Standardization of Leaf Sampling Technique in Bael

Abstract

The chemical diagnosis of nutritional status of Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) tree by leaf analysis was done to study the effect of leaf age and leaf position on foliar nutrient composition of Bael. The results showed that leaf age has significant influence on leaf mineral content, whereas the position of leaf on shoot did not have any significant effect. Interactions between leaf age and position were found to be significant for nitrogen, boron and iron content. In general, stability in level of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents was observed in November–December (6‐ to 7‐month‐old leaves) and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) showed their stability in 2‐to 3‐month‐old leaves (July–August). The contents of boron (B), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were found stabilized in September–October (3‐ to 4‐month‐old leaves), indicating their suitability for sampling in Bael.     

Nutrient status of the lowbush blueberry,Lac‐Saint‐Jean area,Québec,Canada

Abstract

The lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) is an important commercial crop of the Lac‐Saint‐Jean area (Quebec, Canada). The major blueberry fields are located on sandy soils relatively poor in available mineral nutrients. The nutrients originate from a thin organic layer found on the top of these sandy soils. The leaf mineral contents (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and B) were measured in five blueberry fields during 1984 and 1985. Soil pH and soil available P, K, and Mg were also assessed. The results show that the leaf mineral contents are generally adequate. However, K and Zn might be occasionally deficient when compared to the actual established standards. The available Mg in soil was significantly correlated with the leaf Mg concentration. The data also suggest that the increase of the pH following the burn pruning seems to influence the nutrition of this species.     

Leaf litter decomposition in an upper montane rainforest in Sri Lanka

In a field study in an upper mountain rain forest in Sri Lanka leaf litter decay rates for nine tree species were measured using the standard litterbag method. The leaf species showed a wide variation in decomposition rates with k values ranging from 0.19 to 9.6 (t_0.99 values ranging from 0.5 to 24 years), but it was possible to recognize fast, medium and slow decomposition groups. While there were considerable differences in physical and chemical litter properties these were poor predictors of decomposition rates. There was considerable variation in the N, P and lignin contents of mature green leaves and freshly fallen dead leaves of the different tree species. Percent resorption of N varied from 0 (one species) to 56 and of P from 0 (three species) to 73. There were no consistent patterns of nutrient mobilization and net release of N and P in the five leaf litter species studied.     

Pecan leaf analysis: I. Varietal,fertilizer, and seasonal effects

Abstract

Differences in elemental content of pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wang.) K. Koch] leaves among cultivars were found for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn. Of the 7 elements studied, only leaf K indicated a date by cultivar interaction. Differences in leaf K among cultivars became greater as the season progressed. Increasing rate of application of N‐P‐K fertilizer increased leaf N, Ca, Mn, and Al, but had very little or erratic effect on leaf P, K, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, and Sr. There were very few consistent significant fertilizer rate by date interactions for the 13 elements tested. Seasonal trends for element leaf contents from mid‐May through October were generally downward for N, upward for Ca, Mn, Fe, B, Cu, Al, and Ba and changed very little for Mg, Zn, and Sr. Leaf P and K responses to sampling date varied with year. Large year to year variations in leaf trends over dates suggests difficulty in selecting a period for leaf sampling where little change in leaf levels consistently occurs.     

Nutritional Evaluation of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization of Carob Tree under Dry‐Farming Conditions

Abstract

The aim of this work was to assess how potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) fertilization might affect the variation of leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations in carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) under low precipitation. A field study was conducted in 1997, 1998, and 1999 in a calcareous soil. Four fertilization treatments were tested: no fertilizer (C), 0.8 kg N tree^?1 (N treatment), 0.83 kg K tree^?1 (K treatment), and 0.80 kg N tree^?1 plus 0.83 kg K tree^?1 (NK treatment). During the hydrological cycle 1998/1999, only 250 mm of rain were recorded. Because of this, from 1998 to 1999 a decrease in the concentrations of mobile nutrients N, phosphorus (P), and K and an increase in calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) were observed in leaves. The application of N led to higher leaf N concentration compared with other treatments. This response allowed the establishment of a linear model that relates soil plant analysis development (SPAD) readings with leaf N concentrations (r²=0.55; P<0.05). Compared with leaves, fruits showed similar amounts of N and P; less Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn; and high concentrations of K. Fertilization did not change considerably the mineral composition of fruits, and because of large variation among trees, yield was similar for all treatments.     

Nutritional Status,Yield, and Fruit Quality of “Encore” Mandarin Trees Grown in Two Sites of an Orchard with Different Soil Properties

Abstract

The nutrient status [annual fluctuation of leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)], yield and fruit quality [soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acids (TA), SSS/TA and juice content] of “Encore” mandarin trees cultivated in two sites of the same orchard were studied. The trees were grafted on Carrizo citrange rootstock and grown under identical conditions, apart from some soil properties. Soil B (site B of orchard) contained more K, Ca, Mg, and organic matter than soil A (site A of orchard). The patterns of annual variation of leaf nutrient concentrations were similar in both soils, although leaf concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe in soil A were significantly higher than those of soil boron (B), while leaf K concentrations were significantly lower. The mineral analyses of the leaves revealed some interesting antagonisms between K–Mg, K–Ca, and K–Mn. Manganese deficiency was especially limited in the trees grown in soil B. The average fruit yield per tree in soil A, on two-year basis, was significantly higher than this in soil B. The significantly higher water infiltration rate in soil B, in contrast to soil A, seemed to be the dominant factor responsible for the differences among the two sites in yielding and leaf mineral composition.     

Rootstock Effect on Nutrient Concentration of Sweet Cherry Leaves

The present investigation aimed to study the leaf mineral composition of sweet cherry trees on different rootstocks, since the literature data on uptake efficiency of different rootstocks is inconsistent. Results confirmed the different uptake efficiency of rootstocks. The efficiency of ‘GiSelA 6’ root is emphasized in uptake and supply of leaves with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn), but trees on this rootstock tend to develop calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) deficiencies. The Prunus mahaleb rootstocks on calcareous sandy soil are efficient supplier of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu, but this root tends to develop Zn, B, and Mn deficiencies. Prunus avium seedling as rootstock proved to be less efficient in supply of leaves by N, P, K, Ca, and Cu. Prunus fruticosa ‘Prob’ root showed tendency in developing several leaf nutrient deficiencies. The applied fertilizer program led to low nutrient levels or even deficiency symptoms in leaves.     

Foliar composition of citrus seedlings irrigated with saline waters

Abstract

The effects of increasing levels of NaCl in the irrigation water on the foliar content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn of six citrus seedling varieties were studied. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions in a factorial design. Treatments consisted of addition of irrigation waters containing 1.5, 10, 20, and 40 me NaCl/l. Increasing salinity significantly decreased K and Mn contents and increased those of N and Mg. Leaf content of P, Ca, and Fe was not affected. Results also showed that seedling variety and sampling data had a significant effect on the mineral composition of the leaf.     

钙、 硼对常山胡柚叶片养分、 果实产量及品质的影响

【目的】研究叶片矿质营养元素含量的季节性变化,对探明植物体中营养元素的丰缺状况、 调控养分代谢、 提高果实产量和改善品质具有重要意义。本研究结合常山胡柚园土壤养分状况,通过连续4年施用钙肥和硼肥,研究钙、 硼对常山胡柚叶片矿质营养元素含量的季节变化、 果实产量及品质的影响。【方法】采用田间定位试验,以13年生枳砧常山胡柚为试验材料,设4个处理,1)CK(对照); 2)Ca(每株0.5 kg生石灰粉); 3)B(每株25 g 硼砂); 4)Ca+B(每株0.5 kg生石灰粉+ 25 g 硼砂)。于试验的第4年采集常山胡柚不同生长期当年生春梢叶片及成熟期果实样品,并对常山胡柚叶片矿质营养元素含量的季节变化、 果实品质进行分析。【结果】常山胡柚叶片各矿质养分在果实逐渐成熟过程中总体呈现先增后降的变化规律,其中叶片氮(N)、 钾(K)、 镁(Mg)和锌(Zn)在果实坐果期达到最大值,磷(P)在果实膨大前中期(8月份)到达最大值,钙(Ca)、 硼(B)、 铁(Fe)、 锰(Mn)和铜(Cu)在果实膨大后期(9月份)出现最高值。钙、 硼肥施用均可提高常山胡柚果实各发育时期叶片Ca、 B、 N、 K、 Fe、 Mn和Cu含量,但明显抑制叶片Zn的吸收,其中钙、 硼配施对成熟叶片(8~9月份)Ca含量存在显著正交互效应,但对提高叶片B含量无显著交互作用。施钙、 硼肥可不同程度提高常山胡柚2年平均产量,增产率达到1.8%~21.4%,其中各处理增产率顺序为Ca+B＞B≥Ca,且单施硼可显著提高2年累积产量,钙硼配施对单年产量、 2年平均产量均存在显著正交互效应。钙、 硼肥单施对果实品质无显著性影响,但钙硼配施可显著降低可滴定酸含量,显著提高固酸比。【结论】常山胡柚坐果期(4月份)为叶片N、 P、 K、 Mg和Zn吸收的关键时期,果实膨大期(8~9月份)为叶片Ca、 B、 Fe、 Mn和Cu吸收的重要时期。钙、 硼配施既可明显提高常山胡柚叶片中矿质营养元素含量(P和Zn除外),又能显著提高果实产量和品质。     

Seasonal Variation in Nutrient Status of Foxglove Leaves

The seasonal variation of mineral elements and the relationships among them were studied in natural populations of foxglove (Digitalis obscura). Young and mature leaves were collected in 10 different populations and on four sample dates (May, July, October, and February). Leaf mineral elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] were determined. The highest concentrations of N, P, and K in young leaf were recorded in May, followed by a decrease in the other months, while in contrast Ca and Fe showed the lowest concentration in May. Mature leaves showed differential seasonal behavior. Besides seasonal variations, significant fluctuations of N/P and Ca/Mg ratios were observed in young leaves. Strong positive correlations existed among N, P and K, while negative correlations were found between Ca and N, P, or K.     

Robustness in the mineral supply from temporary grasslands

Abstract

The current study examined the capacity of different temporary grassland legume–grass mixtures under different N supply levels to supply similar amounts of elements in systems where the herbage is cut for feed. Mixtures showed a good robustness in supplying equal amounts of mineral elements in the combined herbage as well as equal concentrations in dry matter of mineral elements compared with the same species in monocultures. The reasons for the mixed systems to be able to buffer differences in N supply levels as well as different compositions of the mixtures were that legume leaves and stems had similar concentrations of mineral elements, whether in monocultures or in mixtures with grasses. Grasses in mixture with legumes had however higher N, Ca, S, Zn, Cu and tended to have higher Mg concentration, both in stems and leaves, while Mn were less concentrated in mixtures’ dry matter. Further, the mixtures doubled their dry matter accumulation in the two weeks just around grass heading. The systems partly buffered the time-wise differences in the sense that the P accumulation paralleled dry matter but the N was diluted. This was mirrored in a decrease in N concentration and maintenance of the concentration level of P and other elements. As the stem–leaf ratio was higher (p<0.05) in festulolium than in ryegrass and as the stems of festulolium have lower concentrations of N, K, Ca, S, Mg, Fe and Cu than leaves, the mixtures including festulolium had a rapidly declining proportion of these elements in the combined mixtures’ dry matter. Management options in improving the mineral supplies are thus to choose species when establishing the temporary grasslands according to functionality, to manipulate the content of legumes by the N supply level, and to time the harvest of the herbage.     

Nutritional survey of citrus orchards in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Nutritional survey was made by analysing leaf samples from various agro‐ecological zones of Sierra Leone. Leaves were analysed for twelve elements and data were compared with the California leaf analyses standards for assessing the nutrient status of citrus leaves. The deficiency of N,P,K,S,Ca,Mg,Cu, Zn,Mn and B have been recorded to varying degrees. The aluminum was in the excess range.     

脐橙幼苗新老叶片养分含量对大、中量元素短期缺乏的差异性响应

  【目的】  对比大、中量养分短期缺乏下脐橙新、老叶片中11种必需元素含量及变化,并分析缺素导致的营养元素间的相互影响。  【方法】  以一年生枳砧纽荷尔脐橙幼苗为试材进行了砂培试验。以完全营养液为对照 (CK),设置缺氮 (?N)、缺磷 (?P)、缺钾 (?K)、缺钙 (?Ca)和缺镁 (?Mg)处理,测定不同处理脐橙叶片（老叶和新叶）生长指标及矿质元素含量。  【结果】  所有缺素处理均导致叶片叶绿素含量降低,生物量减少,以缺氮处理最为显著。缺氮降低了叶片N、Ca、Cu、Mo含量;缺磷降低了叶片P、K、Mo含量;缺钾降低了叶片K含量;缺钙降低了叶片N、Cu、Zn、Mo含量但增加了P含量;缺镁降低了叶片Ca、Mg、Zn、Mo含量但增加了K含量。以必需矿质元素为变量分别对各处理老叶和新叶进行主成分分析,老叶中第一主成分 (PC1)明显将缺钾处理与其他处理区分开,与对照相比,缺钾老叶离子组成变化为N (?3%)、P (+1%)、K (?71%)、Ca (+11%)、Mg (+39%)、B (+16%)、Mn (+11%)、Fe (+32%)、Cu (?7%)、Zn (+14%)、Mo (?63%);新叶中PC1明显将缺氮处理与其他处理区分开,缺氮新叶离子组成变化为N (?53%)、P (+8%)、K (+7%)、Ca (?14%)、Mg (+11%)、B (+55%)、Mn (+51%)、Fe (?14%)、Cu (?57%)、Zn (+4%)、Mo (?25%)。老叶和新叶中元素含量呈正相关的元素是N-Cu、N-Ca、Mg-Mn和Cu-Mo,呈负相关的是K-Zn。  【结论】  脐橙幼苗老叶对钾的短期缺乏反应最敏感,缺钾会显著降低老叶中K和Mo含量并增加Mg和Fe含量,而新叶对氮素的短期缺乏最敏感,缺氮显著降低新叶中N、Ca、Cu和Mo含量。短期缺少P、Ca和Mg对脐橙幼苗叶片中的养分含量影响较小。     

Soil properties and tree growth along an altitudinal transect in Ecuadorian tropical montane forest

In tropical montane forests, soil properties change with increasing altitude, and tree‐growth decreases. In a tropical montane forest in Ecuador, we determined soil and tree properties along an altitudinal transect between 1960 and 2450 m asl. In different vegetation units, all horizons of three replicate profiles at each of eight sites were sampled and height, basal area, and diameter growth of trees were recorded. We determined pH and total concentrations of Al, C, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, S, Zn, polyphenols, and lignin in all soil horizons and in the mineral soil additionally the effective cation‐exchange capacity (CEC). The soils were Cambisols, Planosols, and Histosols. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, N, P, and S in the O horizons and of Al, C, and all nutrients except Ca in the A horizons correlated significantly negatively with altitude. The C : N, C : P, and C : S ratios increased, and the lignin concentrations decreased in O and A horizons with increasing altitude. Forest stature, tree basal area, and tree growth decreased with altitude. An ANOVA analysis indicated that macronutrients (e.g., N, P, Ca) and micronutrients (e.g., Mn) in the O layer and in the soil mineral A horizon were correlated with tree growth. Furthermore, lignin concentrations in the O layer and the C : N ratio in soil affected tree growth. These effects were consistent, even if the effect of altitude was accounted for in a hierarchical statistical model. This suggests a contribution of nutrient deficiencies to reduced tree growth possibly caused by reduced organic‐matter turnover at higher altitudes.     

Standardization of Litchi Leaf Nutrient Composition for Tissue Analysis in Sub Tropics of India

ABSTRACT

Variation in leaf nutrient composition with leaf age and position of leaflets was assessed for ‘Calcuttia’ and ‘Dehradun’ litchi cultivars under loam to sandy loam soils of north India. Leaf samples were collected from first to sixth pair of leaflets starting from the apex of terminal shoots to downward positions during December to May at monthly intervals at two locations for three successive years. The leaves were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations. In both litchi cultivars, leaf N, P, Zn and Cu contents remained more in young leaves; whereas, leaf Ca, Mg, Mn and Fe contents were observed higher in older leaves. Leaf K concentration exhibited inconsistent patterns; however, leaf K concentration in pair of leaflets on the shoot declined basipetal, being maximum in upper pair of leaflets and minimum in lower pair of leaflets. Levels of macro and micronutrients exhibited a degree of stability at second and third pair of leaflets when sampled during February–March. Leaf compositions differed significantly during active vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit development. The results revealed that 4–5 months old leaves from autumn flush at second and third pair of leaflets from the apex of terminal litchi shoots at the advent of panicle initiation (February–March) should be collected to assess the nutritional concentrations of litchi orchards under North India conditions.     

Nutrient status of apple orchards in Canterbury,New Zealand. 1. Levels in soil,leaves and fruit and the prevalence of storage disorders

Abstract

The nutrient status (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) of 26 Cox's Orange Pippin and 20 Braeburn apple orchard sites in the Canterbury region of New Zealand was evaluated by soil, leaf and fruit analysis. Concentrations of available nutrients in soils ranged widely but those in leaves and fruit were generally confined to a relatively narrow range. Concentrations of leaf N were high in the study area, as were levels of extractable soil P, and it is suggested that reductions in fertilizer additions of these nutrients would generally be appropriate.

Soil, leaf and fruit nutrient contents were generally not well correlated with one another. The only highly significant correlations (P≤0.001) were between leaf and fruit Ca for Cox's and soil and fruit Mg for Braeburn. The poor correlations were attributed to the empirical nature of soil tests, the presence of large nutrient reserves within the tree framework and the effects of cultural and environmental factors on nutrient uptake and translocation by the trees.

The storage disorders bitter pit and senescent breakdown in Cox's and lenticel blotch pit in Braeburn were observed in apples harvested from some of the study sites. Such disorders were generally associated with low concentrations of Ca (≤.2.5 mg/100 g) in samples of cortical plugs taken from fruit at harvest.     

Seasonal dynamics of mineral nutrients and carbohydrates by walnut tree leaves

The dry weight accumulation per leaf as well as the concentration per gram of dry weight and the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were determined in walnut tree leaves (Juglans regia L.) during a complete life cycle. Additionally, the dynamics of plant nutrient concentration in leaf petiole sap and carbohydrate accumulation in leaves were studied in relation to the main life cycle events of the walnut tree. Total N, P, K, Cu, and Zn concentrations decreased, whereas that of Ca, Mg, and Mn increased during the season. Iron concentration fluctuated around a mean value. Total N, P, K, Mg, and Cu concentrations detected in younger mature leaves were at the sufficient level, whereas Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations were at higher levels as compared to those previously reported. All the detected nutrient accumulations increased abruptly during leaf ontogeny and leaf maturation until a maximum level was attained in the younger mature leaves. Similarly, sucrose, glucose, and fructose accumulation were observed at the same period. The rates of total N, P, Cu, and Zn accumulation were lower than the rates of the observed dry matter accumulation and nutrient concentration dilution. Potassium and Mn accumulation rates were almost equal, whereas those for Ca and Mg were higher as compared to the dry matter accumulation rate. The fast embryo growing phase resulted in a considerable decrease in dry weight, total N, P, K, Cu, Zn, and carbohydrate accumulation, and to a lesser degree in Ca, Mg, and Mn accumulation. Nutrient accumulation reduction in leaves by the influence of the growing fruits were estimated to be: total N 52%, K 48%, P 29.5%, Mg 16.3%, Ca 15%, Fe 51.2%, Cu 55.2%, Zn 37.3%, and Mn 5.4% of the maximum nutrient value of the younger mature leaves. Old leaves preserved nutrients before leaf fall as follows: total N 25.4%, P 45%, K 31%, Ca 74.8%, Mg 76.5%, Mn 89.2%, Fe and Zn 50%, and Cu 37%. Nutrient remobilization from the senescing old leaves before leaf fall were: total N 22.6%, P 25.5%, K 21%, Ca 10.2%, Mg 7%, Fe 3.2%, Mn 5.4%, Cu 8%, and Zn 13.3% of the maximum value in the younger mature leaves. In early spring, the absorption rates of N, P, and Ca were low while those of Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were high. During the fast growing pollen phase, the N, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were reduced. Calcium concentration is supposed to be more affected by the rate of transpiration rather than during the growing of embryo. Calcium and Mg concentrations in the sap were negatively correlated. The detected K concentration level in the sap was as high as 33 to 50 times that of soluble N, 12 to 21 times to that of P, 5 times to that of Ca, and 10 to 20 times to that of Mg. The first maximum of starch accumulation in mature leaves was observed during the slow growing embryo phase and a second one after fruit ripening. Old senescing leaves showed an extensive carbohydrate depletion before leaf fall.     

Effect of rate and source of nitrogen fertilizers on mineral composition of d'Anjou pears

Abstract

Thirteen‐year‐old ‘d'Anjou’ pear trees, Pyrus communis L., were fertilized with 3 rates of ammonium nitrate or 2 rates of calcium nitrate in late autumn from 1978 to 1980. In 1981, mid‐terminal and fruiting‐spur leaves and fruit peel and flesh were sampled for mineral analysis of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The level of N increased in the above tissues as rate of N fertilizer was increased. In most cases, the levels of N, P, K, Mg, Cu, and Mn in the fruiting spur leaves and fruit were greater in the ammonium nitrate‐treated trees than with calcium nitrate fertilizer. Calcium was higher in the fruit peel and flesh of trees treated with the low rate of calcium nitrate than with the highest rate of ammonium nitrate fertilizer while Ca in the fruiting spur leaves was lower in the calcium nitrate‐fertilized trees.     

Avocado rootstock influences scion leaf mineral content

ABSTRACT

To test the influence of avocado rootstocks on the scion leaf ionome, the nutritional status of avocado cultivars Hass and Ettinger grafted onto 15 rootstocks was compared over 3 years. The rootstocks were of different genetic origins (West Indian or Mexican) and were clonally or reproductively propagated. The trees were grown in a high-density orchard, and were continually fertigated as is common in modern avocado orchards. Leaf mineral composition was analysed and found to be correlated with crop load. ‘Hass’ leaves had significantly higher levels of B, Ca, Mg, Na, P and K than ‘Ettinger’ leaves. Rootstocks of Mexican origin produced higher foliar Cl levels, but lower levels of Mg and Mn. Rootstocks grown from seedlings conferred higher foliar K and lower B, Ca and Mg. The results demonstrate that avocado rootstocks affect the nutritional status of the tree, by a differential mineral transport, which is indicated by the scion leaf ionome.