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.     

Effects of excess aluminum on mineral uptake in mycorrhizal sorghum

Soil acidity is often associated with toxic aluminum (Al), and mineral uptake usually decreases in plants grown with excess Al. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Al (0, 35, 70, and 105 μM) on Al, phsophorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn,) and copper (Cu) uptake in shoots and roots of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, cv. SC283] colonized with the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi isolates Glomus intraradices UT143–2 (UT143) and Glomus etunicatum UT316A‐2 (UT316) and grown in sand (pH 4.8). Mycorrhizal (+VAM) plants had higher shoot and root dry matter (DM) than nonmycorrhizal (‐VAM) plants. The VAM treatment had significant effects on shoot concentrations of P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn; shoot contents of P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu; root concentrations of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Zn, and Cu; and root contents of Al, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. The VAM effects on nutrient concentrations and contents and DM generally followed the sequence of UT316 > UT143 > ‐VAM. The VAM isolate UT143 particularly enhanced Zn uptake, and both VAM isolates enhanced uptake of P and Cu in shoots and roots, and various other nutrients in shoots or roots.     

Differential response of citrus rootstocks to aluminum levels in nutrient solutions: II. Plant mineral concentrations 2

The objective of this study was to determine relations between Al effects and mineral concentrations in citrus seedlings. Six‐month‐old seedlings of five citrus rootstocks were grown for 60 days in supernatant nutrient solutions of Al, P, and other nutrients. The solutions contained seven levels of Al ranging from 4 to 1655 μM. Al and similar P concentrations of 28 μM P. Aluminum concentrations in roots and shoots increased with increasing Al concentration in the nutrient solution. Aluminum concentrations in roots of Al‐tolerant rootstocks were higher than those of Al‐sensitive rootstocks. When Al concentrations in nutrient solution increased from 4 to 178 μM, the K, Mg, and P concentrations in roots and the K and P levels in shoots increased. Conversely, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe in the roots and Ca, Mg, Cu, and Fe in the shoots decreased. The more tolerant rootstocks contained higher Fe concentrations in their roots than did the less tolerant ones when Al concentrations in solution were lower than 308 μM. Concentrations of other elements (Ca, K, P, Mg, Zn, and Mn) in roots or shoots exhibited no apparent relationship to the Al tolerance for root or shoot growth of the rootstocks. Calcium, K, Zn, Mn, and Fe concentrations in roots and Mg and K concentrations in shoots of all five rootstocks seedlings had significant negative correlations with Al concentrations in corresponding roots or shoots.     

Seasonal Variation in Nutrient Status of Foxglove Leaves

The seasonal variation of mineral elements and the relationships among them were studied in natural populations of foxglove (Digitalis obscura). Young and mature leaves were collected in 10 different populations and on four sample dates (May, July, October, and February). Leaf mineral elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] were determined. The highest concentrations of N, P, and K in young leaf were recorded in May, followed by a decrease in the other months, while in contrast Ca and Fe showed the lowest concentration in May. Mature leaves showed differential seasonal behavior. Besides seasonal variations, significant fluctuations of N/P and Ca/Mg ratios were observed in young leaves. Strong positive correlations existed among N, P and K, while negative correlations were found between Ca and N, P, or K.     

巨桉人工林叶片养分交互效应

在四川巨桉栽培区设立了60个标准地,采用相关分析和矢量诊断法进行分析,以了解巨桉人工林养分的相互作用关系。结果表明,巨桉人工林叶片的养分交互作用较为复杂。N可促进P、K、Ca、Mn等的吸收,但易受到Fe、Zn、高Ca、高Mg的拮抗,而且高N抑制了Mn的吸收;P可促进K、Mg、Mn等的吸收,但易受Zn、Fe、高Mn、高K、高Ca、高Mg的拮抗,而高浓度的P将抑制K、Zn、Fe等的吸收;K对其他养分元素均没有明显的促进作用,但高浓度K限制P的吸收;Ca、Mg之间可相互促进吸收。同时,低浓度的Ca和Mg有利于Fe、Zn的吸收,高浓度的Ca和Mg将对N、P、Fe、Mn、S、B等养分产生拮抗,限制吸收;S可促进Zn的吸收,但易受高Ca、高Mg拮抗;Cu、Zn、Fe、Mn之间主要以拮抗为主。B相互作用较少,对其他养分几乎没有明显的促进作用。     

Seasonal dynamics of mineral nutrients by walnut tree reproductive organs

The dry weight accumulation per male and female flower as well as the concentration per gram of dry weight and the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were determined in walnut tree (Juglans regia L.) catkins and female flowers at the stage of flower bud and during the flower development. Catkin emergence was accompanied by a very fast hydration of the tissues. After the catkin matured, the fresh and dry weights were reduced. The female flower development period was accompanied by the dry and fresh weight increase. Total N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations in catkin buds were detected at lower levels, Mg in equal levels, and Ca at higher levels as compared to the nutrient concentrations in young growing leaves. The estimated values of the ratio NCmfb/NCygl were: total N = 0.54, P = 0.83, K = 0.56, Ca = 1.5, Mg = 1.0, Fe = 0.46, Mn = 0.71, Cu = 0.85, and Zn = 0.60. Nutrient concentration in female flower buds was detected in almost equal levels with the exception of total N and Fe. The estimated values of the ratio: NCffb/NCygl were: total N = 0.57, P = 1.1, K = 1.17, Ca = 1.06, Mg = 0.9, Fe = 0.47, Mn = 1.0, Cu = 0.92, and Zn = 0.85. Total N, P, Mn, Cu, and Zn accumulations in the catkin were increased during the fast growing phase and decreased after catkin maturing. Potassium, Mg, and Fe accumulation continued to increase in the mature catkin. Calcium accumulation decreased at a very late mature catkin phase. Total N, P, and K accumulation rates during the catkin fast growing phase were higher than the dry weight accumulation rate. Calcium, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn accumulation rates at the same period were lower or equal to dry weight accumulation rates. In mature catkins, the total N, P, Mn, Cu, and Zn depletion rates were higher than the dry weight depletion rate. The continual increase of K, Ca, Mg, and Fe accumulation in mature catkin resulted in the increase of nutrients concentration also. Total N and P showed the highest remobilization values from mature catkin of 51.4% and 45%, respectively. Calcium, K, Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn remobilization values estimated to be 22.1%, 7.5%, 3.2%, 45.3%, 33.4%, and 31.8%, respectively. Iron showed no remobilization at all. Nutrients remobilization from catkins as compared to the leaves had almost similar values for total N, Zn, and Cu, higher for P, Ca, and Mn, and lower for Mg, Fe, and K. Accumulation of all nutrients in female flowers increased after fertilization. The dry weight accumulation rate was higher than the nutrient accumulation rates.     

Fluctuations of element concentrations during the growing season of Polytrichum formosum (Hedw.)

Fourteen elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, and Zn) were quantitatively determined by AES/ICP in aboveground parts of the endohydric moss Polytrichum formosum (Hedw.) after sampling over regular intervals from 1985 to 1987. With the exception of K, Mg, and Zn all elements showed a large continuous fluctuation (> 30%) during the growing season. Four different patterns of seasonal variation were found: (1) large seasonal variations of element concentrations (～80%) with maximum concentrations in winter and lowest concentrations in the summer months (Al, Fe, Cr, Mg, Pb, and Ti), (2) smaller seasonal variations (～50%) with maximum concentrations in winter and lowest concentrations in summer (Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Sr), (3) slight seasonal variations (～30%) with maximum concentrations in the summer (K), and (4) slight seasonal changes (～30%) with maximum concentrations in the winter (Mg and Zn). The relative biological variance of element concentrations between 9 different stands of Polytrichum formosum decreases in the following sequence: Ti, Al, Pb, Fe, Cr, Ni, Ba, Ca, Cu, Cd, K, Mg, Sr, Zn. The relative biological variance of individual elements is generally lower than the variance in element concentrations caused by seasonal changes. Because of its high biological variance for most elements investigated (seasonal as well as between different stands of Polytrichum formosum) this moss should only be used as a passive bioindicator, if all other environmental parameters are standardized.     

Aluminum toxicity in maize: Biomass production and nutrient uptake and translocation

The effect of increasing aluminum (Al) concentrations on root nutrient contents along with the concurrent translocation to the shoot of C₄ plants prompted this study. Two‐week‐old maize (Zea mays cv XL‐72.3) plants were therefore submitted for 20 days to Al concentrations ranging from 0 to 3.00 mM in a medium with low ionic strength were used as a test system. Aluminum concentrations in root tissues showed a 3‐fold increase between 0 and 3.00 mM Al treatment, and was not detected in the shoot. Root plasma membrane‐H⁺ ATPase activity decreased after the 0.33 mg L^‐1 Al treatment, while membrane permeability increased up to 1.00 mM Al treatment. Root and shoot biomass decreased after the 0.33 mM Al treatment. All elements in the roots, except potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were highest for plants treated with 0.33 mM Al. Potassium increased continuously between 0 and 3.00 mM Al treatments, and iron (Fe) decreased above 0.33 mM. Only a slight decrease in nitrogen (N) was observed. All the measured nutrients in shoots, except N, Mn, and Fe decreased above 0.33 mM, but calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) had little variation as Al varied. Data indicated that maximum net uptake for mineral nutrients, except Mn, occurred up to 0.33 mM Al. Translocation of phosphorus (P), K, Mn, and Zn decreased above 0.33 mM Al, N, and Ca decreased when any Al was added, and no clear trend was observed for Mg and Fe. Between the 0 and the 3.00 mM Al treatments, electrolytic conductance did not increased significantly indicating that the observed inhibitions of translocation from roots to shoots were not directly related to increasing membrane degradation.     

Dry‐matter production,mineral nutrient concentrations,and nutrient distribution and redistribution in irrigated spring wheat

A field study was made of the seasonal changes in dry‐matter production, and the uptake, distribution, and redistribution of 12 mineral nutrients in the semi‐dwarf spring wheat, Egret, grown under typical irrigation farming conditions. Most of the dry‐matter production and nutrient uptake had occurred by anthesis, with 75–100% of the final content of magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), chloride (Cl), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K) being taken up in the pre‐anthesis period. The above‐ground dry‐matter harvest index was 37%, and grain made up 76% of the head dry matter. Redistributed dry matter from stems and leaves could have provided 29% of the grain dry matter. Concentrations of phloemmobile nutrients, such as N and P, decreased in the leaves and stems throughout the season, whereas concentrations of phloem‐immobile nutrients, such as calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe), generally increased. The decline in the N concentration in stems and leaves was not prevented by N fertilizer applied just before anthesis. Leaves had the major proportion of most nutrients in young plants, but stems had the major proportion of these nutrients at anthesis. Grain had over 70% of the N and P, and 31–64% of the Mg, manganese (Mn), S, and zinc (Zn), but less than 20% of the K, Ca, sodium (Na), Cl, and Fe in the plant. Over 70% of the N and P, and from 15 to 51% of the Mg, K, Cu, S, and Zn was apparently redistributed from stems and leaves to developing grain. There was negligible redistribution of Ca, Na, Cl, Fe, and Mn from vegetative organs. Redistribution from stems and leaves could have provided 100% of the K, 68–72% of the N and P, and 33–48% of the Zn, Cu, Mg, and S accumulated by grain. It was concluded that the distribution patterns of some key nutrients such as N, P, and K have not changed much in the transition from tall to semi‐dwarf wheats, and that the capacity of wheat to redistribute dry matter and nutrients to grain is a valuable trait when nutrient uptake is severely restricted in the post‐anthesis period.     

Seasonal dynamics of mineral nutrients by walnut tree fruits

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) tree fruit showed after the endocarp lignification a fast growing stage during which fresh and dry weights increased abruptly. From the beginning of fruit ripening and during the fast sperm growing stage, fresh weight started to decrease while dry weight continued to increase with a reduced growth rate. Dry weights increased in sperm and decreased in exocarp‐mesocarp tissues during the fast sperm growing stage. The material exit from pericarp tissues was completed in the ripe fruit. By contrast, fresh weight continued to decrease in the tissue. Patterns of nutrient accumulation per fruit increased continuously during the fruit growth period. The observed reductions of nutrient accumulations for total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the fruit individuals during the very late fruit stage after fruit ripening, and in conjunction with the pericarp tissues senescence, are supposed to represent mineral nutrient returns from the ripe fruit. Patterns of total N, P, Mg, Fe, and Zn accumulations increased in the exocarp‐mesocarp tissue during the slow sperm growing stage and decreased during the fast sperm growing stage. Potassium accumulation in the tissue increased continuously up to the fruit ripening time. Calcium, Mn, and Cu increased continuously. Patterns of all nutrients in endocarp tissue increased during the slow sperm growing stage and decreased at the fast sperm growing stage. In the sperm tissues, total N, P, Mg, and Ca accumulations increased during the sperm development and slightly decreased in a late stage. The increasing trend of Ca accumulation was temporarily interrupted during the fast sperm growing stage. Iron, Mn, Cu, and Zn accumulations showed no reductions at all. Potassium accumulation was drastically restricted in the tissue with the approach of fruit ripening. Sperm tissues are extraordinary rich in mineral nutrients. Sperm total N, P, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe accumulations represented the 98.1%, 88.2%, 59.2%, 81.5%, 72.3%, 65.6%, and 52.5% of the total nutrients accumulation in the fruit, respectively. Sperm K and Ca accumulations represented only the 13% and 11.6%, respectively. Exocarp‐mesocarp K, Ca, and Mg accumulations represented the 76%, 72% and 37.1% of the total nutrients accumulation in the fruit individual, respectively. Total N and P accumulation in the tissue were detected in very low levels 1.3% and 7%, respectively. Iron, Cu, Zn, and Mn accumulations were detected in the same tissue in ratio values of 27.5%, 22%, 5.4%, and 11%, respectively. Macro‐ and micro‐nutrient accumulations of the endocarp tissues were detected in the lower levels as compared to the other fruit tissues. The estimated values of mineral nutrient returns from the mature fruit individuals were 2.8% for total N, 13% for P, 16.5% for K, 23% for Ca, 12% for Mg, 28.5% for Fe, and 21% for Zn. Manganese and Cu showed no returns at all. The estimated nutrient returns from the sperm tissues were 60% for total N, 67% for P, 22% for K, and 50% for Mg of the total returned nutrient from the fruit individual. The estimated nutrient returns from exocarp‐mesocarp were 100% for Zn, Fe, and Ca, 50% for Mg, 78% for K, 33% for P, and 40% for total N. Calcium, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the sperm and Mn and Cu accumulations in pericarp tissues showed no returns at all. A restricted nutrient diffusion from exocarp‐mesocarp and sperm tissues to the endocarp tissues is supposed to be possible. These results suggested a pericarp tissue behaviour similar to the old senescing leaves.     

广东省柑桔园土壤养分肥力研究

掌握土壤养分肥力状况,是制定施肥策略的基础。本研究采集了广东省柑桔主产区果园土壤样本70个,分析了土壤有机质和N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S、Fe、Mn、B、Zn含量,评价土壤养分肥力现状并探讨其时空变化概况。结果显示:目前柑桔园土壤主要障碍因素是低镁缺硼及钾、钙、镁养分不平衡;与20世纪80年代末相比,土壤有效磷、锌、钾和氮含量有较大提高,有效钙含量降低,其余养分变化不大。土壤钙、镁含量在低水平上渐趋于相对平衡,而钾、镁不平衡状态仍然存在,甚至有所加剧;柑桔园土壤pH及多个中微量元素之间存在显著或极显著正相关关系。建议在柑桔果园增施镁、硼肥及石灰或其它碱性肥料,减施磷肥。     

Seasonal dynamics of mineral nutrients and carbohydrates by walnut tree leaves

The dry weight accumulation per leaf as well as the concentration per gram of dry weight and the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were determined in walnut tree leaves (Juglans regia L.) during a complete life cycle. Additionally, the dynamics of plant nutrient concentration in leaf petiole sap and carbohydrate accumulation in leaves were studied in relation to the main life cycle events of the walnut tree. Total N, P, K, Cu, and Zn concentrations decreased, whereas that of Ca, Mg, and Mn increased during the season. Iron concentration fluctuated around a mean value. Total N, P, K, Mg, and Cu concentrations detected in younger mature leaves were at the sufficient level, whereas Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations were at higher levels as compared to those previously reported. All the detected nutrient accumulations increased abruptly during leaf ontogeny and leaf maturation until a maximum level was attained in the younger mature leaves. Similarly, sucrose, glucose, and fructose accumulation were observed at the same period. The rates of total N, P, Cu, and Zn accumulation were lower than the rates of the observed dry matter accumulation and nutrient concentration dilution. Potassium and Mn accumulation rates were almost equal, whereas those for Ca and Mg were higher as compared to the dry matter accumulation rate. The fast embryo growing phase resulted in a considerable decrease in dry weight, total N, P, K, Cu, Zn, and carbohydrate accumulation, and to a lesser degree in Ca, Mg, and Mn accumulation. Nutrient accumulation reduction in leaves by the influence of the growing fruits were estimated to be: total N 52%, K 48%, P 29.5%, Mg 16.3%, Ca 15%, Fe 51.2%, Cu 55.2%, Zn 37.3%, and Mn 5.4% of the maximum nutrient value of the younger mature leaves. Old leaves preserved nutrients before leaf fall as follows: total N 25.4%, P 45%, K 31%, Ca 74.8%, Mg 76.5%, Mn 89.2%, Fe and Zn 50%, and Cu 37%. Nutrient remobilization from the senescing old leaves before leaf fall were: total N 22.6%, P 25.5%, K 21%, Ca 10.2%, Mg 7%, Fe 3.2%, Mn 5.4%, Cu 8%, and Zn 13.3% of the maximum value in the younger mature leaves. In early spring, the absorption rates of N, P, and Ca were low while those of Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were high. During the fast growing pollen phase, the N, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were reduced. Calcium concentration is supposed to be more affected by the rate of transpiration rather than during the growing of embryo. Calcium and Mg concentrations in the sap were negatively correlated. The detected K concentration level in the sap was as high as 33 to 50 times that of soluble N, 12 to 21 times to that of P, 5 times to that of Ca, and 10 to 20 times to that of Mg. The first maximum of starch accumulation in mature leaves was observed during the slow growing embryo phase and a second one after fruit ripening. Old senescing leaves showed an extensive carbohydrate depletion before leaf fall.     

Effect of arsenic on concentrations and translocations of mineral elements in the xylem of rice

By using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique, the effect of arsenic (As) on the mineral contents and translocation in the xylem of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ‘Akihikari’) was studied. The results suggest that exogenous As increased the concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and manganese (Mn) in xylem, while the concentrations of potassium (K) remained unchanged. The highest concentration of As to the rice roots did not have any clear effect on the translocation of P, Ca, S, and chlorine (Cl) in the xylem, indicating that the increasing concentrations of the minerals may be due to a condensation effect, resulting from the repression of water movement in xylem by As-toxicity. Among the metal micronutrients, As decreased the concentrations and translocations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu).     

Fertilization via carbonated water and mineral concentrations in a tomato crop

Abstract

In our experiments, application of carbonated water (CW) modified the nutritional status of a field‐grown tomato crop. Fruit concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) were initially increased by CW, after which they were similar to the controls (Zn and Mn) or lower (Cu and Fe). Leaf concentrations of the same group of elements were also increased in the later growth stages. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the earlier stages showed diminished concentrations in all plant parts in response to CW treatment; later on, a slightly higher Ca content was found in the fruit and lower in the leaves, while the fruit Mg content was decreased. Higher cation contents were found in the plant in response to the higher irrigation frequency and interaction with CW effect was detected in most of the cases. In the first period, leaf and fruit contents of all elements, except for Mg in the fruit were increased by daily irrigation. In the second one, leaf content of all nutrients was also increased; the fruit content of Mg, Ca and Zn was increased, while that of Cu, Fe, and Mn was decreased.     

Floral Analysis and Seasonal Dynamics of Mineral Levels in Carob Tree Leaves

The mineral concentration of flowers and the seasonal fluctuation of macro- [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] and micronutrients [iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] in leaves of male, female, and hermaphroditic carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua L.) were studied. The nutrient dynamics were linked not only to phenological events, but also to the gender of the trees. The females were able to allocate more nutrients to leaves than male trees, even though male flowers were richer in particular elements such as N and Zn. The hermaphrodites supported the development of both inflorescences and fruits with a lower seasonal variation and a lower leaf nutrient concentration, as compared to the other genders, which may indicate a more efficient use of resources. Flowers had, in general, a higher concentration of N, P, and K, and a lower Mn concentration than in leaves. Flowers of the females had a lower nutrient concentration compared to males or hermaphrodites.     

Effects of mes [2(n‐morpholino)‐ethanesulfonic acid] and ph on mineral nutrient uptake by mycor‐rhizal and nonmycorrhizal maize

Mycorrhizal (+VAM) and nonmycorrhizal (‐VAM) maize (Zea mays L.) plants were grown in sand culture in a greenhouse to determine effects of MES [2(N‐morpholino)‐ethanesulfonic acid] (2.0 mM) and pH (4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0) on mineral nutrient uptake. Plants were inoculated with the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) isolate Glomus intraradices UT143. Shoot and root dry matter yields were lower in plants grown with MES (+MES) than without MES (‐MES), and decreased as pH increased. Shoot concentrations of N, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn were generally higher in +MES than in ‐MES plants, and nutrient contents of most nutrients were generally higher in + MES than in ‐MES plants. Concentrations of N, Ca, Mg, and Mn increased and P, S, and Fe decreased, while contents of all measured nutrients except Mn and Zn decreased as pH increased. Concentrations of Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu were higher in +VAM than in ‐VAM plants, and contents of P and Ca were higher in ‐VAM than in +VAM plants and Zn content was higher in +VAM than in ‐VAM plants. MES had marked effects on mineral nutrient uptake which should be considered when MES is used to control pH of nutrient solutions for growth of maize.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediated uptake of nutrient elements by Chinese milk vetch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Astragalus sinicus</Emphasis> L.) grown in lanthanum spiked soil

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of mycorrhizal colonization by Gigaspora margarita, Glomus intraradices, and Acaulospora laevis on nutrient uptake of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn by Astragalus sinicus L. in soils spiked with lanthanum at five rates (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg⁻¹). Lanthanum application significantly decreased the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Fe in shoots and the concentrations of Cu and Zn in roots. Mycorrhizal treatments markedly improved uptake of nutrients, and these results are important since nutrient deficiency often occurs in contaminated sites.     

Effect of planting date and growth stage on secondary and micronutrient content of soybean tissue

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of planting date and cultivar on B, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, and Ca content of soybean leaflets, petioles, and stems at beginning bloom (R1), beginning seed (R5) and physiological maturity (R7) growth stages. The concentrations of all the nutrients analyzed were influenced by planting date and cultivar in at least one year. The concentration ranges were: B, 16–167 ppm; Zn, 14–98 ppm; Fe, trace‐575 ppm; Mn, 12–122 ppm; Mg, 0.18–0.89%, and Ca, 0.47–3.02%. As the plants developed, [Fe] generally decreased, [Mn] increased, and [Zn] showed no consistent response. Changes in B, Mg, and Ca concentrations with plant development varied with the plant part. Leaflet [Ca] and [B], and petiole [Ca] and [Mg] increased during seedfill. Petiole and stem [B], and stem [Mg] and [Ca] decreased during seedfill.     

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.     

Correlations Between Soil Exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Foliar Nutrient Concentrations in Mature Biological Olive Groves (Olea europaea L., cv. ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’)

Leaf and soil samples were taken and analyzed from two mature biological olive groves (Olea europaea L., cv. ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’), in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Northern Greece, in order to determine the correlations between soil exchangeable cations and foliar calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) concentrations, and the interrelations among leaf nutrients. Τhe nutritional requirements of trees for both biological groves were exclusively based on patent kali supply and nutrient recycling (via pruning material and weed cut recycling). Foliar K, Ca and Mg were positively correlated with soil exchangeable K, Ca and Mg, in the 40–60 cm layer, then in the 20–40 cm layer. Synergistic uptake mechanisms among Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ probably exist. Leaf N was negatively correlated with foliar K, and positively with leaf Ca, Mg and manganese (Mn). Foliar P was negatively correlated with leaf Ca, Mg and Mn, while foliar Ca was positively correlated with leaf Mg and Mn. Foliar Mg was positively related with leaf Mn. High phosphorus (P) may decrease leaf Ca, Mg and Mn. Enhanced Ca may increase leaf Mg and Mn, while high Mg may also enhance foliar Mn. Finally, based on the determination of foliar nutrient concentrations, the nutritional requirements of olive trees in Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe, Zn were sufficiently (or over-sufficiently) satisfied. However, additional organic fertilization is needed, in order to achieve optimum levels of N, B and Mn (since their foliar concentrations were slightly insufficient). The correlations between leaf and soil exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, as well as among foliar nutrients should be taken into consideration, in order to achieve successful organic fertilization for mature biological olive groves, and to avoid nutritional imbalances and disorders.