Tuber yield and allocation of nutrients and carbohydrates in potato plants as affected by limestone type and magnesium supply

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is a nutrient that affects the development of plants and is mainly supplied through liming performed to correct soil acidity. By acting on photosynthesis and influencing carbohydrate partitioning in the plant, supplementary Mg supplied through soil or foliar application can increase the yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental Mg fertilization by soil or foliar application on plant nutritional status, tuber yield, and carbohydrate partitioning in potato crops in soil corrected with calcitic and dolomitic limestones. The experiment was carried out in pots under greenhouse conditions with a randomized block design in a 2?×?3 factorial scheme with four replications. Dolomitic limestone application and supplemental Mg fertilization via soil increased the concentrations of this nutrient in potato leaves. Liming with dolomitic limestone reduced the uptake of Ca and K by plants, but supplemental Mg fertilization did not alter the uptake of Ca, Mg or K. Supplemental Mg fertilization did not increase plant growth and tuber yield, even when calcitic limestone was used to elevate the base saturation to 60%; the exchangeable Mg concentration in soil was 9?mmol_c dm^?3, and the Ca:Mg relationship was 3.7. Liming with dolomitic limestone or providing supplemental Mg fertilization did not increase sugar and starch partitioning to the tubers.     

Boron nutrition and mobility,and its relation to the elemental composition of greenhouse grown root crops I. Rutabaga

Abstract

The nutrition and mobility of B, and its relation to the elemental composition of two cultivars of rutabaga (Brassica napus ssp. rapifera cv. Laurentian and Wilhelmsberger) plants were investigated in greenhouse experiments. Laurentian exhibited a greater response than Wilhelmsberger to continuing B deficiency as indicated by the severity in the roots of brown heart, of external roughness and elongation and of the decrease in B concentration. Signs of B deficiency were not found when the B contents of the root and young leaves were 27 and 56 ug g‐1 DM respectively. Root B levels of 14 and 17–20 μg g^‐1 gave moderate and slight internal signs of brown discoloration. Foliar applications of B partially restored the B concentrations of the roots; however, the mechanism of movement was unclear. The Mg, Mn and Zn contents of roots were the only elements that consistently increased and accumulated under B deficiency. The relative element composition of the root compared to the mature leaves is consistent with the root being supplied predominantly with nutrients by the phloem. Nutrient retranslocation was assessed from the ratio of element concentration in the roots or young leaves to that in the mature leaves. Although Mg, Mn and B exhibited limited mobility under adequate B nutrition they were translocated from mature leaves to younger tissues under B starvation. It is concluded that Wilheimsberger is by virtue of its greater capacity for the retranslocation of B to roots, less sensitive to B deficiency and the brown heart disorder.     

Effects of Antitranspirant Spray and Potassium: Calcium: Magnesium Ratio on Photosynthesis,Nutrient and Water Uptake,Growth, and Yield of Sweet Pepper

Sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) were cultivated hydroponically under different nutrient cation ratios at both high potassium (K)/calcium (Ca) (12:2) or magnesium (Mg)/Ca (4:2) ratios, compared with half strength Hoagland's solution (K:Ca:Mg; 3.5:2:0.5). Additionally, antitranspirant (Pinolene) was sprayed every fortnight to the aerial part of the plant at 1% (v/v). The antitranspirant (AT) did not affect dry weight accumulation in the leaves, stems, roots, total plant leaf area, or leaf dry weight percentage. Net carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation was not impaired by the AT but the water uptake was reduced significantly independent of the nutrient solution used. The AT did not affect the cation uptake but high Mg significantly reduced Ca concentration in leaves, stems, and fruits, whilst high K had an effect only in old leaves and fruits. The AT reduced fructose and glucose concentration in the leaves but no effect was found in the fruits. Fruit yield was not affected by AT, but it was increased when plants were grown with high Mg/Ca. The percentage of blossom-end rot was reduced with the AT, whilst it was increased with the solutions having high K/Ca or high Mg/Ca. The AT significantly reduced fruit firmness in high Mg/Ca and control solution but no effect was found for fruit color, shape index, total soluble solids, or pericarp thickness.     

PISTACHIO RESPONSES TO SALT STRESS AT VARIED LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM

Crop production in many parts of the world is increasingly affected by soil salinization, especially in the irrigated fields of arid and semi-arid regions. The effects of four magnesium levels [0, 0.5, 1, and 22 millliMolar (mM) magnesium as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄.5H₂O)], and three salinity levels [0, 45 and 90 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] on growth and the chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami-e-Zarand’ was studied in sand culture under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. After 28 weeks the growth parameters of biomass, leaf number, leaf area and stem height were measured. The results demonstrated that salinity decreased biomass, leaf area and stem height; the application of 2 mM magnesium (Mg) significantly reduced biomass, leaf number, leaf area and stem height; salinity stress increased concentrations of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in shoot as well as Na concentration in root; however, it decreased Mg and calcium (Ca) concentrations in shoot, as well as Mg, Ca, and K concentrations in root. The application of 2 mM Mg reduced K and Ca concentrations in shoot and Na and K concentrations in root.     

Salinity and nitrogen fertilization affecting the macronutrient content and yield of sweet pepper plants

The effects of salinity due to sodium chloride (NaCl) and nitrogen (N) concentration in the nutrient solution were studied with sweet pepper plants. Four saline treatments combined with two N fertilization were used. Nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃ ^‐‐N) presence in the nutrient solution produced an increase of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) contents in leaves as well as N. Salinity promoted a reduction of K, phosphorus (P) and Ca and increased the Na concentration in leaves. Calcium (Ca) concentrations were lower in the higher NO₃ ^‐‐N treatment although N level was reached adding calcium nitrate and salinity increased P, K, Na, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) contents in fruits. Yield was increased in the highest N treatment.     

Boron fertilization of Mediterranean aridisols improves lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) yields and quality

Abstract

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is grown as a forage crop on many livestock farms. In calcareous soils in eastern Turkey, lucerne production requires boron (B) addition as the soils are naturally B deficient. Field experiments with four B-application rates (0, 1, 3, and 9 kg ha^?1 B) were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to determine the optimum economic B rate (OEBR), critical soil test and tissue B values for dry matter (DM) production for lucerne grown on B-deficient calcareous aridisols in eastern Turkey. Boron application increased yield at each site in both years of production. The OEBR and critical soil and tissue B content were not impacted by location. Averaged over the two years and three locations, the OEBR was 6.8 kg B ha^?1 with an average DM yield of 12.0 Mg ha^?1. The average soil B content at the OEBR was 0.89 mg kg^?1 while leaf and shoot tissue B content amounted to 51.8 and 35.5 mg kg^?1, respectively. Boron application decreased tissue calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), and increased tissue nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Tissue and soil B increased without impacting yield at B levels up to 9 kg ha^?1. We conclude that 7 kg ha^?1 B is sufficient to elevate soil test B levels from 0.11 to 0.89 mg kg^?1 and overcome B deficiency at each of the sites in the study. Similar studies with different soils and initial soil test B levels are needed to conclude if these critical soil and tissue values can be applied across the region.     

Ameliorative effect of potassium on mice and tomato subjected to sodium salinization

Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Yamabiko) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Saturn) plants subjected to Na-salinization (NA: 80 mmol( + ) kg^-1 Na) in hydroponics were grown after the addition of K at five concentrations (K1: 10, K2: 20, K3: 30, K4: 40, K5: 50 mmol( + ) kg^-1). The effect of K on their growth was analyzed in terms of transpiration, cation uptake, and transport. A similar tendency for the above parameters was obtained in both species. The addition of 10 mmol( + ) kg^-1 K improved the growth by decreasing the content of Na and increasing the K content of the plants. The growth of the plants, however, was reduced along with the increase of the K concentration and became comparable to that of NA at K5. The total cation content increased with the increase of the K concentration, which was due to the increase of the K content.

A close relationship was observed among the osmotic potential of the solution, cumulative transpiration, and dry weight for both species among the K treatments.

Addition of K suppressed the uptake of other cations by rice and tomato in the order of Na>Mg>Ca, with a very small suppression for Ca and Mg. The depression of Na uptake by K could be due to the antagonism between the two cations.

In rice, the addition of K resulted in a decrease of the uptake concentration (UC) of Na and an increase of that of K, but did not bring about any changes in the UC of Ca and Mg. It was worth noting that K1 and K2 led to a higher UC of Na than NA in tomato, while the trend of the UC of K, Ca, and Mg was similar to that in rice. The transport of Na and Ca to the tops of rice was not affected by the addition of K, while that of Mg increased by K addition. In tomato, the transport of all the cations was promoted by the increase of the K concentration.     

Magnesium accumulation and mineral balance in sudangrass as influenced by potassium,calcium and sodium

Abstract

Sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense, ‘Piper’ Stapf) was grown in the greenhouse in a slightly calcareous sample of Shano silt loam. The purpose of the study was to evaluate plant response to Mg and to determine any changes in Mg nutrition following individual or composite application of Mg, Ca, K and Na as nitrate compounds. The concentration of Mg in plant tissue decreased following K application and increased with each increment of Mg applied irrespective of variations in the proportions of Ca and Na included in the treatments. A base treatment including Ca, Na, and K applied with or without Mg showed a significant yield response to Mg. The Mg response was attributed to a more favorable ionic balance in the growth medium with respect to Mg because the soil was not particularly Mg deficient. Application of Mg in this case lowered the plant K concentration significantly, increased the concentration of Mg, and gave a lower K/(Ca+Mg) ratio in the foliage than was obtained without Mg. Results suggest that high levels of other nutrient cations may adversely affect the Mg nutrition of crops growing on alkaline soils not abundantly supplied with available Mg.     

Yield response of corn to lime and urea application on an acidic tropical soil

Abstract

The effects of liming (7 500 kg CaCO₃/ha) and rate of urea application (0,50,100, and 200 kg N/ha) and its placement at the surface or at 5 cm depth on grain yield and nutrient uptake by corn grown on an acidic tropical soil (Fluventic Eutropept) were studied. Liming significantly increased grain yield, N uptake, and P and K uptake although Ca and Mg uptake, generally, were unaffected. Sub‐surface application of urea increased N uptake only. Yield response to applied N was observed up to 50 kg N/ha when limed but at all rates in the absence of liming. It therefore, reduced the fertilizer N requirement for optimum grain yield. Liming the acidic soil also reduced exchangeable Al but increased nitrification rate and available P in the soil profile (at least up to 0.6 m depth).     

Variation within sunflower cultivars and inbred lines in leaf chemical composition

Abstract

Plant species, as well as cultivars within species, have been shown to vary in response to soil nutrient levels due to variation in tissue requirements and variation in ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. In order to study this latter aspect in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.), two field trials were conducted in which nutrient concentrations in the topmost nature leaf were determined. At two growth stages, 16 cultivars differed significantly in leaf nutrient levels of N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B. Seed yields were highly significantly correlated with leaf nutrient levels, variation in nutrient concentrations accounting for 43% of the observed variation in seed yield. On this soil which was low in B, variation in B concentration alone accounted for 28% of the variation in seed yield in spite of 2 kg B/ha having been applied. Marked differences were observed in the leaf nutrient concentrations of 40 inbred lines tested.     

Mineral composition of kenhy tall fescue as affected by nutrient solution concentrations of Mg and K

Four greenhouse sand culture experiments were conducted with Kenhy tall fescue, a Lolium multiflorum X Festuca arundinacea hybrid derivative. These experiments were conducted to characterize mg accumulation and the chemical composition of Kenhy under various combinations of Mg, K, and N solution concentrations. Of primary interest was the shape and magnitude of response of tissue Mg concentration to solution K levels and potential for Mg accumulation that exists in Kenhy under low solution K levels. Analyses were made for Mg, K, Ca, Na, N, and nitrate.

Increased Kg concentrations were observed with increased solution Mg. Increased solution K was in all cases associated with lower concentrations of Mg. Under conditions of low solution K (0.125 mM) and adequate Mg (0.25 mM), Mg accumulation exceeded 1.0%. Increased solution N was associated with decreased Mg concentrations. Both the linear and quadratic components of Mg solution concentration contributed significantly to increased tissue Mg. Hawever, the linear component of K solution concentration was sufficient to account for decreased tissue Mg. The reduction of tissue Mg to solution K was greater at higher concentrations of K.

Potassium accumulation significantly increased with increased solution K. Increased solution Mg was associated with lower tissue K in which the greatest reduction in K accumulation occurred with the first Mg addition.

Calcium accumulation decreased with increased solution K. Higher solution Mg was associated with lower tissue Ca levels while higher levels of N were associated with increased tissue Ca. Sodium accumulation was significantly reduced by increased K concentrations but neither Mg nor N was effective in consistently altering tissue Na concentrations.

From these experiments it is evident that Kenhy tall fescue has the absorptive capability for high levels of Mg under conditions of low levels of solution K. However, even small increments of solution K were shown to be capable of substantially reducing the Mg content, Thus, the selection of forage grasses for Mg absorptive capability must be conducted under conditions of high solution K, if large improvements on present forage materials are to be obtained. In addition, the inverse relationship between Mg and K present in Kenhy seedlings confirms the need to consider K fertilization recommendations in attempting to increase forage Mg durirg the grass tetany period.     

Influence of soils and planting dates on mineral element efficiency of corn hybrids

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency In corn (Zea mays L.) is a major problem in many parts of the world because of widespread soil Mg deficiency. One approach to growing corn on infertile soils is to develop hybrids by breeding for better mineral element efficiency. This study was conducted on two soils low and medium in available Mg with corn planted on different dates to determine if hybrids were consistent for differences in mineral element efficiency. Hybrids did not differ in yield at each location but differed between soils. Yield decreased from late plantings. Ear leaf concentrations were greatly affected by soils and planting dates for most elements. Hybrids differed In efficiency of all elements but P, Zn, and Mn efficiency was not consistent between soils. Iron, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in the ear leaf were genetically consistent in relative efficiencies among hybrids on both soils. Concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg In leaf tissue appeared to be positively related to soil test. Cation sums and ratios were different among hybrids and were rather consistent between soils. Data indicate that hybrids do differ in Mg efficiency as well as other elements and cation balance. The use of genetics to manipulate hybrids for efficiency on low Mg Infertile soils should be feasible.     

Effects of potassium supply on growth and yield of safflower as compared to sunflower§

Safflower may have a certain production potential under German conditions, particularly in organic farming where the putatively low nutrient requirement is highly welcomed. However, current knowledge regarding the nutrient requirements of safflower as compared to similar oil crops is limited. It was thus the aim of this study to determine the growth and yield response of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as compared to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with respect to potassium (K) supply. Three safflower and two sunflower plants were cultivated in 5 L Mitscherlich pots. Both species responded strongly to increasing K supply with respect to plant growth and yield. Growth and yield of safflower increased up to 1 g K per pot, while the optimum for sunflower was 3.0 g K per pot. Safflower out‐yielded sunflower at low K supply, while at high K level, the opposite was observed. Supply of K affected virtually all yield components in both species, though to different degree. The number of capitula in safflower was only slightly affected, and the number of achenes per capitulum was only reduced under severe K deficiency, while single‐achene mass increased with increasing K supply. In sunflower, the number of achenes per capitulum strongly responded to the K supply, as did the single‐achene mass. Oil yield in safflower was affected by K deficiency mainly due to reduced achene yield, not oil concentration. However, oil yield in sunflower was severely affected by low K supply due to both reduced achene yield and lowered oil concentration. Multiple‐regression analyses indicate that in sunflower, the stem dry matter (DM) and the total amount of K accumulated in the aboveground biomass were most important, while in safflower the total amount of K and N accumulated had the highest impact. It is concluded that sunflower is more sensitive to inadequate K supply than safflower.     

Comparing the Nitrogen and Potassium Requirements of Canola and Wheat for Yield and Grain Quality

ABSTRACT

Grain yield increases (responses) of canola (oilseed rape, Brassica napus L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to application of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers were compared in the same experiment at eight field sites over three years (2000–2002) in southwestern Australia. Four rates of N (0–138 kg N/ha as urea) and four rates of K (0–60 kg K ha^?1 as potassium chloride) were applied. Significant grain yield responses to applied N and K occurred for both crop species at all sites of the experiment, and the NxK interaction was significant. Canola required an average of 26% more applied N and 32% more applied K than wheat to produce 90% of the maximum grain yield. Applying increasing rates of K increased the rate of N required for 90% of maximum grain yield. Likewise, applying increasing rates of N increased the rate of K required for 90% of the maximum grain yield. Fertilizer K had no significant affect on the concentration of oil in canola grain or concentration of protein in both canola and wheat grain. Application of increasing rates of N decreased the concentration of oil while increasing the concentration of protein in canola grain, and increased concentration of protein in wheat grain. The NxK interaction was not significant for concentration of oil or protein in grain.     

Mineral Composition and Soil-Plant Relationships for Common Guava (Psidium guajava L.) and Yellow Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum var. lucidum) Tree Parts and Fruits

The mineral compositions of the fruit and tree parts of common guava, Psidium guajava L., and strawberry guava, Psidium cattleianum var. lucidum, were determined. The study occurred during three seasons at six locations in Hawaii to assess guava as feed for livestock. Guava bark contained the greatest concentrations of calcium (Ca) and ash; leaves the greatest concentrations of magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), boron (B), and manganese (Mn); and the shoots had the greatest concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The leaves and the shoots had the greatest concentrations of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe). Between guava and waiwi, guava had greater concentrations of most minerals except for Na in all plant parts, and Mg and ash in the leaves. Guava leaves and shoots meet the macromineral requirements for various phases of sheep, goat, and beef cattle life cycles with the exception of P and Na. Guava shoots do not meet Mn requirements for lactating cows.     

Relationship between cationic balance in the chicory root and internal browning of the chicon

During the vegetative period of the biennial chicory plant (Cichorium intybus L., witloof type) nutrient solutions with a constant cationic content but variable proportions of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were applied to the plants grown on perlite. This resulted in taproots varying in cation content: K and Mg decreased and Ca increased in the high‐Ca series compared with the control. A forcing experiment of the taproots in darkness with a standard nutrient solution resulted in a low percentage of brown axes (11%), a Ca‐deficiency symptoms in the chicons from high Ca‐treated roots as compared with 45% in the control. Analysis of the cations in chicons and roots after forcing showed a prevalence of K and Mg migration in comparison with sodium (Na) and Ca towards the chicon. During the first days of forcing, mineral nutrition of the chicon relied only on root reserves and competition between Ca and K‐Mg was reduced in the high Ca‐treated roots, therefore limiting brown axis initiation. Later on, the contribution of the external medium was greater in the high‐Ca series, notably for K, thus involving a higher water and Ca‐linked flux towards the chicon which kept it above the critical level of internal browning expression.     

A nutritional disorder in pistachio from near Athens,Greece

Abstract

A problem pistachio orchard near Athens, Greece had many trees with severely scorched leaves. Half or more of each leaflet v/as brown and dry but tips and edges were most affected. Affected leaves were also of lighter green color than normal leaves and slightly resembled Fe deficiency. Leaf analysis indicated low K, low Fe, and high Mg. Irrigation water contained moderate levels of Mg and Na chlorides and chloride toxicity was possibly another factor. Improvement was observed when Fe chelate was applied to the orchard but Mg‐induced K deficiency was possibly a major factor. Response to K applied to soil was not observed after four months, however.     

Effects of pasture‐applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. I. macrominerals,crude protein,and in vitro digestibility

Abstract

The rationale for this experiment was to determine forage nutrient concentrations as affected by biosolids fertilization. We studied the effects of single applications of two exceptional quality biosolids to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pasture with regard to satisfying beef cattle nutrient requirements. Twenty‐five 0.8‐ha pastures were divided into five blocks. Two biosolids were applied as normal and double agronomic rates. The control plot received NH₄NO₃. Forages were analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), crude protein (CP), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and soils were analyzed for Mehlich I extractable Ca, P, Mg, and K. Single (agronomic or twice this) applications of biosolids to pastures had little effect on Ca, P, Na, and K forage concentrations, but forage Mg was elevated in several treatments late in the season. Crude protein concentrations were elevated above the control for all biosolids treatments late in the season, whereas only small differences were observed at early sampling times. Trends were similar for IVOMD. In general, all treatments were associated with soils with adequate Ca, P, and Mg concentrations, while soil K was uniformly low. In relation to grazing beef cattle requirements, all treatments resulted in generally adequate forage levels of Ca, P, Mg, K, CP, and IVOMD, however, Na (<0.06%) was deficient.     

Effect of manganese on concentrations of Zn,K, Ca and Mg in two bush bean cultivars grown in solution culture

Two bush bean cultivars [Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. ‘Wonder Crop 2’ (WC‐2) and ‘Green Lord’ (GL)], differing in Mn toxicity, were grown in a growth chamber for 12 days in Hoagland No. 2 nutrient solution containing 0.05 to 1 ppm Mn as MnCl₂4H₂O with 1 ppm Fe as Fe‐EDTA, at an initial pH 5.00. Concentrations of Zn, K, Ca and Mg in the tissues of two bush bean cultivars were examined in relation to Mn toxicity.

The concentration of Zn in the leaves of Mn‐sensitive WC‐2 increased significantly with increasing Mn concentration in the solution, but such levels were not toxic to the plants.

The percent distribution of Zn and K in Mn‐sensitive WC‐2 plants (% of total uptake) significantly increased in the tops and decreased in the roots with increasing Mn concentration in the nutrient solution; however, Mn treatment had no effect on distribution of either Ca or Mg in WC‐2. External Mn concentration had little or no effect on the K, Ca, or Mg concentration in the tops of Mn‐tolerant GL.     

Induced Salinity and Supplementary Phosphorus on Growth and Mineral Content of Frijolillo

Abstract

A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out using pumice material to investigate the response of frijolillo [Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC] grown at high salinity to supplementary P (P). Plants were tested during a period from germination to vegetative growth stage. Four levels of sodium chloride (NaCl; 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM) combined with two levels of P (4 and 8 meq L^?1) were tested in a factorial arrangement with four replications. This cultivar was tolerant to salinity stress up to 50 mM of NaCl and its growth was not affected. However, with high salinity (100 mM of NaCl), growth of both stem and root was reduced. Concentration of potassium (K) and P was affected adversely. The increment of P in the saline solution results in a greatest accumulation of biomass and in a better response to the osmotic adjustment of this wild specie. The amount of NaCl was correlated negatively with the amount of K and calcium (Ca) and positively correlated with P and magnesium (Mg).