Effects of Boron and Calcium Supply on Calcium Fractionation in Plants and Suspension Cells of Rape Cultivars with Different Boron Efficiency

Abstract

In this study, the effects of boron (B) and calcium (Ca) supply on Ca fractionation in suspension cells and different tissues of rape (Brassica napus L.) plants of two cultivars with different B efficiency were studied, with a purpose to elucidate the mechanism by which B affects Ca concentration in plants. As Ca supply increased in nutrient solution or culture medium, the relatively easily extractable Ca fractions, that is H₂O and 80% ethanol extractable Ca in leaves, 1 mol L^?1 NaCl extractable Ca in upper leaves, roots and suspension‐cell were significantly increased. While the recalcitrant Ca fractions extracted by 2% acetic acid, 0.6 mol L^?1 HCl and Ca in the residue were not affected by Ca supply. Increasing B supply in nutrient solution or culture media significantly reduced 1 mol L^?1NaCl extracted Ca in suspension cell and roots of both cultivars, which were most likely related to the alteration of cell wall metabolism. Calcium extracted by 2% acetic acid, 0.6 mol L^?1 HCl and Ca in residue in suspension‐cell and roots of B inefficient cultivar Bakow were easily improved by B deficiency as compared to that of B efficient cultivar Tezao16. Increasing of these relative recalcitrant Ca fractions was related to the different response of cultivars to the B deficiency, which may reflected different extent that Ca deposited in the two cultivars due to impaired membrane integrity under B deficiency. The effects of B on Ca concentration in lower and upper leaves of the two cultivars were quite different and were the integrated effects of B on Ca metabolism, Ca transport in plants and growth of certain organ. Increasing B supply increased total Ca concentration in upper leaves of Bakow and reduced that of Tezao16, which might relate to the different adaptability of the two cultivars to comparatively higher B supply.     

Impact of Boron Deficiency on Changes in Biochemical Attributes,Yield, and Seed Reserves in Chickpea

To determine the effect of boron (B) deficiency on biomass, reproductive yield, metabolism, and alterations in seed reserves of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cv. ‘13.G‐256,’ plants were grown in refined sand until maturity at deficient (0.033 mg L^?1) and adequate (0.33 mg L^?1) B, supplied as boric acid (H₃BO₃). Boron‐deficient plants exhibited visible deficiency symptoms in addition to reduced number of pods and seeds, resulting in lowered biomass and economic yield. Boron deficiency lowered the concentration of B in leaves and seeds, photosynthetic pigments (leaves), Hill reaction activity, starch (in leaves and seeds), and proteins and protein N (in seeds), whereas phenols, sugars (in leaves and seeds), and nonprotein N (in seeds) were elevated. Specific activity of peroxidase (POX) increased in leaves and pod wall and decreased in seeds, while activity of acid phosphate and ribonuclease were stimulated in leaves, seeds, and pod wall in B‐deficient chickpea.     

Determination of Application Effects of Sewage Sludge on Growth,Soil Properties,and N Uptake in Komatsuna by using the Indirect 15N Isotope Method

Abstract: By using the indirect ¹⁵nitrogen (N) method, the application effects of sewage sludge (SS) on growth indices, yield, and nutrient uptake in Komatsuna (Brassica campestris var. perviridis) grown in a low fertility soil were investigated and compared with those of chemical fertilizer (CF) and no‐fertilizer (NF) treatments. The N‐use efficiencies of CF and SS were 19.7% and 12.1%, respectively, of the applied N. Therefore, the relative efficiency of the sewage sludge to chemical fertilizer was 61.5%. In comparison to NF and CF, the application of SS apparently increased the soil microbial activity, which was evaluated by measuring hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate. After cultivation, the electrical conductivity (EC) of CF soil (0.175 dS m^?1) was significantly higher than those of NF (0.067 dS m^?1) and SS soils (0.057 dS m^?1). The concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in SS leaves were significantly higher than those in CF leaves; however, the concentration of potassium (K) was significantly lower in SS than in CF.     

Effect of supplied phytosiderophore on 59Fe absorption and translocation in Fe-deficient barley grown hydroponically in low phosphorus media

Abstract

Hydroponically grown barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Minorimugi) under iron-deficient (–Fe) and high phosphorus (P) conditions (500 µmol L^?1) showed Fe chlorosis and lower growth compared with plants grown in –Fe and low P conditions (50, 5 and 0.5 µmol L^?1). To understand the physiological role of P in regulating the growth of plants in –Fe medium, we carried out an Fe feeding experiment using four P levels (500, 50, 5 and 0.5 µmol L^?1) and phytosiderophores (PS), mugineic acid. Our results suggest that plants grown in a high P medium had higher absorption activity of ⁵⁹Fe compared with plants grown in low P media, irrespective of the presence or absence of added PS. Translocation of ⁵⁹Fe from roots to shoots was not affected by the P level. The relative translocation rate of ⁵⁹Fe increased with decreasing levels of P in the medium. In general, the addition of PS enhanced the absorption of ⁵⁹Fe and its translocation. Taken together these results suggest that the lower relative translocation rate of Fe in high P plants may be induced by the physiological inactivation of Fe in the roots, and the higher absorption activity of Fe in high P conditions possibly results from the response of barley plants to Fe deficiency.     

Role of sulfur nutrition in plant and seed metabolism of Glycine max L.

The aim of present investigation has been to explore the effect of sulfur application on plant metabolism, seed yield and seed quality in soybean. The sulfur was supplied in different doses ranging as 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 meq S L^?1. Plant supplied with 4 meq S L^?1 showed optimal growth. Plant growth and dry matter was reduced under sulfur deficiency (1 and 2 meq S L^?1) and toxicity (6 and 8 meq S L^?1). Application of sulfur increases the tissue sulfur and cysteine concentration in both leaves and seeds. The critical concentration for deficiency (CCD) and toxicity (CCT) of sulfur was observed 0.194 to 0.277% dry weight respectively. Pod yield and seed yield was also suppressed in sulfur deficiency and toxicity. In leaves sugar (reducing, non-reducing and total sugar) and starch was found to be accumulated while in seeds both were depleted under sulfur deficiency and toxicty. Seed storage proteins (albumins, globulins, glutelins and prolamins) were also reduced under sulfur stress. Thus, we conclude that sulfur deficiency and toxicity both affects the plant metabolism, yield and seed quality in terms of carbohydrates and storage proteins of soybean.     

Genotypic variation of potassium uptake and use efficiency in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Potassium (K) deficiency is one of the main limiting factors in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. To study the mechanism of high K‐use efficiency of cotton, a pot experiment was conducted. The experiment consisted of two cotton genotypes differing in K‐use efficiency (H103 and L122) and two K‐application levels (K₀: 0 g (kg soil)^–1; K₁: 0.40 g (kg soil)^–1). Root‐hair density and length, partitioning of biomass and K in various organs, as well as K‐use efficiency of the two cotton genotypes were examined. The results show that there was no significant difference in K uptake between the two genotypes at both treatments, although the genotype H103 (high K‐use efficiency) exhibited markedly higher root‐hair density than genotype L122 in the K₁ treatment. Correlation analysis indicates that neither root‐hair density nor root‐hair length was correlated with plant K uptake. Furthermore, the boll biomass of genotype H103 was significantly higher than that of genotype L122 in both treatments, and the K accumulation in bolls of genotype H103 was 39%–48% higher than that of genotype L122. On the other hand, the litter index (LI) and the litter K‐partitioning index (LKPI) of genotype H103 were 14%–21% and 22%–27% lower than that of genotype L122. Lastly, the K‐use efficiency of total plant (KUE‐P) of genotype H103 was comparable with that of genotype L122 in both treatments, but the K‐use efficiency in boll yield (KUE‐B) of genotype H103 was 24% and 41% higher than that of genotype L122 in K₀ and K₁ treatments. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that KUE‐P was positively correlated with BKPI and negatively correlated with LKPI, while KUE‐B was positively correlated with BKPI and boll‐harvest index (HI_B), and negatively correlated with LKPI. It is concluded that there were no pronounced effects of root‐hair traits on plant K uptake of the two genotypes. The difference in K‐use efficiency was attributed to different patterns of biomass and K partitioning rather than difference in K uptake of the two genotypes.     

Foliar application of uniconazole improves yield through enhancement of photosynthate partitioning and translocation to tuberous roots in sweetpotato

ABSTRACT

To examine the effects of uniconazole (UCZ) on the distribution and transport of photosynthate in sweetpotatoes, three spraying levels of UCZ, 0 (control), 50 and 100 mg L^?1, were exposed to an experimental field cultivated with Jishu26 (‘J26?) and Xushu32 (‘X32?) varieties. Compared to control, the distribution of carbon-13 (¹³C) was significantly higher in the tuberous roots of both varieties treated with UCZ. In addition, UCZ treatments promoted a desirable top-to-base sucrose gradient and significant greater declines in the top-to-bottom amino acid and potassium ion (K⁺) gradients along the stem. Higher tuberous root yields were found in the UCZ-treated ‘J26? and ‘X32?. In comparison to 50 mg L^?1 UCZ, ‘J26? treated with 100 mg L^?1 UCZ exhibited significantly higher distribution ratio of ¹³C in tuberous root, and reductions in the top-to-bottom amino acid and K⁺ gradients along the stems at 105 and 150 days after planting. Furthermore, 100 mg L^?1 of UCZ application exhibited a significantly higher tuberous root yield. For ‘X32?, the two concentrations of UCZ demonstrated no significant differences in these parameters. A reasonable distribution structure of photosynthates that responsible for high yields is associated with the desirable sucrose, ammonia nitrogen (N) or K⁺ gradient along the stems caused by UCZ application.     

Effect of applying calcium chloride and three milk supplements to poinsettia ‘Prestige Red’

Some poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) cultivars are susceptible to bract calcium (Ca) deficiency in developing bracts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of foliar uptake of Ca from milk-based products plus calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a potential Ca source. Weekly foliar applications of 237 mL L^?1 whole milk, 80 mL L^?1 powdered milk, 30 mL L^?1 condensed milk, 0.94 g L^?1 CaCl₂, or distilled water (used as a control) were applied to runoff of ‘Prestige Red’ for four weeks. The four largest bracts with petioles on three different inflorescences and three leaves with petioles below the transitional leaf per inflorescence were collected per pot. None of the treatments affected bract or leaf Ca concentration. Powdered milk treatments resulted in a higher concentration of zinc (Zn) in bracts and aluminum (Al) in bracts and leaves. White residue remained on the bracts and leaves after treatment with powdered milk, which would reduce marketability.     

Growth Response and Selenium and Boron Distribution in Broccoli Varieties Irrigated with Poor Quality Water

Abstract

Selenium (Se), and boron (B), and salinity contamination of agricultural drainage water is potentially hazardous for water reuse strategies in central California. This greenhouse study assessed tolerance and Se, B, and chloride (Cl^?) accumulation in different varieties (Emerald City, Samurai, Greenbelt, Marathon) of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) irrigated with water of the following different qualities: (1) non‐saline [electrical conductivity (EC) of <1 dS m^?1]; (2) Cl^?/sulfate salinity of ～5 dS m^?1, 250 µg Se L^?1, and 5 mg B L^?1; and (3) non‐saline and 250 µg Se L^?1. One hundred and ten days after transplanting, plants were harvested and dry weight (DW) yields and plant accumulation of Se, B, and Cl^? was evaluated in floret, leaf, and stem. Irrespective of treatments floret yields from var. Samurai were the lowest among all varieties, while floret yields from var. Marathon was the only variety to exhibit some sensitivity to treatments. For all varieties, plant Se concentrations were greatest in the floret (up to 51 mg kg^?1 DW) irrespective of treatment, and B and Cl^? concentrations were greatest in the leaves; 110 mg B kg^?1 DW and 5.4% Cl^?, respectively. At post harvest, treatment 2 (with salinity, B, and Se) increased soil salinity to almost 6 dS m^?1, total Se concentrations to a high of 0.64 mg kg^?1 DW soil, and water soluble B concentrations to a high of 2.3 mg B L^?1; soluble Se concentrations were insignificant. The results indicate that var. Emerald City, Greenbelt, and Marathon should be considered as recipients of moderately saline effluent enriched with Se and B under field conditions.     

Growth Patterns of Jojoba Male and Female Leaf Callus with Various Ammonium and Nitrate Sources

Abstract

Male and female leaf discs of Jojoba [Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider] were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with various nitrate:ammonium ratio and phytohormones concentrations. For the optimum callus growth, hormonal concentrations were remained equal for both male and female leaf tissues i.e., 0.4 mg L^?1 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyaceticacid, 1.25 mg L^?1 6‐benzyladenine and 0.5 mgL^?1 kinetin. However, a statistically significant difference was observed when Murashige and Skoog media was supplemented with an additional nitrogen source. In female leaf tissue, maximum fresh and dry weights were recorded in Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with an additional source of NO₃ ^?:NH₄ ⁺ (60 mM) whereas in male leaf tissue this addition was inhibitory. This study suggests that nitrogen requirement may be different for optimum callus growth in both male and female leaf tissues.     

Genotypic Differences in Dry Bean Yield and Yield Components as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization and Rhizobia

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume worldwide and nitrogen (N) is most yield limiting nutrients. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate response of 15 dry bean genotypes to nitrogen and rhizobial inoculation. The N and rhizobia treatments were (i) control (0 kg N ha^?1), (ii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains, (iii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains + 50 kg N ha^?1, and (iv) 120 kg N ha^?1. Straw yield, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N and rhizobial treatments. Grain yield, straw yield, number of pods m^?2, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by year, nitrogen + rhizobium, and genotype treatments. Year × Nitrogen + rhizobium × genotype interactions were also significant for these traits. Hence, these traits varied among genotypes with the variation in year and nitrogen + rhizobium treatments. Inoculation with rhizobium alone did not produce maximum yield and fertilizer N is required in combination with inoculation. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NUE defined as grain produced per unit N applied decreased with increasing N rate. Overall, NUE was 23.17 kg grain yield kg^?1 N applied at 50 kg N ha^?1 and 13.33 kg grain per kg N applied at 120 kg N ha^?1.     

The Effect of Chloride on Yield and Nutrient Interaction in Greenhouse Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) Grown in Rockwool

The effect of increasing chloride content in nutrient solution on nutrient composition in root environment, interaction of nutrients in leaves and yield of greenhouse tomato cv. ‘Grace F₁’ grown in rockwool were searched. In Experiment I (2004–2005) the levels of 15, 30, 60, and 90 mg Cl·L^?1 but in Experiment II (2006) 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg Cl·L^?1 of nutrient solution were tested. The sources of chloride were water (9.6–10.7 mg Cl·L^?1) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂·2H₂O) but the rest of nutrients and sodium in all treatments were on the same levels. It was found that increasing content of chloride from 15 to 60 mg Cl·L^?1 enhanced the total and marketable fruit yield. Within the range of 60 to 90 mg Cl·L^?1 the yield was on the optimum level but the content of 120 mg Cl·L^?1 declined it. Increasing chloride content in the nutrient solutions was reflected in rising of chlorine content in leaves. The concentration of chloride above 60 mg C·L^?1 reduced the content of nitrogen but above 90 mg C·L^?1 declined the content of calcium, sulfur and zinc in leaves. The antagonism between Cl:N, Cl:Ca: Cl:S and Cl:Zn was appeared. More variable interaction were between Cl:K and Cl:B. At the low levels of chloride, from 15 to 60 mg Cl·L^?1, potassium and boron content were decreased but at the higher ones, from 90 to 120 mg·L^?1, these nutrients had increasing course. It was not found out the effect of chloride contents on macro and microelement contents in nutrient solution emitted from drippers however their content upraising in root medium (rockwool). The highest increase was found out for Na 95.1 and 64.9 % (Exp. I and II - respectively), next for Ca (76.0, 70.1 %), Cu (62.5 and 71.0 %), Cl (43.6, 24.4), B (33.3, 21.0 %), N-NO₃ (30.4, 49.6 %), Zn (29.5, 32.8 %), S-SO₄ (25.9, 25.5 %), K (24.5, 24.1 %), Fe (19.8, 19.2 %), Mn (17.5, 21.3 %) and Mg (14.9, 11.7). Advantageous effect of chloride on tomato yield justified the need to introduce for the practice adequate chlorine nutrition, and recommend to maintain 60 to 90 mg Cl·L^?1 in nutrient solution. The best yield appeared when content of chlorine in leaves (8th or 9th leaf from the top) was in the range 0.48-0.60 % of Cl in d. m.     

Organic Matter Effects on the Cr(VI) Removal Efficiency and Tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Typha domingensis</Emphasis>

The removal efficiency and tolerance of Typha domingensis to Cr(VI) in treatments with and without organic matter (OM) addition were evaluated in microcosm-scale wetlands. Studied Cr(VI) concentrations were 15 mg L^?1, 30 mg L^?1, and 100 mg L^?1, in treatments with and without OM addition, arranged in triplicate. Controls (without neither metal nor OM addition—without metal with OM addition) were disposed. Cr(VI) was removed efficiently from water in all treatments. OM addition enhanced significantly Cr(VI) and total Cr removals from water. In the treatments with OM addition, significantly higher Cr concentrations were found in sediment than the treatments without OM addition. Plants of the treatments without OM addition showed significantly higher Cr concentrations in tissues but lower biomass increase than the treatments with OM addition. The highest Cr concentrations in tissues were observed in submerged parts of leaves, followed by roots. According to SEM analysis, in the 100 mg L^?1 treatments, the highest Cr accumulation was observed in the epidermis of old leaves. Although Cr(VI) produced changes in root morphology, the OM addition favored the plant growth. In T. domingensis, root morphological plasticity is an important mechanism to improve metal tolerance and Cr uptake in wetland systems minimizing the environmental impact.     

Redistribution of 10B Absorbed by Leaves and Roots of Cashew Seedlings

Boron (B) is transported mainly in the xylem, but by using isotopic tracers it was possible to verify that B has significant mobility in the phloem of polyols-producing species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mobility of ¹⁰B applied to cashew plants. The experiment was conducted from 05/10 to 07/10/2010 in a greenhouse of University of São Paulo State-UNESP, Ilha Solteira Campus, State of São Paulo, Brazil. 0.5 mg of B L^?1 of soil was used in the substrate. A solution of 255 mg of B L^?1 was used in recently mature and fully developed leaves. The total content of B and and percentage of boron in the plant derived from fertilizer (Bppf%) were evaluated in the old and new leaves stemming at 30 and 60 days after the application of ¹⁰B. As evidenced, B applied to leaves had restricted mobility in cashew tree. However, B applied in the substrate was absorbed and translocated to young leaves.     

Effects of different boron concentration on the growth and physiological characteristics of two olive cultivars

This study investigated the effect of different boron concentrations on growth and physiological characteristics of olive plants. The absorption of some macronutrients and distribution of boron were also examined. This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangements including six boron levels (0.2, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg L^?1) and two cultivars (Amygdalolia and Konservolia), with four replications for each treatment. Two-year old seedlings were treated with Hoagland nutrient solution containing different boron (B) concentration for 4 months. Chlorophyll fluorescence, fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems and roots as well as absorption of macronutrients decreased in both cultivars as the boron level were increased. Diagnostic symptoms of boron toxicity appeared 45 and 75 days after planting for Amygdaloila and Konservolia at 30, 40 and 50 mg L^?1; and 40 and 50 mg L^?1 of boron, respectively. Our results showed that at a higher level of B, the Konservolia cultivar maintained more B concentration in its root than Amygdalolia cultivar; however, B content in young leaves of Amygdalolia was higher than Konservolia. It seems that Konservolia cultivar could accumulate B in its roots and prevents its translocation to the leaves through an internal tolerance mechanism; therefore, Konservolia shows greater tolerance to high concentrations of boron compared to Amygdalolia.     

Response of Chickpea Cultivars to Application of Boron in Boron‐Deficient Calcareous Soils

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of four boron (B) doses (control, 0 kg B ha^?1; B₁, 1 kg B ha^?1; B₂, 3 kg B ha^?1; and B₃, 6 kg B ha^?1) in soils deficient in available B (0.19 mg B kg^?1) and lime (CaCO₃) content (20.7%) on yield and some yield components of five chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, namely Akçin‐91, Population, Gökçe, ?zmir‐92, and Menemen‐92 in central Anatolian Turkey in the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons. Plant height, pods per plant, grain yield, protein content, protein yield, thousand seed weight, and leaf B concentration were measured. Grain yields in all genotypes (except for Gökçe) were significantly increased by 1 kg ha^?1 B application. Application of 1 kg ha^?1 B increased the yield by an average of 5%. Genotypes studied showed significant variations with respect to their responses to additional B. Akçin‐91 gave the highest grain yield (1704.8 kg ha^?1) at 3 kg B ha^?1, whereas Population, ?zmir‐92, and Menemen‐92 yielded best (1468.2 kg ha^?1, 1483.0 kg ha^?1, and 1484.7 kg ha^?1, respectively) at 1 kg B ha^?1. Interestingly, Gökçe reached to the highest level of grain yield (1827.1 kg ha^?1) at the control. Gökçe was a B deficiency B tolerance genotype. The other genotypes appeared to have high sensitivity to B deficiency. This study showed that B deficiency could result in significant yield losses in chickpea under the experimental conditions tested. Thus, B contents of soils for the cultivation of chickpea should be analyzed in advance to avoid yield losses.     

Vegetative Growth,Yield and Leaf Mineral Composition in Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa DUCH. CV. Pajaro) as Influenced using Nickel Sulfate and Urea Sprays

In this study, interactions of nickel sulfate and urea sprays on vegetative growth, yield and leaf mineral contents in strawberry were investigated. Rooted Pajaro strawberry plants were potted in 3 liter pots filled with soil, leaf mold and sand (1:1:1, v/v/v). Established plants were foliar sprayed with nickel sulfate at 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg L^?1 and urea 0 and 2 g L^?1 concentrations. Results indicated that nickel (Ni; 300 mg L^?1) plus urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the yield and runner numbers. Nickel sulfate at the rate of 300 and 150 mg L^?1and urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the crown numbers. The greatest root fresh and dry weights were obtained from untreated plants. Urea at 2 g L^?1 without nickel significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights. Nickel at 450 mg L^?1 without urea significantly increased Ni concentration in leaves. Overall, nickel sulfate at 150 and 300 mg L^?1 along with urea at 2 g L^?1 were the best treatments.     

Effect of Chloride and Sulfate Salinity on Micronutrients Release and Uptake from Different Composts Applied on Total Phosphorus Basis

Generation of different biowastes is increasing day by day, and ultimate load on agricultural lands has increased. Concerns over increased phosphorus (P) application with nitrogen (N)–based compost application shifted the trend to P‐based applications. But focus on only one or two nutritional elements will not serve the goals of sustainable agriculture. Full insight into nutrient availability from different composts is necessary. The need to understand the nutrient release and uptake from different composts has increased because of the use of saline irrigation water in the recent scenario of fresh water shortage. Therefore, current greenhouse studies were designed to evaluate the bioavailability and leachability of some micronutrients [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn)] from different biocomposts under chloride (Cl^?) and sulfate (SO₄ ^?2) saline environment. In the first pot experiment, soil was amended with livestock compost (AC), poultry compost (PC), and composted sludge (SC) at the rate of 200 kg P ha^?1 equivalent bases. Pots were irrigated with artificial saline water of sodium chloride (NaCl) or sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄; 60 mmol_c L^?1), and leachates were collected for Ca and Mg analysis. As composts were applied on total P bases, which left varying amounts of nutrients in each treatment, it was observed that nutrient uptake and release differed greatly regardless of the total amount applied with each compost type. Amount of Ca applied with PC (3.9 g pot^?1) was greater, but Ca concentration in leachate was greater under AC‐amended treatments. Magnesium concentration also varied greatly under compost types. Among the saline irrigation, Ca and Mg concentration in leachate increased under both saline irrigations compared to nonsaline treatment, and SO₄ ^?2 had relatively greater ionic strength to replace cations than Cl^?. Calcium, Mg, and Zn uptake by maize stem and leaves were greater from SC‐amended pots followed by PC, SC, and control. Irrespective of the salt types, Ca and Mg uptake reduced under both saline irrigations, whereas Zn uptake increased as compared to nonsaline treatment. Among the salt types, it was observed that plant growth and nutrient uptake was more influenced by Cl^? than SO₄ ^?2 saline irrigation. In the second experiment, soil was saturated with NaCl and NaSO₄ (75 mmol_c L^?1) and amended with AC. The trend of nutrient uptake under both salt types was similar to first experiment, and the results of AC amendments have been discussed. It can be inferred from the results that regardless of the total amount applied, nutrient uptake greatly varies under different composts and their availability depends upon the source rather than total amount applied. Analogously, sulfate‐dominated irrigation water can increase the leaching of Ca and Mg from root zone more than chloride.     

Boron fertilization improves seed yield and harvest index of Camelina sativa L. by affecting source-sink

The impact of soil (1, 2 kg ha^?1) and foliar (100, 200 mg L^?1) boron (B) with control (no B) was evaluated on phenology and yield formation of Camelina each applied at stem elongation and flowering stages. Foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil B (2 kg ha^?1) resulted in earlier flowering and maturity, increased fruit bearing branches (19.68%), number of siliqua, seeds per siliqua (4.6%), biological yield (15%), seed yield (24%), harvest index (11.4%) and oil contents (23%) than no B. Increased fruit bearing branches, seed filled siliqua or seed numbers, harvest index and oil quality can be attributed to changes in dry matter accumulated of stem with simultaneous increase in siliqua dry weight with foliar or soil applied B. In crux, foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil applied (2 kg ha^?1) B seems promising to improve seed and oil yield, harvest index of Camelina sativa under B deficient condition.     

Fulvic acid in foliar spray is more effective than humic acid via soil in improving coffee seedlings growth

ABSTRACT

Humic (HA) and fulvic (FA) acids improve the nutrient availability and uptake by plants but some aspects of their agronomic use still need to be clarified. The effects of HA soil application and FA foliar application on the growth, Zn and B uptake by coffee seedlings were evaluated. HA was added to an Oxisol at concentrations 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg kg^?1 (C-HA), in both limed (pH 6.2) and overlimed (pH 7.2) conditions. FA (0, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 g L^?1 C-FA) was applied to coffee leaves in three different application modes (M): with 0.3% Zn and 0.6% B supplied via foliar (M₁), 0.6% B and 1.2% Zn supplied via foliar (M₂) and 1.2 mg kg^?1 B and 6 mg kg^?1 Zn supplied via soil (M₃). HA addition in soil significantly (p < 0.05) reduced leaf B and Zn accumulation and coffee growth in both pH conditions. In the M₁ and M₂, FA application significantly (p < 0.05) increased the shoot growth at 0.59 and 0.45 g L^?1 and B accumulation at 0.96 and 0.45 g L^?1 C-FA. Foliar application of C-FA, instead soil application of C-HA, is a suitable practice to improve coffee seedlings growth and nutrition on Oxisol.