Growth and nutrition of pansy as influenced by N‐form ratio and temperature

Abstract

Pansy (Viola xwittrockiana Gams.) producers often observe nutrient disorders among plants grown during warm periods (>18°C) of the growing season. These disorders typically are not seen when production temperatures are optimal (≥18°C) even though fertility regimes may remain the same. Our objectives were to assess the effects of temperature and nitrogen (N) fertility on growth and nutrition of pansy. Pansies cultivar ‘Crown White’ were grown until lateral branches had open flowers. Treatments consisted of two temperatures (12 and 22°C) and three NO₃ ^?:NH₄ ⁺ molar % ratios (100:0, 62:38, and 25:75) with a total concentration of 100 mg N L^?1. A modified Hoagland's solution was used with NO₃ ^?‐N supplied as Ca(NO₃)₂ and KNO₃ and with NH₄ ⁺‐N as (NH₄)₂SO₄. Cumulative nutrient absorption and foliar nutrient content were determined when plant lateral branches flowered. Root and shoot growth were limited when NH₄ ⁺ was present in solutions at high ambient air temperature (22°C), but not at low temperature (12°C). Individual absorption and accumulation of plant nutrients varied with N regimes and temperatures. Overall, pansies absorbed more total N, NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^?, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), and less iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) at 12°C than at 22°C. In addition, absorption of NO₃ ^? by pansy was negligible if any NH₄ ⁺ was present in solutions at 22°C. Results suggest that pansy growers should adjust fertility programs according to production temperatures to avoid possible nutritional disorders and maximize plant growth. If maximum growth is to be obtained in warm temperatures, the use of NH₄ ⁺‐containing fertilizers should be reduced or eliminated. However, the choice of NO₃ ^?:NH₄ ⁺ ratio for nutrition may be less important under cool growing conditions.     

Effect of N‐form on growth and nutrient content of creeping bentgrass 1

Abstract

The primary nitrogen forms utilized by plants are ammonium and nitrate. Although the importance of nutrients other than nitrogen for proper turfgrass growth is well established, the amounts of these nutrients in the plant tissue in relation to the use of different N‐forms has not been clearly documented. This study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to determine the effect of N‐form and cutting regime on growth, macronutrient, and micronutrient content of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. ‘Penncross'). Treatments consisted of 100% NO3^? (calcium nitrate), 100% NH₄ ⁺ (ammonium sulfate), and a 50:50 ratio of NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^?. Half the turfgrass plants were maintained at a height of 1 cm (cut), while the other half of the plants were not cut until the end of the study (uncut). The uncut 50:50 treatment yielded the highest shoot, verdure, and total plant dry matter, while the uncut NO₃ ^? treatment produced the highest root dry matter. The uncut NH₄ ⁺ treatment yielded the least shoot, root, and total plant dry matter. Plants of the uncut NO₃ ^? treatment had greater accumulation of macronutrients in the shoot and root tissue compared to plants of the NH₄ ⁺ treatment. The uncut NO₃ ^? and 50:50 treatments had higher total accumulation of micronutrients compared to the uncut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants. The cut NO₃ ^? treatment resulted in the highest macronutrient and micronutrient contents in the root tissue in comparison to other cut treatments. The cut treatments had the highest percentage accumulation of nutrients in the verdure tissue, while the uncut treatments had the highest percentage accumulation of nutrients in the shoot tissue.     

Role of Ammonium to Limit Nitrate Accumulation and to Increase Water Economy in Wild Swiss Chard

ABSTRACT

The present study was performed to characterize the interaction between nitrogen (N) form and availability with respect to growth, water relations, and mineral nutrition of wild swiss chard (Beta macrocarpa Guss). Plants were cultured hydroponically with two levels of N concentrations, high-N (2.5 mM) or low-N (0.5 mM), added as nitrate (NO^? ₃) or ammonium (NH⁺ ₄). At high N, growth was affected significantly by N form. If the NO^? ₃ medium was considered as control, the use of NH⁺ ₄ decreased dry matter production and leaf area by ca. 35%. Use of NH⁺ ₄ led to water economy and did not affect the nutrient content of the plant tissues. Compared to growth with high N, plants growth fell in either low- NO^? ₃ or low- NH⁺ ₄ medium. In this case, the difference between the two N sources was not significant. Our results showed that the replacement of NO^? ₃ by NH⁺ ₄ as the N source decreased the NO^? ₃ concentration in consumable leaves and increased the water use efficiency.     

Nitrogen Source and Concentration Affect Growth and Performance of Bedding-Plant Impatiens

ABSTRACT

Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook. f.) is the most important annual bedding plant in the United States, based on wholesale dollar volume. Production of high-quality plants requires optimization of the nutrition regimen during growth, especially the total nitrogen (N) concentration and the ratio of N sources. The objective was to determine the N concentration and the nitrate (NO₃ ^??N):ammonium (NH₄ ⁺?N) ratio of N source that optimized bedding-plant impatiens growth and flower development. Four N concentrations (3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 mmol N · L^?1) were used in factorial combination with four ratios of NO₃ ^??N:NH₄ ⁺?N (4:0, 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3). Application of treatments was made for 30 d. Then for 10 d only deionized water was applied to reduce salt buildup. Substrate pH was lowest (4.9) with the NH₄ ⁺?N source and electrical conductivity (EC) highest, but never > 2.4 dS m^?1. Nitrogen concentration and N source displayed an interaction for most growth parameters. Shoot fresh and dry weights and flower bud number were maximized at the 1:3 NO₃ ^??N:NH₄ ⁺?N ratio with a N concentration of 10.5 mmol L^?1. However, plant diameter, leaf number, and leaf chlorophyll content responded quadratically to N form ratio, with the 1:1 ratio optimum at a concentration of 10.5 mmol N· L^?1.     

Nitrite and Ammonium Toxicity on Lettuce Grown under Hydroponics

Abstract

Nitrite (NO₂ ^?‐N) toxicity symptoms have been observed on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) at various locations in California. The objective was to evaluate the symptoms of ammonium (NH₄ ⁺‐N) and nitrite (NO₂ ^?‐N) toxicity on Sundevil iceberg lettuce and Paragon romaine lettuce and to determine lettuce growth and biomass production under different levels of NO₂ ^?‐N. Hydroponic studies under greenhouse conditions were conducted using nutrient solutions containing nitrate (NO₃ ^?‐N) and two other forms of nitrogen (NO₂ ^?‐N and NH₄ ⁺‐N) applied at a constant concentration (50 mg NL^?1) or using different NO₂ ^?‐N levels (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg N L^?1) and a constant NO₃ ^?‐N level (30 mg N L^?1). Crown discoloration (brownish color) was observed for lettuce grown in both NO₂ ^?‐N and NH₄ ⁺‐N solutions approximately 3 weeks after transplanting into the hydroponic systems. Lettuce grown in NO₃ ^?‐N solution produced larger biomass and greater number of leaves per plant than lettuce grown in NO₂ ^?‐N or NH₄ ⁺‐N solutions. Increasing the concentration of NO₂ ^?‐N suppressed plant height, fresh and dry biomass yield, and number of leaves and increased the root vascular discoloration. Lettuce growth was reduced more than 50% at NO₂ ^?‐N concentrations greater than 30 mg N L^?1. Even at 5 mg NO₂ ^?‐N L^?1, growth was reduced 14 and 24% for romaine and iceberg lettuce, respectively, relative to that obtained in nitrate solution. Although concentrations between 5 and 40 mg NO₂ ^?‐N L ^?1 reduced dry biomass similarly for both lettuce types, toxicity symptoms were more severe in iceberg lettuce than in romaine.     

Interactive Effects of Nitrogen Source and Salinity on Growth Indices and Ion Content of Indian Mustard

ABSTRACT

The interactions between salinity and different nitrogen (N) sources nitrate (NO₃ ^?), ammonium (NH₄ ⁺), and NO₃ ^? + NH₄ ⁺ were investigated on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea cv. RH30). Treatments were added to observe the combined effect of two salinity levels (8 and 12 ds m^{? 1}) and three nitrogen sources (NO₃ ^?, NH₄ ⁺, and NO₃ ^? + NH₄ ⁺) on different growth parameters and mineral composition in different plant parts, i.e., leaves, stem, and root. Salinity has been known to affect the uptake and assimilation of various essential nutrients required for normal growth and development. Different growth parameters, i.e., leaf area, dry weight of different plant parts, absolute growth rate (AGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR) declined markedly by salinity at pre-flowering and flowering stages. All growth indices were less sensitive to salinity (12 d s m^{? 1}) with the nitrate form of nitrogen. It is pertinent mention that a high dose (120 kg ha^{? 1}) of nitrogen in ammonium form NH₄ ⁺, acted synergistically with salinity in inhibiting growth. Plants fed with combined nitrogen (NO₃ ^? + NH₄ ⁺) had an edge over individual forms in ameliorating the adverse effects of salinity on growth and yield. Under salt stress, different nutrient elements such as N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K⁺), and magnesium (Mg^{2 +}) were decreased in different plant parts (leaves, stem, and root). The maximum and minimum reduction was observed with ammoniacal and combined form of nitrogen, respectively, while the reverse was true of calcium (Ca^{2 +}), sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl^?), and sulfate (SO₄ ^2?) at harvest. Nitrogen application (120 Kg ha^{? 1}) in combined form had been found to maintain highest concentrations of N, P, Mg^{2 +}, and Ca^{2 +} along with reduced concentrations of Na⁺, Cl^?, and SO₄ ^{2 ?}. However, reverse was true with ammoniacal form of nitrogen.     

Poinsettia growth,tissue nutrient concentration,and nutrient uptake as influenced by nitrogen form and stage of growth

Growth, development, and uptake of essential nutrients as influenced by nitrogen (N) form and growth stage was evaluated for ‘Freedom’ poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotz.). Treatments consisted of five nitrate (NH₄ ⁺):ammonium (NO₃ ^‐) ratios (% NH₄ ⁺:% NO₃ ^‐) of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 with a total N concentration of 150 mg L^‐1. Plants were grown in solution culture for ten weeks under greenhouse conditions. Nutrient uptake data was combined into three physiological growth stages. Growth stage I (GSI) included early vegetative growth (long days). Growth stage II (GSII) began at floral induction and leaf and bract expansion (short days). Growth stage III (GSIII) was from visible bud through anthesis and harvest. Dry weights for all plant parts and height increased as the ratio of NO₃ ^‐ increased. Leaf area and bract area were maximized with 25:75 and 50:50 N treatments, respectively. Nitrogen treatments significantly affected foliar nutrient concentrations with calcium (Ca⁺⁺) and magnesium (Mg⁺⁺) being highest when NO₃ ^‐ was the predominant N form. Uptake of each macronutrient was averaged across all treatments and divided into physiological growth stages (GS) to identify peak demand periods during the growth cycle. The greatest uptake of NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^‐ was from the early vegetative stage to floral induction (GSI). Phosphorus (P), potassium (K⁺), and Mg⁺⁺ uptake were greatest from floral induction to visible bud (GSII) and Ca⁺⁺ uptake remained relatively unchanged through GSI and GSII. Uptake was lowest for all nutrients from visible bud to anthesis (GSIII). Results from this study clearly indicate that peak demand periods for macronutrient uptake existed during the growth cycle of poinsettia.     

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Ammonium: Nitrate Ratios on Growth and Pungency of Onion Seedlings

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted to study the growth and pungency of Allium cepa L. grown in Perlite as affected by colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus versiforme and Glomus intraradices BEG141 and by ammonium:nitrate (NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^?) ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 in 4 mM solutions. Plants were harvested when bulb formation commenced. In general, mycorrhizal colonization resulted in increased shoot dry weight, shoot length, sheath diameter, root nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content (except with G. intraradices and a NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^? ratio of 1:3), shoot N and P concentrations (except with G. versiforme and a NH₄ ⁺:NO₃= ratio of 3:1) and content. Plants inoculated with G. versiforme had higher growth parameters and N and P content than those with G. intraradices, whereas N and P concentrations showed the opposite trends. Growth parameters and N and P content of non-mycorrhizal plants were highest at a NH₄ ⁺:NO₃= ratio of 1:3, while those of plants inoculated with G. versiforme or G. intraradices were highest at a ratio of NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^? 3:1 or 1:1. Neither mycorrhizal colonization nor proportion of inorganic N species significantly affected bulb enzyme-produced pyruvate or total or organic sulfur (S) concentrations in plant shoots. Colonization by AM fungi made a substantial contribution to onion growth and may not have been directly related to bulb pungency at early stages of plant growth. However, the influence of AM fungi on plant N and P metabolism may have implications for onion flavor at later stages of plant growth.     

Relationships between electrical conductivity and fertilizer levels in an azalea Liner growing medium

Abstract

Regression analyses were used to survey the effects of extractable NO₃‐N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and soil pH on electrical conductivity (EC) in a 1: 1: 1 (v/v/v) peat‐sand‐perlite azalea (Rhododendron sp.) growing medium amended with soluble 21–3–6 (N‐P‐K) or slow‐release 18–3–6 fertilizer sources. Simple linear correlations indicated a high degree of relationship between NO₃‐N, P, and K versus EC (r=0.95**, 0.79**, and 0.79**, respectively). Partial regression coefficients suggested that NO.‐N was the primary ionic species affecting EC. The correlations between EC versus P and K were apparently related to their intercorrelation with NO₃ ‐N, associated with the use of N‐P‐K fertilizers. These relationships were constant across fertilizer sources. The results demonstrate a potential for the use of soil EC in the estimation of NO₃‐N in soilless rooting media.     

Influence of ammonium: Nitrate ratios on the growth and nitrogen uptake of pearl millet

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a potentially high‐yielding grain crop for the Southern Coastal Plain region of the USA. Information on the growth and N nutrition of pearl millet is limited; therefore, this study was initiated with the objective of studying pearl millet growth, N content, N uptake patterns and N‐form preference. Plants were grown in solution culture using a modified Hoagland's solution. Solutions were changed weekly and transpirational losses replaced daily. The N‐form ratios were 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 0:1 NH₄ ⁺ to NO₃ ^‐ Uptake was determined by difference between the initial and final solutions. Nitrate and NH₄ ⁺ uptake patterns were different from each other and were influenced by the ratio of NH₄ ⁺ to NO₃ ^‐. After the plants had been transferred to the solutions, ammonium was preferred for the first two weeks, with NO₃ ^‐ preferred thereafter. Nitrate uptake was highest during the grain filling period. Plant growth as measured by leaf, stem, root, and seed weight, plant height, average seed weight, and head length was generally reduced as NH₄ ⁺ increased. The largest reduction was observed between the 3:1 and 1:0 ratios. Ammonium nutrition had an overall negative effect on pearl millet growth. Ammonium fertilization of pearl millet under conditions that increase absorption of NH₄ ⁺ over NO₃ ^‐ may have a negative effect on pearl millet growth and development.     

N form and concentration: Effects on reproductive development,growth and N content of southern peas 1

Southern peas [Vigna unguiculata, (L.) Walp.] cultured with 100% NH⁺ ₄ produced no viable flowers, while treatments in which NO^‐ ₃ composed 50% or more of the N form were not significantly different in the number of flowers formed. Flower abortion was least with 100% NO^‐ ₃ at the lower N concentration and with 75% and 100% NO^‐ ₃ at the higher N concentration. Further increments of NH⁺ ₄ resulted in greater flower abortion. The trends in flower survival were reflected in the number of pods and number of seed/plant. At the lower N concentration, the addition of NH⁺ ₄ slowed pod maturity, while at the higher N concentration pod maturity was hastened with the addition of up to 50% NH⁺ ₄. The dry weight and N content of tissues were generally greater with the higher N concentration and with N combinations containing predominantly NO^‐ ₃, but trends varied with the plant part being analyzed. Ammonium appears to adversely influence reproductive development and/or NO^‐ ₃ is essential to complete the reproductive development of southern peas. The observed differences in the response of southern peas to N form may account for previously reported discrepancies concerning the effectiveness of N fertilization on growth and yield parameters. Also, vegetative growth and vegetative N content appear to be poor indicators of final seed yields of southern peas if NH⁺ ₄ supplies a significant portion of the N form utilized by the plant.     

Effect of N‐form on macronutrient and micronutrient concentration and uptake of creeping bentgrass 1

Abstract

Nitrogen‐form effect on nutrient uptake and the subsequent concentration of nutrients in turfgrass plant tissue has not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated the effects of clipping regime and N‐form on the tissue concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients and macronutrient uptake in ‘Penncross’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.). Turfgrass plugs were grown under greenhouse conditions in a modified Hoagland's solution with a combination of three nutrient solutions (100% NO₃ ^?, 100% NH₄ ⁺, and 50:50 ratio of NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^?) and two cutting regimes (cut and uncut). Concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients were determined for shoot, root and verdure. Nutrient uptake was determined weekly. Uncut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants accumulated higher concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, B and Cu in the shoot tissue; P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Mn and Zn in the root tissue; and P, Ca, Mg, B, Fe and Mn in the verdure compared to uncut NN₄ ⁺‐treated plants. Nitrate uptake was greater with uncut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants than was NH₄ ⁺ absorption with uncut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants. Plants grown with the uncut 50:50 treatment adsorbed more NH₄ ⁺ than NO₃ ^?. Plants grown with the uncut NO₃ ^? and 50:50 treatments adsorbed higher amounts of P, K, and Ca compared to the NH₄ ⁺ treatment. The cut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants accumulated higher concentrations of K in the shoot tissue; P, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe and Mn in the root tissue; and B in the verdure than did the cut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants. Cut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants adsorbed less NO₃ ^? than did cut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants adsorbed NH₄ ⁺. The cut 50:50 treatment adsorbed more NH₄ ⁺ than NO₃ ^?. Plants grown with NO₃ ^? and 50:50 treatments, under both cutting regimes, resulted in higher concentrations of most macro‐ and micronutrients and greater nutrient uptake compared to the NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants.     

Influence of the Modification of Nutritional Parameters in Aglaonema commutatum: K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+

Abstract

This trial was carried out to establish an appropriate nutrient solution for Aglaonema commutatum and to investigate the nutritional effects generated by modifications in the solution. Six treatments were tested: control (T₀; pH 6.5, E.C. 1.5 dS m^?1, 6 mmol L^?1 NO₃ ^?‐N, and 6 mmol L^?1 K⁺); high nitrogen (N) level (T₁; 9 mmol L^?1 6:3 NO₃ ^?–NH₄ ⁺); N form (T₂; 6 mmol L^?1 N‐NH₄ ⁺); high K⁺ level (T₃; 12 mmol L^?1 K⁺); high electrical conductivity (T₄; E.C. 4 dS m^?1, 25 mmol L^?1 NaCl), and basic pH (T₅; pH 8). At the end of the cultivation, leaf, shoot, and root dry weights and elemental concentrations were determined. Nutrient contents and total plant uptake were calculated from the dry weights and nutrient concentrations. Plant K⁺ uptake increased with application of K⁺ or basic nutrient solution. The uptake and transport of calcium (Ca) were enhanced by the use of NO₃ ^?‐N and inhibited by the presence of other cations in the medium (NH₄ ⁺, K⁺, Na⁺) and by basic pH. Magnesium (Mg) uptake increased with NO₃ ^?‐N application and with pH. Sodium (Na) uptake was the highest in the saline treatment (T₄), followed by the basic pH treatment. Sodium accumulation was detected in the roots (natrophobic plant), where the plant generated a physiological barrier to avoid damage. Dry weight did not differ significantly (p<0.05) among treatments except in the NaCl treatment. These results may help in the formulation of nutrient solutions that take into account the ionic composition of irrigation water and the physiological requirements of plants.     

Influence of Ammonium and Nitrate Nutrition on Plant Growth and Zinc Accumulation by Indian Mustard

ABSTRACT

The source of nitrogen (N) used in soil fertility practices affects plant growth, nutrient absorption, and the availability of nutrients. Consequently, the potential of plants to extract zinc (Zn) from soils may be increased by controlling the ratio of NH₄ ⁺ to NO₃ ^? to maximize growth and Zn accumulation. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of Zn supply and different molar ratios of NH₄ ⁺ to NO₃ ^? on growth and Zn accumulation in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea Czern.). In a factorial experiment with solution culture, Indian mustard (accession 182921) was supplied with two concentrations of Zn (0.05 and 4.0 mg L^?1) in combination with six N treatments with different molar percentage ratios of NH₄ ⁺ to NO₃ ^? (0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50) for three weeks. Zinc supplied at 0.05 mg Zn L^?1 represented a common concentration of Zn in solution culture, whereas 4.0 mg Zn L^?1 was excessive for plant nutrition. If the supply of Zn in solution was excessive, plants developed symptoms of foliar chlorosis, which became severe if plants were supplied with 80% of N as NO₃ ^?. Supplying high proportions of NO₃ ^? in the nutrient medium stimulated Zn accumulation, whereas increasing proportions of NH₄ ⁺ (up to 50% of the total N) enhanced shoot growth. The pH of nutrient solutions generally decreased with increasing proportion of NH₄ ⁺ in solutions and with increased Zn supply. The Zn phytoextraction potential of Indian mustard was maximized, at about 15 mg Zn plant^?1, if plants received 10% of the total N as NH₄ ⁺ and 90% as NO₃ ^?.     

Effects of Nitrate and Potassium on Ammonium Toxicity in Cucumber Plants

ABSTRACT

Interactions between nitrate (NO₃ ^?), potassium (K⁺), and ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) were investigated using hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants. Ammonium as the sole nitrogen (N) source at 10 mM was toxic and led to overall growth suppression, chlorosis, and necrosis of leaves. After 20 days, 50% of the plants were dead. However, when NO₃ ^? was supplied at very low concentration together with high NH₄ ⁺ (only 1% of total 10 mM N) all seedlings survived and their growth was improved. High K⁺ concentration (5 mM) also alleviated NH₄ ⁺ toxicity and increased plant growth several fold compared to intermediate concentration of K⁺ (0.6 mM). Leaf total N and ¹⁵N derived from ¹⁵N-labelled NH₄ ⁺ increased in the presence of NO₃ ^?, but decreased at high K⁺ concentration. High K⁺ supply enhanced total carbon (C) and δ ¹³C and stimulated GS and PEPCase activities in leaves and roots. Nitrate supplementation had no effect on GS or PEPCase activities. It is concluded that K⁺ may alleviate NH₄ ⁺ toxicity, partly by inhibiting NH₄ ⁺ uptake, partly by stimulating C and N assimilation in the roots.     

PANSY FLORAL DEVELOPMENT AND NUTRIENT ABSORPTION AS INFLUENCED BY TEMPERATURE,NITROGEN FORM,AND STAGE OF PLANT DEVELOPMENT

Production temperatures can affect the marketability of pansies (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.) by influencing plant growth, the presence of nutrient disorders, and the rate of floral development. The choice of nitrogen (N) form in fertility can also influence pansy growth and nutrition, but the effect of fertility on pansy flowering is not clear. Whether or not temperature and N fertility work together to influence nutrient absorption at different stages of the pansy life cycle is unknown. Our objectives were to determine the influence of temperature and N form on pansy floral development, and to identify the peak nutrient demand periods at different temperatures and ratios of NO₃ ^? to NH₄ ⁺ in fertility. Pansies cv. ‘Crown White’ were grown in nutrient solution cultures until lateral branches had open flowers. Treatments consisted of two temperatures (12°C and 22°C) and three stages of floral development (five true leaf stage until visible bud, visible bud until first flower, first flower until flowering on lateral branches), and three NO₃ ^? :NH₄ ⁺ molar % ratios (100:0, 62:38, 25:75) with a total concentration of 100 mg N L^?1. A modified Hoagland's solution was used with NO₃ ^??N supplied as Ca(NO₃)₂ and KNO₃ and with NH₄ ⁺?N as (NH₄)₂SO₄. The effects of temperature and N form on the time required for development of different floral stages were assessed. In addition, the influence temperature and N form on nutrient absorption was determined for three pre‐determined stages of floral development to identify peak nutrient demand periods. The timing of flower bud development and first flower was not influenced by treatments. At 22°C, pansies flowered earlier on lateral branches than at 12°C, but these plants also suffered a loss in quality due to unfavorable growth characteristics and the development of nutritional disorders. Individual absorption of plant nutrients at different stages of development varied with temperature and N regime. Overall, pansies absorbed the greatest quantity of magnesium (Mg) before flower bud development, calcium (Ca) after flower bud development, and NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^? phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) after anthesis. In addition, pansies absorbed more NO₃ ^?, Ca, Mg, and P at 12°C than at 22°C. At times, the absorption of NO₃ ^? was dramatically decreased with increasing NH₄ ⁺ in solutions. Results suggest that nutrient absorption by pansy in different stages of development is influenced by production temperatures and the choice of N form in fertilization. Adjusting fertility programs according to peak demand periods and production temperatures will help prevent periodic nutrient disorders during the life cycle, and may reduce fertilization costs.     

The response of pearl millet to changes in nitrogen concentration or form during grain fill

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a potentially productive, high‐yielding grain crop in the southeastern USA. A lack of response in pearl millet grain yield to fertilizer N in field studies indicates pearl millet may be able to remobilize N from vegetative to reproductive tissue. The N remobilization capabilities of a plant can be affected by the form of N supplemented. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of N‐form ratio (NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐) on the N remobilization capabilities of pearl millet when N is removed from the nutrient solution at the boot stage and to evaluate the effects of changing N‐form ratios at the boot stage on the seed yield and N content of pearl millet. Pearl millet was grown in solution culture under greenhouse conditions. There were 10 treatments: an initial NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐ ratio of 3:1 followed by a change at the boot stage to either all NO₃ ^‐, no N, or a continuation of the initial ratio; an initial NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐ ratio of 1:1 followed by a change at the boot stage to either all NO₃ ^‐, all NH₄ ⁺ no N, or a continuation of the initial ratio; and an initial NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐ ratio of 1:3 followed by a change at the boot stage to either all NH₄ ⁺ no N, or a continuation of the initial ratio. Pearl millet dry matter accumulation was insensitive to changes in N‐form ratio or N removal at the boot stage. The lack of seed yield response to removal of N was a result of pearl millet utilizing N present in culms and leaves for seed production. Applications of N after the boot stage did not increase seed yield, but led to luxury consumption of N.     

Influence of nitrogen forms and levels on the growth and nutrition of cacao

Ammonium and nitrate are the major forms of nitrogen (N) present in tropical soils. An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of nitrate and ammonium forms (NO₃^?, NH₄⁺, and mix of NO₃^? + NH₄⁺), and levels (1.5–12.0 mM) of N on the growth and nutrition of cacao (Theobroma cacao L). Growth parameters were significantly influenced by N forms, and nitrogen supplied as NH₄⁺ proved better for the growth of cacao compared with NO₃^? form and mixtures of these two forms. Irrespective of the forms of N, levels of N had no significant effect on plant growth parameters. Nutrient efficiency ratios (NERs) (shoot dry matter produced per unit of nutrient uptake) for macronutrients were sulfur>phosphorus>calcium>magnesium>nitrogen>potassium (S>P>Ca>Mg>N>K) and for micronutrients NERs were in the order of copper>boron>zinc>iron>manganese (Cu>B>Zn>Fe>Mn).     

Characteristics of ammonium and nitrate fluxes along the roots of Picea asperata

Nitrogen (N), ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃^?), is one of the key determinants for plant growth. The interaction of both ions displays a significant effect on their uptake in some species. In the current study, net fluxes of NH₄⁺ and NO₃^? along the roots of Picea asperata were determined using a Non-invasive Micro-test Technology (NMT). Besides, we examined the interaction of NH₄⁺ and NO₃^? on the fluxes of both ions, and the plasma membrane (PM) H⁺-ATPases and nitrate reductase (NR) were taken into account as well. The results demonstrated that the maximal net NH₄⁺ and NO₃^? influxes were detected at 13–15?mm and 8–10.5?mm from the root apex, respectively. Net NH₄⁺ influx was significantly stimulated with the presence of NO₃^?, whereas NH₄⁺ exhibited a markedly negative effect on NO₃^? uptake in the roots of P. asperata. Also, our results indicated that PM H⁺-ATPases and NR play a key role in the control of N uptake.     

Comparison between nitrate and ammonium nutrition in fennel,celery, and Swiss chard

Abstract

To evaluate the chance to reduce leaf NO₃ content and to increase capability to use NH₄‐N even in the absence of NO₃‐N in the nutrient solution, plants of two Apiaceae species, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller var. azoricum Mill. Thell.) and celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce Mill. Pers.), and of one species of Chenopodiaceae, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. vulgaris), were hydroponically grown in a growth chamber with three different NH₄‐N: NO₃‐N (NH₄: NO₃) ratios (100: 0,50: 50, and 0: 100), but with the same total N level (4 mM) for 14 days. Swiss chard growth was inhibited by NH₄ nutrition and reached the highest values with the NH₄: NO₃ ratio 0: 100. For all the morphological and yield features analyzed, fennel and celery resulted to be quite unresponsive to nitrogen (N) chemical form. Water use efficiency increased in Swiss chard and decreased in fennel and celery with the increase of NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution. The dependency of N uptake rate on shoot increment per unit root was more conspicuous for Swiss chard than fennel and celery. All species took more NO₃‐N than NH₄‐N when N was administered in mixed form. In the best conditions of N nutrition, Swiss chard accumulated NO₃ in leaves in high concentration (3,809 mg kg"¹ fresh mass). On average, fennel and celery accumulated 564 mg NO₃ kg^?1 fresh mass with the ratio NH₄: NO₃100: 0 and showed that by using NH₄ produce having very low NO₃ content can be obtained. By increasing NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution; NO₃ leaf content of fennel and celery increased remarkably (7,802 mg kg^?1 fresh mass with the ratio N H₄: NO₃ 0: 100).