氮磷钾不同用量对马铃薯产量和淀粉含量的影响

采用311－A最优设计与田间试验方法,研究了氮、磷、钾施肥用量对马铃薯产量和淀粉含量的影响,建立了宁夏雨养农业区马铃薯产量、淀粉含量与氮、磷、钾施肥用量之间的数学模型。分析了马铃薯产量及淀粉含量试验因子的主效应和互作效应,优选了马铃薯目标产量在30000 kg/hm2时最高产量的最佳施肥量组合为氮、磷、钾(kg/hm2)：267.3－139.0－82.1,最佳经济施肥用量组合为氮、磷、钾(kg/hm2)：258.6－131.1－71.1;淀粉含量最高时最佳组合氮、磷、钾( kg/hm2)：183.9－106.4－87.6。     

The effect of preplant nitrogen and soil temperature on yield and nitrogen accumulation of alfalfa 1

Abstract

Recommendations for the use of preplant N in alfalfa establishment are controversial. Growth chamber experiments were conducted to examine the effect of preplant N and soil temperature on yield and N accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Alfalfa was grown in river sand at three day/night soil temperatures (18/12°C, 24/16°C, and 27/21°C), and at five levels of preplant N (0, 10, 20, 40, 80 kg ha^?1). At 18/12°C, 40 kg ha^?1 preplant N resulted in a 69% increase in shoot dry matter yield. Dry matter and N accumulation rates were greatest at 40 and 80 kg ha^?1. Preplant N effects on dry matter and N accumulation at 18/12°C were expressed primarily between the early bud and early flowering stages. Assessment of soil temperature and soil N availability is necessary to determine the potential for a yield response of alfalfa to preplant N.     

Comparison of standard and total Colwell procedures for measuring soil test phosphorus

Abstract

When soils are extracted with sodium bicarbonate to measure soil test phosphorus (P) by the standard Colwell procedure, the concentration of P in the extract solution is measured using the Murphy and Riley procedure. This measures P as orthophosphate (PO₄) and most of the organic P extracted is not measured. The total (inorganic plus organic) P extracted can be measured by digesting an aliquot of the extract solution with perchloric acid to convert all the extracted P to PO₄ before measuring the P concentration by the Murphy and Riley procedure. This is called total Colwell P. Data from one crop and two pasture field experiments in Western Australia are presented in which soil test P measured in 1991 and 1992 by the standard and total Colwell procedures were compared. Fertiliser P residues, including organic P, accumulate in the topsoil because, (i) the fertiliser is applied to the surface of pastures, and (ii) crops are being increasingly sown by minimum (conservation) tillage when P is concentrated in the top approximate 5 cm of the soil compared with about 10 cm when crops are sown conventionally. Consequently, to measure soil test P in the present study, soil samples were collected in February 1991 to either 5 or 10 cm depth. For the two Colwell procedures and both sampling depths, soil test P was related to: (i) the level of P applied in previous years and to (ii) plant yield measured later on that year (the soil test P calibration). Soil test P was larger for the total Colwell procedure and for soil samples collected to 5 cm depth. Total Colwell P as the dependent variable was closely correlated with standard Colwell P as the independent variable. The relationship between soil test P and the level of P applied, and the calibration relating yield to soil test P, were different for standard and total Colwell P. Neither method can be claimed to be significantly better than the other. It is concluded that use of the total Colwell procedure instead of the standard procedure is not warranted. Likewise, there was no evidence that collecting soil samples to 5 cm to measure soil test P provided better estimates of the current P status of soils than collecting soils to the standard 10 cm depth. There is therefore no need to change the sampling depth.     

Phosphorus and zinc fertilization effects on dry matter yield and phosphorus and zinc uptake by Crambe

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochist.) is an oilseed crop high in euricic acid with industrial applications in production of nylon, plasticizers, and lubricants. Little information is available on crambe response to phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) fertilization. This glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the response of crambe to four rates of P and five rates of Zn fertilizer application to a soil with 10 mg/kg NaHCO₃‐extractable P and 0.6 mg/kg DTPA‐extractable Zn. Phosphorus fertilizer, but not Zn fertilizer, increased the dry matter yield of plant tops. Phosphorus response was consistent in both 35‐ and 62‐day‐old plants. Zinc response was most consistent in 35 day‐old plants. Significant interactions were observed between P and Zn for dry matter weight, P:Zn ratio, and Zn uptake at 35 days. No significant interactions were observed at 62 days. Analysis of the data showed a negative correlation coefficient between P or Zn treatment and tissue concentration or uptake for the opposite element.     

Effects of soil ph,nitrogen source,phosphorus, and molybdenum on early growth and mineral nutrition of burley tobacco

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that P application may influence plant Mo nutrition, and that both P and Mo are influenced by soil pH. This is of interest, since Mo is deficient in some soils and because large quantities of acidifying nitrogenous fertilizers are commonly applied in production of burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.).

Burley tobacco was grown in two experiments using Maury silt loam soil (Typic Paleudalfs) to determine the influence of soil acidity, form of N applied, and P application on plant growth and mineral nutrition. The studies were conducted in the greenhouse so that high root densities would develop and the data primarily reflect rhizosphere effects.

Ammonium application depressed rhizosphere pH 0.4 to 0.6 pH units. Nitrate nutrition raised soil pH less than 0.1 pH unit. Plants supplied NH₄ exhibited slower early growth than plants supplied NO₃. Several significant interactions involving soil pH, N source, P, and Mo occurred. In the first experiment, plant P was not affected by form of N applied, while in the second experiment NH₄ application resulted in higher plant P concentration, both in presence and absence of applied P. Application of NH₄ also increased plant weight in the second experiment. Plant P concentration was influenced by pH, being greatest at pH 6.2 and decreasing as pH levels decreased or increased. Plant Mo concentration did not differ among forms of N at pH 5.4, but at pH 7.2 was three times greater in the presence of NO₃. When Mo was applied, P addition enhanced plant Mo concentration, but when Mo was not applied, P addition did not increase Mo concentration. This effect of P on Mo occurred only in the presence of N and was greater in the presence of NH₄ than NO₃. These observations suggest that enhancement of plant Mo nutrition by P application may be dependent on adequate levels of N being present.     

Effect of saline irrigation on the biomass yield,and the protein,nitrogen, phosphorus,and potassium composition of alfalfa in a pot experiment

During 1994–1995, field experiments were conducted in six apple orchards located in the southwest of Finland (the mainland and the Åland Islands). The cultivars were ‘Melba’, ‘Raike’, ‘Red Atlas’, ‘Lobo’, ‘Aroma’, and ‘Åkero’. Fruit samples were picked at about one week before commercial maturity and stored for three to six months at 2 to 4°C and 85–95% relative humidity. During storage the percentage of physiological disorders was visually recorded. Fruit nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca), firmness, diameter, juice titratable acidity (TA), and soluble solids concentrations (SSC) were determined at harvest. Nitrogen and Ca in the soil and leaves collected during fruit development were determined. The ranges in fruit N were 296–624 and Ca 27–68 mg kg^‐1 fresh weight, and in the leaves N 15–23 and Ca 9–19 g kg^‐1 dry matter. The N/Ca ratio was 5 and 16 and 0.9 and 2.3 in fruit and leaves, respectively. There was more variation between years in N and Ca contents of leaves than that of fruit. Other fruit quality characteristics varied between seasons and cultivars. Leaf N correlated positively with fruit diameter and negatively with fruit dry matter. The incidence of physiological disorders on apples after three month storage was 2 to 13% and after six months 10 to 95%. Fruit with Ca content below 45 mg kg^‐1 fresh weight were susceptible to bitter pit ('Aroma’ and ‘Åkero') and Jonathan spot ('Red Atlas'). The cultivar ‘Melba’ was susceptible to bruising damages and ‘Raike’ and ‘Red Atlas’ were affected more with internal breakdown and core browning.     

Dicyandiamide effects on nitrification and total inorganic soil nitrogen in sandy soils

Abstract

Inhibition of nitrification in soil results in a decreased ratio of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) to ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N). If the conditions for NO₃‐N loss by leaching or denitrification exist, nitrification inhibitors should increase concentrations of total inorganic soil nitrogen (N) (TISN) (NH₄‐N + NO₃‐N). This can then result in plants taking up more N and developing more crop yield or biomass. This study examined whether inhibition of nitrification by dicyandiamide (DCD) would result in increased concentrations of TISN under field conditions. The effects of DCD on soil N were evaluated in hyperthermic sandy soils planted to potato (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. Atlantic). Treatments were factorial combinations of N as ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) at 67, 134, and 202 kg N ha^‐1 and DCD at 0, 5.6, and 11.2 kg DCD ha^‐1. Soil NH₄‐N, NO₃‐N, and TISN concentrations were determined for up to five potato growth stages at two locations for two years for a total of 16 determinations (cases), i.e., four were not determined. The N form ratio [NO₃‐N/(NH₄‐N + NO₃‐N] x 100 was decreased in 10 of 16 cases, indicating that nitrification was inhibited by DCD. With two of these 10 cases, TISN concentration increased, but with four others, TISN concentration decreased with at least one N rate. With four of these 10 cases, inhibition of nitrification had no effect on TISN concentration. Under the conditions of these field studies, DCD inhibited nitrification more often than not. Inhibition of nitrification was, however, more likely to reduce TISN concentration than to increase it. This may have been due to DCD effects on immobization of applied NH₄‐N.     

Crop production impacts on soil phosphorus removal and soil test levels

An 8-year field study documented the impact of tillage, crop rotations, and crop residue management on agronomic and soil parameters at Brookings, South Dakota. The greatest annual proportion of above-ground biomass phosphorus (P) removed was from the grain (78–87% of total) although crop residue removed some P as well. Greater above-ground total biomass P (grain P + crop residue P) was removed from corn than from soybean and spring wheat crops mainly due to the greater corn grain biomass harvested. Cumulative above-ground biomass P removal was greatest for the corn-soybean rotation (214 kg P ha^?1), while it was lowest for the soybean-wheat rotation (157 kg P ha^?1). Tillage treatments within crop rotation or residue management treatments did not influence annual or cumulative P removal rates. Olsen extractable soil orthophosphate-P levels declined consistently through time from a mean of 40 µg g^?1 (2004) to 26 µg g^?1 (2011). Biomass P removal was calculated to be 15.7 ha^?1 yr^?1 to decrease Olsen extractable soil orthophosphate-P levels by 1 µg g^?1 yr^?1 over 8 years of the study.     

Maize yield response as affected by phosphorus,sulfur and nitrogen as banded applications on a volcanic ash derived tropical soil

Abstract

Phosphorus and sulfur deficiencies have been observed on many of the volcanic ash derived soils in Central America. One exploratory experiment was initiated in 1987 to examine maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield response to phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen applied together on a volcanic ash derived soil in the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala. Four cycles of yield data were collected in 2 rainy and 2 dry seasons. Treatments consisted of rate combinations of N (0, 100 kg ha^‐1 as urea), P (0, 22 kg ha^‐1 as triple superphosphate) and S (0, 57 and 114 kg ha^‐1 as CaSO₄.2H₂O) applied together in continuous bands in a randomized complete block design. Residual P and S response was measured during the last two cycles, whereby only urea was applied at a constant rate to all plots. The combined analysis of the first two cycles demonstrated a linear response of yield to applied S when no P was applied (4.95, 5.75 and 5.95 Mg ha^‐1 at 0, 57 and 114 kg S ha^‐1 respectively), while yield response was quadratic when S as CaSO₄2H₂O and P as triple superphosphate were applied together in a continuous band at 100 kg N ha^‐1 (5.38, 6.38 and 5.48 Mg ha^‐1 at the same S rates respectively). Response of yield to S was linear without and with P for the combined residual analysis of the last two cycles at the same N rate (4.65, 4.94, 5.26 and 4.68, 5.53, 5.56 Mg ha^‐1 respectively). Grain yields were maximized over the four cycle period using a joint N, P, S band (100 kg of N as urea, 22 kg P as triple superphosphate, and 57 kg S as CaSO₄.2H₂O ha^‐1). It is hypothesized that precipitation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and dicalcium phosphate (DCP) took place within the joint N‐P‐S band subsequently reducing the amount of P fixed as Fe or Al hydroxides and/or amounts of P complexed with amorphous allophane. The precipitation and subsequent dissolution of DCPD and DCP within the band could have increased P availability with time. Alternatively, SO₄ ⁼ blocking of adsorption sites could have increased P availability by reducing the amount of P fixed by the soil. It is possible that both of the previously mentioned mechanisms played a role in first cycle yield responses since increases were noted at the low S rate (57 kg S ha^‐1), while reductions were found when the S rate was doubled (114 kg S ha^‐1). Significant residual response for the last two cycles was observed for the joint triple superphosphate, CaSO₄.2H₂O, urea band, especially at the high S rate. This suggests that excess precipitation of DCP and DCPD could have occurred and that this provided delayed dissolution of the precipitated P reaction products. Chemical characterization of precipitated reaction products within the band is needed as well as further verification on similar soils in order to validate the observed response.     

Potassium fertilization effects on yield and longevity of established alfalfa

Abstract

Limited information is available which describes the response of established alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to topdressing applications of K fertilizer in the Southeastern United States. Field experiments were conducted for three years to determine alfalfa response to rates and time of K application. The experiments were established in two‐year old stands of alfalfa on a Decatur silty clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudults) and a Hartsells fine sandy loam (fine loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults) located in northern Alabama. Potassium as KCl was broadcast in the spring prior to regrowth. For split application treatments, the K was applied in early spring and after the second cutting. Annual total K rates ranged from 56 to 596 kg/ha. Potassium fertilization maintained alfalfa stand density on both soils, but the experiment on the Decatur soil was discontinued after two years due to severe stand loss when the lowest rate of added K was used. Alfalfa yields were increased by the application of K and maximum yields occurred when K was applied according to soil test recommendations made by the Auburn University soil testing laboratory. Potassium applications increased the concentration of K, decreased the concentration of Ca and Mg and had little effect on the concentration of N in tissue from the two cuttings sampled. The split application of K did not consistently increase forage production. There was little movement of K below 25 cm in either soil when K rates of 56 to 596 kg/ha/yr were repeated yearly for up to three years.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizations alter nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium resorption of alfalfa in the Loess Plateau of China

Abstract

Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves is a pivotal component of nutrient conservation strategy in a plant. Thus understanding the response of nutrient resorption to fertilization is of great help to minimize fertilizer use and further optimize fertilization management. However, little is known about how nutrient resorption responds to fertilization in N₂-fixing species. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers were applied at different rates to alfalfa stands in the Loess Plateau. N fertilization hardly affected leaf N and K resorptions, but tended to increase P resorption. P fertilization increased N and K resorptions but affected P resorption in various ways. However, effect of N or P fertilization was significantly interplayed by P or N rate. At N100P60, alfalfa had the maximum biomass accumulation and less leaf resorption. Therefore, alfalfa could be performed well with 100?kg N ha^?1 and 60?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in this region.     

Conservation tillage induced changes in organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus in a semi-arid alkaline subtropical soil

A multi-year experiment was conducted to compare the effects of conservation tillage (no-till and ridge-till) with conventional plow tillage on organic C, N, and resin-extractable P in an alkaline semi-arid subtropical soil (Hidalgo sandy clay loam, a fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic Typic Calciustoll) at Weslaco, TX (26°9′N 97°57′W). Tillage comparisons were established on irrigated plots in 1992 as a randomized block design with four replications. Soil samples were collected for analyses 1 month before cotton planting of the eighth year of annual cotton (planted in March) followed by corn (planted in August).

No-till resulted in significantly (p<0.01) greater soil organic C in the top 4 cm of soil, where the organic C concentration was 58% greater than in the top 4 cm of the plow-till treatment. In the 4–8 cm depth, organic C was 15% greater than the plow-till control. The differences were relatively modest, but consistent with organic C gains observed in hot climates where conservation tillage has been adopted. Higher concentrations of total soil N occurred in the same treatments, however a significant (p<0.01) reduction in N was detected below 12 cm in the ridge-till treatment. The relatively low amount of readily oxidizable C (ROC) in all tillage treatments suggests that much of the soil organic C gained is humic in nature which would be expected to improve C sequestration in this soil.

Against the background of improved soil organic C and N, bicarbonate extractable P was greater in the top 8 cm of soil. Some of the improvement, however, appeared to come from a redistribution or “mining” of P at lower soil depths. The results indicate that stratification and redistribution of nutrients were consistent with known effects of tillage modification and that slow improvements in soil fertility are being realized.     

Effect of organic matter on total amount and availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in loess soil of Northwest China

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to study the effect of organic matter on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content in soils derived from loess in Northwest China. The results indicated that available N and total N content were correlated positively with organic matter content significant at the 5% level. Available P content was unaffected, but total P content appeared to increase linearly with increased organic matter content.     

No-tillage and conventional tillage effects on durum wheat yield, grain quality and soil moisture content in southern Italy

No-tillage (NT) is becoming increasingly attractive to farmers because it clearly reduces production costs relative to conventional tillage (CT). However, many producers in southern Italy are reluctant to adopt this practice because NT can have contrasting consequences on grain yield depending on weather conditions. The effect of NT and CT on continuous durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under rainfed Mediterranean conditions was studied, over a 3-year period (2000–2002) at two locations (Foggia and Vasto) in southern Italy. Yield, grain quality [thousand kernel weight (TKW), test weight (TW) and protein content (PC)] and soil water content were assessed.Higher yield was obtained with NT than CT in the first 2 years at Foggia. In contrast, mean yield and quality parameters at Vasto were similar for the two treatments, except in the third year in which CT produced more than NT (4.6 Mg ha⁻¹ versus 2.9 Mg ha⁻¹). At Foggia, TW and TKW were higher in NT than CT in all years. Highest PC was obtained under CT (19.6% and 15.5% for CT versus 14.7% and 11.4% for NT, respectively, in the growing season 2000–2001 and 2001–2002) indicating that grain was shriveled with low starch accumulation.At Foggia, where this study was part of a long-term experiment started in 1995, a strong correlation was observed between yield and rainfall during the wheat growing season. The coefficient of determination (R²) values for CT and NT were 0.69^* and 0.31 ns, respectively, and the regression straight line crossed around 300 mm of rainfall. These results indicate that NT was superior below this rainfall value, whereas more rainfall enhanced yield in CT. We conclude that NT performed better at Foggia with limited rainfall during the durum wheat growing season. The superior effect of NT in comparison to CT, was due to lower water evaporation from soil combined with enhanced soil water availability.     

Relationships between relative crop yields,soil test phosphorus levels,and fertilizer requirements for phosphorus

Abstract

More uniformity in methods of deriving fertilizer P recommendations from crop response data should improve accuracy and precision of fertilization rates. Experimental data that relate crop yields to soil test levels and describe the effect of fertilizer P on soil test levels provide the basis for determining fertilization rates for specific crop‐soil situations. A modification of the Mitscherlich equation was used in derivation of a new equation for calculating fertilizer P requirements as a function soil test levels of P. The equation was applied to response data for 4 crops.

Response curves and fertilizer requirements as calculated for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and clover‐grass indicated that soybeans yielded relatively more than the other three crops at low soil test levels of P. Corn and alfalfa required higher soil test levels to reach 95% maximum yield and required higher rates of fertilizer P when initial test levels were low.     

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus application on agricultural soil food webs

Aim of the present research is to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on soil food webs (microbes, nematodes and microarthropods) trophic interactions in agriculture ecosystems. A complete randomized block design experiment of N and P fertilization was initiated in 2010 with four treatments: (1) P-addition, (2) N-addition, (3) NP-addition and (4) control. After 4 years of fertilization, compared with control, N-addition had a negative effect on microarthropods and clarify indirectly by significantly (P < 0.05) increasing soil total nitrogen (0.37 g kg^?1) and available nitrogen (20.03 mg kg^?1). The reduction in microarthropods resulted significant (P < 0.05) increase in bacterivores and fungivores feeding on bacteria and fungi, an example of top-down control. P-addition had indirect negative effects on microarthropods by means of significantly (P < 0.05) increasing soil total phosphorus (0.62 g kg^?1) and available phosphorus (24.17 mg kg^?1), aggravated fungivores feeding on fungi and strengthened top-down control. NP-addition significantly (P < 0.05) increased total microbial biomass, nematodes and microarthropods and resulted in bottom-up control. These results suggested that top-down effects were the dominant force in N- or P-addition treatments. NP-addition strengthened bottom-up control by enriching food resource. Unbalance fertilization could pose adverse on agricultural soil ecosystem and yield potential of crops.     

Phosphorus,potassium, chloride,and fungicide effects on wheat yield and leaf rust severity

Abstract

Plant nutrition and disease suppression are among the most important management tools for producers of hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the central and southern Great Plains. This study was conducted to examine the effects of phosphorus (P) (0, 15, and 30 kg ha^?1) and potassium (K) (0, 37, and 74 kg ha^?1) fertilization, foliar fungicide application, and cultivar disease tolerance on wheat yield, yield components, and severity of leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.). Compared with no P, fertilizing with P increased yield by as much as 60% (>1.3 Mg ha^?1 increase). Yield of cultivars susceptible to leaf rust was nearly 0.6 Mg ha^?1 less without K than with K fertilization. Fungicide application resulted in mean yields of 4.8 Mg ha^?1 for both resistant and susceptible cultivars, however, yield of susceptible cultivars was suppressed more than yield of resistant ones without fungicide. Although P fertilization had a moderately suppressive effect on leaf rust, the increased yield was primarily due to production of about 50% more heads m^?2 apparently from more prolific tillering. Similarly, K fertilization appeared to reduce leaf rust severity and improve yield by increasing kernel weight, but this response may have been related partially to chloride (Cl) in the KCl fertilizer. Correlations suggested that improving dry matter production and N, P, and K uptakes at the boot stage by P and K fertilization can reduce leaf rust severity later in the growing season and increase wheat grain yield. These results indicate that especially P fertilization, but also K fertilization and fungicide application, are important management tools for reducing disease and increasing winter wheat yield.     

Effect of inoculum,variety, nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium on yield,protein and oil content of soybeans at jabalpur,M.P. India

Abstract

Regardless of inoculum or fertility rate Bragg outyielded Clark 63 soybeans. Yields of Bragg and Clark 63 were increased about 1000 kg per ha by treatment with inoculum at the rate of approximately 313, 000 bacteria per seed. At the highest rate of applied N, yields of uninoculated soybeans, were lower than the inoculated soybeans at the lowest applied N rate. Phosphorus fertilizer increased yields at a decreasing rate and yields were decreased at the highest rate of applied P. Potassium fertilizer had a negative effect on soybean yields and did not significantly effect the protein or oil content of soybean seed. With increasing P fertilizer rates, there was a decrease in oil content and in increase in protein content of soybean seed.     

Potassium and nitrogen effects on carbohydrate and protein metabolism in alfalfa roots

An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of potassium (K) nutrition on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth and metabolism of root total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) and proteins, and to study whether nitrogen (N) fertilization overcomes N deficiency and low root protein concentrations caused by K deficiency. In Experiment 1, nodulated alfalfa plants were grown in plastic pots containing washed quartz sand and provided minus‐N Hoagland's solution containing 0, 0.6, or 6.0 mM K. Shoot and root K concentrations increased with increasing solution K. Root N concentrations were higher in plants receiving 6.0 mM K than in plants receiving 0.6 or 0 mM K, but shoot N concentrations were similar for all treatments. Plant persistence, shoots per plant, and shoot mass increased as solution K levels increased. Root starch concentration and utilization were positively associated with K nutrition. Total amylase activity was higher, but endoamylase activity was lower in roots of plants receiving 6.0 mM K compared to plants receiving 0.6 or 0 mM K. Root soluble protein concentrations were significantly higher in plants receiving 6.0 mM K than in plants receiving 0 or 0.6 mM K. In Experiment 2, plants were supplied with Hoagland's solution containing 10 mM N as ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) or nitrate (NO₃) with 0,3, or 6.0 mM K. The addition of N increased root N concentrations only in plants receiving 0 mM K. Plant persistence was reduced by NH₄ ⁺ application, especially in plants receiving 0 or 3 mM K. Root starch concentrations were markedly reduced in plants receiving NH₄ ⁺ at all K levels. The addition of NO₃ ^‐ had little effect on alfalfa root carbohydrate and protein metabolism and subsequent shoot growth. Potassium deficiency reduced starch and protein concentrations in roots; factors that were associated with poor persistence and slow shoot regrowth of alfalfa.