Nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in plants: Nitrogen

Current literature review and discussion of the N status of plants as related to their growth and yield and quality of produced product.     

Effects of Nitrate:Ammonium Ratios on Vegetative Growth and Mineral Element Composition in Leaves of Apple

Evaluations of vegetative growth and leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) were made of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cvs. Granny Smith, Gala, and Golab) grown with five treatments of NO₃^?:NH₄⁺ ratios in pot culture. The concentrations of NO₃^?:NH₄⁺ ratios were 2.5:0.1, 6:0.3, 6:0.5, 6:0.7, and 6: 1 meq L^?1. Regression analysis showed that growth parameters of main stems and branches were not affected by increases of NH₄⁺ in the ratios. Granny Smith, Gala, and Golab differed in some of these parameters. Concentrations of N and Fe increased as NH₄⁺ increased, whereas K and Ca decreased and Mg was not affected significantly. Generally, the treatment of 2.5:0.1 produced leaves with lower N but higher K, Ca, and Mg concentrations than the other treatments. This research showed that vegetative growth was not affected by NH₄⁺ concentration whereas elemental composition was affected.     

Fruit Quality and Nitrogen,Potassium, and Calcium Content of Apple as Influenced by Nitrate: Ammonium Ratios in Tree Nutrition

Evaluations of fruit quality and nitrogen, potassium, and calcium concentration of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cvs. Gala and Golab) grown with five treatments of NO₃^?:NH₄⁺ ratios were made in pot culture. The concentrations of NO₃^?:NH₄⁺ ratios were 2.5:0.1, 6:1, 6:0.7, 6:0.5, 6:0.3 meq L^?1. Fruit size, percent dry matter, total dissolved solids, total acidity, or juice pH was not affected by increased ammonium in the ratio. Firmness decreased as the proportion of NH₄⁺ increased. Gala and Golab differed in some of these parameters. Concentrations of N and K increased as NH₄⁺ increased, whereas Ca had no trend or decreased. Generally, the treatment of 2.5:0.1 produced fruits with lower N but higher K and Ca concentrations than the other treatments. This research showed that some parameters such as fruit weight, length, and diameter, juice pH, and dry matter were not affected significantly by NH₄⁺ concentration whereas composition was affected.     

Turfgrass Nutrition and Irrigation Water Quality

Turfgrass sites are increasingly irrigated with low-quality water sources, which may complicate nutritional programs by excessive addition of nutrients or problem ions by causing imbalances. Irrigation sources of most concern are nutrient-rich reclaimed water (i.e., reuse water) and those containing high concentrations of soluble salts. Factors contributing to difficulties in fertility programming are (a) increased temporal and geospatial (by soil depth and across the landscape) variability in soil nutrient/ion status; (b) addition of high levels of chemical constituents to the soil–plant system via the irrigation water, irrigation water treatments (i.e., acidification), and soil amendments such as gypsum; (c) salinity leaching programs that also leach soil nutrients; (d) changes in irrigation lake water quality, such as seasonal fluctuations due to rainfall dilution (i.e., dry and rainy seasons), intake locations across the lake surface, or lake depth; (e) attention to environmental and sustainability issues; and (f) on saline sites, achieving fertilization goals are more complex, requiring attention to maintaining root viability, maximizing grass salinity tolerance, and addressing unique nutritional requirements of new halophytic grasses. Addressing these issues requires proactive and frequent soil, water, and tissue testing; appropriate soil tests; and improved means to quantify spatial soil nutrient and salinity status via spatial mapping.     

Influence of phosphorus on the growth and nutrient contents of the rice plant

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of phosphorus application on the growth of rice and the concentration of P, N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, B and Al in leaves, stems and roots. The results showed that application of phosphorus substantially increased the dry matter of leaves, stems and roots upto 30 ppm of P level. Application of phosphorus caused a decrease in the concentration of Fe, Cu and Al in leaves and stems and increased concentration in roots. Phosphorus concentration increased in all plant fractions, while N and Mn increased in leaves but decreased in stems and roots. Similarly Ca, Mg and B concentration decreased in leaves, stems and roots.     

Influence de l'aluminium sur la nutrition minerale de la feverole (calcicole) et du lupin (calcifuge)

The exchangeable and soluble form of aluminium (Al³⁺) is absorbed by plants in many acid soils. This uptake is responsible for toxic effects on plant nutrition and plant growth. This study is concerned with the aluminium-calcium interaction on different ecologic species: the calcicole and the calcifuge plants appearing sensitive and tolerant to aluminium, respectively.

The absorption of aluminium is three times as important in calcicole plant (horse-bean, Vida faba minor, L.) as in calcifuge species (yellow lupine, Lupinus luteus L.).

The addition of aluminium in a nutritive solution or in an exchange-solution produces several variations in mineral composition: from 30 min to 24 hr, only cations content of roots present significant differences. So when aluminium is absorbed, we noted an exsorption of macronutrients, and, more particularly, of calcium in both species. Aluminium takes effect differently in potassium and magnesium, according to studied species.

There is no veritable translocation of aluminium; on the other hand, in leaves and stems, calcium and phosphorus are principal elements whose quantity is modified by aluminium treatment.

In calcifuge species, aluminium would act as a detox.ifier, and this could show antagonism between calcium and aluminium. These results allow us to join the sensibility of plants with their possibilities of absorption on one hand, and with their capacities of absorption and utilization of calcium on the other hand.     

钾在植物抗病性中的作用及机理的研究进展

本文对近些年来有关钾营养与植物病害关系的研究进行综述。主要从钾对酚代谢、碳、氮代谢及其活性氧代谢调控的角度,评述钾素营养提高植物抗病性的机理;同时讨论了钾肥的施用方式、钾肥形态、施用量、土壤本身钾素状况等共同影响钾素对植物的抗病性及其可能机理。最后提出这一研究领域存在的若干问题。     

植物离子组学: 植物营养研究的新方向

离子组是指有机体内所有离子的总和,包括所有的金属、类金属和非金属。现代高通量的元素分析手段(如ICP-MS/OES)的出现,使得同时定量分析多个元素的含量成为可能。植物离子组学正是利用这一高通量的分析手段,在全基因组的规模上对植物体内的离子组进行分析和对比研究,从而系统地研究揭示植物体内控制离子平衡的遗传网络与分子机制。近年来,该研究领域发展迅速,并广泛地应用于植物功能基因组研究等方面,成为植物营养研究发展的一个热点领域。本文从离子组及离子组学的概念、 离子组学的技术平台、 离子组学研究的技术路线、信息管理及其应用等方面进行综述,并对这一新兴研究领域进行了展望。     

Manganese foliar supplementation impacts rice yield in tropical lowlands

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate manganese (Mn) sources and levels effects in irrigated rice production in central Brasil (tropical lowlands of Tocantins state). The experiment was conducted in a 5x5?+?1 factorial scheme, five Mn sources and five levels (0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; and 2.5?kg ha^?1), applied in induction of tillering of rice plants, plus a control without treatment, and Mn content in leaves (mg kg^?1), number of panicles per area (m²), hundred grains weight (g), intact grains (%), and grain yield (kg ha^?1) were analyzed. Treatments with Mn-carbonate source got the best results and this source at the level of 1.5?kg ha^?1 provided the highest yield: 7,375?kg ha^?1. Higher values were obtained with the application of 1.0 to 1.5?kg ha^?1 of Mn, except for the intact grains where the best means were obtained at 2.5?kg ha^?1.     

Sulfur composition of soybeans as affected by light and temperature

Abstract

Growth‐chamber experiments on effects of light and temperature on S constituents of leaf blades, total S concentrations, and S uptake in whole soybean plants are reported. A 5‐day dark period decreased concentration of soluble protein S and increased concentrations of nonsol‐uble S, soluble nonprotein S, sulfate S, organic S, reduced nonprotein S, and total S of leaf blades. Soluble protein was decreased but S content of soluble protein was unaffected. For whole plants, dry weight and S uptake decreased and S concentration increased.

A 5‐day cold period increased leaf blade concentrations of soluble protein S, soluble nonprotein S, sulfate S, organic S, and total S, but had little effect on nonsoluble S and reduced nonprotein S. Soluble protein increased but S content per unit of protein was unaffected. For whole plants, dry weight was less, S concentration increased, and S upr take was unaffected.     

Using Limestone to Improve Soil Fertility and Growth of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)

Soil acidity is one of the most important factors limiting crop production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of limestone application on the soil chemical properties, nutrition and yield of mango plants in an orchard under implementation. The design was randomized blocks, with five limestone doses (0; 2; 4; 6 and 8 t ha^?1) and four replications. Soil chemical analyses were performed (at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after the experiment implementation) in the layers 0–20; 20–40 and 40–60 cm deep. Nutrition status and yield were assessed during the first and second crop seasons. The highest fruit yield was associated with the application of 3.9 and 3.8 t ha^?1 of limestone in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons, respectively, that is, the dose recommended by the literature for raising base saturation to 80%, as a function of the fertility conditions of the soil initially obtained.     

Liming and Manganese Foliar Levels in Orange

ABSTRACT

Citrus cultures have a fundamental importance to the Brazilian economy; certain aspects such as plant nutrition, yield, and fruit quality are vital for the citrus industry sustainability. The present study evaluated the nutritional status of manganese in adult Pear orange trees using different lime rates topically applied to the soil. The direct evaluation of lime rates effects on leaf manganese (Mn) levels revealed a decrease of the nutrient correlated to its increased, as well as passage of time between application and measurement. Foliar sampling 30 months after surface lime application evidenced a high correlation of foliar manganese levels with soil base saturation of 10–20 cm. Leaf manganese levels which showed a great probability of high productivity were between 33 and 70 mg kg^?1.     

Nutrition and Production of Phaseolus vulgaris (BRS estilo) Following Boron Application on Soil

Boron (B) application is an important strategy in highly productive systems, since this micronutrient is involved in amide syntheses, which is related to the grain yield. In this way, the aim of this work was to evaluate the B fertilization effect in nutrition and production of common beans. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse condition, in an entirely randomized design, with five B doses (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 kg ha^?1) and four repetitions. The relative chlorophyll index, dry mass production, level and accumulation of B were measured. Boron levels in leaves of common beans are linearly enhanced after application of increasing B doses. When B level in soil is low (<0.5 mg kg^?1), boron doses lower than 4.9 kg ha^?1 increase dry mass production, with the highest production observed at a dose of 4.8 kg ha^?1, promoting a 56% in dry mass production compared with control.     

Enhancement Effect of Water-Soluble Phosphorus on Agronomic Effectiveness of Phosphate Rocks

ABSTRACT

Direct application of phosphate rocks (PRs) with low/medium in reactivity has shown to be low in agronomic effectiveness for cereal crops. Presence of water-soluble P (WSP) in the vicinity of PR can significantly enhance the rooting system at the early stage of plant growth. This, in turn, can enable the plant to utilize the associated PR more effectively than the use of PR alone at planting. This report presents the results of several greenhouse experiments that show the granulated (WSP+PR) products by dry compaction process using different low-reactive PR sources were as effective as WSP fertilizers viz triple superphosphate (TSP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP). The test plants were maize (30 days) and soybean and upland rice were grown to maturity on acid or neutral soils. Based on the results obtained a P ratio of 50:50 between WSP and PR is recommended for the granulated (WSP+PR) products that can achieve crop yields at the same levels as that with the WSP fertilizers.

Abbreviations: phosphate rock, PR; water-soluble P, WSP; dry-matter yield, DMY     

Optimum Phosphorus Concentration for Growth of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don ‘Pacifica White’ in a Subirrigation and Top Watering System

The objective of this study was to quantify the optimum rates of water-soluble phosphorus (P) on the growth of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don ‘Pacifica White’ in soilless media in a recirculating subirrigation and top watering system. The experiment was designed so that only P varied between treatments; nitrogen (N), ammoniacal N to nitrate N ratio, and potassium (K) content were held constant. Media pH decreased with increasing P concentration in the nutrient solution in both the subirrigated and top-watered plants. Shoot N, P, K, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and copper were in general greater in the subirrigated plants when compared to top-watered plants. Shoot calcium, sulfur, iron, aluminum, and boron were greater in top-watered plants when compared to subirrigated plants. Optimal plant growth was achieved at ≥0.5 mM P in the subirrigated and top-watered plants, which is lower than what is usually commercially applied. Subirrigated plants were of greater quality and dry mass regardless of P concentration in the nutrient solution, when compared to top-watered plants.     

CHLORINE NUTRITION OF HIGHER PLANTS: PROGRESS AND PERSPECTIVES

Chlorine (Cl) occurs predominantly as Cl^- in soil and plant. It is an essential micronutrient of higher plants and participates in several physiological metabolism processes. Its functions in plant growth and development include osmotic and stomatal regulation, evolution of oxygen in photosynthesis, and disease resistance and tolerance. At adequate levels of supply, Cl improves the yields and quality of many crops such as onions and cotton if the soils are deficient in this nutrient. When excessive, Cl can be as a major component of salinity stress and toxic to plants. This paper provides a brief review of current progresses on Cl nutrition of higher plants.     

Notice

Abstract

Interest is increasing in alternative, reduced input cropping systems. Potential interactive effects of input additions or eliminations on crop yield must be delineated to develop the most resource‐efficient cropping systems. Information of this type is especially lacking in the southern United States. The principal objective of this field study was to determine the main and interactive effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization, herbicide, and insecticide on grain yields in a corn (Zea mays L.)‐soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.)] rotation. Dryland studies were conducted for four years (1990–1993) on a Weswood silt loam soil (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept). Variables included none or “optimal”; applications of N fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide. Mean corn grain yield was increased 156% by N fertilization compared to the no N control. Herbicide significantly increased corn grain yield two of four years, while soil‐applied insecticide had no effect. Johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] was identified as the primary competitive weed species in corn. No interactions of inputs were observed for corn grain yield. Nitrogen fertilization and herbicide did not affect soybean yield, but insecticide increased average soybean yield by 29%. Interactions of N fertilization and insecticide and herbicide and insecticide were significant for soybean yield.