Deep root growth and nitrogen uptake by rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) as affected by nitrogen fertilizer,plant density and leaf harvesting on a coarse sandy soil

This study investigated management strategies to increase deep root growth and crop nitrogen (N) uptake by rocket grown as baby leaf in coarse sandy soil. Stage I (sowing to first harvest) measured the effects of two sowing densities and two N fertilizer rates on root growth and total N uptake. In Stage II (first to second harvest), effects of leaf harvesting and late season N fertilizer application on root growth, total N uptake and deep ¹⁵N uptake were measured. At the end of Stage I, root depth was 0.68–0.90 m, and the large fertilizer application increased N uptake. Plant density increased root depth, N uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) early in this stage and biomass production at harvest. Leaf harvesting in Stage II affected root density but not root depth that reached 1.4 m. The ability for N uptake was greater from 0.6 m due to more roots and larger N inflow than from 1.1 m depth. Late season fertilizer increased N concentration and uptake but did not affect NUE and deep N uptake. During the growing season, 330–349 kg N_inorg/ha was lost from 0 to 1.0 m depth most likely by leaching. Management practices that increased root growth and N uptake were found to increase NUE in rocket production early in the season. The production system used N inefficiently and smaller applications, plant density, leaf harvesting and other changes of management are required to reduce leaching.     

Genotypic differences in growth,yield and nutrient accumulation of spring wheat cultivars in response to long-term soil fertility regimes

Determining genotypic responses to soil fertility may assist selection of cultivars that can be adapted to varied soil fertility regimes, and such selection under field conditions is still limited. A two-year field experiment was conducted in long-term field trials to investigate wheat genotype effects on early growth, yield and nutrient accumulation as affected by varied long-term soil fertility managements and nitrogen (N) fertilization. Results show that the early growth, grain yield and nutrient accumulation of spring wheat plants were strongly affected by soil fertility managements and genotypes. Early shoot and root biomass of singly grown plants and leaf canopy growth under standard growth density was associated with subsequent grain yield of plants under standard growth density across the gradient in soil fertility levels. Taifun and Thasos had stable higher yield and N and phosphorus (P) uptake across varied soil fertility regimes compared with other genotypes. Økilde, however, increased yield by 8–34% and N and P accumulation by 1–22% only when grown in the high organic manure treatment compared with other genotypes, indicating that it is more adapted to high organic fertility regimes. Therefore, the different responses and adaptations of genotypes to soil fertility regimes should be included during selection of cultivars.     

Adaptive attributes of tropical forage species to acid soils I. Differences in plant growth,nutrient acquisition and nutrient utilization among C4 grasses and C3 legumes

Low supply of nutrients is a major limitation of forage adaptation and production in acid soils of the tropics. A glasshouse study was conducted to find differences in plant growth, nutrient acquisition and use, among species of tropical forage grasses (with C₄ pathway of photosynthesis) and legumes (with C₃), when grown in two acid soils of contrasting texture and fertility. Twelve tropical forage legumes and seven tropical forage grasses were grown in sandy loam and clay loam Oxisols at low and high levels of soil fertility. After 83 days of growth, dry matter distribution among plant leaves, stems, and roots, leaf area production, shoot and root nutrient composition, shoot nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency were measured. Soil type and fertility affected biomass production and dry matter partitioning between roots and shoots. The allocation of dry matter to root production was greater with low soil fertility, particularly in sandy loam. The grasses responded more than the legumes to increased soil fertility in both shoot and root biomass production. Leaf area production and the use of leaf biomass for leaf expansion (specific leaf area) were greater in legumes than in grasses, irrespective of soil type and fertility. But soil type affected shoot biomass production and nutrient uptake of the grasses more than those of the legumes. There were significant interspecific differences in terms of shoot nutrient uptake. The grasses were more efficient than legumes in nutrient use (grams of shoot biomass produced per gram of total nutrient uptake) particularly for nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca).     

Effects of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and N Source on Plant Growth and N and P Uptake by Tomato Grown on Calcareous Soils

Introducing specific microorganisms into the soil ecological system is an important strategy for improving nutrient use efficiency. Two pot experiments were conducted in the greenhouse from December 3, 2012 to January 25, 2013 (Experiment 1) and March 11 to April 23, 2013 (Experiment 2) to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) source and inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on plant growth and N and phosphorus (P) uptake in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown on calcareous soils from South Florida, USA. Treatments included urea, controlled release urea (a controlled release fertilizer, CRF) each at low and high N rates and with or without inoculation of PGPR. A mixture of PGPR strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IN937a and Bacillus pumilus T4 was applied to the soil during growing periods of tomato. Treatments with PGPR inoculation increased plant height compared to treatments without PGPR in both experiments. Inoculation with PGPR increased shoot dry weight and shoot N uptake for the same N rate and N source. In both experiments, only at high N rate, CRF and urea treatments with PGPR had significantly (P < 0.05) greater shoot biomass than those without PGPR. Only at high N rate, CRF treatment with PGPR significantly increased shoot N uptake by 39.0% and 10.3% compared to that without PGPR in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Meanwhile, presence of PGPR in the soil increased shoot P uptake for all treatments in Experiment 1 and for most treatments in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, only at low N rate, CRF treatment with PGPR significantly increased shoot P uptake compared with that without PGPR. In Experiment 2, a significant increase in shoot P uptake by inoculation of PGPR was only observed in CRF treatment at high N rate. Results from this study indicate that inoculation with PGPR may increase plant growth and N and P uptake by tomato grown on calcareous soils. However, the effect of PGPR varied and was influenced by many factors such as N source, N rate, and soil fertility. Further investigations are warranted to confirm the effect of PGPR under different soil conditions.     

Nitrogen release from a 15N‐labeled compost in a sorghum growth experiment

In the near future, composted bio‐solids are expected to play a major role in agriculture. In order to evaluate their contribution to plant growth and nutrition, a mixed sorghum–poultry manure compost was prepared using ¹⁵N‐labeled materials. Four treatments were compared in a pot trial: fertilized with compost vs. unfertilized, both of them combined with (cultivated) and without (bare) plants of fibre sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench.). Soil mineral nitrogen (N‐min), plant growth, and N uptake were monitored over a whole growing season (167 d after fertilizer treatment; DAT). Apparent soil mineralization (ASM) and apparent recovery fraction of nitrogen by the plant (ARF) were assessed, as well as the ¹⁵N recovery fraction by the plant (¹⁵NRF). Compost enhanced sorghum biomass at mid growth (+ 200% of dry weight compared to the unfertilized). However, the difference between the control and the fertilized plants progressively decreased towards the end of the season (+ 70%). Fertilized and unfertilized plants followed different growth patterns over time, although of the same sigmoid type. Conversely, N concentration in plant tissues followed a common dilution curve, indicating that fertilized sorghum efficiently used the supplied N, avoiding luxury consumption. Apparent soil mineralization approximately reached 45% of compost total N in pots without plants. Apparent recovery fraction attained 100% at about two third of the growing season (DAT 111), then declined to about 50% because of root and leaf decline. Compared to it, ¹⁵NRF only reached ≈ 20% at mid growth (DAT 83), then declined to 12%. Despite the large difference in absolute values, ARF and ¹⁵NRF exhibited a significant correlation, indicating a common trend in time. In contrast to ¹⁵NRF, the amount of nutrient derived from fertilizer (Ndff) taken up by the plant decreased over the growth season, proving that compost contributed more to plant nutrition in the early (Ndff ≈ 50%) than in the late growing season (Ndff ≈ 25%). The large difference between ARF and ¹⁵NRF suggests that sorghum exerted a strong nutrient demand on the soil and on the fertilizer. Both ¹⁵NRF and ARF are considered valuable traits: the former better describes fertilizer behavior and actual supply of N, while the latter outlines the overall effect of fertilizer application on crop nutrition.     

Growth and Phosphorus Uptake of Oat (Arena nuda L.) as Affected by Mineral Nitrogen Forms Supplied in Hydroponics and Soil Culture

Plants show different growth responses to N sources supplied with either NH4+ or NO3-.The uptake of different N sources also affects the rhizosphere pH and therefore the bioavailability of soil phosphorus,particularly in alkaline soils.The plant growth,P uptake,and P availability in the rhizosphere of oat (Arena nuda L.) grown in hydroponics and in soil culture were investigated under supply with sole NH4+-N,sole NO3--N,or a combination.Sole NO3-fed oat plants accumulated more biomass than sole NH4+-fed ones.The highest biomass accumulation was observed when N was supplied with both NH4+-N and NO3--N.Growth of the plant root increased with the proportion of NO3-in the cultural medium.Better root growth and higher root/shoot ratio were consistently observed in NO3--fed plants.However,root vigor was the highest when N was supplied with NO3-+NH4+.NH4+ supply reduced the rhizosphere pH but did not affect P uptake by plants grown in soils with CaHPO4 added as P source.No P deficiency was observed,and plant P concentrations were generally above 2 g kg-1.P uptake was increased when N was supplied partly or solely as NO3--N,similarly as biomass accumulation.The results suggested that oat was an NO3-prcferring plant,and NO3--N was essential for plant growth and the maintenance of root absorption capacity.N supply with NH4+-N did not improve P nutrition,which was most likely due to the absence of P deficiency.     

Soil Plus Foliar Nitrogen Application increases Cotton Growth and Salinity Tolerance

Soil or foliar application of nitrogen (N) can increase plant growth and salinity tolerance in cotton, but a combination of both methods is seldom studied under salinity stress. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of soil application (S), foliar application (F), and a combination of both (S+F) with labeled nitrogen (¹⁵N) on cotton growth, N uptake and translocation under salinity stress (ECe = 12.5 dS m^?1). Plant biomass, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, leaf net photosynthetic (Pn) rate, levels of ¹⁵N and [Na⁺] and K⁺/ Na⁺ ratio in plant tissues were determined at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after N application (DAN). Results showed that soil or foliar nitrogen fertilization improved plant biomass, leaf area per plant and leaf photosynthesis, and a combination of soil- plus foliar-applied N was superior to either S or F alone under salinity stress. Although foliar application favored a rapid accumulation of leaf N and soil application a rapid accumulation of root N, S+F enhanced N accumulation in both leaf and root under salinity stress. The combined N application also maintained significantly greater [K⁺] and K⁺/Na⁺ than either soil or foliar application alone. Therefore, the improved plant growth and salinity tolerance under S+F relative to soil or foliar N application alone was attributed to the increased total uptake of N, balanced N concentrations in different tissues through enhanced uptake and accumulation in both leaves and roots, and higher ratio of K⁺/Na⁺.     

Plant nitrogen uptake drives rhizosphere bacterial community assembly during plant growth

When plants establish in novel environments, they can modify soil microbial community structure and functional properties in ways that enhance their own success. Although soil microbial communities are influenced by abiotic environmental variability, rhizosphere microbial communities may also be affected by plant activities such as nutrient uptake during the growing season. We predicted that during the growing season, plant N uptake would explain much of the variation in rhizosphere microbial community assembly and functional traits. We grew the invasive C₃ grass Bromus tectorum and three commonly co-occurring native C₃ grasses in a controlled greenhouse environment, and examined rhizosphere bacterial community structural and functional characteristics at three different plant growth stages. We found that soil N availability and plant tissue N levels strongly correlated with shifts in rhizosphere bacterial community structure. It also appeared that the rapid drawdown of soil nutrients in the rhizosphere during the plant growing season triggered a selection event whereby only those microbes able to tolerate the changing nutrient conditions were able to persist. Plant N uptake rates inversely corresponded to microbial biomass N levels during periods of peak plant growth. Mechanisms which enable plants to influence rhizosphere bacterial community structure and function are likely to affect their competitive ability and fitness. Our study suggests that plants can alter their rhizosphere microbiomes through influencing nutrient availability. The ways in which plants establish their rhizosphere bacterial communities may now be viewed as a selection trait related to intrinsic plant species nutrient demands.     

Utilization of Existing Technology to Evaluate Spring Wheat Growth and Nitrogen Nutrition in South Dakota

Abstract

Sensor‐based technologies for in‐season application of nitrogen (N) to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have been developed and are in use in the southern Great Plains. Questions arise about the suitability of this technology for spring wheat production in the northern Great Plains. A field experiment was established in Brookings, SD, to evaluate the GreenSeeker Hand Held optical sensor (NTech Industries, Ukiah, CA) for predicting in‐season N status on three spring wheat cultivars (Ingot, Oxen, and Walworth) across five N treatments. Nitrogen rates were 0, 34, 68, 102, and 136 kg N ha^?1 applied preplant as ammonium nitrate. Sensor readings and plant biomass samples were collected at Feekes 6 and Feekes 10 growth stages. The sensor measures reflectance in the red and near infrared (NIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. A normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated. The ability of the sensor readings to predict biomass, plant N concentration, and plant N uptake for each sampling date was determined. In general, biomass, plant N concentration, and N uptake increased with increasing N rate for both sampling dates. Readings collected at Feekes 6 and Feekes 10 showed a significant relationship with plant biomass, N concentration, and N uptake for all varieties. Plant N uptake and NDVI resulted in a higher regression coefficients compared to biomass and plant N concentration for all varieties. Results suggest that existing sensor‐based variable nitrogen technology developed for winter wheat could be utilized in the northern Great Plains for estimating in‐season N need for spring wheat.     

Nitrogen Application in Winter Wheat Grown in Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Nitrogen Uptake,Utilization Efficiency,and Soil Nitrogen Deficit

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most growth restricting nutrients in cereal grain and represents one of the highest input costs in agricultural systems; therefore, environmental and economic considerations require the effective use of N fertilizer in plant production. This study was conducted for three years to better understand wheat plant response to optimize N fertilizer and how to reduce the risk of ground water pollution.

Two of the most important durum wheat cultivars in Southern Italy and four N fertilization levels (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha^{? 1}, indicated as N0, N60, N120, and N180, respectively) were compared in this experiment. During plant growth, fresh and dry matter, plant nutritional state (SPAD readings and stem nitrate content), and N uptake were determined. At harvest, plant N content, N uptake, grain yield, yield components and quality were determined, allowing the calculation of the pre- and postanthesis N uptake and the N utilization efficiency indices. Furthermore, at the beginning and at the end of each year, soil mineral N was measured to calculate mineral N deficit in the soil.

The results indicated that the treatment with 120 kg N ha^{? 1} of fertilizer ensures a good balance between yield and N utilization. In fact, N180 and N120 showed similar yield (3.01 and 3.07 t ha^{? 1}, respectively) and protein content (13.7 and 13.5 %). Meanwhile, throughout the three-year experiment, N180 presented the highest final mineral N content in the soil at the end of the cropping cycles, increasing the amount of N available for leaching. The N120 treatment showed the same values of N utilization indices as compared to N180, indicating that further doses of N fertilizer did not increase wheat N utilization. Plant N status shows that it is possible to modify the N fertilization to reach its optimum level during plant growth, in accordance with variable weather conditions, and consequently the plants requirements. The mean treatments of the preanthesis N uptake were about 67.5% of the total N uptake, and it was significantly and positively correlated with wheat yield. On the contrary, the postanthesis N uptake showed positive correlation with grain protein content, confirming the importance of late N supply in grains quality. The variation of weather conditions affected winter wheat yield, quality, N utilization and plant N status, but any difference throughout years was found between N180 and N120, confirming that higher N rate did not influence wheat growth, yield, and N uptake.     

Liming and nitrogen efficiency: Some effects of increased calcium supply and increased soil pH on nitrogen recovery by perennial ryegrass

Abstract

Positive effects of liming on the nitrogen (N) contents of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) shoots might be due in part to the effects of increased exogenous calcium (Ca) level on the rate of N uptake by plants. To test this hypothesis, perennial ryegrass was grown in soil culture treated with different rates of lime, gypsum, and ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), in a factorial combination. The effects of these treatments on yield, N offtake, and shoot chemical composition were examined at two consecutive harvests. At both harvests, liming significantly increased plant yield and N offtake. There was no response to gypsum at cut 1; but at the second harvest, a negative interaction occurred between the two Ca treatments such that gypsum increased plant yield and N offtake in the absence of lime but not in its presence. The results suggest that liming affects N recovery by swards in at least two different ways, each associated with a different phase in the soil MIT (Mineralization Immobilization Turnover) cycle. During phases of net N mineralization, liming by raising soil pH stimulates biomass activity and increases the amount of organic N mineralized. In contrast, during phases of net N immobilization, liming by increasing Ca availability in the rhizosphere improves the ability of plants to absorb N, and thus helps them to compete more effectively with the biomass for mineral N.     

Effects of Soil Application of Amino Acids,Ammonium, and Nitrate on Nutrient Accumulation and Growth Characteristics of Sweet Basil

ABSTRACT

The use of organic or reduced form of nitrogen (N) can have various beneficial effects in terms of plant nutrient uptake, metabolism, and environmental issues. In this study, the influence of soil application of reduced N-forms (ammonium, glycine, and glutamine) compared to nitrate and a no fertilizer treatment was evaluated on growth characteristics of sweet basil (Occimum basilicum L.) under a moderate lime soil conditions. The basil growth traits including root and shoot biomass were increased under application of reduced N-forms mainly glycine and glutamine compared to no fertilizer treatment. Application of reduced forms of nitrogen (ammonium, glycine, and glutamine) increased the leaf concentrations of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), whereas the leaf N concentration was increased by ammonium and nitrate fertilization compared to unfertilized control plants. The results indicate that soil application of reduced N-forms particularly glycine and glutamine is superior to nitrate application.     

Nitrogen Contribution of Peanut Residue to Cotton in a Conservation Tillage System

ABSTRACT

Leguminous crops, particularly winter annuals, have been utilized in conservation systems to partially meet nitrogen (N) requirements of succeeding summer cash crops. Previous research also highlights the benefits of utilizing summer annual legumes in rotation with non-leguminous crops. This study assessed the N contribution of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) residues to a subsequent cotton (Gossypium hirsitum L.) crop in a conservation system on a Dothan sandy loam (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) at Headland, AL during the 2003–2005 growing seasons. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design, with main plots of peanut residue retained or removed from the soil surface, and subplots as N application rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg ha^{? 1}) applied in fall and spring. Peanut residue did not influence seed cotton yields, leaf N concentrations, or plant N uptake for either growth stage or year of the experiment. There was a trend for peanut residue to increase whole plant biomass measured at the first square in two of three years. Seed cotton yields and plant parameters measured at the first square and mid-bloom responded favorably to spring N applications, but the recommended 101 kg N ha^{? 1} did not maximize yields. The results from this study indicate that peanut residue does not contribute significant amounts of N to a succeeding cotton crop, however, retaining residue on the soil surface provides other benefits to soils in the southeastern U.S.     

Effects of High Water Supply on Growth, Water Use, and Nutrient Allocation in Willow and Poplar Grown in a 1-Year Pot Trial

This study was carried out to test ex situ growth and soil nutrient removal efficiency of 1-year-old potted willow and poplar plants. Plants were grown under two different water regimes: low irrigation—around soil field capacity (W)—and high irrigation—five times higher than field capacity (W ₅). Results showed that plant productivity and water use efficiency were greater when trees were grown in the appropriate level of soil water content rather than at excessive moisture levels. Nutrient leaching was also affected by the high irrigation treatment. However, the poplar and willow clones used in this experiment showed different nutrient allocation patterns in the plant–soil–water system. The poplar clone accumulated the highest quantities of N and P in the soil. Willow accumulated N and P mainly in the biomass due to better root development under both treatments. This indicates the better performance of the willow clone in removing N and P from contaminated aquaculture wastewaters during the first growing season.     

Nitrogen Fractions in Arable Soils in Relation to Nitrogen Mineralization and Plant Uptake

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) as a major constituent of all plants is one of the most important nutrients. Minimizing input of mineral nitrogen fertilizer is needed to avoid harm to the environment. Optimal input of mineral nitrogen should take the nitrogen supply of the soil into account. Many different soil tests have been proposed for determining soil nitrogen availability. In this article we present a new approach that is based on the measurement of nitrate, ammonium, and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in a 0.01 M CaCl₂ soil extract. Eighteen agricultural soils, differing widely in the availability of nitrogen were used, fertilized and unfertilized. It is shown that the nitrogen uptake by maize plants (Zea Mays L.) in both “N‐fertilized” and “N‐unfertilized” soils as measured in a pot experiment can be described with a simple model using the measured nitrogen fractions in the extract. The main source of nitrogen uptake by the plants is the mineralized organic nitrogen during the growing period. It is shown that the initial measured DON fraction is a good indicator of the nitrogen mineralized during plant growth.     

The effect of potassium soil amendments,trenching and foliar sprays on the mineral content,growth, yield and fruit quality of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and prune (Prunus domestica L.)

Abstract

Potassium sulfate was applied to established, non‐irrigated, K deficient trees on fine textured soil by banding, placing in augered holes and injecting into the soil. Additional trees received a heavy compost mulch in early fall. Trenches were dug in the fall beside trees to break roots and then were backfilled with K₂SO₄, dolomite lime or a combination of the two. One percent K solutions of KNO₃ or K₂SO₄ were sprayed on trees four times during the growth season.

Sweet cherry trees only responded to compost mulch applications within two years. August midshoot leaf K, leaf N and fruit size were increased within one year however tree growth and yield were not affected. Fruit size and shoot growth were partially dependent on August leaf K level.

August midshoot leaf K of prune trees was increased within one growing season by all treatments except trench plus lime. Trees receiving compost also had increased levels of leaf N, P, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and B. Yield and shoot growth were increased only by compost mulch applications. Fruit size was partially dependent on August leaf K levels.     

Agronomic Assessment of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Spring Wheat and Interrelations with Leaf Greenness Under Field Conditions

Four spring wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown without (N0 = 0 kg N ha^?1) and under ample (N1 = 250 kg ha^?1) nitrogen (N) fertilizer in field experiments in two seasons. The aim was to assess genotypic variation in N use efficiency (NUE) components and N-related indices during grain filling thus to identify superior wheat genotypes. Leaf chlorophyll (SPAD) readings at crucial growth stages were employed to help differentiate genotypes. Interrelations between yield and N-related indices with SPAD, where also assessed to explain possible pathways of improving NUE early in the growing season. Results showed that genotypic effects on NUE were mostly evident in 2000, a year with drier preanthesis and wetter postanthesis than the normal periods. ‘Toronit’ almost always had the highest biomass yield (BY) and grain yield (GY). Except in 1999 under N0, ‘L94491? showed the highest % grain N concentration (GNC). Genotypes affected SPAD at almost all stages and N fertilization delayed leaf senescence for all genotypes and growth seasons. Correlations between SPAD at different growth stages and GY, N biomass yield at maturity (NBYM) and GNC were significant (P≤ 0.001), positive and strong/very strong (>r = 0.7). N translocation efficiency (NTE) was inversely related to PANU (~r = ? 0.77, P≤ 0.001), suggesting that N after anthesis is being preferentially transported to the ears to meet the N demand of the growing grains. It is concluded that there is still a large potential for increased NUE by improved N recirculation, use of fast and inexpensive crop N monitoring tools and high yielding, N uptake efficient genotypes.

Abbreviations: NUE, Nitrogen use efficiency; SPAD, Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, NHI, nitrogen harvest index; HI, Harvest index; NTE, N translocation efficiency from vegetative plant parts to grain; DMTE, dry matter translocation efficiency; CPAY, contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates to yield; PANU, Post-anthesis N uptake, d.a.s., days after sowing, N0, zero (0) kg ha^?1 applied N fertilizer, N1, 250 kg ha^?1 applied N fertilizer.     

Effects of nitrogen supply on growth and nitrogen uptake by Miscanthus sinensis during establishment

The effect of nitrogen (N) supply on growth and N uptake of Miscanthus sinensis during the establishment was determined. Seven different N addition regimes were compared in a nutrient solution experiment. In the treatments N111 (severe deficient), N222 (moderate deficient), N333 and N444 (optimal for maximum growth) different N concentration ranges were held constant during the entire growing season. In the treatments N144, N414 and N441 plants were subjected to low (1) N concentration in one of three experimental periods, whereas the N concentration was high (4) in the other two periods. Depending on the N demand of the plants, N concentrations were adjusted to 250–500 μM (N1), 500–1000 μM (N2), 1250–2500 μM (N3) and 2500–5000 μM (N4) when the N concentration in the N222 treatment had dropped below 100 μM. The other elements in the solution were replenished according to the estimated element ratios in the plants. As a reference the potassium concentration in the solution was measured regularly. During the first year plants with a non-limited N supply (N444) produced new tillers and increased the length of individual tillers until the end of the growing season. This resulted in a 48% shoot dry matter increase late in the growing season between August and October and a linear increase of cumulative N uptake between July and October. Limited N supply during the entire growing season (N111, N222) caused lower shoot yields but rhizome and particularly root dry weights were less affected. Significant final yield losses were also observed when the N supply was limited only during the first 7 weeks of growth (N144). By contrast, final shoot yield was hardly affected when the plants were exposed to limited N supply over a period of 9 weeks at the end of the growing season (N441). In the second year regrowth of shoots in spring was affected by the previous year's N supply, since five weeks after the beginning of regrowth, shoot dry matter was significantly positively correlated with N contents in rhizomes and shoots in the previous October. Our results show, that N supply at the beginning of the growing season has a major effect on final yield in the first establishment year of M. sinensis. However, from the second year on, the capacity of N reserves in rhizomes and roots affects spring growth much more than current N supply.     

Comparative Growth of Oilseed and Textile Flax under Different Nitrogen Supplies

Abstract

The objective of this work was to compare and characterize the response to nitrogen (N) supply of a textile and an oilseed cultivar of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). The dynamics of growth, biomass partitioning, growth rates, and leaf area evolution and duration of the cultivars Omega (oilseed) and Diane (textile) were compared under three rates of N supply. Plants were grown in pots in the field with nil (N1), 2.5 (N2), and 5 g N per pot (N3); N2 and N3 doses were divided into five applications. Shoot biomass of N2 and N3 treatments was similar in both cultivars and significantly higher than in N1. Partitioning of biomass was unaffected by N treatment but showed contrasting patterns between cultivars. The oilseed cultivar produced 30–42% more reproductive biomass and 18–30% less stem biomass than its textile counterpart. Differences between cultivars in these traits increased with increasing N rate. Maximum growth rates per plant concentrated around 1572°Cd after sowing (fructification). Faster leaf senescence after flowering contributed to the lower leaf area and leaf biomass of the textile cultivar.

The availability of N at different specific moments of the plant cycle would be useful to improve the growth of organs of economic interest. Results can also provide useful information to future nutrition models and breeding programs in textile and oilseed flax.     

Delayed response to ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax) feeding on grape roots linked to vine carbohydrate reserves and nematode feeding pressure

The chronic impact of ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax) feeding on grapevine (Vitis vinifera) was studied under controlled conditions. ‘Pinot noir’ grapevines were exposed to ring nematode or kept nematode-free for three growing seasons and vines were either grown in full sunlight, 15% of full sun, or partially defoliated to manipulate vine carbohydrate status. Whole plants were destructively sampled to assess the impact of ring nematode on whole plant biomass, carbohydrate, and mineral nutrient accumulation. Vine shoot growth and total biomass was unaffected by ring nematode in the first growing season, although reserves of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), P, K, and Ca in the roots and wood were reduced in all canopy management treatments. Vine shoot growth and total biomass were reduced by ring nematode in Year 2, and greater declines in reserve NSC and most mineral nutrients had occurred. Reserves of NSC were affected more than biomass or nutrients during the second year. During the third year of exposure to ring nematode, vines in the 15% sun treatment were dying (prompting an earlier destructive harvest), even though these vines had similar biomass and NSC reserves as the partially defoliated vines at the end of the second year. The demise of the 15% sun vines was associated with higher ring nematodes per unit of root mass, as compared to either full sun or defoliated vines. Therefore, predicting plant response to this nematode requires an understanding of nematode density per quantity of roots, not nematodes per unit of soil which is how plant parasitic nematodes are currently enumerated.