Post-harvest disorders and mineral composition of apple fruits as affected by pre-harvest calcium treatments

Abstract

The effect of pre-harvest calcium sprays, CaCl₂ and Ca (NO₃)_2, on apple (Malus domestica) N, P, K, Ca and Mg content, storability and incidence of physiological disorders (superficial scald, bitter pit, physiological spot) was studied using two cultivars, ‘Krameri Tuviõun’ and ‘Talvenauding’. In the first year calcium treatment did not reduce any physiological disorders or loss of marketable yield. In the second year calcium treatment reduced storage losses until four months after storage. Bitter pit in ‘Krameri Tuviõun’ was unaffected by calcium treatment, but physiological spot of ‘Krameri Tuviõun’ and superficial scald of ‘Talvenauding’ were reduced by calcium treatment in the second year. Both physiological disorders of 'Krameri Tuviõun’ correlated negatively with Mg and P content and Mg/Ca ratio in apples. Superficial scald of ‘Talvenauding’ correlated negatively with Ca content and positively with K/Ca ratio, N/Ca ratio and Mg/Ca ratio in fruits. The conclusion can be made that content of Ca and its ratios with other nutrients plays an important role in the development of superficial scald on ‘Talvenauding’ fruits, and increasing Ca content in fruit can therefore be recommended for improving post-harvest quality of this cultivar. Since bitter pit in 'Krameri Tuviõun’ was not reduced by calcium treatment, it would be worth trying other measures for this cultivar.     

Nitrogen,calcium, and magnesium fertilization affects growth and leaf elemental content of ‘dormanred’ raspberry

’Dormanred’ raspberry (Rubus species) plants grown in sand culture were subjected to varying concentrations of N, Ca, and Mg over a two‐year period. Increasing nitrogen fertilization resulted in linear reductions of leaf Ca, K, Zn, Fe, and Mn but did not affect leaf Mg. Leaf Ca and K increased linearly with Ca fertilization, but applied Ca had an antagonistic influence on leaf Mg. Magnesium fertilization had a positive influence on leaf Mg but negatively affected leaf K, Ca, and Mn. Plant growth was negatively correlated with leaf Ca and leaf K, but had a positive correlation with leaf Mg and Mn. Nitrogen fertilization increased plant growth up to the mid‐level of applied N, but additional N reduced plant growth.     

Genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, δ13C,and chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to tree growth of radiata pine clones in a serpentine soil

This study investigated the genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, isotopic signature (δ¹³C), and chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m) and tree growth of 40 radiata pine clones grown on a New Zealand serpentine soil, and the relationships between growth and physiological traits of these clones from improved and unimproved groups. Genotypic variation in growth and physiological traits existed within (i.e., clonal) and between groups, with larger variation among clones. The clonal repeatabilities were greater for foliar nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B) concentrations, δ¹³C, and Ca : Mg ratio (0.35–0.64) than for growth traits (0.14–0.27) and other physiological traits (0.08–0.24). Significant phenotypic correlations were found between growth traits and foliar phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), and K : Mg and Ca : Mg ratios and F_v/F_m (positive), and foliar Mg (negative). This study indicates that the trees on this serpentine soil generally suffered from multiple nutrient deficiencies and imbalances and the clonal variation in growth performance was more related to their capabilities of acclimation to nutrient than water stresses. Overall, the clones that absorbed more P, K, S, and Fe and less Mg from the soil grew better on this serpentine soil. For unimproved clones, the most limiting nutrients for tree growth were foliar K and Fe, while for improved clones it was foliar K.     

RATIO OF CALCIUM TO MAGNESIUM INFLUENCES BIOMASS,ELEMENTAL ACCUMULATIONS,AND PIGMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN KALE

Producers use elemental ratios, such as calcium (Ca): magnesium (Mg), in fertility programs to ensure sufficient nutrient uptake. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) accumulates high levels of carotenoids which can be beneficial for human health. Objectives were to determine the influence of Ca:Mg fertilization on 1) biomass, 2) essential nutrients, and 3) carotenoids in kale leaf tissues. ‘Redbor’ kale was greenhouse-grown in solution culture. Ca:Mg ratio treatments were 9:1, 6:1, 3:1, 1:3, 1:6, and 1:9. Ca:Mg ratio significantly affected biomass, nutrient accumulation, and carotenoids. Plant biomass decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.001) and β-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, and antheraxanthin all increased, then decreased quadratically (P ≤ 0.001) as the ratio of Ca:Mg changed from 9:1 to 1:9. Ca:Mg ratio also affected leaf tissue Ca, Mg, potassium (K), sulfur (S), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn). Results indicate that producers wishing to maximize elemental uptake and carotenoid content of kale need to consider the ratio of Ca:Mg in their fertility programs.     

Efficiency of Magnesium Use by Common Bean Varieties Regarding Yield,Physiological Components,and Nutritional Status of Plants

The magnesium (Mg) use efficiency in the selection of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties may contribute to increased nutritional status and grain yield. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess common bean varieties following the application of Mg regarding productivity (yield), soil fertility, physiological components, and nutritional status. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with three replicates. Five common bean varieties [BRS Estilo, IPR Tangará, IPR Campos Gerais (CG), IAPAR 81, and BRS Ametista] supplemented with two Mg concentrations [low (0 mg kg^?1) and high (100 mg kg^?1)] using magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) as a source in an Ustoxix Quatzipsamment were assessed. The yield of shoot dry weight (SDW) and grains varied significantly between varieties and Mg rates. The high Mg concentration has negatively affected the yield of SDW and grains of variety IPR Tangará, and the opposite was observed for the other varieties. The physiological components associated with photosynthesis are directly related to the yield of SDW and grains. The concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and boron (B) in leaves and of S, B, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in grains differed among the varieties and interactions of rates and varieties for B, indicating the presence of genetic factors in nutrient uptake.     

Aluminium-Toleranz von Ackerbohne (Vicia faba), Lupine (Lupinus luteus), Gerste (Hordeum vulgare) und Roggen (Secale cereale). II. Mineralstoffgehalte in Sproß und Wurzeln in Abhängigkeit vom Aluminium-Angebot

Al tolerance of horse bean, yellow lupin, barley and rye. II. Mineral element concentrations in shoots and roots as affected by Al supply Inhibition of seminal root elongation by Al in solution culture gave the following ranking for Al tolerance: yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus ?Schwako”?) ? rye (Secale cereale ?Kustro)”? « horse bean (Vicia faba ?Herz Freya”?) > barley (Hordeum vulgare ?Roland”?). Exclusion from uptake by inactivation of Al outside the root was not responsible for the higher Al tolerance of lupin and rye, because comparable inhibition of root elongation occured at much higher Al concentration of the root and the root tips (5 mm) compared to barley and horse bean. The plant species differed considerable in nutrient concentrations of the roots: higher Ca concentrations in horse bean and rye, higher Mg concentrations in rye and lupin and higher P concentration in lupin. Al supply reduced Ca and Mg concentrations (Ca > Mg) in shoots and roots of all species. P concentrations were hardly affected. The nutrient concentrations in the root tips did not indicate that induction of nutrient deficiency was responsible for the effect of Al on root elongation and Al sensitivity of barley and horse bean. The considerable differences in Ca, Mg and P concentrations of the roots between the Al-tolerant plant species rye and lupin do not suggest a common physiological mechanism responsible for Al tolerance.     

Adaptive strategy of six native herbaceous species growing over the whole region of Mt. Daisen: characteristics of N,P, K,Ca, and Mg accumulation in leaves

The number of native species growing at all altitudes on Mt. Daisen, which is the highest mountain in the Chugoku District of Japan, is seven. Since soil physical and chemical properties and climate vary due to differences of elevation and habitat, it is logical to assume that they have an adaptive strategy to cope with such changes in the environment. To understand the growth strategy in these species, in the period from July 26 to October 17, 2007, leaves of six herbaceous species (Athyrium vidalii (Fr. et Sav.) Nakai, Carex foliosissima Fr. Schm., Aruncus dioicus (Walt.) Fern., Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc., Artemisia princeps Pamp., and Plantago asiatica L.) were sampled at the different altitudes [Site A; 850?m, Site B; 1200?m, Site C; 1500?m above sea level (a.s.l.)] and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations were determined. Soil chemical properties at sampling day and air and soil temperature during sampling periods at each site were also measured. As a result, we could classify adaptive strategies to the environment for those six species into three types. Type I: mineral accumulation in leaves depends on the habitat and is affected by growing environment with the exception of soil mineral concentration (Pteridophyta, A. vidalii). Type II: mineral accumulation in leaves hardly depends on the habitat and the autonomy of mineral absorption is high, although Ca and Mg concentrations in leaves are affected by soil mineral concentrations and cumulative air temperature (Magnoliophyta, monocotyledon, C. foliosissima). Type III: mineral accumulation in leaves strongly depends on the habitat and soil N concentration, but is also affected by the growing environment, and the autonomy of mineral absorption is weak (Magnoliophyta, dicotyledon, A. dioicus, P. cuspidatum, A. princeps, and P. asiatica).     

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.     

Nitrogen rate and source affects leaf elemental concentration and plant growth in muscadine grapes

Leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in ‘Sterling’ muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Michaux) grown for two years in sand culture were not influenced by different N‐fertilizer sources. Leaf zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were higher with ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃)than ammonium sulfate [(NH₄)₂SO₄]. Shoot growth was greatest with NH₄NO₃. Leaf Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu content decreased and leaf N increased as N‐fertilizer rates were raised. Plant growth was positively correlated with leaf N, but was negatively correlated with leaf Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Mn content. Percent Mg in the leaves was reduced when N levels, regardless of N source, were raised from the low (1.8 mM) to the middle (5.4 mM) rate. High leaf‐N levels were correlated with lower Ca and Mg in the leaves, indicating a relationship between N fertilization and the late‐season Mg deficiency often observed in muscadine grapes.     

Effect of Calcium/Magnesium Ratio in Soil on Magnesium Availability,Yield, and Yield Components of Maize

Abstract

The effect of calcium (Ca)/magnesium (Mg) ratio in the soil on Mg availability, yield, and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated both in the greenhouse and the field at eight different Ca/Mg ratios ranging from 1∶1 and 8∶1. In the greenhouse, exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios of 2∶1 to 3∶1 gave optimum yield of maize without Mg‐deficiency symptoms. The Ca/Mg ratios in the soil were positively and significantly correlated with Ca content and negatively and significantly correlated with Mg content. The Ca/Mg ratio in the soil was also positively and significantly correlated with observed Ca/Mg ratio in the maize plant tissue. The Ca/Mg ratio in the soil could be a limiting factor for Mg nutrition of the maize plant. Under field conditions, exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios in the soil showed no significant effects on the Ca and Mg contents of the maize earleaf. However, optimum maize yield was obtained at an exchangeable Ca/Mg ratio of 6∶1.     

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.     

Interelemental relationships in the soil and plant tissue and photosynthesis of field‐cultivated wheat growing in naturally enriched copper soils

Several interelemental relationships have been examined in field‐cultivated wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Vergina) growing on naturally enriched copper (Cu) soils. Mean soil Cu concentration per site ranged from 103–394 μg.g^‐1 dry weight (DW). Interrelationships between Cu, iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the soil and plant tissue (roots, stems, and leaves) were examined using Principle Components Analysis. Soil samples were clustered according to collection site and were primarily differentiated according to their Cu concentrations. Soil Cu concentrations were positively correlated with Zn, Ca, Fe, and K in the soil, with Cu, K, and Ca in the roots, and Cu and Fe in the leaves and negatively correlated with Fe in the roots. The increase in Cu in the roots and leaves was positively correlated with increases in K and Ca in the roots and Fe and Ca in the leaves, but negatively with Fe in the roots. Increases in leaf Ca concentrations were correlated with increases in Mg and decreases in Zn concentrations in the leaf. Plants growing in soil with high Cu concentration exhibited toxicity symptoms with reduced height, decreased total leaf area and lower chlorophyll concentrations. Photosynthesis expressed per unit leaf area was not affected by increasing Cu concentrations in the soil or plant tissue.     

Testing for calcium,magnesium, and potassium in soilless potting media: Differences and similarities between extractants

Abstract

Interpretation guidelines for the availability of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) in soilless media have been developed through plant growth studies and comparisons amongst extractants. The extractants used were 70% ethanol (EtOH), water, DTPA, ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and silver thiourea (AgTu). Ethanol, which removes ions in pore water, extracted only 4.5, 13, and 26% of the Ca, Mg, and K, respectively, that could be extracted by AgTu from Pinus radiata bark of pH 5.66 and CEC of 11.2 cmol⁺/L. Acidification to pH 4.62 increased these proportions to 22, 40, and 38%. Correlations between water and DTPA for 39 media were excellent for both individual elements and the ratios Ca/Mg, K/Mg, and Ca, Mg, and K/(the sums of their concentrations in the extractants) (r² = 0.88–0.98). Correlations between these extractants and AgTu and NH₄OAc were poor for individual elements (r² = 0.37–0.75) but high for ratios (r² = 0.71–0.96). For Petunia ’Celebrity Salmon’ growing in peat media of similar pH but widely different Ca, Mg, and K proportions, the ratios of these elements in the shoots were highly correlated with their ratios in 2 mM DTPA extracts of the media. Similarly high correlations were obtained between the Ca/Mg ratios of the shoots of three Asplenium species growing in pinebark media and this ratio for DTPA, NH₄OAc, and AgTu extracts of the media. The results indicate that the ratios of Ca, Mg, and K to one another in water and DTPA extracts of soilless media are good indicators of the availability of these elements to plants. Healthy specimens of the test plants grew in media whose DTPA extracts had a minimum Ca/Mg mole ratio of 1 or 2, depending on the Ca requirements of the species. The upper limit for good growth was deduced to be about 6. Limits for NH₄OAc and AgTu extracts were similar to those found for crop plants in soils, at 1.6 or 3 to about 9. Minimum amounts of Ca, Mg, and K extracted by water and DTPA that were adequate for short‐term growth in the absence of further inputs were about 9,2.5, and 5 cmol⁺/L medium, respectively, at pH 6.0. The effect of pH on cations removed by water and DTPA raises the minima to about 19, 5, and 7.5 cmol⁺/L at pH 5.0.     

Plant tolerance to nickel toxicity: II nickel effects on influx and transport of mineral nutrients in four plant species

Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient for higher plants but is toxic to plants at excess levels. Plant species differ extensively for mineral uptake and accumulation, and these differences often help explain plant tolerances to mineral toxicities/deficiencies. Solution culture experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to determine the effects of Ni on influx into roots (IN) and transport from roots to shoots (TR) of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) in white clover (Trifolium repens L.), cabbage (ßrassica oleracea van capitata L.), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and maize (Zea mays L.). Nickel decreased both IN and TR of Zn, Cu, Ca, and Mg, but only TR of Fe and Mn in white clover. Both IN and TR of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, and S were markedly decreased by Ni >30 μM in cabbage, whereas IN and TR of P increased with Ni treatment. For ryegrass, TR of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Mg was decreased, but IN of these elements except Mg was not affected by Ni. The IN and TR of P and S were increased in ryegrass with increasing external Ni levels. Nickel inhibited IN of Cu, Ca, and Mg, and TR of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Mg in maize. Plant species differed in response to Ni relative to IN and TR of mineral nutrients. Plant tolerance to Ni toxicity was associated with the influence of Ni on IN and TR of Cu, Fe, and Mn in white clover and cabbage but not in maize and ryegrass.     

Maize grain production,plant nutrient concentration and soil chemical properties in response to different residue levels from two previous crops

ABSTRACT

The incorporation of previous crop residues in agricultural management benefits soil fertility, crop production, and environment. However, there is no enough information about maximum residue application level without negative effect over next crop yield. To evaluate maize (Zea mays L.) yield under short-time conservation management with incorporation and/or importation of different residue levels, a biannual rotation experiment was conducted in ash volcanic soil in south-central Chile. The experiment consisted of two previous crops, canola (Brassica napus L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and four levels of residue incorporation (0%, 50%, 100%, and 200% of generated residue; from 0 to 21.4?Mg?ha^?1 for canola and from 0 to 19.0?Mg?ha^?1 for bean). Previous crop species and residue level affected some nutrients concentrations in grain and plant and some soil chemical properties, without effect in maize yield, which averaged 16.6?Mg?ha^?1. Bean residue increased Ca and reduced S in maize plant, increasing soil P, Ca, Mg and K (P?<?0.05). Maize grain Ca content was positively and proportionally affected by canola residue level and negatively and proportionally affected by bean residue level. All canola residue levels increased soil pH and Mg, but the highest level reduced soil S; soil P concentration increased proportionally with bean residue level. The highest bean residue level increased soil S. Different crop and levels of residue did not affect maize yield but did some plant nutrient concentration, and also affected some soil chemical properties.     

Interactive effects of salinity and macronutrient level on wheat. II. Composition

Results of several studies show interactive effects of salinity and macronutrients on the growth of wheat plants. These effects may be associated with the nutrient status in plant tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate interactive effects of salinity and macronutrients on mineral element concentrations in leaves, stems, and grain of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Lona), grown in hydroponics, and the relation of these effects to yield components. Eight salinity levels were established from 0 to 150 mM NaCl, and 1, 0.2, and 0.04 strength Hoagland macronutrient solution (x HS) were used as the macronutrient levels. Sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), and phosphorus (P) in leaves, stems, and grain, NO₃ in leaves and stems, and total nitrogen (N) in grain were determined. Supplemental Ca, Mg, K, and NO₃ added to 0.2 x HS increased mineral concentrations in leaves and stems, but did not improve growth or yield in salinized wheat plants except moderately at 100–150 mM NaCl. In contrast, growth or yield was improved significantly when the concentration of macronutrients was increased from 0.04 to 0.2 × HS. In contrast to leaves and stems, mineral concentrations in grain increased (Na, Cl) or decreased (Ca, Mg, K) only slightly or were not affected (K) by salinity except at high salinity and low macronutrient level. Nitrogen and P concentrations in grain were not affected by salinity. Sodium and Cl concentrations in leaves and stems increased significantly, whereas K and NO₃ decreased significantly, with an increase in salinity regardless of the macronutrient level. The latter was also observed for Ca and Mg in leaves. Extreme Na/Ca ratios in plant tissues negatively affected grain yield production at high salinity with medium or high macronutrient levels and at low macronutrient level together with medium salinity. Even though strong and significant correlations between mineral concentration at grain maturity in leaves, stems, and grain and various yield parameters were observed, our results are inconclusive as to whether toxicity, nutrient imbalance, nutrient deficiency, or all of these factors had a strong influence on grain yield.     

Mineral ion composition of halophytes and associated soils in Western Canada

Abstract

The mineral ion contents of seven halophytic species in the family Chenopodiaceae, and associated soils were examined. Each species was found growing in soils with wide ranges of salinity, sodicity and salt ion composition. Absolute concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl and SO₄ in shoot tissue differed significantly among species. Species were classified into two groups: (1) chloride halophytes, with ion composition dominated by Na and Cl (Atriplex patula, Chenopodium rubrum, Salicornia rubra and Suaeda depressa), and (2) alkali halophytes, with relatively high K, Mg, Ca and low Cl contents (Chenopodium salinum, Kochia scoparia and Salsola pestifer). All species accumulated ? and excluded SO₄, relative to concentrations of these ions in soil. Salsola pestifer was unique in strongly excluding Na.     

Olive mill wastewater spreading and AMF inoculation effects in a low-input semi-arid Mediterranean crop succession

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate, in a marginal semi-arid Mediterranean agro-ecosystem (Sicily-Italy), the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and raw olive mill wastewater (OMW) (40 and 80 m³ ha^?1) on forage (durum wheat-snail medick intercropping) yield, and grain production of broad bean and chickpea. AMF inoculation significantly increased (+13.6%) forage dry biomass and durum wheat nitrogen (+22.8%) and phosphorus (+32.5%) uptake. AMF inoculation, significantly promoted broad bean phosphorus uptake (+11.5%) and root nodule number (+13.9%) in the absence of OMW. OMW spreading reduced weeds in the forage (?31.3%), root nodule number (?29.7%) and dry weight (?22.7%) in broad bean. OMW also significantly increased snail medick dry biomass (+19.3%) as compared to control treatments (0, 40 and 80 m³ H₂O ha^?1, average production 361 g m^?2), and broad bean grain yield with a production of 2.46 ± 0.12 and 1.94 ± 0.09 Mg ha^?1 with and without OMW, respectively. During the experiment AMF colonization was not affected by OMW volumes. The results obtained showed that in a marginal Mediterranean agro-ecosystem: 1) OMW, notwithstanding spreading volumes, is a valuable amendment to maximize legume yield while 2) AMF inoculation is a valuable practice to improve biomass production and N and P uptake in wheat.     

Comparison of Four Different Extraction Methods to Assess Plant Availability of Some Metals in Organic Forest Soil

Abstract

The objective was to find an uncomplicated test giving the best correlation between calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) extracted from humic forest soil and the total concentration of the element in some understorey forest plants using well‐known extractants. The elements were selected because Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn are essential nutrients to plants and Zn and Pb are potentially harmful heavy metals received over the years in the southern parts of Norway by long‐range atmospheric transport. Extraction of organic podzolic surface soil (Oe and Oa horizon) from 17 different pine forests in central and southern Norway was carried out with four different reagents to evaluate uptake of Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Pb in the understorey plants Deschampsia flexuosa, Vaccinium myrtillus (leaves and stems), and Vaccinium vitis‐idaea (leaves and stems). The NH₄OAc, NH₄NO₃, HCl, and EDTA solutions used to extract the soil in addition to concentrated HNO₃, demonstrated variability in capacity to extract the different elements from the soil. The extractants yielded significant relations between concentrations of Ca, Mn, and Pb in the Oe or Oa horizon and some of the plants or plant compartments, even though distinct correlation was more dependent on species and plant part than the actual extractant used. In the case of Zn, Cu, and Mg only a few sporadic correlations were observed between the different plant/plant compartments and the element concentrations in the soil extracts. Altogether none of the extractants was shown to be superior to the others in providing the best correlation with the elements concentrations in selected plant/plant compartments. In the case of Ca, Mn, and Pb all the extractants including concentrated HNO₃ provided significant correlations with at least some of the selected plant/plant compartments.     

Critical nutrient concentrations and antagonistic and synergistic relationships among the nutrients of NFT‐grown young tomato plants

Critical concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) with respect to dry matter yield end antagonistic and synergistic relationships among these nutrients were studied in which tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was grown in recirculating nutrient solution (NFT). Increments of nutrient elements in the nutrient solution increased the proportional rate of the corresponding nutrient elements. Increasing levels of N negatively correlated with plant P and positively correlated with Ca, Fe, and Zn. Iron and Mn contents of the plants were increased and N, K, Ca, and Mg were decreased as a function of P applied. Increases in K in the nutrient solution caused increases in the concentrations of K, N, P, and Zn, and decreases in the concentration of Ca and Fe. Applied Ca increased the concentrations of Ca and N, and decreased the concentrations of P, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn. Potassium, Ca, and Fe contents of the plants were decreased and Zn increased, while N, P, and Mn were not affected by the increasing levels of external Mg. Iron suppressed the plant Mg, Zn, and Mn contents. Synergism between Zn and Fe was seen, while P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn contents were not affected by Zn levels. Potassium, Ca, Mg, and Fe were not responsive to applied Mn, however, N and P contents of the plants were decreased at the highest levels of Mn.