for Dongnong 46 were more pronounced than those for Heisheng 101. Based on this experiment, we suggested that P fertilizer application to soybean may be justified in low-rainfall years because of its ability to enhance the soybean adaptability to water deficit stress by improving the root morphology, P uptake and consequently yield.     

Effect of water stress on aluminum toxicity in pitch pine seedlings

A decrease in soil water content during droughts may increase aluminum (Al) to concentrations that are toxic to the growth of trees. The effects of water stress (WS) on the response of ectomycorrhizal pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.) seedlings to aluminum was determined by growing seedlings in sand irrigated with nutrient solution (pH 3.8) containing 0, 5, or 10 mg L^‐1 Al. Water stress was imposed for 41 days by withholding nutrient solution for five consecutive days each week. At harvest time, seedlings at high WS had 72% of mean gravimetric water contents of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum decreased growth of seedlings at high WS, but had no effect on growth of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum toxicity symptoms in roots (e.g., dark thickened tips) were observed at lower Al levels at high WS than at low WS. Stem dry weight was the only plant part decreased by water stress alone. Across Al levels, Al concentration in roots was higher at low WS than at high WS. Water stress alone reduced root [phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca)] and foliar [P, K, and magnesium (Mg)] concentrations of mineral nutrients. Decreases of nutrients in roots with increasing Al was greater at low than at high WS. Calcium was the only foliar nutrient decreased by Al treatment.     

Effect of Silicon on Plant Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Maize Grown Under Water-Stress Conditions

The effect of silicon (Si) on physiological attributes and nutritional status of maize (Zea mays cv. DK 647 F1) under water stress was studied in a pot experiment. Treatments were (1) well watered (WW): 100% of FC (soil field capacity), (2) WW + Si1: 100% of FC + 1 mM Si, (3) WW + Si2: 100% of FC + 2 mM Si, (4) water stress (WS): 50% of FC, (5) WS + Si1: 50% of FC + 1 mM Si and (6) WS + Si2: 50% of FC + 2 mM Si. In the control treatment, plants were irrigated to field capacity (100% FC). Water stress was imposed by maintaining a moisture level equivalent to 50% of field capacity, whereas the well-watered pots (control) were maintained at full field capacity. Water stress was found to reduce the total dry matter (DM), chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC), but to increase proline accumulation and electrolyte leakage in maize plants. Both Si treatments largely improved the above physiological parameters, but levels remained significantly lower than the control (WW) values except for electrolyte leakage and root:shoot ratios, which were higher. Only root DM appeared to show very little variation in any of the treatments. The concentration of Si in the plants was increased by Si addition into the nutrient solution. Water stress reduced leaf calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) of maize plants, but addition of Si increased these nutrient levels; Ca levels were similar to WW under the high-Si treatment, but K was lower. Root Ca and K were both increased by WS; root Ca was further increased by high Si (WS + Si2 treatment). Addition of Si to the WS treatments did not change root K. Results indicate that while application of Si may be one approach to improve growth of this crop and increase its production in arid or semi-arid areas where water is at a premium, this technique would not fully substitute for an adequate water supply.     

Drought Tolerance and Ion Accumulation of Rice Following Application of Additional Potassium Fertilizer

Five levels of water stress cycle (control flooded, control saturated, 5, 10, and 15 days of irrigation interval) and three potassium fertilization levels [80 kg, 120 kg, and kg 160 dipotassium oxide (K₂O) ha^?1] were exposed to investigate the influence of potassium fertilizer for minimizing water stress effect and maximizing productivity of rice. Different phyto-physiological parameters as well as uptake of major nutrient elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe)] were examined. It was observed that rice yield, harvest index, and other physiological parameters reduces with increasing duration of water stress while application of additional potassium fertilizer has progressive impact on those parameters. From our observation, 10 days of watering cycle with potassium fertilization at 120 kg K₂O ha^?1 produces highest grain yield and harvest index. Uptake of major nutrient elements was also enhanced by potassium fertilizer. Therefore, it can be stated that additional potassium fertilizer application could be useful to mitigate water stress effect in rice.     

WHEAT GENOTYPES DIFFERED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THEIR RESPONSE TO SILICON NUTRITION UNDER SALINITY STRESS

We studied the growth and ionic composition of five wheat genotypes (Inqlab-91, Uqab 2002, SARC-1, SARC-3, and SARC-5) grown under salinity stress to applied silicon. Plants were grown with three levels of salinity [0, 60, and 120 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] in the presence of 0, 2, and 4 mM Si in nutrient solution for 40 days. Salinity stress significantly decreased shoot and root biomass in plants with varying degrees. Genotype SARC-3 exhibited higher salt tolerance than other genotypes. Silicon (Si) application significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant biomass at both control as well as under saline conditions. Genotypes differed significantly for their response to applied Si in terms of biomass production. Silicon application significantly (P < 0.01) increased potassium (K⁺) concentration in shoots. Enhanced salinity tolerance in wheat by Si application was attributed to increased K⁺ uptake thereby increasing K⁺/sodium (Na⁺) ratio and lower Na⁺ translocation towards shoot.     

耐低钾冬小麦基因型筛选方法的研究

通过液培实验及低钾土壤上的田间实验,比较,讨论了耐低钾冬小麦基因型的筛选指标,时期及钾浓度,结果表明：液培筛选的评价指标,吸钾量优于钾利用指数,筛选的适宜时期为拔节期,钾浓度以１．０ｍｍｏｌ／ＬＫ＾＋为宜,低钾土壤７种基因型的经济产量与植株地上部吸钾量间存在极显著正相关（ｒ＝０．９４５,ｎ＝２１）。冬小麦吸收的钾主要来自于１ｍｏｌ／Ｌ热ＮＨＯ３不能提取的非交换性钾,吸钾量亦可作主田间筛选的评价指标     

大豆品种耐低磷和对磷肥效应的遗传差异

大豆不同品种对低磷胁迫和磷肥效应有显著的遗传差异。低磷胁迫下,苗期植株叶片酸性磷酸酶活性（APA）和叶面积与品种的子粒产量呈极显著相关;APA、叶面积、干物质量和氮积累量与生物学产量呈显著或极显著相关。但在施磷条件下,它们之间则无相关关系。这表明APA、叶面积、干物质量和氨积累量可作为耐低磷基因型的筛选指标。试验表明,耐低磷能力弱的品种对磷肥反应更为敏感。在低磷和施磷条件下产量均较高的品种也是存在的,它们对不同的磷素营养环境有着广泛的适应性,进一步挖掘这类基因型很有意义。     

SEED YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS RESPONSE OF RAPE (B. NAPUS) VERSUS MUSTARD (B. JUNCEA) TO SULFUR AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN

Improper sulfur (S) and potassium (K) fertilizer management, particularly with continued soil nutrient mining, is one of the major factors contributing to low seed yield of canola in northwestern Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted in 2007?2008 on a S and K deficient clay loam soil at the Research Farm of NWFP (Northwest Frontier Province) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, with an objective to determine seed yield and yield components response of Brassica oilseed rape versus mustard to S and K application. Twenty treatments in a randomized complete block design were consisted of two oilseed rape (B. napus canola) and mustard (B. juncea canola) genotypes at three rates each of S (15, 30, and 45 kg S ha^?1) and K (30, 60, and 90 kg K ha^?1) fertilizers plus one control (no S and K applied). Seed yield and yield components increased significantly with K and S fertilization as compared to the zero-S/zero-K control. Both genotypes responded positively for seed yield and yield components to K and S fertilization, but the magnitude of response varied with levels of S and K, as well as combined K + S applications. It is concluded that a combination of 60 kg K + 30 kg S ha^?1 would improve seed yield and yield components of rape and mustard in the study area and contribute significantly to increased production. Growing B. napus was better than B. juncea in the study area, because B. napus produced significantly higher seed yield and yield components than B. juncea, indicating that yield components are the most important criteria for selection of Brassica genotypes for higher seed yield.     

INVESTIGATION OF SALINITY STRESS AND POTASSIUM LEVELS ON MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SAFFRON

A greenhouse research experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity stress and potassium (K) fertilization on biomass accumulation of roots and shoot of saffron plants. Treatments were four levels salinity in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl; 3.4, 6.4, 9.4 and 12.4 dS m^?1) and three levels of potassium (50, 100, and 150 % of Hoagland's nutrition solution base). Results indicated that higher levels of potassium significantly controlled the negative effects of NaCl on length and number of roots as well as fresh weight and number of leaves per plant. Increase in salinity and potassium levels caused a reduction in leaf water content, and enhancement in electrolyte leakage. It seems that in the presence of salinity increasing 50% extra potassium (Based on Hoagland's nutrient solution) in the rhizosphere of saffron can improve damaging effects of NaCl up to 9.4 dS m^?1 of soil solution.     

ALLEVIATION OF CADMIUM TOXICITY IN SOYBEAN BY POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of potassium (K) on alleviating cadmium (Cd) toxicity in soybean. Two genotypes of soybean, namely ‘Liao 1’ and ‘Zhechun 3’ were used in hydroponics experiment with the following treatments: control without Cd addition; 1μM Cd addition; K supplementation at a rate of 380 mg L^?1; and both Cd addition and K supplementation. Plant growth, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence, rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance reduced significantly in Cd-stressed plants. Meanwhile, Cd treatment increased malondialdehyde content, and activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes. Concentration of K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) in shoot and root tissues also reduced in Cd treatment. ‘Liao 1’ had higher, antioxidant enzyme activity than ‘Zhechun 3’. Potassium supplementation alleviated the reduction of growth, photosynthesis and nutrients uptake in Cd-treated plants. It was concluded that Cd toxicity could be alleviated through enhanced K nutrition in soybean.