The influence of root hairs on the uptake of phosphate

Abstract

The uptake of phosphate from stirred solution by roots was not affected by root hairs. In contrast to this, root hairs appreciably increased the uptake of phosphate from a clay soil.     

Micro nutrient uptake of glasshouse cucumbers grown on rockwool

Abstract

The uptake of micro elements by cucumbers grown on rockwool was investigated in a series of experiments. The elements studied in the experiments consisted of iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper and molybdenum. Five different levels of each of these elements were compared.

The deficiency and excess symptoms were described and the fruit yields were recorded. The trace element contents of the nutrient solution in the root environment were determined by regular sampling. From time to time, samples were also collected of the leaves and fruits of the cucumber crop.

No relationship appeared to exist between the iron contents in the root environment and those in the leaves and fruits. However, relationships were found for all other elements included in the investigation. The relationship between the contents in the root environment and in the crop is curvilinear and can be compute roughly by a function of the model y = ax^b, in which x represents the content of the element in the root environment and y represents the content in the crop.

The limits are given at which deficiency and excess symptoms may be expected.     

Analysis of NO3 interception of the parasitic angiosperm Orobanche spp. using a positron-emitting tracer imaging system and 13NO− 3: A new method for the visualization and quantitative analysis of the NO3 interception ratio

Abstract

The root parasitic plants Orobanche spp. (broomrapes) seriously affect agricultural production. A visualization and quantitative analytical method for the interception of nutrients was established using a positron-emitting tracer imaging system and ¹³NO^? ₃. By using this analytical method that involves volume normalization with ¹⁸F^? images, the nitrogen nutrient interception ratio of the Orobanche spp. was calculated to be 73.6 ± 3.9% in a host–parasite system of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.).     

Kinetics of 15N-labelled nitrate uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) root segments

Abstract

Isotherms and kinetic constants of nitrate uptake by excised root segments from the apical root zone of 6-d-old maize seedlings pretreated with nitrate were investigated using ¹⁵N-labelled nitrate. The isotherms were resolved into two systems namely a multiphasic saturable system at substrate concentrations lower than 2 mol m^?-3 and a linear system at higher concentrations. The detailed analysis of the multiphasic saturable system suggested the existence of at least three phases, which followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The I _max and K _m of each phase increase from the lower phase to the upper phase. The distance from the root tip and the presence of stele affected considerably the linear system but only slightly the saturable system.     

Responses of Bougainvillea spectabilis to elevated atmospheric CO2 under galaxolide (HHCB) pollution and the mechanisms of its rhizosphere metabolism

Purpose

Due to the discovery of synthetic musks in soil and the gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), it is important to reveal the potential implications of these compounds for bioremediation systems. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the combined influence of galaxolide (HHCB) and elevated CO₂ on an ornamental remediation plant.

Materials and methods

We conducted pot experiments with Bougainvillea spectabilis, an ornamental remediation plant, in which the biomass, HHCB and chlorophyll contents, and rhizosphere metabolism of the plants were analyzed.

Results and discussion

We showed that B. spectabilis exhibited high tolerance under combined HHCB and elevated CO₂ stresses. The addition of HHCB alone to the soil did not significantly reduce the biomass components of B. spectabilis, whereas the presence of elevated CO₂ (750 μL L^?1) alone showed a relatively strong ability to increase plant biomass, especially that of the leaves. An elevated CO₂ concentration stimulated the absorption of low doses of HHCB by the roots. Regarding the root metabolites of B. spectabilis, carbohydrates and organic acids were highly correlated with HHCB concentration, and amino acids were well correlated with CO₂ concentration.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that B. spectabilis may be well suited to remove HHCB from contaminated soil under elevated CO₂ levels, and the root metabolism of this plant provides information about HHCB contamination and elevated CO₂ conditions.

     

The effects of biological,chemical, and organic fertilizers application on root growth features and grain yield of Sorghum

Abstract

To investigate the effect of some biological and chemical fertilizers on the root physiological and growth indexes and also Sorghum grain yield, this study was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatments of the study included (1) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae?+?vermicompost, (2) mycorrhiza fungus?+?Nitroxin, (3) mycorrhiza fungus+ Rhizobium sp., (4) mycorrhiza fungus?+?NPK chemical fertilizer (40-40-20), (5) mycorrhiza fungus, and (6) control treatment. The highest root colonization rate and specific root length were observed in the co-inoculation with mycorrhiza?+?Nitroxin treatment. The other root growth parameters were observed at the mycorrhiza?+?vermicompost treatment. Also the highest rate of Sorghum physiological growth indexes root such as root area index and net assimilation rate were belonged to the co-inoculation of mycorrhiza?+?Nitroxin treatment. The highest root growth rate and root relative growth rate were obtained in the mycorrhiza?+?vermicompost treatment. So it can be concluded that biological fertilizers can be used as an appropriate alternative for chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture system.     

Effect of pH on the electrical potential of barley roots

Abstract

Barley roots were interposed as membranes in electrochemical concentration cells. The electric potential which developed across the calomel electrodes, known commonly as the root potential, was measured as a function of pH. The root potential increased with pH reaching a maximum at pH 5.5, beyond which the values remained constant. This is explained in terms of the dissociation of the acid and basic groups that form part of the structures of the root surface and membranes.

The point of zero charge of the roots was determined by a method based on adding increasing amounts of roots to KC1 solutions of different pH and concentration. The results were somewhat higher than those obtained earlier from root potential measurements 1 2 i.e. 4 ‐ 5, compared to about 3^1,2. This difference was attributed to secondary reactions, related to the buffer capacity of the roots.     

Effect of individual and combined exposure of Fe2O3 nanoparticles and oxytetracycline on their bioaccumulation by rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Purpose

It has been reported the bioaccumulation of γ-ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ NPs) or oxytetracycline (OTC) in crops. However, there have been little references investigating their uptake and bioaccumulation in crops after the combined exposure. The present study focused on Fe₂O₃ NPs and OTC accumulation on root surface and in the tissues of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings under combined exposure. And, the interactive influence mechanism was also discussed.

Materials and methods

Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the Fe and OTC accumulation on root surface and in rice tissues under individual and combined exposure of Fe₂O₃ NPs and OTC. The dynamic change of particulate Fe, ionic Fe, and Fe plaque concentrations on root surface was determined under the influence of OTC from Fe₂O₃ NPs and Fe-EDTA exposure. Fe²⁺ from Fe-EDTA was selected in order to compare the Fe bioaccumulation from ionic Fe and nanoparticle Fe exposure. Hydrodynamic diameter and ζ-potential of Fe₂O₃ NPs in solution were investigated when OTC was present or not, and the changes of OTC concentrations were also determined during hydroponic culture. SEM, XRD, and TEM were used to analyze Fe₂O₃ NP distribution on root surface and inside root under the influence of OTC.

Results and discussion

OTC promoted surface-Fe and shoot-Fe accumulation in Fe₂O₃ NPs treatments, which was just an opposite result from Fe-EDTA treatments. Upon Fe₂O₃ NP exposure, Fe plaque was formed through the direct adsorption of NPs on the outside root surface and then incorporated into plaque as its crystalline components. OTC elevated notably surface-Fe accumulation mainly through increasing adsorption and precipitation of Fe₂O₃ NPs on the root surface due to low repulsive electrostatic interaction between NPs and the root surface after adding OTC. Fe₂O₃ NPs increased surface-OTC and root-OTC levels. Compared to Fe-EDTA, surface-Fe from NP treatments can hold strongly OTC due to Fe₂O₃ particle precipitated on root surface with high specific surface area. NPs reduced shoot-OTC under 25 mg L^?1 OTC, but not under 100 mg L^?1 OTC.

Conclusions

This study clearly demonstrates that Fe/OTC accumulation in rice was always in the order root surface > shoot > root, whether Fe₂O₃ NPs/OTC was individual or combined exposure. The combined exposure will increase their root surface distribution comparing with individual exposure, and Fe₂O₃ NPs increased also root-OTC levels, which could pose a potential risk to food safety in subsequent growth of rice.

     

Soil physico-chemical properties,biomass production,and root density in a green manure farming system from tropical ecosystem,North-eastern Brazil

Purpose

Soil physico-chemical properties, biomass production, and root density are considered key factors indicating soil health in an agroecosystem. The soil physico-chemical changes and plant growth (e.g., shoot biomass production and root density) in a 6-year cultivation of plant species used as green manure in a sandy soil from Tropical ecosystem, North-eastern Brazil, were investigated between July and December 2019.

Material and methods

We characterized soil physical and chemical properties, shoot biomass production, and root density under ten plant species used as green manure: Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. cv. Basilisk, Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC, Crotalaria juncea L., Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don, Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A. Lackey, Pennisetum glaucum L., and Stilozobium aterrimum Piper and Tracy.

Results and discussion

The highest values of soil pH, exchangeable cations, CEC, and soil available water capacity were found on the plots where Poaceae plants were cultivated, whereas for H⁺+Al³⁺, C.E.C., soil available water, and soil available water capacity were found on the plots where Fabaceae plants were cultivated. On the plots where C. ensiformis and N. wightii were cultivated, we found the highest shoot dry biomass and root density, respectively. The results highlight the importance to consider plant species from both Poaceae and Fabaceae family used as green manure as soil conditioner (by promoting soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and hydraulic properties into plant root zone), and thus creating a positive plant-soil feedback.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that (1) a consecutive green manure practice without any input of fertilizers after 6 years changed positively both soil physical and chemical properties, and improve plant growth (e.g., shoot dry biomass and root density) in tropical savanna climate conditions; and (2) by altering soil fertility, both Poaceae and Fabaceae plants used as green manure may create a sustainable cycle into the soil profile thus promoting soil health.

     

Biochar reduced soil extractable Cd but increased its accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivated on contaminated soils

Purpose

This study focused on the effects and mechanisms of biochar amendment to Cd-contaminated soil on the uptake and translocation of Cd by rice under flooding conditions.

Materials and methods

Pot and batch experiments were conducted using Cd-contaminated soil collected from a field near an ore mining area and a cultivar of Oryza sativa ssp. indica. Biochar derived from rice straw under anaerobic conditions at 500 °C for 2 h was mixed with the soil at the rate of 0, 2.5, and 5%.

Results and discussion

The application of 5% biochar reduced CaCl₂-extractable soil Cd by 34% but increased Cd concentration in brown rice by 451%. Biochar amendment decreased water-soluble Fe²⁺ in soils and formation of Fe plaques on roots and weakened the Fe²⁺-Cd²⁺ competition at adsorption sites on the root surface. Biochar increased water-soluble Cd in the soil and consequently Cd uptake by rice roots by releasing water-soluble Cl^?. Biochar application also reduced the proportion of cell wall-bound Cd in the root, which caused easier Cd translocation from the cortex to the stele in the root and up to the shoot.

Conclusions

Rice straw biochar (with high concentration of water-soluble Cl^?) reduced CaCl₂-extractable soil Cd but increased Cd concentration in rice under flooding condition.

     

Genotypic Difference in Nitrogen Acquisition Ability in Maize Plants Is Related to the Coordination of Leaf and Root Growth

ABSTRACT

The capacity of a plant to take up nitrate is a function of the activity of its nitrate-transporter systems and the size and architecture of its root system. It is unclear which of the two components, root system or nitrate-uptake system, is more important in nitrogen (N) acquisition under nitrogen-sufficiency conditions. Two maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines (478 and Wu312) grown in nutrient solution in a controlled environment were compared for their N acquisition at 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 5, and 10 mmol L^?1 nitrate supply. Genotype 478 could take up more N than Wu312 at all nitrate concentrations, though the shoot biomass of the two genotypes was similar. Genotype 478 had a larger leaf area and longer root length. The specific N uptake rate of 478 (μmol N g^?1 root. d^?1) was lower than that of Wu312. In an independent nitrate-depletion experiment, the potential nitrate uptake rate of 478 was also lower than that of Wu312. No genotypic difference was found in photosynthesis rate. It was concluded that the greater N acquisition ability in 478 involves the coordination of leaf and root growth. Vigorous leaf growth caused a large demand for N. This demand was met by the genotype's large root system. Besides providing a strong sink for N uptake, the larger leaf area of 478 might also guarantee the carbohydrate supply necessary for its greater root growth.     

Soybean seedling root growth as influenced by soil texture,matric suction and bulk density

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to determine the effect of five matric suctions (0.05, 0.10, 0.30, 1.00 and 3.00 bars) and three bulk densities (1.10, 1.30 and 1.50 g.cm^?3) on the moisture content, penetrometer resistance and soybean (Glycine max L.) root growth in six different soil textural groups (sand, silt, clay and their combinations).

The different textural groups were compacted in PVC pipes 4.4 cm ID and 10 cm long and placed in pressure cells to obtain the desired matric suction. After equilibrium five pregerminated soybean seedlings were fixed on the soil surface. At the end of 48 hours root elongation was measured.

There was an increase in root growth in all the textural groups at all the bulk densities when the matric suction was increased from 0.05 to 0.30 bar. There was however a gradual decrease in root growth as the matric suction increased from 0.30 to 3.0 bars. The reduction in root growth at low and high matric suctions was related to moisture content, change in soil resistance and redox status of the soil system.

The measured penetrometer resistance values were directly related to the level of compaction, soil matric suction and also were dependent upon the texture. Close relationships were recorded between redox potentials and soil matric suction.     

Effect of supplying P to a portion of the soybean root system on root growth and P uptake kinetics 1

Abstract

Knowledge of the effect of supplying P to portions of the soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) root system on P influx kinetics and root growth is important in developing P fertilizer placement practices for efficient fertilizer use. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of restricting P supply to portions of the root system on plant P status, root growth, and P influx kinetics. Two solution experiments were conducted in a controlled climate chamber. Phosphorus influx kinetics were determined on 25‐day‐old soybean plants that had been grown with 100, 75, 50, 25, and 12.5% of their roots initially exposed to P. Phosphorus influx kinetics were also measured on 25‐day‐old plants that had been P‐starved for the last 1, 2, 4, and 6 days prior to the determining P influx kinetics in order to relate plant P status to P influx kinetics.

Reducing the portion of the roots supplied with P reduced P uptake. This resulted in a reduction in plant P concentration and was related to a 3.41‐fold increase in maximum P influx measured on 25‐day‐old plants. Restricting the proportion of roots supplied with P had no significant effects on the Michaelis‐Menten constant or on the concentration in solution where net influx was zero. Root growth rate of the roots in the P containing solution was not significantly different from those in the ‐P solution.

Phosphorus uptake was correlated with final root surface area exposed to P (r² = 0.88??). Starving the plants for P reduced P concentration in the shoot and root and this resulted in as much as a 1.68‐fold increase in maximum influx.     

Cluster Root Formation by Lupinus Albus is Modified by Stratified Application of Phosphorus in a Split-Root System

ABSTRACT

Cluster root formation by white lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv. Kiev Mutant) in response to stratified application of hydroxyapatite was examined in a split-root system. The system consisted of two vertical compartments, each divided horizontally into five 60-mm layers. Hydroxyapatite was applied to different layers at 150 mg phosphorus(P) kg^?1 soil. The proportion of dry biomass of cluster roots in the whole root system was significantly reduced when P concentration was high in shoots due to P application, suggesting that cluster root formation was regulated by the shoot P status. However, the cluster root percentage increased in the soil layer supplemented with P, and decreased in other layers, especially when P was applied in a deep layer. The formation of cluster roots is regulated by internal plant P status, but is also greatly affected by localized P supply. Heterogeneous P supply can modify the distribution of cluster roots.     

Variations in soil infiltration capacity after vegetation restoration in the hilly and gully regions of the Loess Plateau,China

Purpose

To control the severe soil and water losses on the Loess Plateau, China, a series of vegetation restoration projects were conducted. A better understanding of the effect of vegetation types on the soil infiltration capacity is important for the sustainable development of vegetation restoration. The aim of this study was to establish a soil infiltration capacity index (SIC) and to analyze the mechanism influencing variations in the soil infiltration capacity after vegetation restoration on the Loess Plateau.

Materials and methods

Eight vegetation types (community dominated by Artemisia scoparia, Stipa bungeana, Artemisia gmelinii + S. bungeana, A. gmelinii + Stipa grandis, A. gmelinii + Artemisia giraldii, Sophora viciifolia, Caragana korshinskii, and Robinia pseudoacacia) and bare land as the control were selected for this study. The SIC was established by a steady infiltration rate (SR, 50–60 min) and stage I average infiltration rate (ARSI, 0–5 min) according to principal component analysis (PCA). Path analysis was used to investigate how the soil properties and plant fine root affected the soil infiltration capacity.

Results and discussion

The SIC values of the eight vegetation types were all higher than that of the bare land. The R. pseudoacacia community had the highest SIC value (0.43), followed by the A. scoparia community (0.30) while the bare land (??0.56) had the lowest value. Path analysis showed that the increase in the fractal dimension and non-capillary porosity of soil particles enhanced the SIC directly. Increases in the clay content increased the SIC by affecting the fractal dimension of soil particles, while increases in the fine root density reduced the SIC by affecting the non-capillary porosity. Plant functional groups (grasses and legumes) affected SIC indirectly via non-capillary porosity and plant root.

Conclusions

A comprehensive index, the SIC, was established to describe the soil infiltration capacity by the PCA method. Based on a comparison with bare land, vegetation restoration enhanced the soil infiltration capacity. The R. pseudoacacia community was the most effective at improving the soil infiltration capacity. The improvement in infiltration was closely related to direct increases in the soil non-capillary porosity and soil particle fractal dimension.

     

Determination of the extent of rhizosphere soil

Abstract

The extent of the rhizosphere was investigated by using root volume and root length in ten replications. The experiment was conducted using split cylindrical pots, 23 cm long and 7.5 cm in diameter. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) plants were grown in a calcareous soil of low phosphorus (P) status. Fertilized soil (750 g soil and 250 g sand) was placed in a closed‐bottom PVC tube. At harvest, plant roots were gently removed from the pots and the roots were shaken five times in order to reduce variation between samples. The soil that was easily shaken from the root surface was assumed to be non‐rhizosphere soil, and the soil adhering to the root segment after a gentle shake was considered to be rhizosphere soil. The rhizosphere thickness was found to have a range of 0.39 to 0.64 mm from the root surface (0.51 mm average thickness). Rhizosphere soil mass was also calculated and found to be on average 22% of the total soil mass.     

Predicting germination response of primed and non-primed seeds of five crops under field-variable temperature

Abstract

Farmers typically practice ‘on-farm’ priming to overcome the ‘spring drought’ in semi-arid regions. The reason invoked for the priming effect in the literature is often the thermal time model whereas investigators rarely focus on the root system of the seedling. The aims of this study were to quantify the priming effect and simulate the emergence pattern under field-variable temperatures. Furthermore, we describe the priming effect on the character of the seedling root system. Seed priming enhanced the germination percentage and accelerated the germination rate in all species, especially at lower temperatures. Priming decreased the thermal requirement of all tested crops; the simulated priming effect was maximized during cooler conditions in early spring; the root system of primed plants developed in advance, indicating that the seedlings possessed more drought tolerance.     

Distribution of exudates of lupin roots in the rhizosphere under phosphorus deficient conditions

Abstract

The distribution of secretory acid phosphatase and organic acids enhanced by phosphorus deficiency in lupin rhizosphere was investigated using a rhizobox system which separated the rhizosphere soil into 0.5 mm fractions. In the soil fraction closest to the root surface, the lupin exudates displayed an acid phosphatase activity of 0.73 u g^?1 dry soil and citrate concentration of 85.2 μmol g^?1 dry soil, respectively. The increase of the acid phosphatase activity-induced an appreciable depletion of organic P in the rhizosphere, indicating that lupin efficiently utilized the organic P from soil through the enzyme activitye The sterile treatments demonstrated that the acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere was mainly derived from lupin root secretions. The secretory organic acids enhanced considerably the solubility of the inorganic P in three types of soil and a sludge. However, the secretory acid phosphatase and organic acids from lupin roots were only detected in a considerable amount in 0-2.5 mm soil fractions from root surface.     

Minimum space for root development without mechanical stress for obtaining a high yield of rice

Abstract

It is generally considered that the larger the volume of soil in which the root system of a crop develops, the better the development of roots and the growth of the crop. This trend is attributed to (a) the larger quantity of water and nutrients available to the crop and (b) better supply of oxygen to the roots with the increase of the soil volume. There is, however, no information on the effect of the physical space itself on root development and plant growth.     

A simple bioassay for the diagnosis of aluminium toxicity in soils

Abstract

A bioassay procedure is described for diagnosing aluminium toxicity in soils using short term root growth in extracted soil solution. Soil solution is extracted from moist soil which has been incubated at “field capacity”; for 4 days. Soil solution extracted is divided into two portions, each of which is treated with CaCl₂ and H₃BO₃ to ensure that neither Ca nor B is limiting root growth. One portion is adjusted to pH 5.5 (pH adjusted treatment) with saturated Ca(OH)₂ solution. Aliquots (11 ml) of each portion are separately dispensed into each of five polypropylene tubes. Seedlings (in our experiment Glycine max cv. Forrest) of uniform root length are inserted into each tube (one per tube) and grown for 48 h. The increase in root length during the 48 h growth period (root elongation) in the unadjusted solutions is expressed as a percentage of that in the pH adjusted solutions to derive relative root elongation (RRE) ‐ an index of aluminium toxicity.

For 24 acidic surface soils, RRE using this soil solution bioassay was linearly correlated (r² = 0.96) with RRE obtained from a soil bioassay (with unamended, CaSO₄ and CaCO₃ treatments). The latter is commonly used to obtain an index of aluminium toxicity. The proposed procedure is less time consuming and tedious than the soil bioassay, and interpretation of the result is unambiguous.