Soil Solution Aluminum,and Nutrient and Aluminum Uptake in Hibiscus Sabdariffa Under Nitrogen and Phosphorous Fertilizers

The result of intensive agriculture in cities is the decline in crop yields and depletion of the resource base. The aims of this study were to assess effects of nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) fertilization on bioavailable aluminum (Al) and their contribution on Al and nutrient uptake in Hibiscus sabdariffa. A pot experiment was led to supply a tropical soil with N and P fertilizers. P amendment decreased Al in soil solution, not N amendment. Fertilizers had effects on Al and nutrient uptake in roots and leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The results also showed that the uptake of Al and nutrients depends on Al in soil solution or N supply or P supply. Only P uptake in roots and leaves was explained by combined effects of a nutrient supply × exchangeable Al. Furthermore, P supply does not limit the translocation of Al in shoots of plants in acid soils.     

Long-Term Effects of Aluminum and Cadmium on Growth,Leaf Anatomy,and Photosynthetic Pigments of Cotton

Aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) are two elements that contaminate soil in different ways as waste products of some industrial processes and that can be tolerated by some plant species in different concentrations. In this study, growth parameters of leaves and stems (fresh and dry weights, stem lengths, leaf surface area, and lamina thickness), anatomical changes in leaves (lower and upper epidermis, stomata and mesophyll tissue), and photosynthetic pigment contents (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids) were investigated in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Nazilli 84S), which was treated with Al and Cd for 3 months. Cotton seedlings were grown in greenhouse conditions and watered with Hoagland nutrient solutions, which contained 0, 100, and 200 μM aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) and cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). It was observed that reduced soil pH positively affected many parameters in cotton plants. Aluminum accumulation was greater in leaves than stems while the opposite was true for Cd accumulation. Leaves and stems of cotton plants treated with 100 and 200 μM Al and Cd showed slight growth changes; however, high concentrations of Al (200 μM) caused significant reductions in leaf area and leaf fresh weight, whereas stem fresh weight decreased with 200 μM Cd treatment. Anatomical parameters were mostly affected significantly under both concentrations of Al and Cd solutions (100 and 200 μM). The results revealed that the anatomical changes in the leaves varied in both treatments, and the long-term effect of the tested metals did not include harmful effects on anatomical structures. Moreover, the variations could be signals of tolerance or adaptive mechanisms of the leaves under the determined concentrations.     

铝和镉胁迫对两个大麦品种矿质营养和根系分泌物的影响

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the effect of aluminum （Al） and cadmium （Cd） on Al and mineral nutrient contents in plants and Al-induced organic acid exudation in two barley varieties with different Al tolerance. Al- sensitive cv. Shang 70-119 had significantly higher Al content and accumulation in plants than Al-tolerant cv. Gebeina, especially in roots, when subjected to low pH （4.0） and Al treatments （100 μmol L^-1 Al and 100 μmol L^-1 Al ＋1.0 μmol L^-1 Cd）. Cd addition increased Al content in plants exposed to Al stress. Both low pH and Al treatments caused marked reduction in Ca and Mg contents in all plant parts, P and K contents in the shoots and leaves, Fe, Zn and Mo contents in the leaves, Zn and B contents in the shoots, and Mn contents both in the roots and leaves. Moreover, changes in nutrient concentrations were greater in the plants exposed to both Al and Cd than in those exposed only to Al treatment. A dramatic enhancement of malate, citrate, and succinate was found in the plants exposed to 100 μmol L^-1 Al relative to the control, and the Al-tolerant cultivar had a considerable higher exudation of these organic acids than the Al-sensitive one, indicating that Al-induced enhancement of these organic acids is very likely to be associated with Al tolerance.     

Comparison of nutrient concentrations in leaves of five plants

The paper describes investigation on bioaccumulation of mineral elements and identification of plants based on the concentrations of the elements in the plant leaves. Five native plant species (Elytrigia repens, Plantago major, Urtica dioica, Chelidonium majus, and Taraxacum officinale) were studied. To exclude the effects from different growth conditions and developmental stages, the plants were collected simultaneously from the same site (park in St. Petersburg, Russia). It was found that for all plants high concentrations of potassium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium (K, Na, P, and Mg) were typical, while concentrations of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were the lowest. The most significant difference was found between concentrations of elements in monocots and eudicots. Among other species, T. officinale had the highest concentrations of almost all elements. Excellent separation of the plants into different groups which was due to different element concentrations in the plant leaves was demonstrated.     

Seasonal Changes and Nutrient Concentrations of “Cristalina” Cactus Pear Cladodes in Response to NPK Fertilization

There are scarce and conflicting reports on fruit yield (FY) and cladode nutrient concentrations for cactus pears (Opuntia spp.). The objective of this study was to examine the macro- and micronutrient cladode concentrations, the association between FY nutrient concentrations, and seasonal changes in macro- and micronutrients in fruiting cladodes of “Cristalina” cactus pear plants exposed to a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization matrix over three growing seasons. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design under field conditions. Seven samples of cladode were collected at different phenological stages for the measurement of N, P, K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). The analysis suggested that the most important nutrients for FY (20.5 t ha^?1) were N and P at 90 and 30 kg ha^?1, respectively. The seasonal pattern for macro- and micronutrients is shown and discussed. The latest topic deserves further research for understanding the cactus pear ionome and suggesting mineral fertilization programs to the cactus pear growers.     

ALUMINUM EFFECTS ON GROWTH,PHOTOSYNTHESIS, AND MINERAL NUTRITION OF CACAO GENOTYPES

A solution culture experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with two cacao genotypes (Catongo and Theobahia). Plants were subjected to seven aluminum (Al) concentrations and Al effects on growth, photosynthesis, and mineral content were assessed. Inter-genotypic differences for F_o, F_m and F_v fluorescences, as well as for F_v/F_m, were observed with increasing Al concentrations. There was a decreasing of F_o, F_m, F_v and F_v/F_m for the Catongo. Increasing Al concentration decreased photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration rate, however, inter-genotypic differences in these parameters were not observed. The Al-treatments decreased content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in different plant parts, with the exception of K content in stems of Theobahia and in leaves of both genotypes. Theobahia showed higher tolerance to Al phytotoxicity, manifested mainly in the higher levels of Al in the growth medium. Inter-genotypic differences were observed in the growth and mineral nutrition.     

Nutritional status of ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) plants subjected to high soil moisture

Abstract

In this study, the effect of increased soil moisture on the nutritional status of two key commercial avocado (Persea americana Μill.) cultivars, ‘Fuerte’ and ‘Hass’, was examined. The results revealed that prolonged exposure of plants to high soil water content conditions (waterlogging) reduced the total nutrient content (absolute quantity) of almost all of the nutrients in scion’s tissues (leaves and stems) of both cultivars. The decrease of nutrient content in the ‘Fuerte’ leaves was more prominent/severe compared to the ‘Hass’ leaves, which could be the outcome of the reported higher sensitivity of the cultivar to soil waterlogged conditions in previous studies. Interestingly, the inability of ‘Fuerte’ avocado plants to withstand high soil moisture conditions was not reflected in the relative concentrations of most nutrients, both in leaves and stems. Indeed, significantly higher concentrations of P, K, B, Fe, and Zn were found in the leaves of ‘Fuerte’ waterlogged plants than in well-watered ones. This fact reveals that under marginal/stressful conditions, like waterlogging, nutrient concentration in tissues does not reflect potential negative effects on total nutrient uptake of avocado plants, obviously due to concentrated nutrient phenomena primarily created by the stress-dependent growth inhibition. Therefore, total nutrient content is proposed as a more representative indicator for assessing plant response to waterlogged conditions.     

Micronutrients in the fruits and leaves of irrigated and non-irrigated coffee plants

The growing requirement for micronutrients by increasingly more productive Robusta coffee genotypes and for the expansion of coffee plantations into low fertility soils has led to the need for better understanding of the micronutrient dynamics in Robusta coffee plants. The aim of the present study was to investigate micronutrient concentrations and their accumulation from flowering to fruit ripening, as well as micronutrient leaf concentrations throughout the year, in irrigated and non-irrigated Coffea canephora plants. Three-year-old Robusta coffee plants of genotype 02 were used. The fruit micronutrient accumulation curves for irrigated and non-irrigated Robusta coffee plants were best fitted by sigmoid functions. Irrigation resulted in higher micronutrient accumulation in fruits. Iron and boron were the micronutrients found in the highest amounts in fruits and leaves.     

ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF PEPPER PLANTS FERTILIZED WITH PELLETIZED POULTRY MANURE

Poultry manure (PM) has been traditionally applied to crops for decades as an organic fertilizer, because it is a good and balanced source of plant nutrients. Its effect on plant growth and yield has been widely investigated and is well known. However, there has been little effort to relate elemental compositions of the manure applied to their concentrations in the plants. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of PM on the growth, and essential and non-essential element composition of pepper (Capsicum annuum) leaves and also fruits. Pepper plants were grown in soil with 0, 10, 20, and 40 g kg^?1 PM under greenhouse conditions. Concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), chloride (Cl), nickel (Ni), bromine (Br), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), lanthanum (La), and cerium (Ce) in leaves at the flowering stage and in fruits were determined by polarized energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PEDXRF). Poultry manure fertilization significantly improved pepper shoot growth and also fruit yield, and increased leaf and fruit P concentrations but not N, K, Mg, Si, Al, Ni, and Fe. Leaf Ca was significantly reduced by increased rate of PM application. Applied PM increased the concentrations of leaf and fruit Zn and Cl. Poultry manure applications had a positive effect on the concentrations of leaf Cu, and fruit Mn. The concentrations of Rb and Ce in fruits and Br in fruit and leaves were increased by PM treatments. Applied PM levels had no clear effect on the concentrations of Ba and La in pepper leaves. The leaf Ba was the highest with 10 g kg^?1 PM, and leaf La was higher in 20 and 40 g kg^?1 PM treatments than in the control.     

Boron and zinc deficiencies and toxicities and their interactions with other nutrients in soybean roots,leaves, and seeds

In many parts of the world, soils deficient and/or toxic in micronutrients reduce potential soybean (Glycine max) yields. The objective of our study was to grow plants in low to high concentrations of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) to determine how B and Zn deficiencies and toxicities affect soybean growth and interact with other essential nutrients in roots, leaves, and seeds. We found that B significantly affected levels of all essential nutrients except manganese and iron, while Zn significantly affected all essential nutrients in at least one plant tissue tested. Some of the physiological responses and nutrient interactions were cultivar-dependent. This study showed how deficiencies and toxicities of B and Zn affect plant growth and how B and Zn fertility interacts with many of the other essential nutrients.     

Mechanisms of aluminum‐induced growth stimulation in tea (Camellia sinensis)

Beneficial effects of aluminum (Al) on plant growth have been reported for plant species adapted to acid soils. However, mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effect of Al have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the possible contribution of photosynthesis, antioxidative defense, and the metabolism of both nitrogen and phenolics to the Al‐induced growth stimulation in tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] Kuntze) plants. In hydroponics, shoot growth achieved its maximum at 50 μM Al suply (24 μM Al³⁺ activity). A more than threefold increase of root biomass was observed for plants supplied with 300 μM Al (125 μM Al³⁺ activity). Total root length was positively related to root Al concentrations (r = 0.98). Chlorophyll a and carotenoid concentrations and net assimilation rates were considerably enhanced by Al supply in the young but not in the old leaves. Activity of nitrate reductase was not influenced by Al. Higher concentrations of soluble nitrogen compounds (nitrate, nitrite, amino acids) and reduction of protein concentrations suggest Al‐induced protein degradation. This occurred concomitantly with enhanced net CO₂‐assimilation rates and carbohydrate concentrations. Aluminum treatments activated antioxidant defense enzymes and increased free proline content. Lowering of malondialdehyde concentrations by Al supply indicates that membrane integrity was not impaired by Al. Leaves and roots of Al‐treated plants had considerably lower phenolic and lignin concentrations in the cell walls, but a higher proportion of soluble phenolics. In conclusion, Al‐induced growth stimulation in tea plants was mediated by higher photosynthesis rate and increased antioxidant defense. Additionally, greater root surface area may improve water and nutrient uptake by the plants.     

Ranges of nutrient concentrations in Quercus ilex leaves at natural and urban sites

The leaf nutrient concentrations and the N‐to‐nutrient ratios were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional status of holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.) experiencing various anthropogenic pressures. Leaves (1 year old) of Q. ilex and surface soil (0–5 cm) surrounding the trees were collected at seven natural and seven urban sites in Campania Region (Southern Italy) and analyzed for the concentrations of macro (C, N, P, S) and micronutrients (Mn, K, Na, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn). The available soil fraction of micronutrients was also evaluated. The nutrients showed different concentration ranges for the natural and the urban sites in the soil (total and available) and in the leaves, that we reported separately. Organic‐matter content and macronutrient concentrations were higher in the natural soils, while the highest leaf N, S, and P concentrations were found at some urban sites. Concentrations of Cu, Na and Zn both in leaves and soil, and Mg and Fe in leaves from the urban sites appeared to be affected by air depositions. Manganese was the only micronutrient to show higher concentrations at the natural than at the urban sites, both in soil and leaves. For this nutrient, in addition, a relationship between leaf and available soil concentrations was found at the natural sites. The ratios between the concentrations of N and each studied nutrient in the leaves highlighted a different nutritional status between the plants from the natural and urban sites.     

Boron amelioration of aluminum toxicity in mungbean seedlings

Boron (B) amelioration of aluminum (Al) toxicity was studied for growth of mungbean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) seedlings and cuttings (without roots) in a growth chamber. Mungbean seedlings and cuttings were grown in the solution with combinations of three concentrations of B (0,5, and 50 μM) and three concentrations of Al (0, 2, and 5 mM) in randomized complete block design experiments for 16 days. Results showed that B significantly promoted elongation of epicotyls and hypocotyls, and increased height of seedlings grown under Al stress. Boron also increased fresh weight of seedlings in high Al solution. Treatment of plants grown with high B and Al stress had no apparent effect on fresh and dry weights of seedling roots. Seedling dry weight increased significantly by adding high B to solutions with 2 mM or 5 mM Al. No significant differences were observed between the high B treatment and the control (normal B, 5 μM) in lengths of epicotyls and fresh and dry weights of mungbean cuttings grown under Al stress. High concentrations of B decreased soluble protein and increased chlorophyll in seedlings treated with 2 mM Al. Boron had no amelioration effect on cuttings grown with Al, although Al increased soluble protein. Our results suggested that B alleviation of Al toxicity was related to root function and Al toxicity may possibly be due, in part, to B deficiency.     

Concentrations of Major and Minor Mineral Elements in Different Organs of Kosteletzkya virginica and Saline Soils

Abstract

Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) Presl. is a perennial dicot halophytic species that grows in brackish portions of coastal tidal marshes of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. It was introduced into Northern Jiangsu, China, by the Halophyte Biotechnology Center (University of Delaware, Newark, DE) as a species with potential to improve the soil and develop ecologically sound saline agriculture. Fifteen major and minor elements [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and vanadium (V)] in roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of Kosteletzkya virginica and saline soils were measured in the study. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, V, and Pb were the highest in soils, whereas concentrations of Na, Li, Cu, Ca, and Mg were the highest in the roots, stems, and leaves, respectively, and concentrations of K and P were the highest in the seeds. Potassium, P, Mg, and Ca were the main constituents in the seeds, and concentrations of Fe, Li, Mn, Zn, and Cu in seeds were relatively high. However, concentrations of Na and Al were very low in the seeds. The K/Na ratio in the seeds was 34.26, and the Ca/P ratio was 0.52, which was less than the maximum tolerable value for the human diet. These proportions were considered to be an advantage from a nutritional point of view. From roots to stems to leaves, increases in K/Na, Ca/Na, and Ca/Mg ratios could mitigate salt stress of the growth habitat of Kosteletzkya virginica. These results suggest that Kosteletzkya virginica is a halophytic species with potential as a rich source of mineral-element supply, and its products could be used for development of food, fodder, health care products and industrial raw materials.     

DRY MATTER PRODUCTION AND LEAF ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS OF RAMBUTAN GROWN ON AN ACID ULTISOL

Little is known about the adaptability of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) to highly acidic soils rich in aluminum (Al). A 2-yr field study was conducted to determine the effects of various levels of soil Al on dry matter production, plant growth, and nutrient concentration in the leaves of four cultivars of rambutan. Cultivars and the cultivar x year interaction were not statistically significant for most variables measured in the study. Total, leaf, petiole, stem and root dry weights significantly increased at soil Al concentrations ranging from 0.67 cmol kg^?1 to 11.0 cmol kg^?1. At this range of soil Al, the concentrations of Al and manganese (Mn) in leaf tissue declined sharply. The results of this study demonstrate that rambutan is highly tolerant to acid soils and that tolerance may involve an Al- and Mn- exclusion mechanism.     

Microdistribution of aluminum and manganese in the tea leaf tissues as revealed by X‐ray microanalyzer

Abstract

Tea plants (Thea sinensis L.) were found to accumulate large amount of Al (4457 ppm, D.W.) in their old leaves. The results showed that Mn stimulated the Al uptake and increased the Al content in the leaves. High concentrations of Ca and Mg in the soils decreased the Al and Mn and increased the Ca and Mg contents in the leaves. No phosphorus and aluminum interaction was found in the leaves of tea plants.

Microdistribution patterns of Al and Mn in the tea leaf tissues were also studied by means of a wavelength dispersive type X‐ray microanalyzer in conjunction with cryostage. The results of X‐ray micrographs showed that Al was densely deposited on the cell walls of the adaxial epidermis and palisade parenchyma cells of the old leaf tissues, and this distribution pattern of Al was different than that of Mn which was found mostly concentrated in the epidermal cells.     

Aluminum-induced growth stimulation in relation to calcium,magnesium, and silicate nutrition in Melastoma malabathricum L.

Effects of Al, Ca, Mg, and Si on the growth and mineral accumulation of M. malabathricum (Melastoma malabathricum L.), which is an Al accumulator plant, were investigated using the water culture method. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were used as control plants. After Al application, growth was inhibited in barley, but stimulated in M. malabathricum and rice. The growth of M. malabathricum was not reduced by very low Ca and Mg concentrations (0.1 mm Ca and 0.05 mm Mg). However, it was depressed in the absence of Ca. Ca and Mg contents somewhat decreased by Al application, which was most evident in young leaves and roots. M. malabathricum accumulated more than 10,000 mg kg^-1 Al in mature leaves, and more than 7,000 mg kg^-1 even in the youngest leaf. Al content in leaves of M. malabathricum did not decrease by the Ca or Mg application, but slightly decreased by in the absence of Ca.

Although Si is a strong ligand of Al in solution, in M. malabathricum, Si application hardly affected the growth, Al accumulation and nutrient uptake.     

Mineral Composition and Dry Mass Production of Corn Plants Affected by Different Phosphate Sources and Different Soil Aluminum Saturation Levels

Abstract

The effects of different commercial phosphate fertilizers [Triple superphosphate (TSP), Tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and ARAD rock phosphate) and soil aluminum (Al) saturation (86, 29, and 0%) on the mineral composition and dry mass production of corn (Zea mays) plants were studied. As soil Al saturation values decreased, pH, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) levels in the soil increased. High Ca values in the shoot resulted in the reduction in potassium (K) concentrations. The high values of P availability in the soil for the ARAD source of P did not correspond to the high values of dry mass production of corn plants. The high values of corn mass production were noticed for the TSP phosphate source, and the mass productions values were reduced as the soil Al saturation values increased.     

Effects of alumumium on nutrient composition and yield of oats

Spotty chlorosis appeared on the young leaves of Al toxic plants and was severe or high Al level. Stems of the Al‐treated plants were purple While the roots were short, thick and brown in colour with little branching.

The dry matter yield of tops and roots decreased with increased Al level. The concentration of P was greater in roots of Al toxic plants than in the control plants but a converse affect was recorded in tops.

Increased rates of Al caused a decrease in the concentrations of P,K,Ca, M_c and Mn in plant tops, while Al concentration increased both in tops and roots. Iron content in tops affected with increased Al and in root a regular increase was observed. The results indicate that Al toxicity depressed the growth of oats, resulted in abnormal root development with tittle branching and affecting the utilization of several essential plant nutrients by oat plant.     

硒对烤烟生长、化学指标及矿质营养元素含量的影响

为探讨不同浓度的硒(Se)对植物生长、化学指标及矿质营养元素含量的影响,本研究以云烟87为试验材料,采用盆栽试验方法,研究了不同硒浓度对烤烟生长、化学指标及烤烟根、茎、叶中矿质元素N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Mn、Zn、Cu累积的影响。结果表明,土壤施硒(亚硒酸钠)4.4 mg·kg-1时,烟叶中烟碱、蛋白和还原糖等含量处于最适范围,根、茎、叶中矿质元素N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Mn、Zn、Cu的含量达到最大值。低硒处理(Se≤4.4 mg·kg-1)显著提高了烤烟各部位对矿质元素的吸收,尤其对N、K、Ca、Mg、Mn的影响最为显著,从而促进了烤烟的生长,烟叶化学成分更加协调;而高硒处理(Se≥11.1 mg·kg-1)则降低了烤烟各部位对矿质元素的吸收,尤其对N、P、K的影响最显著,从而抑制了烤烟的生长。土壤中不同硒浓度通过调控植物对矿质元素的吸收进而影响植物的生长和化学指标,该研究结果为指导富硒烟叶的生产提供了理论依据。