CHROMIUM TOXICITY IN HYBRID EUCALYPTUS (EUCALYPTUS UROPHYLLA S. T. BLAKE X GRANDIS W. HILL EX. MAIDEN) CUTTINGS

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate chromium (Cr) toxicity in urograndis (Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake x grandis W. Hill ex. Maiden). Chromium nitrate was amended to Clark's nutrient solution (0.00, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.32 and 0.64 mmol L^?1 Cr), which was used to breed one urograndis cutting per pot (four replications). Regression analysis revealed that Cr rates of 0.08 mmol L^?1 or higher significantly decreased (P < 0.01) dry matter yield of shoot and root. Chromium accumulation order in plant was: root > stem > leaves. Critical Cr toxicity level in leaves was 0.74 mg kg^?1. Uptake and translocation of nutrients were affected differently by Cr. Mostly have their uptake reduced due to root damage. Magnesium, iron and manganese translocation increases, supposedly to maintain normal photosynthetic activity. Wilting is the main visual symptom of Cr toxicity. Urograndis may be suitable for contaminated sites phytostabilization and receive industrial waste fertilization.     

万寿菊：铬植物修复的潜在价值

Environmental pollution with chromium(Cr) is harmful to humans, animals and plants, while in plants it causes diminished growth,anatomical alterations and death. In the present study, the potential value of marigold(Tagetes erecta) in the phytoremediation of Cr has been investigated. The randomized experimental design involved the exposure of plants to nutrient solutions containing 0.00,0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 or 0.24 mmol L~(-1)Cr(Ⅲ). Chromium toxicity was observed at Cr(Ⅲ) concentrations ≥ 0.12 mmol L~(-1) as demonstrated by diminished growth of the aerial parts and reduced density of the root system. Increasing Cr(Ⅲ) concentrations in the nutrient solution resulted in a higher bioaccumulation of total Cr in the tissues, although translocation from roots to aerial parts was not efficient(maximum value of 25% at 0.12 mmol L~(-1)Cr(Ⅲ)). The Cr bioaccumulation was up to 11-fold greater in roots than in the aerial parts. Tagetes erecta exhibited leaf plasticity when exposed to Cr, indicating the existence of a tolerance mechanism to Cr in this species. Chromium caused a reduction in xilem vases, resulting in a plastic effect in T. erecta leaves that increased the metal tolerance in culture solution. Tagetes spp. are potential Cr hyperaccumulators; at Cr(Ⅲ) concentrations up to 0.12 mmol L~(-1), the plants accumulated levels above that proposed for hyperaccumulators and still maintained a considerable growth and even flourished. However, this study was conducted in nutrient solution, and studies on species confirmation as Cr hyperaccumulator should be conducted in soils for further clarification.     

Interactive effects of aluminum and chromium stresses on the uptake of nutrients and the metals in barley

Aluminum (Al) and chromium (Cr) stresses often occur simultaneously in agricultural soils, and pose a great damage to crop growth, yield formation and product safety. In the current study, the influence of combined Al and Cr stresses on plant biomass, metal and nutrient contents was determined in comparison with that of Al or Cr stress alone. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pH, Al and Cr in the medium solution on the uptake of mineral elements as well as Al and Cr in the two barley genotypes differing in Al tolerance. Aluminum sensitive genotype Shang 70-119 had significantly higher Cr and Al contents in plants than Al-tolerant genotype Gebeina. Barley roots had much higher Al and Cr contents than above-ground plant parts. Chromium contents were much higher in the solution with pH 4.0 than in that with pH 6.5. Aluminum stress reduced phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) contents in roots and restrained potassium (K) and iron (Fe) from being translocated into shoots and leaves. Chromium stress resulted in reduced P, K, Mg, S, Fe, Zn and Mn contents in roots at pH 6.5 and P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn and Mn contents at pH 4.0. Translocation of all nutrients from roots to upper parts of plants was inhibited except Ca in pH 6.5 with Cr addition. Lower contents of all nutrients were observed at pH 4.0 as compared to pH 6.5. Combined stress of Cr and Al, on the whole, caused further reduction in mineral content in all plant parts of the two barley genotypes as compared to Al or Cr stress alone. Moreover, the reduction was more pronounced in Al sensitive genotype Shang 70-119.     

Nutrient solution nitrogen form and barley yellow dwarf virus disease tolerance in oat and wheat

Abstract

The form of nutrient solution nitrogen (either NH₄‐N or NO₃‐N or mixtures of the two) provided to plants influences the severity of many crop diseases. This greenhouse study was conducted to determine how growth, grain yield, and yield components of oat (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants given nutrient solutions containing different ratios of NO₃‐N to NH₄‐N would react to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) infection. Fifteen‐day‐old seedlings (2nd leaf stage) were either infected with BYDV (PAV strain) or left uninfected. Nutrient solution treatments (started 19 d after germination) provided three ratios of NO₃‐N to NH₄‐N (100% NO₃, 50:50 NH₄:NO₃, or 100% NH₄) for a 30‐d period, after which plant height and tillers plant^?1 were measured. Oat and wheat plants given NH₄ had fewer tillers than plants given the other nutrient solution treatments. BYDV‐infected oat and wheat plants were shorter than uninfected plants. All pots then received NO₃ nutrient solution until plant maturity, after which days to anthesis, primary tiller height, grain yield and yield components were measured. In the NH₄ nutrient solution treatments, BYDV infection significantly reduced individual kernel weight in oat and primary tiller height in wheat. These same measures were not significantly affected by BYDV infection in the NO₃ or NH₄NO₃ nutrient solution treatments. There were no other significant nutrient solution by BYDV infection interactions for any other dependent variable measured. Nutrient solution treatments had no significant effect on grain yield, but BYDV infection reduced grain yield by 45% in oat and 46% in wheat. In conclusion, nutrient solution N form interacted with BYDV infection to alter disease tolerance in oat (kernel weight) and wheat (primary tiller height), but these alterations had no effect in ameliorating grain yield loss caused by BYDV disease.     

Cobalt‐induced stress in tomato plants: Effect on yield,chlorophyll content,and nutrient evolution

An experiment developed in soilless culture was used to study the effect of several levels of cobalt (Co) (0, 5, 15, and 30 mg.L^‐1) on yield and nutrient evolution of the tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum M. cv. Ramy). The incidence of this pollutant in leaf chlorophyll contents was also studied. Increasing concentration of Co in nutrient solution reduced drastically yield in tomato plants. Total, a and b chlorophyll contents were affected by Co level in nutrient solution. A significant increase of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and copper (Cu) in the fruit in function of Co treatments were observed. Similar evolution in iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) fruit content affected by Co presence in higher treatment were obtained. No significant effect of Co presence on potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and zinc (Zn) fruit contents were observed. Cobalt absorption was very high, with values of Co in fruit around 250 μg Co g^‐1.     

Influence of Chromium with Vermicompost on Growth and Accumulation by Brahmi

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted under glasshouse conditions during 2004 on brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) at the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow. The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different levels of chromium (Cr), with and without vermicompost, on growth and yield, as well as on accumulation of Cr by Bacopa. Rooted cuttings of Bacopa were grown under three levels of Cr (10, 20, and 40 ppm), two levels of vermicompost (2.5 and 5 g kg^?1 soil), and a combination of both. The results indicated that herb yield increased with the joint application of vermicompost and chromium, as compared to compost and Cr alone. Application of Cr only decreased nitrogen (N) and increased phosphorus (P) concentration in plants with increase in its supply, whereas application with vermicompost raised N concentration. Chromium concentration in plant tissue was found to be highest at supply of Cr at 40 ppm+vermicompost 5 g kg^?1 soil. Increase in the supply of Cr only (10, 20, and 40 ppm) decreased iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentration in plants. The experiment suggests that brahmi, because of its high accumulation ability, could be used as a scavenger to clean Cr‐contaminated soil.     

Effects of Nitrogen Source on Growth and Development of Strawberry Plants

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of nitrate (NO₃ ^?) and ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) ratios in nutrient solutions on the growth and production of fruits, runners, and daughter plants of strawberry Fragaria x ananassa Duch., grown in a hydroponic system. Five treatments were applied, consisting of different proportions of NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^? in the nutrient solution. The NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^? ratios were: T0 = 0:4, T1 = 1:3, T2 = 2:2, T3 = 3:1, and T4 = 4:0, at a constant nitrogen (N) concentration of 4 mol m^?3. Growth and morphogenesis were characterized by monitoring leaf-area increase, number of flowers and fruits per plant, and number of daughter plants of first and second generations. Nitrogen and carbon (C) content were measured at the end of the experiment in the organs of both mother and daughter plants. None of the variables related to the growth of the mother plant was affected by the treatments. However, the number of fruits increased with the proportion of NH₄ ⁺ in the nutrient solution. The number of daughter plants produced was affected only at high NH₄ ⁺ proportions, and their size (dry matter per daughter plant) and fertility (number of second-generation plants per first-generation plants) were reduced. The N or C content of the plants was not significantly affected by the treatments, but the C/N ratio in the crowns of mother plants was higher in treatments with 25% and 50% NH₄ ⁺ in the nutrient solution.     

Cadmium accumulation and distribution in cucumber plant

An experiment developed in soilless culture was used to study the cadmium (Cd) accumulation, and distribution of Cd in cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. peonero‐mixfl) plant. Four treatments were established (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg Cd⁺² L^‐1). Uptake, and transport of Cd were increased with time, and Cd concentration in the nutrient solution. Fruit accumulation of Cd varied from 16 to 92 mg kg^‐1 depending on the treatments. The fresh weight, and dry matter accumulation of cucumber plant organs (roots, stem, leaves, and fruits) was affected by cadmium treatment. A decrease of the total, a, and b chlorophyll increasing Cd concentration in nutrient solution, and time of experiment were observed. The incidence of this metal on the content of chlorophyll b seem to be faster than chlorophyll a. Cucumber plant could be a feasible plant for pollution experiments due to their high sensibility, and transport efficiency.     

Effects of Heating Nutrient Solution on Water and Mineral Uptake and Early Yield of Two Cucurbits under Soilless Culture

Root temperature may affect the production of greenhouse vegetables under soilless culture. Four independent experiments were carried out over two consecutive crop cycles using two different substrates: rockwool and coconut coir waste. Three heating treatments were applied: non heating (T0), nutrient solution at 12–16°C (T1), and at 18–22°C (T2). The experiments were carried out in greenhouses in Almería (SE Spain) on cucumber and melon. Mean substrate and air temperature were not affected by the treatments. Under conditions of nutrient solution heating EC and percentage of drainage volume decreased, while water and mineral nutrient absorption increased. However, results showed great differences between both crops and substrates. A significant decrease in nitrate and phosphate emission from the substrates was also recorded, especially in rockwool substrate. Few effects were observed concerning yield and fruit quality parameters, but in rockwool-grown melon early yield was enhanced. It follows that nutrient solution heating is a low-cost and environmentally friendly method of increasing early melon yield.     

Response of Pepper Plants to Different Rates of Mineral Fertilizers After Soil Biofumigation and Solarization

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effect of using three different rates (zero, low-input, and high-input) of a mineral fertilizer (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) on growth and yield of pepper cultivated in a soil after biofumigation (with horse manure at the rate of 4 kg· m^{? 2}) and solarization. Several physiological traits related with pepper plant development (leaf mineral concentration, net photosynthesis rate, transpiration, leaf sugar, and chlorophyll concentration) and fruit yield were determined. In T-1, chlorophyll was significantly lower and sugar concentration was significantly higher than in those where mineral fertilizers had been added (T-2 and T-3). There were no significant differences in photosynthetic rate among treatments. Increasing mineral fertilizer rates increased vegetative growth at the expense of fruit yield. Leaf nutrient concentrations most affected by the treatments were the N-fractions, and changes in the other parameters measured are discussed on the basis of these differences.     

Effect of nutrient‐management practices on growth,fruiting pattern,and yield of Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is mostly grown in the rainfed regions of India. However, little is known about the effects of nutrient‐management practices on plant growth and fruiting pattern of Asiatic cotton. Therefore, plant growth and fruiting pattern under four nutrient‐management treatments, N, NPK, FYM (10 Mg ha^–1), and INM (integrated nutrient management: a combination of NPK and FYM) were quantified during 2000–01 to 2002–03 (years 16 to 18 of a long‐term field experiment). Plants of the INM and FYM treatments were taller (68.4–149.5 cm) and had more main stem nodes per plant (30.5–44.5) as compared to N and NPK treatments. In treatment N, the shortest plants (50.9–83.6 cm) and the least number of fruiting structures were produced. Plants of the INM and FYM treatments accumulated more squares and bolls. Maximum boll production was 10–19 days earlier with the manure‐amended than the N and NPK treatments. Treatment N had the lowest seed cotton yield (639–790 kg ha^–1), because of small boll size (1.48–1.73 g) and few open bolls. Seed cotton yield followed the trend: NPK (815–1278 kg ha^–1) < INM (776–1551 kg ha^–1) < FYM (902–1593 kg ha^–1). Water stress and nutrient deficiencies (P and Zn in the N and Zn in the NPK treatments) as a consequence of nutrient depletion over the years may have decreased seed cotton yields in treatments that received mineral fertilizer alone in comparison with manure‐amended treatments. On a long‐term basis, FYM application should therefore form an integral part of nutrient recommendation.     

Root Length and Distribution of Chromium in Corylus Avellana with Tuber Albidum Mycorrhyzas

Non-mycorrhizal Corylus avellana L. seedlings and filbert seedlings colonized with Tuber albidum Pico were grown in semihydroponic culture with frequent renewed nutrient solution. The seedlings were exposed to 0.96 μM of KCr(SO₄)₂ ·12H₂O and of K₂CrO₄ for one month. Such a low concentration of Cr slightly increased the fine root length. Chromium did not vary the degree of infection with T. albidum, while reduced the colonization with alien fungi. Chromium accumulated in the roots both in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal seedlings but was not translocated to foliage and twigs. This means that the T. albidum sheath doesn't prevent Cr from reaching the root.     

不同营养液浓度对温室盆栽黄瓜产量与品质的影响

营养液浓度与供液方式会影响温室黄瓜的产量与品质。本文通过盆栽试验,以山崎黄瓜专用营养液配方标准浓度1S为基准,研究了负水头供水控水盆栽装置供液条件下 1/2S、3/4S、1S、1S 4种营养液浓度以及常规浇灌1S（CK）营养液浓度对温室盆栽基质栽培黄瓜产量与品质的影响。结果表明, 地上部干重和产量与营养液浓度成显著正相关关系; 1S处理产量与地上部干重显著大于1S (CK)处理,但营养液生产效率差异不显著; 黄瓜整体品质随生育进程而提高,采收初期果实品质整体指标各处理差异较大,1S处理的较高; 采收中期1S与1S处理的较高,而采收末期各处理整体品质差异较小,1/2S与1S（CK）处理的相对较高; 其中1S（CK）处理各采收时期果实硝酸盐含量明显高于1S处理,而其它各指标两者无显著差异。负水头供水控水盆栽装置供液方式与1S营养液浓度处理是一种较好的供液方式与供液浓度。同时,适当提高黄瓜生育前期与降低生育末期营养液浓度能提高黄瓜的整体品质。     

Sorption Characteristics of Chromium and Its Phytotoxic Effect with or without City Compost on Maize and Spinach in a Vertisol of Central India

Abstract

Phytotoxicity, due to chromium [Cr (VI)] additions from low to very high levels in a swell–shrink clayey soil (Haplustert), in maize and spinach was studied in a pot culture experiment. Six levels of Cr (VI) (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 mg kg^?1 soil) for maize and five levels for spinach (0, 2, 5, 10, and 25 mg kg^?1 soil) were applied singly and in combination with two doses (0 and 20 t ha^?1) of city compost. At levels of more than 75 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil for maize there was virtually no growth after germination, whereas 25 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil hindered the germination of spinach crop. Initial symptoms of Cr (VI) toxicity appeared as severe wilting of the tops of treated plants. Maize plants suffering from severe Cr (VI) toxicity had smaller roots and narrow brownish red leaves covered with small necrotic spots. In spinach, severe chlorosis was observed in leaves. Higher levels of Cr (VI) inhibited the growth and dry‐matter yield of the crops. However, application of city compost alleviated the toxic effect of Cr (VI). The concentration of Cr (VI) in plant parts increased when Cr (VI) was applied singly but decreased considerably when used in combination with city compost. There was evidence of an antagonistic effect of Cr (VI) on other heavy‐metal (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe) concentrations in plant tops. Thus, when Cr (VI) concentration increases, the concentration of other beneficial metals decreases. Chromium (VI) concentration in maize roots ranged from traces (control) to 30 mg kg^?1and were directly related to soil Cr (VI) concentration. At 25 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil, yield of maize was reduced to 41% of control plants, whereas in spinach, 10 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil caused a 33% yield reduction. Experimental results revealed that the maize top (cereal) is less effective in accumulating Cr (VI) than spinach (leafy vegetables). Laboratory studies were also conducted to know Cr (VI) sorption capacity of a swell–shrink clayey soil with and without city compost, and it was found that Cr (VI) sorption reaction was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.     

基于叶片数增长动态的营养液供给对番茄生长、产量和品质的影响

【目的】 针对基质栽培番茄的营养液管理问题,研究了基于叶片数增长动态调控营养液供给对番茄生长、产量和品质的影响。 【方法】 温室基质栽培条件下,以番茄为试验材料,根据植株每增长 1、2 和 3 片叶时营养液浓度的提高幅度分别设置 TR0.1 (0.1 mS/cm)、TR0.2 (0.2 mS/cm)和 TR0.3 (0.3 mS/cm) 3 个处理,即叶片数增长动态处理;另设常规营养液管理模式作为对照（CK),即番茄定植至开花前、开花至第一穗果坐果、第一穗果坐果至采收结束 3 个生育期内供给营养液浓度分别为 1.5、2.1 和 2.7 mS/cm。通过测定营养液总盐含量和番茄株高、茎粗、叶片数、产量、养分利用率和品质等指标对不同营养液管理方法进行评价。 【结果】 叶片数增长动态处理 (TR0.1、TR0.2和TR0.3) 营养液浓度提高频率是 CK 的 2.0～5.6 倍,且可利用的营养液总盐含量、大量元素和微量元素的总含量均表现为 CK > TR0.1 > TR0.2 > TR0.3。叶片数增长动态处理 (TR0.1、TR0.2和TR0.3) 和 CK 的茎粗和叶片数受营养液浓度提高幅度影响较小。TR0.1 处理的产量和营养液养分利用率比 CK 分别提高了 30.4% 和 37.7% ( P < 0.05)。与 CK 相比,TR0.1、TR0.2 和 TR0.3 处理的果实中硝酸盐含量和可滴定酸含量分别降低了 19.4%～68.6%和16.7%～23.2% ( P < 0.05),总可溶性固形物和糖酸比分别增加了 0.8%～12.9% ( P < 0.05,TR0.3 除外) 和 31.3%～34.7% ( P < 0.05),说明叶片数增长动态处理的果实品质优于 CK。基于叶片数增长动态调控营养液供给的方法中,与 TR0.3 处理相比,TR0.1 处理的株高增加 7.5 cm ( P < 0.05),产量和营养液养分利用率分别提高了 30.7% 和 29.4% ( P < 0.05);TR0.1 处理果实硝酸盐含量、总可溶性固形物、可滴定酸含量和糖酸比均最高,除糖酸比外,各处理呈显著性差异。 【结论】 基于叶片数增长动态调控营养液浓度供给的方法优于常规基质栽培营养液管理方法,可以实现基质栽培番茄的高产优质,提高营养液养分利用率,其中每增长 1 片叶营养液浓度增加 0.1 mS/cm 的供给方法 (TR0.1),因营养液浓度变化速率快,浓度变化幅度小,对促进番茄生长、养分吸收及增加产量、改善品质的效果最好,为供试条件下最优的营养液调控方法。      

Effects of zinc fungicides and different zinc fertilizer application methods on soluble and total zinc in potato plant shoots

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of fungicides [with or without zinc (Zn)] and different Zn fertilizer application methods (no fertilizer; soil application; shoot application; soil plus shoot application) on the soluble and total Zn in the dry matter of potato shoots. Zinc fertilizer was applied to the shoots at 20 and 45 days after plant emergence (DAE), immediately before plant sampling. At 25 DAE, Zn fungicide increased soluble and total Zn in the fourth leaf. The same occurred, at 45 DAE, with the Zn fertilizer applied to the shoots. It were not observed significant increases on both soluble and total Zn contents in the fourth leaf of plants that received soil Zn fertilization. Even in the leaves with 262 mg Zn kg^‐1, there was no phytotoxicity symptoms. The total Zn concentration at 20 DAE was the best index correlated to potato tuber yield reaching 50.9 mg Zn kg^‐1 in the fourth leaf of plants at the highest marketable tuber yield treatment. Plant nutrient element contents [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn)] were not affected by the treatments.     

Heavy Metals in Soil Treated with Sewage Sludge Composting, their Effect on Yield and Uptake of Broad Bean Seeds (Vicia faba L.)

The final use that may be given to biosolids that result from the treatment of residual municipal waters depends on their physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. Their organic matter content and wealth of essential elements may allow their use for agricultural fertilization purposes. The objective of this research project was to evaluate the physicochemical interactions between soil treated with biosolids and compost from municipal residual waters, and the nutritional parameters of broad bean seeds (Vicia faba L.). The studied area is located in the central region of the Mexican Republic. The biosolids were treated with aerated static pile composting. The experimental work was performed in the area surrounding the East Toluca Macroplant, where nine 2 × 3 m plots were defined and distributed in a Latin square; 3 plots were used as controls (without conditioning), 3 were conditioned with 4.5 Mg ha^?1 of biosolids on a dry base, and 3 were conditioned with the same amount of compost. The parameters determined for biosolids, compost, and soil were: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K), total and available heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn); for the plant: height reached, green seeds productivity and yield per treatment (ton ha^?1); for the seeds: humidity, ashes, fiber, fats, protein, starch and total and available heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn). pH was slightly acid in soil treated with biosolids (6.71). OM and CEC did not represent significant differences. Total concentrations of Cr, Zn, Ni and Cu in soil presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between treated soil and the control, Cd was not detected. Cu was the most available metal in soil treated with compost (15.31%), Cd and Cr were not detected. The plants had higher growth rates with biosolids (112.22 cm) and compost (103.73 cm); higher green broad bean productivity and higher seed yield, especially in plots containing biosolids, which had rates three times higher than the control. In regards to broad bean seeds, content of ashes, fiber, fats, protein, starch and heavy metals (Cu, Ni and Zn), there were no significant differences between the treatments. Cd and Cr were not detected. In conclusion, it has been proven that the use of biosolids and compost studied in this broad bean crop do not involve an environmental risk, and thus give way to a solution to the problem of final disposition of biosolids in the region.     

Fractionation of chromium in tannery sludge-amended soil and its availability to fenugreek plants

Purpose

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant with antidiabetic effects. Chromium has been related to better glucose tolerance in humans. The objective of this study was to determine whether tannery sludge could be used for Cr biofortification of fenugreek.

Materials and methods

Soil was mixed with tannery sludge containing 6.03 g Cr kg^?1. All Cr was in the form of Cr(III). Three treatments were disposed: control without sludge, and two treatments with 10 and 20 g sludge kg^?1, respectively. Control and the 10 g sludge kg^?1 treatments received NPK fertilizer to adjust the concentrations of major mineral nutrients to similar levels in all treatments. Soils were potted and planted with fenugreek. Plants harvested at the initial flowering stage were analysed for total Cr, Fe, Zn and Pb. Sequential soil extraction was applied to obtain operationally defined soil Cr fractions.

Results and discussion

Total Cr in all treatments was below or within the allowable range for agricultural soils (100–150 mg kg^?1). In control soils, most Cr was in the residual fraction (HF/HClO₄ digest). Tannery sludge-amended soils incorporated most Cr into the moderately reducible fraction (oxalic acid/ammonium oxalate extract). In fenugreek shoots, Cr concentrations reached 3.2 mg Cr kg^?1, a higher concentration than that reported for other leafy vegetables. Lead concentrations in plant shoots from this treatment were enhanced but hardly exceeded 1 mg Pb kg^?1.

Conclusions

Tannery sludge-amended soils containing Cr within the range of permissible concentrations can increase shoot Cr in fenugreek. Only sludge with low Pb concentrations should be used for Cr biofortification of fenugreek.     

Impact of Supplemental Calcium Chloride on Yield,Quality, Nutrient Status,and Postharvest Attributes of Tomato

Little is known regarding the impact of calcium chloride applications during growth and development on tomato postharvest quality. This trial investigated supplemental calcium chloride applications on yield, nutrient content, texture, and postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Calcium (Ca) nutrient solution concentrations were: 60, 180, and 360 mg·L^?1 calcium, while foliar applications were (0, 1, and 2% calcium chloride w/v). Plants grown with 60 mg·L^?1 Ca had a high incidence of blossom end rot, which was not affected by calcium chloride sprays. Fruit nutrient concentrations were affected by calcium delivered through the nutrient solution. As fruit cluster position increased, fruit nutrient concentrations significantly decreased. Foliar calcium chloride sprays affected fruit soluble solids content and dry weight, but did not affect texture. Pericarp elasticity increased concomitantly with calcium in the nutrient solution. Postharvest disease incidence was not affected by calcium treatment, though weight loss during storage was negatively affected by calcium chloride sprays.     

Soil water content,absorption of nutrient elements,and responses to fertilization of sunflower: A case study

Sunflower is considered to be a drought tolerant crop due to its root system. In Argentina, water availability and mineral nutrition are the main factors determining yield. We evaluated the behavior of a sunflower hybrid subjected to fertilization in a period of drought. A trial with the hybrid Paraiso 5 was carried out on a Typic Hapludoll located in western Buenos Aires province. The six treatments were: control; 150 kg or 300 kg available nitrogen (N) ha^‐1 (Native N supplemented with fertilizer); 150 kg or 300 kg available N ha^‐1 (Native N supplemented with fertilizer) plus other macro‐ and micronutrients, and macro‐ and micronutrients without N. Leaf area, plant biomass, root biomass, and yield components were determined. Plant tops and grain were analyzed for N, phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Soil water content to a 1.2 m depth was measured periodically. At sowing, soil moisture was adequate, but during the first two months, the soil water content dropped to near the wilting point. Roots were largely located in the first 10 cm and dropped abruptly at deeper depths. The highest grain yield resulted from the highest N rates, but there were no effects from other nutrient elements. The oil content was not affected by these treatments. The chemical composition of the straw showed significant differences in N, P, S, and Mn concentration. In grain, only N increased as a response to N fertilization. This hybrid absorbed most nutrient elements during the first half of the life cycle and this corresponded to a time of drought conditions. Apparently roots are able to absorb water from the deep soil depths and still absorb nutrient elements from top soil. These traits might be crop strategies to respond to fertilization under drought.