Eggplant dry matter composition fruit yield and quality as affected by phosphate and total salinity caused by potassium fertilizers in the irrigation solution

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) grown under winter conditions in unheated polyethylene covered greenhouse displays unmarketable red color fruit skin. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of potassium (K), phosphate and total salinity levels in the irrigation solution on the quality of eggplant fruit grown at winter and spring seasons. Eggplant was grown in containers filled with basalt erupted tuff scoria. The fertigation solutions were composed of three levels of P: 18, 36, and 54 g P m^‐3, using mono K phosphate (MKP). Each level of P was applied on two levels of total K concentrations, 475 and 920 g K m^‐3 composed of K nitrate, MKP, and K chloride (KCl). The KNO₃ fertilizer was used in all treatments at 150 g N m^‐3. Increasing the KCl concentration increased the average electrical conductivity (EC) in the irrigation solution from 2.3 to 3.9 dS m^‐1, reduced class A fruit number and weight, but had no effect on the skin color. During the cold winter period the intensity of the skin color was weaker than in the normal hot growing period. Increasing the average phosphorus (P) concentration in the irrigation solution throughout the growing season from 36 to 54 g m^‐3 increased the number of fruit per plant, the number of class A fruits but has no significant effect on total fruit yield. Increasing the total electrical conductivity of the nutrient solutions by K fertilizers above 3.8 dS m^‐1 decreased fruit yield and total dry matter in the spring growth period.     

Potassium Supply Influences Molybdenum,Nitrate, and Nitrate Reductase Activity in Eggplant

Abstract

Greenhouse experiments were conducted for two years (1993–1994) with eggplants to study the impact of potassium (K) as K₂SO₄ (0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, and 3 mM) on molybdenum (Mo) distribution and on aspects of nitrate (NO₃ ^?) metabolism, and fruit quality. The nitrates and Mo in leaf blades, petioles, and fruits as well as foliar in vivo nitrate reductase (NR; E.C. 1.6.6.1) activity were analyzed. In view of these results, the K application at levels exceeding 0.5 mM K, altered the NO₃ ^? and Mo status and distribution in the aboveground organs of eggplant. The 3 mM K distributed the NO₃ ^? proportionally between leaf blades, petioles, and fruits. The 0.5 mM K and the 1 mM K increased the NO₃ ^? and Mo concentration in fruits, respectively. These results indicated the 3 mM K the most appropriate treatment for the greenhouse eggplant production under Mediterranean climate conditions, with reduced NO₃ ^? density in fruits for human consumption.     

Supplementary Potassium Nitrate Improves Salt Tolerance in Bell Pepper Plants

Abstract

The effect of supplementary potassium nitrate (KNO₃) on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annum cv. 11B 14) plants grown in containers under high root‐zone salinity was investigated. Treatments were (1) control, soil only and (2) high salt treatment, as for control plus 3.5 g NaCl kg^?1 soil. Above treatments were combined with or without either 0.5 or 1 g supplementary KNO₃ kg^?1 soil. Plants grown at high NaCl had significantly less dry matter, fruit yield, and chlorophyll than those in the control treatment. Supplementing the high salt soil with 0.5 and 1 g KNO₃ kg^?1 increased plant dry matter, fruit yield, and chlorophyll concentrations as compared to high salt treatment. Membrane permeability increased significantly with high NaCl application, but less so when supplementary KNO₃ was applied. High NaCl resulted in plants with very leaky root systems as measured by high K efflux; rate of leakage was reduced by supplementary KNO₃. These data suggest that NaCl status affect root membrane integrity. Sodium (Na) concentration in plant tissues increased in leaves and roots in the elevated NaCl treatment as compared to control treatment. Concentrations of K and N in leaves were significantly lower in the high salt treatment than in the control. For the high salt treatment, supplementing the soil with KNO₃ at 1 g kg^?1 resulted in K and N levels similar to those of the control. These results support the view that supplementary KNO₃ can overcome the effects of high salinity on fruit yield and whole plant biomass in pepper plants.     

Nitrogen,Potassium, and Nitrate Concentrations of Lettuce Grown in a Substrate with KNO3-Enriched Zeolite

Zeolite minerals improve the efficiency of nutrient use by plants by helping to regulate the release of nitrogen and nitrate accumulation in tissues. The main objectives of this research were to evaluate effects of the addition of zeolite enriched with potassium nitrate (KNO₃) on the nitrate (NO₃-N) and potassium (K) levels of lettuce shoot. Treatments arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications comprised two types of the natural zeolite: concentrated zeolite, zeolite + KNO₃, and a control grown in substrate fertilized with a nutrient solution without zeolite supply. Four levels of enriched zeolite were tested (20, 40, 80, and 160 g per pot). Nitrogen, K, and NO₃-N data were evaluated and response equations were fitted. The results indicated that zeolite enriched with KNO₃ released the macronutrients N and K to lettuce plants. The concentrations of total N, total K, and NO₃-N increased with zeolite levels, and there was a positive correlation between total N and NO₃-N forms. To keep levels of NO₃-N^? in shoots within the safe limit for human consumption, based upon the regression equation for NO₃-N the recommended dose of KNO₃-enriched zeolite should be up to 78 g per plant.     

The effect of ZnSO4 and KNO3 on quantitative and qualitative properties of Punica granatum L.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of foliar application of potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on the fruit quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Malas-E–Torsh in Saveh). Potassium was applied as KNO₃ at concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, and 0.5% and zinc was applied as ZnSO₄ at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, and 1% in a completely randomized block design. To determine the effect of the treatments on fruit quality, we measured fruit weight, peel thickness, aril diameter, phenol content of the juice, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and antioxidant capacity. Foliar application of KNO₃ significantly increased fruit weight, 100 aril weight, peel weight, peel thickness, TTS, and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, pH, TA, TSS/TA, and phenol content of the juice were not influenced by foliar application of KNO₃. ZnSO₄ significantly increased fruit weight, aril diameter, and phenol content of the juice. KNO₃ 1% and ZnSO₄ 0.5% were identified as the most appropriate treatments in improving quality and quantity of pomegranate. The fatty acid profile of the pomegranate oil was primarily composed of punicic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.     

Enhancement of salinity tolerance in tomato: Implications of potassium and calcium in flowering and yield

Abstract

Five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) cultivars were grown in sand nutrient culture experiment in a greenhouse to investigate the effects of salinity on growth and yield. Nutrient solutions were made saline with 50 mM NaCl (EC = 5.5 mS/cm or supplemented with 2 mM KNO₃ (EC = 6.8), 20 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ (EC = 7.5), and combination of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) (EC = 8.0). Seedlings were irrigated with saline treatments commencing two weeks after transplanting. Determination of sodium (Na) and K in tomato leaves and fruits were by flame photometry. Accumulation of Na in tomato fruits was higher than in leaves under control or saline conditions for all tomato cultivars. The amount of K in the tomato leaves was higher in control than in saline‐grown plants. Addition of K and Ca to the nutrient solution resulted in a 3 to 7 fold increase in K accumulation in all cultivars tested. Stem and leaf growth were significantly reduced with salinity but growth was enhanced following irrigation when K was added to the nutrient solution. Flowering and fruit set were adversely affected by NaCl stress. Reduction of flower number was 44% relative to the control plants. Fresh fruit yield decreased by 78% when plants received 50 mM NaCl. Growth and development of tomatoes under saline conditions was enhanced in this study following the application of K to the saline nutrient solution. Amelioration in growth was also achieved when Ca was used but to a lesser extent. Our results suggest that ion accumulation and regulation of K and Ca contribute to salt tolerance and growth enhancement.     

Preharvest calcium applications improve postharvest quality of papaya fruits (Carica papaya L. cv. Eksotika II)

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and calcium nitrate Ca(NO₃)₂ on nutrient concentrations and postharvest quality of papaya fruits. In the first experiment, plant stem height increased significantly after Ca(NO₃)₂ application compared to CaCl₂. The calcium content in the peel and pulp for both sources [CaCl₂ and Ca(NO₃)₂] significantly rose with increasing calcium concentrations, but there was a significantly higher content of calcium in fruit peel and pulp in the CaCl₂ treatment. Magnesium and potassium in fruits decreased with increasing calcium concentrations. A reduction in anthracnose lesion diameter in the infected fruit with increasing calcium was observed in both CaCl₂ and Ca(NO₃)₂ treatments. Ethylene production in fruits decreased with increasing calcium concentrations. In the second experiment, only CaCl₂ was used as the calcium source, and results showed that the calcium content in fruit peel and pulp significantly increased at higher CaCl₂ levels, whereas ethylene production, anthracnose lesion diameter, and magnesium content decreased compared to control.     

Potassium fertilization of cotton on two high testing soils under two tillage systems

Potassium (K) fertilization of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has been a major research focus the last few years throughout the cotton belt. The objective of this field research, conducted from 1991 through 1994 on two high Mehlich I extractable K (EK) soils, was to evaluate broadcast and foliar applied K for conventional‐ (CT) and no‐tillage (NT) production. Main plot broadcast K rates were 0, 28, 56, and 112 kg K ha^‐1. Foliar sub‐plot treatments were a non‐foliar check, KNO₃, and Ca(NO₃)₂. The KNO₃ was applied four times per year at 4.1 kg K ha^‐1 application^‐1. Calcium nitrate was applied at 1.6 kg N ha^‐1 to equal the N applied in the KNO₃. Extractable K increased annually with broadcast K for both tillage systems and soils and was higher for NT than CT. Lint yields from CT of both soils were increased two of the eight site‐years while yields from NT were increased five of eight site‐years by broadcast K. Three of the NT site‐year yields plus four‐year mean yields of both soils were increased by applying 56 kg K ha^‐1, a rate higher than currently recommended for high EK soils. Yield responses to foliar fertilization were from added N rather than the K. Petiole K levels were sufficient so that extra K applied foliarly was not recommended for either soil or tillage system.     

Effect of Ammonium: Nitrate Ratio on Yield,Calcium Concentration,and Photosynthesis Rate in Strawberry

The effect of ammonium:nitrate (NH₄:NO₃) ratio in nutrient solution on growth, photosynthesis (Pn), yield, and fruit quality attributes in hydroponically grown strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) cvs. ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva’ was evaluated. There were four nutrient solutions of differing NH₄:NO₃ ratios as follows: 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25. Plants grown in solution with 75% NH₄ had lower leaf fresh and dry weights and leaf area than those with 25% NH₄ in both cultivars. High ratios of NH₄ and NO₃ in the solution always reduced the yield. The yield was increased by 38% and 84% in ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva,’ respectively, when the plants were grown in the 25NH₄:75NO₃ solution compared with plants grown in a higher NH₄ ratio solution. The increased yield at the 25 NH₄:75NO₃ ratio was the result of the increase in fruit size, i.e., length and fresh weight of fruits. Plants grown in the 25NH₄:75NO₃ solution had the highest rate of Pn, while those grown in 75NH₄:25NO₃ solution had the lowest Pn rates in both cultivars. Increasing the NH₄ ratio in the solution from 0 to 75% significantly reduced the calcium (Ca) concentration and postharvest life of the fruits in both cultivars. Both higher leaf area and Pn rate appeared to be the reason for the increased yield and plant growth in the 25:75 ratios of nitrogen (N). The results indicate the preference of strawberry plant growth toward a greater nitrate N form in a hydroponic solution. Therefore, a combination of two forms of N in an appropriate ratio (25NH₄:75NO₃) appears to be beneficial to plant growth, yield, and quality of strawberry fruits.     

Growth and Nutritional Response of Melon to Water Quality and Nitrogen Potassium Fertigation Levels under Greenhouse Mediterranean Conditions

The Mediterranean area has been experiencing an extensive development of intensive horticulture, with a majority of that located in arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources and poor water quality. One of the most important greenhouse vegetable crops is melon. This article studies the effects of different nitrogen–potassium (N–K) fertilizers applications and two types of irrigation water on yield and nutritional behavior of melon crop Cucumis melo L. (var. cantalupensis Naud. Alpes). The trial was conducted during two cycles under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions, on sandy mulching soil. The experimental design was bifactorial: NK fertigation and water quality, with three nutrition levels and two water qualities [MS with electrical conductivity (EC) = 0.6 dS m^?1 and HS with EC = 2.3 dS m^?1]. During the first cycle, the fertigation levels were F₁ (50% NK), F₂ (100% NK), and F₃ (125% NK). In the second cycle, the fertigation levels were F₂, F₄ (125% N and 150% K) and F₅ (180% N and 220% K). Treatment F₂ was the recommended total doses (220 kg N ha^?1 and 355 kg K ha^?1). The increase in the NK concentration of the nutritive solution produced a rise in commercial production. The salinity of irrigation water did not affect marketable yield but had an effect on the fruit size, which was compensated for by an increase in the amount of fruit produced. Dry-matter production, N, and K uptake by plant (g m^?2) were evaluated in the first and second trials. Salinity and NK nutrition levels significantly affected (P < 0.05) dry matter and N and K uptake by melon plant. Nitrogen and K uptake present interesting correlations with production and with each other, as established by mean regression analysis.     

硝酸钙对厚皮甜瓜坐果节位叶片衰老及果实产量和品质的影响

以厚皮甜瓜迎春为试材,研究了叶面喷施不同浓度硝酸钙对坐果节位叶片衰老及果实生长和品质的影响。结果表明,坐果节位雌花开放后,叶面喷施10、 20、 30 mmol/L 的硝酸钙均可延缓坐果节位叶片叶绿素、 可溶性蛋白质含量的下降,提高叶片的净光合速率（ Pn ）和过氧化物酶（POD）、 超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、 过氧化氢酶（CAT） 等抗氧化酶活性,降低丙二醛（MDA） 含量,提高果实的小区产量、 可溶性固形物和可溶性糖含量,其中20 mmol/L 的硝酸钙处理效果与对照差异显著。叶面喷施20 mmol/L 硝酸钙,可延缓厚皮甜瓜坐果节位叶片衰老,提高厚皮甜瓜的果实产量和品质。     

不同钾肥对再生水灌溉条件下土壤-作物系统Cd的影响

为了探明再生水灌溉条件下不同施钾肥处理对土壤-作物系统Cd的影响及差异性,通过田间微区试验研究了不同施钾肥处理对再生水灌溉番茄植株、果实以及根际土与非根际土Cd含量的影响。结果表明:再生水灌溉条件下,施钾肥处理可提高番茄果实产量,施加KCl较K2SO4增产效果明显,分别较不施肥处理可增产6.10%～24.00%和1.36%～13.16%;不施钾肥较不施肥处理番茄果实Cd含量降低,但降低幅度小于施加钾肥处理,施加KCl较K2SO4处理番茄果实Cd含量较低,Cd含量分别较不施钾肥处理分别减少58.33%和8.33%,且各处理均未超0.05mg/kg的限值标准;不施钾肥处理较不施肥处理土壤pH、Cd含量有所降低,降低幅度小于施钾肥处理,有效态Cd有所增加,施加KCl和K2SO4较不施肥处理有效态Cd降低,施加KCl和K2SO4较不施钾肥处理根际土和非根际土pH、Cd含量和有效态Cd含量均有所降低,其中施加KCl根际土和非根际土Cd含量分别降低2.96%～3.11%和5.75%～14.22%,施加K2SO4分别降低4.14%～5.90%和8.10%～8.29%;施加KCl根际土和非根际土有效态Cd含量分别降低10.75%～16.19%和13.98%～28.74%,施加K2SO4分别降低15.97%～20.55%和19.91%～24.70%。因此,再生水灌溉条件下,可通过选择施加适宜的钾肥种类,调控重金属Cd在土壤-作物系统的分布及其生物有效性,施加K2SO4较KCl相比,可一定程度降低土壤Cd全量及有效态Cd含量。     

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

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

Effects of foliar antitranspirant or calcium nitrate applications on yield and blossom‐end rot occurrence in greenhouse‐grown peppers

In order to reduce blossom‐end rot occurrence in greenhouse‐grown peppers, experiments were conducted to determine whether foliar applications of antitranspirants would decrease transpiration of pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Hungarian Wax or Midal) leaves and subsequently redirect the flow of calcium (Ca) from plant foliage to developing fruit. Foliar calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] applications were also carried out as a possible means to increase fruit Ca concentration and reduce blossom‐end rot. Initial studies indicated that two antitranspirant applications of 2.5% ‘Vapor Gard’ (di‐1‐p‐menthene) early in the fruiting phase of ‘Hungarian Wax’ peppers significantly increased early yield and tended to increase total Ca in the fruit. In subsequent experiments, weekly applications of either antitranspirant ‐ 1% ‘Vapor Gard’ or 1% ‘Folicote’ (a wax emulsion concentrate) ‐ throughout the fruiting phase significantly increased fruit Ca of ‘Midal’ peppers during at least part of the reproductive stage, and significantly reduced blossom‐end rot‐affected yield. Weekly Ca(NO₃)₂ applications significantly elevated leaf Ca as well as fruit Ca concentrations, and was the most effective treatment in alleviating blossom‐end rot. However, all weekly Ca(NO₃)₂ and antitranspirant treatments caused significant declines in marketable yield, so that these treatments, although effective in reducing blossom‐end rot, cannot be recommended for commercial use.     

Effect of nitrogen form during the flowering period on zucchini squash growth and nutrient element uptake

Zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Green Magic) plants were grown hydroponically with nitrate (NO₃):ammonium (NH₄) ratio of 3:1 until the onset of flowering when the plants were assigned to four NO₃:NH₄ ratio (1:0, 1:1, 1:3, or 3:1) treatments. Changing the original nitrogen (N) form ratio significantly affected plant growth, fruit yield, nutrient element, and water uptake. Growth of plants was better when NO₃‐N (1:0) was the sole form of N than when NH₄‐N was part of the N treatment. Fruit yields for plants fertilized with 1:0 or 1:3 N‐form ratio were double those of plants grown continuously with 3:1 N ratio. The largest leaf area and plant water use were obtained with 1:0 N ratio treatment Total uptake of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) decreased with increasing NH₄‐N proportion in the nutrient solution which suggest NH₄‐N was competing with these cations for uptake. The results also demonstrated that growers may increase fruit yield by using a predominantly NO₃‐N source fertilizer through the vegetative growth stage and by shifting the NO₃:NH₄ ratio during the reproductive phase.     

Effect of restricted supply of nitrate on fruit growth and nutrient concentrations in the petiole sap of tomato cultured hydroponically

Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Momotaro) were cultured in nutrient solution supplying 35 meq or 50 meq of nitrate (NO₃) per plant weekly from the flowering stage of the first truss in two cropping seasons. The effects of NO₃ supply levels and cropping season on fruit growth of tomato were investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between the results of the plant sap analysis and fruit growth of tomato was analyzed. In the spring to summer cropping, NO₃ supplied was almost all absorbed and high productivity of tomato fruits was obtained in each treatment. In the fall to winter cropping, however, high NO₃ supply did not increase the uptake of NO₃, but tended to decrease the rate of fruit set and marketable yield. Accumulation of NO₃ in the petiole sap was found with high NO₃ supply in the fall to winter cropping. Cropping season greatly influenced not only fruit growth but also the concentration of NO₃ in the petiole sap in relation to the ability of tomato plants to use available nitrogen (N). Furthermore, reduction in the rate of fruit set and weight of tomato fruit were found to relate to the low concentration of NO₃ in the petiole sap of the leaf just below this fruit truss. High NO₃ supply tended to increase potassium (K) concentration and electrical conductivity (EC) value, and to decrease phosphate (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the petiole sap. On the whole, concentrations of these elements in the petiole sap consistently reflected their uptake rates in two cropping seasons.     

Response of apple and pear trees to nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers

Apple (Malus domestica, Borkh) and pear (Pyrus communis, L.) trees responded to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers. In low P soils, leaf, and fruit P concentrations were increased and yield was improved with moderate rates of mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertilizers. Improved fruit quality including fruit firmness, red fruit color of ‘Delicious’ apples, and a lower incidence of fruit disorders of apples (bitter pit) and pears (alfalfa greening and cork spot) was frequently associated with trees that were fertilized with calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] (CN). Although yield was often improved in experiments containing N‐P‐K or MAP fertilizers, long‐term use of N‐P‐K or MAP could be associated with a higher incidence of fruit disorders and a lower soil pH than with CN fertilizer at equivalent rates of N.     

Ameliorative Effect of Calcium Nitrate on Cucumber and Melon Plants Drip Irrigated with Saline Water

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Orlando) and melon (Cucumis melo cv. Ananas) were field grown to investigate the effects of supplementary calcium nitrate applied to irrigation water on plant growth and fruit yield of salt stressed and unstressed cucumber and melon plants. Treatments were (1) control: normal irrigation water (C); (2) normal irrigation water plus supplementary 5 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ added to the irrigation water (C + CaN); (3) salt treatment: C plus 60 mM NaCl added irrigation water (C + S); and (4) supplementary Ca(NO₃)₂: C + S plus supplementary 5 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ added to the irrigation water (C + S + CaN). Plants irrigated with water containing high NaCl produced less dry matter, fruit yield, and chlorophyll than the control treatments of both species. Supplementing irrigation water with Ca(NO₃)₂ resulted in increases in dry matter, fruit yield, and chlorophyll concentrations over plants irrigated with saline water. Membrane permeability increased with C + S treatment for both species. Supplementary Ca(NO₃)₂ restored membrane permeability. Sodium (Na) concentration in plant tissues increased in leaves and roots in the elevated NaCl treatment. Concentrations of Ca and N in leaves were decreased in the high salt treatment and fully restored by supplementary Ca(NO₃)₂. These results clearly show that supplementary Ca(NO₃)₂ can partly mitigate the adverse effects of saline water on both fruit yield and whole plant biomass in melon and cucumber plants.     

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

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

Nitrate Mobility in Variable-Charge Tropical Soils

ABSTRACT

Nitrate (NO₃ ^–-N) leaching in tropical soils, which are more weathered, is influenced by their mineralogical, physical, and chemical characteristics. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the variation of net electrical charge on the mobility of nitrate, applied as potassium nitrate (KNO₃) or calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂), in samples from A and B horizons of three Red-Yellow Latosols (Oxisols), with different mineralogical and textural characteristics. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) volumes were added to previously sterilized soil samples in order to condition five hydrogen potential (pH) values, obtaining different net electrical charges. The experiment was carried out with leaching columns under laboratory conditions. The soil columns were percolated with solutions of KNO₃ or Ca(NO₃)₂ or water (control). An increase in positive net charges was significant and varied according to the soil and percolating solution; in general, it resulted in an increase of up to 50% in nitrate adsorption in some soils. Larger amounts of adsorbed nitrate were observed in the columns filled with the B horizon of the clayey gibbsitic Red-Yellow Latosol, showing adsorption of 85% for a positive net charge of 2 cmol_c kg^?1. Regarding kaolinitic soils, lower adsorption was observed in the medium-textured kaolinitic Red-Yellow Latosol, which had lower clay content and positive net charge. Application of Ca(NO₃)₂, as a percolating solution, increased nitrate adsorption compared to the application of KNO₃. This effect may be attributed to the increase in positive net charge promoted by calcium (Ca²⁺), being more evident for the highest negative net charges.