Response of common bean varieties to the magnesium application in the tropical soil

The appropriate supply of magnesium (Mg) to the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) according to the requirements of each variety increases the productivity and nutritional value of grains. However, there are few studies on soil's ability to provide the adequate amount of the nutrient and on the reaction of plants with different Mg concentrations. The present study analyzed the response of the common bean plant to soil fertility, grain yield (GY), shoot dry weight (SDW) yield, nutritional status and the response of physiological components of the plant to the concentrations of Mg applied to the tropical soil. Thus, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with three replicates. The varieties BRS Estilo, IAPAR 81, BRS Ametista, IPR Campos Gerais (CG) and IPR Tangará were cultivated in an Ustoxix Quatzipsamment with five rates of Mg [0, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg^?1, source magnesium chloride (MgCl₂)]. The common bean varieties and the Mg rates significantly affected the soil chemical properties. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂), and total soluble sugars significantly correlated with common bean GY and SDW yield. The nutrient content in leaves and grains showed difference responses among the varieties. IAPAR 81 showed the highest rate of mobilization of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper and zinc (N, P, Mg, S, B, Cu, and Zn) for grains, being an important factor in studies of crop biofortification.     

Water-soluble cations in shoot dry weight of common bean and balance of ions in the soil in response to the magnesium application

The increased magnesium (Mg) concentration in vegetables may be reduced due to inter-ionic inhibition caused by the concentration of other water-soluble cations that are mainly associated to low molecular weight organic anions. However, it is not known whether the levels of these compounds in crop residues are modified by increasing the Mg soil application. This study aimed to assess the effects of the Mg application on the contents of water soluble cations [potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), cooper (Cu²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), manganese (Mn²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺)] on common bean plant residues. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with Ustoxix Quatzipsamment in completely randomized design in 4×5 factorial scheme, with three replicates. The treatments consisted of four rates of Mg [0, 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^?1, source magnesium chloride (MgCl₂)] and five varieties of common bean of the carioca group [BRS Estilo, BRS Ametista, IPR Campos Gerais (CG), IPR Tangará and IAPAR 81]. The Mg rates affected the contents of water soluble Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺ in the extracts of bean residue. The soluble Mg²⁺ showed a significant correlation with foliar Mg content, indicating the need for further research on the method used to assess nutrient availability in vegetables. The bean varieties showed different responses regarding balance of ions in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and in the Ca/Mg, Ca/K and Mg/K ratios in the soil.     

Sulfur Use Efficiency in Soybean Cultivars Adapted to Tropical and Subtropical Conditions

Sulfur (S) is an essential nutrient in crop plants and one of the components of amino acids (AAs) and proteins. Studies about sulfur efficiency on soybean cultivars [Glycine max (L) Merril] adapted to the tropical and subtropical conditions are still incipient. In Brazil, one experiment under greenhouse conditions evaluated the S-efficiency from eight soybean cultivars. The plants cultivated in a Typic Quartzipsamment received two S rates (0 and 80 mg kg^?1). The grain yield (GY), shoot dry weight (SDW), and the relative yield (RY) had influence from the S rates. The cultivars BRS 295RR and BRS 360RR were the most efficient in using the S application. The number of pods per plant (NPP), photosynthetic rate (A), nitrate reductase (N-NO₂^?), and chlorophyll significantly increased with de 80 mg kg^?1 of S. By contrast, the internal concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) (Ci) was reduced. Similarly, there were increases in the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and N:S ratio in the leaves and grain, but the K increased only in the leaves. Comparing the cultivars, only the N concentration in the leaves and the Mg in the grain had non-significant differences.     

Variability on Yield,Nutritional Status,Soil Fertility,and Potassium-Use Efficiency by Soybean Cultivar in Acidic Soil

The use of cultivar with nutrient-use efficiency is an important strategy in the management of plant nutritional status, particularly potassium (K), because its high demand and the progressive impoverishment caused by the use of inadequate amounts cause frequent deficiency symptoms observed in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] crops. This study was conducted in greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with four replicates in an Typic Quartzipsamment soil aimed to assess the effect of applying two rates of K (50 and 200 mg kg^?1) on growth, shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) and seed yield (SY), nutritional status, yield components, and efficiency of K use in eleven cultivars of different characteristics and growth habits. The SDWY, SY, number of seeds per pod, number of pods, and estimated 100-seed weight showed significant interaction between cultivar and the K rates, with greater values at the rate 200 mg K kg^?1. Similarly, the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in leaves and grains varied according to the K rates and in the cultivar. The most K-use efficient cultivars were BMX Magna RR, BRS 232, BRS 284, BRS 294RR, NA 5909RR, and Vmax RR, whereas FTS Campo Mourão RR was inefficient. Regarding response to fertilization, the cultivars Vmax RR, BMX Magna RR, NA 5909RR, BRS 284, and BRS 294RR were found to be efficient and responsive, whereas the cultivar FTS Campo Mourão RR, BRS 232, BMX Potência RR, BRS 295RR, TMG 1066RR, and TMG 1067RR are inefficient and responsive to K application in the soil.     

Interaction of Glyphosate with Zinc for the Yield,Photosynthesis, Soil Fertility and Nutritional Status of Soybean

Application of glyphosate herbicide in genetically modified (GM) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in soils with low zinc (Zn) concentration may interfere in the uptake of this and other nutrients, with negative impact on productivity. Thus, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions on Ustoxix Quatzipsamment soil to investigate the effects of the interaction of glyphosate with Zn for the yield, photosynthesis, soil fertility and nutritional status of soybean. The treatments consisted of two soybean varieties [BRS 133 (conventional—NGM) and its essentially derived transgenic line BRS 245RR (GM) with and without glyphosate application] and five Zn rates (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1, source zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄)), with four replicates. Except for the copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) concentrations, the introduction of the herbicide-resistant gene is the predominant factor reducing nutrient uptake, photosynthetic (A) rate, stomatal conductance (Gs), leaf chlorophyll and ureide concentrations. The administration of Zn rates lowered the leaf phosphorus (P) concentration, and there was significant increase in Zn concentration in the soil and in the plant. Except for the 20 mg kg^?1 of Zn rate, the use of the herbicide did not affect the shoot dry weight (SDW) and seed yield, and on average, the maximum seed yield was obtained with Zn concentrations of 26.4 and 18.7 mg kg^?1 extracted by Mehlich 1 and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-triethanolamine (DTPA-TEA), respectively.     

Lowland Rice Genotypes Evaluation for Potassium-Use Efficiency

Lowland rice significantly contributes to world as well as Brazilian rice production and information on genotypes potassium-use efficiency is limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate lowland rice genotypes for potassium (K)–use efficiency. Ten genotypes were evaluated at 0 mg K kg^?1 (low) and 200 mg K kg^?1 (high) of soil. Grain yield and shoot dry weight were significantly affected by K as well as genotype treatments. Genotypes CNAi 8860, CNAi 8859, BRS Fronteira, and BRS Alvorada were the best in relation to K-use efficiency because they produced best grain yield at low as well as at higher K levels. Shoot dry weight, number of panicles per pot, and 1000-grain weight had highly significant (P < 0.01) association with grain yield. Spikelet sterility, however, had significant negative association with grain yield. These plant parameters were mainly influenced by genotypes, indicating importance of selecting appropriate genetic material for improving grain yield. Soil K depletion was significant at harvest, suggesting large amount of K uptake by lowland rice genotypes.     

Potassium Requirements of Lowland Rice

Rice is a staple food for about 50 percent of the world’s population. Potassium (K) is absorbed in large amounts by rice plants and adequate amounts of this element are fundamental to improve productivity and maintain sustainability of the cropping systems. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the adequate rate of K for lowland rice grown on a Brazilian Inceptisol. The K rates used were 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mg K kg^?1 soil. Most of the growth, yield, and yield components were significantly and quadratically increased with increasing K levels. Based on a quadratic equation, maximum grain yield was obtained with the addition of 371 mg K kg^?1 soil. Maximum plant height and shoot dry weight were obtained at 414 and 398 mg K kg^?1 soil, respectively. Root growth (maximum length and dry weight) was also significantly increased in a quadratic fashion with the increasing K rate in the growth medium. Maximum root length was achieved at 58 mg K kg^?1 whereas maximum root dry weight was obtained with the addition of 394 mg K kg^?1 soil. Plant height, shoot dry weight, 1000-grain weight, root length, and root dry weight were significantly associated with grain yield. Hence, manipulation of these growth and yield components with the addition of K fertilizer can improve yield of lowland rice in varzea soils of central part of Brazil. Potassium uptake increased significantly in a quadratic fashion with increasing K rate. However, K-use efficiency (mg grain per mg K applied) decreased significantly with increasing K rate in a quadratic fashion. Maximum grain yield was obtained with 117 mg kg^?1 Mehlich 1–extractable K, base saturation of 53 percent, Mg saturation of 9 percent, K saturation of 2 percent, and Ca/Mg ratio of 4.     

Yield,Yield Components,Soil Chemical Properties,Plant Physiology,and Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Soybean Genotypes

Expansion of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cultivated in Brazil to regions with low fertility soils gave rise to studies on the possibility of obtaining highly productive cultivars with high nutrient use efficiency. An experiment in greenhouse conditions was conducted to assess phosphorus (P) use efficiency (PUE) by 13 soybean genotypes. The genotypes were grown in an Ustoxix Quartzipsamment with two P rates [0 (no P application) and 150 mg P kg^?1], whose source was monoammonium phosphate (MAP, P₂O₅ 44%). Shoot dry weight (SDW), grain yield (GY), grain harvest index (GHI), relative yield (RY), and physiological components (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, respiratory rate, and internal CO₂ concentration) were influenced by soybean genotypes and P rates. Genotypes BMX Apolo RR, BRS 360RR, BRS 378RR, CD 219RR, DM 2302RR, TMG 7161RR, and Vtop RR were classified as non-efficient and non-responsive to P application, while BMX Potência RR, Vmax RR, FPS Solar RR, NA 5909RR, TMG 1066RR, and M 6210 IPRO were classified as efficient and responsive. Phosphorus application increased the values of physiological components, which was not observed for N, K, Ca, Mg, and S concentration in the leaves and grains. Soybean genotypes selection for increased P efficiency could help growers overcome the problem of soybean cultivation on new areas or degraded pastures.     

Dry Bean Genotypes Evaluation for Zinc-Use Efficiency

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption worldwide. Low soil fertility, including zinc (Zn) deficiency, is one of the main factors limiting yield of this legume in South America, including Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate 30 dry bean genotypes for zinc (Zn)–use efficiency. The Zn rates used were 0 mg Zn kg^?1 (low) and 20 mg Zn kg^?1 (high) of soil. Grain yield, straw yield, number of pods, hundred-seed weight, number of seeds per pod, maximum root length, and rood dry weight were significantly affected by Zn and genotype treatments. The Zn × genotype interactions were also significant for growth, yield, and yield components, indicating that some genotypes were highly responsive to the Zn application while others were not. Based on seed yield efficiency index (SYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in Zn-use efficiency. Most efficient genotypes were CNFP 10104, BRS Agreste, BRS 7762 Supreme, CNFC 10429, BRS Estilo, CNFC 10467, BRS Esplendor, and BRS Pitamaba. The most inefficient genotype was BRS Executive. Remaining genotypes were moderately efficient in Zn-use efficiency.     

Phosphorus Nutrition of Upland Rice,Dry Bean,Soybean, and Corn Grown on an Oxisol

Rice, dry bean, corn, and soybean are important food crops. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors for these crops grown on highly weathered Brazilian Oxisols. Four greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine P requirements of these four crops. The P levels used were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg^?1. Growth, yield, and yield components evaluated of four crop species were significantly increased with the application of P fertilization. Most of the responses were quadratic in fashion when the P was applied in the range of 0 to 400 mg kg^?1. Maximum grain yield of upland rice was obtained with the application of 238 mg P kg^?1 of soil, maximum dry bean grain yield was obtained with the application of 227 mg P kg^?1 of soil, and maximum grain yield of soybean was obtained with the application of 224 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum shoot growth of corn was obtained with the addition of 323 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Most of the growth and yield components had significant positive association with grain yield or shoot dry weight. Phosphorus concentration and uptake were greater in the grain compared to straw in upland rice and dry bean plants. Overall, P-use efficiencies decreased with increasing P rates.     

Agronomic Evaluation of Coated and Common Urea in Upland Rice Production

Two greenhouse experiments were conducted simultaneously to evaluate polymer-coated and common urea in upland rice production. The nitrogen (N) levels used for both the N sources were from 0 to 400 mg kg^?1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained with the addition of 167 mg N kg^?1 polymer-coated urea and 238 mg N kg^?1 common urea. Maximum value of other plant traits was obtained with N applied from 233 to 313 mg kg^?1 depending on plant traits and N source. Nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) decreased with increasing N rate in the two N sources. Based on results of growth, yield, and yield components, and NUE it can be concluded that the N sources were equally effective in upland rice production. Base saturation, pH, and exchangeable calcium (Ca) increased with increasing N rates while iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) contents decreased with the increasing N rates.     

Effect of Glyphosate and Zinc Application on Yield,Soil Fertility,Yield Components,and Nutritional Status of Soybean

Glyphosate is a widely used nonselective herbicide for the control of agricultural weeds. It is being increasingly used in glyphosate resistant genetically modified plants. However, there are few studies on its effects on the nutritional status of soybean, particularly on the uptake of zinc (Zn). Two experiments were conducted under field conditions in a Typic Quartzipsamment and an Orthic Ferralsol to investigate the effect of glyphosate application × Zn interaction on soil fertility, yield components, seed yield (SY), shoot dry weight (SDW) yield, and nutritional status of soybean. The five Zn rates 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha^?1 were used in two soybean varieties [BRS 133 (conventional—NGM) and its essentially derived transgenic line BRS 245RR (GM), which was divided into: with (+Gly) and without (–Gly) glyphosate application. Only the P (phosphorus) and Zn available concentrations in the soil were impacted by Zn rates. However, the available P concentration only decreased in the soil planted with GM soybean. Mehlich 1 and diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid–triethanolamine (DTPA–TEA), 7.3 extractants were effective to determine the available Zn. In the two crop sites, the number of pods per plant (NPP) and the SDW yield were affected by the interaction varieties × Zn. SY was influenced by the application of the herbicide, reducing a potential phytotoxic effect with the use of high rates. Regarding the nutrients, only the foliar calcium (Ca), boron (B), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) concentrations were negatively affected by glyphosate, and in the case of Zn, the difference occurred only between the varieties BRS 133 and BRS 245RR.     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN DRY BEAN GENOTYPES

Dry bean is an important legume crop for Latin American people and nitrogen is one of the most yields limiting nutrients for bean crop. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate nitrogen (N) use efficiency of 20 dry bean genotypes. Genotypes were grown on an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 (high level). Shoot dry weight, grain yield and yield components, N concentration and uptake in shoot and grain were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Grain yield had a highly significant (P < 0.01) association with shoot dry weight, pod number, grains per pod and 100 grain weight. Among the 20 genotypes tested, Perola, CNFR 7847, CNFR 7865, CNFP 7777 and CNFM 6911 were found to produce reasonably good yield at low N rate as well as responded well to applied N. Whereas, some genotypes like BRS Radiante, CNFP 7624, CNFM 7875, CNFM 7886, CNFC 7813, CNFC 7827, CNFP 7677 and CNFP 7775 produced very good yields at higher N rate but very low yields at lower N rate. Hence, these genotypes are good for farmers using higher technology. Nitrogen concentration and uptake were higher in dry bean grains compared with shoot and 63% of N accumulated at zero N rate and 75% N accumulated at 400 mg N rate were translocated to grain across 20 genotypes. Nitrogen uptake efficiencies were having highly significant (P < 0.01) quadratic relationship with grain yield. This indicates that improving N uptake in dry bean plants can increase grain yield.     

Phosphorus,Potassium and Sulfur Interactions in Soybean Plants on a Typic Hapludox

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) has the largest acreage in Brazil where nutrients are provided to crops by formulated fertilizers, which is the most usual method. Under tropical and subtropical conditions, most of the nutrients required by soybean crops are phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), while sulfur (S) is applied in smaller amounts. The P, K, and S interactions under greenhouse conditions using completely randomized blocks in a factorial 3 × 3 × 3 arrangement were evaluated. The treatments were as follows: three P rates (0, 75, and 150 mg P kg^?1); three K rates (0, 150, and 300 mg K kg^?1); and three S rates (0, 50, and 100 mg S kg^?1). The P, K, and S application had a significant influence on the shoot dry weight (SDW) and number of pods per pot (NPP) in contrast with the increase in grain yield (GY) that had positive relationship with K and S rates. These results indicated that both nutrients were the most limiting to GY. In soil and leaves, only the P, K, and S concentrations were modified by the treatments (P, K, and S), but in the grains there was synergism of P rates with Mg concentration unlike K rates with Ca concentration. Physiological components as photosynthetic rate, intrinsic efficiency of water use, and chlorophyll had influence from P and K rates.     

Zinc,Copper, Boron and Iron Requirement of Upland Rice Grown on a Brazilian Oxisol

Deficiency of micronutrients increasing in field crops, including upland rice in recent years. The objective of this study was to determine requirement of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) boron (B) and iron (Fe) for upland rice grown on a Brazilian Oxisol. The levels used were: Zn (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg^?1), Cu (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1), B (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1) and Fe (0, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg kg^?1). Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle number and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly improved with the addition of these micronutrients. Root growth was also improved with the application of micronutrients, except with the addition of B. Maximum grain yield was obtained with the addition of 51 mg Zn, 24 mg Cu, 5 mg B kg^?1, and 283 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Similarly, maximum straw yield was obtained with the addition of 38 mg Zn, 17 mg Cu, 6 mg B kg^?1, and 1500 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Maximum plant height was obtained with the addition of 54 mg Zn, 10 mg B kg^?1, and 1197 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Copper did not affect plant height significantly. Maximum panicle number was obtained with the addition of 22 mg Cu kg^?1, 3 mg B kg^?1, and 1100 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Zinc did not affect panicle number significantly. Maximum GHI was obtained with the addition of 61 mg Zn kg^?1, and 8 mg B kg^?1. Zinc was had a linear increase in GHI in the range of 0 to 80 mg kg^?1, and Fe showed a negative relationship with GHI.     

Molybdenum Requirements of Dry Bean with and without Liming

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential micronutrient for crop plants, and its deficiency has been reported in many parts of the world. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted with the objective to determine Mo requirements of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown on a Brazilian Oxisol with and without liming. The Mo treatments were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg kg^?1. In one experiment dolomitic lime was added at the rate of 2.5 g per kg of soil before the application of Mo treatments and incubated 5 weeks before sowing. In other experiments, Mo treatments were same as the lime-added experiment but no lime was added. Most of the growth, yield, and yield components were significantly increased with the addition of Mo in both the experiment. Growth, yield, and yield components were increased in a quadratic fashion when Mo was applied in the range of 0 to 20 mg kg^?1. Maximum shoot dry weight was obtained with the addition of 17 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment with Mo rates without lime and 9.69 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment of Mo rates with lime application. Maximum seed yield was obtained with the application of 10.48 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime along with Mo treatments and 10.28 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that received lime along with Mo treatments. Similarly, the maximum number of pods per plant was obtained with the addition of 9.33 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime and 8.83 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did receive lime. Maximum root length was obtained with the addition of 12.38 Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime and 9.75 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that received lime. Maximum root dry weight was obtained with the addition of 11.67 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime and 9.28 mg Mo in the experiment that received lime. Soil properties determined after harvest of dry bean plants were not influenced significantly with the addition of Mo in the Oxisol under investigation.     

Nutrient constraint of rainfed rice production in foot slope soil of Guinea Forest in Côte d’Ivoire

Soil nutrient deficiencies can affect rice yield and grain mineral content wherever they occur, but an understanding of their effect on upland rice production in humid forest zone of West Africa is still limited. Therefore, a nutrient omission trial was conducted on foot slope soil in 2003, 2004 and 2005 in Côte d’Ivoire using rice variety WAB 56–104. The effect on rice grain yield (GY) and nutrient content of complete fertilizer (Fc with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn)) was compared with Fc from which a specific nutrient was excluded (Fc – N, Fc – P, Fc – K, Fc – Ca, Fc – Mg and Fc – Zn). Before the trial, soil K (0.10 cmol kg^?1) and Mg (0.20 cmol kg^?1) contents were suitable, but available P-Bray I (4.2 mg kg^?1) was found to be deficient. In course of the study, K, Mg and P deficiencies were observed. An antagonistic effect was observed between rice GY and grain concentrations in P, Mg and Ca for treatments Fc – Mg, Fc – P and Fc – K, respectively. Therefore, the use of P, K and Mg fertilizers is recommended for successive cropping seasons in order to rich stable and high rice yield while decreasing of grain concentrations in P, Mg and Ca can be observed.     

Spacing and Plant Density in the Yield Components,Nutritional Status,and Soil Fertility of Guarana Varieties Grown in Humid Tropical Amazon

In agriculture there is a tendency to reduce spacing between plant rows, both for perennial and annual plants. Yield gains have been associated with the use of this technique. However, in the case of perennial plants, this technique was found to reduce productivity in older orchards because of the greater competition between plants caused by the increased volume of the crown and root system, resulting in lower photosynthetic efficiency, increased infestation with fungal diseases, and greater competition in nutrient uptake. In addition to yield, efficient management should consider soil fertility, nutritional status, and the growth of the guarana variety. The present study aimed to assess the effects of spacing and plant density on grain yield, soil fertility, and nutritional status of two guarana varieties (BRS Amazonas and BRS Maués). The plant density studied were 625 (4 m × 4 m), 833 (4 m × 3 m), 1,111 (3 m × 3 m), 1,666 (3 m × 2 m), 2,500 (2 m × 2 m), and 5,000 (2 m × 1 m) plants per hectare distributed in randomized block design with three replicates. The high plant density has significantly increased grain yield in the guarana varieties, with changes in launch number, trunk diameter, and crown diameter. Regarding macronutrients, in the average of the varieties, the mean foliar concentration had the following sequence: nitrogen (N) > potassium (K) > calcium (Ca) > phosphorus (P) > sulfur (S) > magnesium (Mg), whereas for micronutrients it was manganese (Mn) > iron (Fe) > boron (B) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). The differences in the foliar concentrations of the varieties and in soil fertility are important tools for the selection of materials with better capacity of uptake and/or translocation of nutrients, resulting in greater grain yield.     

Soil Nutrient Status and Leaf Nutrient Norms in Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) Plantations Grown in the West Coastal Area of India

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a heavy feeder of nutrients and requires balanced and adequate supply of nutrients for optimum growth and yield. Information regarding soil nutrient status and leaf nutrient concentration is very much required for proper fertilizer application. Therefore, a survey was conducted for assessment of soil nutrient status and leaf nutrient concentration in 64 oil palm plantations in the state of Goa lying in the west coastal region of India. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available potassium (K) (ammonium acetate-extractable K) (NH₄OAc-K), available phosphorus (P) (Bray’s-P), exchangeable calcium (Ca) (Exch. Ca) and magnesium (Mg) (Exch. Mg), available sulphur (S) (calcium chloride-extractable S) (CaCl₂-S), and hot water soluble boron (B) (HWB) in surface (0–20 cm depth) soil layers ranged from 4.25 to 6.77, 0.05 to 1.06 dS m^–1, 5.07 to 48.4 g kg^–1, 58.1 to 1167 mg kg^–1, 1.80 to 415 mg kg^–1, 200 to 2997 mg kg^–1, 36.0 to 744 mg kg^–1, 3.00 to 87.7 mg kg^–1 and 0.09 to 2.10 mg kg^–1, respectively. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms were established for different nutrient expressions and were used to compute DRIS indices. As per DRIS indices, the order of requirement of nutrients in the region was found to be P > Mg > K > nitrogen (N) > B. Optimum leaf nutrient ranges as per DRIS norms varied from 1.64 to 2.79%, 0.36 to 0.52%, 0.37 to 0.75%, 0.89 to 1.97%, 0.35 to 0.63%, 0.89 to 1.50%, 3.10 to 13.9 mg kg^?1, 7.50 to 32.2 mg kg^?1, 35.0 to 91.1 mg kg^?1, 206 to 948 mg kg^?1, and 895 to 2075 mg kg^?1 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) respectively. On the basis of DRIS-derived sufficiency ranges, 14, 5, 11, 6, 6, 6, 8, 2, 3, 6, and 16% of leaf samples had less than optimum concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe respectively. The optimum ranges developed can be used as a guide for routine diagnostic and advisory purpose for balanced utilization of fertilizers.     

Nitrogen Sources and Rates Effect on Yield,Nutritional Status,and Yield Components of Sunflower

Due to the high levels of crude protein in the achene, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the main oilseeds grown worldwide, particularly for the oil and meal production for animal feed. Despite these advantages, there are few studies on nutrient use efficiency under tropical conditions, especially nitrogen (N). The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the effects of N sources and rates on sunflower achene yield (AY), yield and physiological components, and nutritional status of sunflower. The five N sources (calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), ammonium nitrate (NO₃NH₄), ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄), and urea (CO(NH₂)₂)), and four N rates (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg^?1) were studied. AY was reduced with the ammonia sources application from the 100 mg N kg^?1. Plant height and capitulum dry weight (CDW), capitulum diameter, shoot dry weight (SDW), and chlorophyll content were significantly related with N sources and rates. Except for potassium (K), the N rates changed the N, P, Ca, Mg, and S concentration in the leaves and N concentration in achene. In the comparison of sources, on the average of N rates, urea application was more effective than the other N fertilizers in the AY.