Comparison between nitrate and ammonium nutrition in fennel,celery, and Swiss chard

Abstract

To evaluate the chance to reduce leaf NO₃ content and to increase capability to use NH₄‐N even in the absence of NO₃‐N in the nutrient solution, plants of two Apiaceae species, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller var. azoricum Mill. Thell.) and celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce Mill. Pers.), and of one species of Chenopodiaceae, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. vulgaris), were hydroponically grown in a growth chamber with three different NH₄‐N: NO₃‐N (NH₄: NO₃) ratios (100: 0,50: 50, and 0: 100), but with the same total N level (4 mM) for 14 days. Swiss chard growth was inhibited by NH₄ nutrition and reached the highest values with the NH₄: NO₃ ratio 0: 100. For all the morphological and yield features analyzed, fennel and celery resulted to be quite unresponsive to nitrogen (N) chemical form. Water use efficiency increased in Swiss chard and decreased in fennel and celery with the increase of NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution. The dependency of N uptake rate on shoot increment per unit root was more conspicuous for Swiss chard than fennel and celery. All species took more NO₃‐N than NH₄‐N when N was administered in mixed form. In the best conditions of N nutrition, Swiss chard accumulated NO₃ in leaves in high concentration (3,809 mg kg"¹ fresh mass). On average, fennel and celery accumulated 564 mg NO₃ kg^?1 fresh mass with the ratio NH₄: NO₃100: 0 and showed that by using NH₄ produce having very low NO₃ content can be obtained. By increasing NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution; NO₃ leaf content of fennel and celery increased remarkably (7,802 mg kg^?1 fresh mass with the ratio N H₄: NO₃ 0: 100).     

Ammonium and nitrate influence on artichoke growth rate and uptake of inorganic ions

Artichoke plants (Cynara scolymus L.) were grown in a growth chamber in a modified Hoagland solution for seven weeks to determine the influence of ammonium:nitrate (NH₄:NO₃) ratio (100:0, 70:30, 30:70 and 0:100) on growth, water use, and the uptake of nitrogen (N) and inorganic anions and cations. Typical pH changes were recorded: the nutrient solution became acidified with NH₄ or NH₄:NO₃ nutrition; pH increased when NO₃ was the only N source. Ammonium‐fed plants (100:0 ratio) were stunted, with signs of marginal leaf necrosis, progressive wilting of leaves and poor root growth. After 49 days, leaf area was 77, 998, 2,415, and 1,700 cm² and dry weight was 1.0, 12.9, 38.0, and 26.0 g/plant, with NH₄:NO₃ 100:0, 70:30, 30:70, and 0:100, respectively. Leaf area ratio (LAR) was lower in plants supplied solely with NO₃ than in those with mixed NH₄‐NO₃. Increasing NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution increased water use efficiency (WUE): 623, 340, and 243 mL of water were necessary to produce 1 g of dry matter in 100:0, 70:30, 30:70 or 0:100 NH₄:NO₃ ratio, respectively. Increasing NO₃ from 0 to 100% of the total N supplied in the nutrient solution, the shoot content of inorganic cations increased on an equivalent basis by 30% and organic anions (estimated by the difference between inorganic anions and inorganic cations) increased by 2.3 times. These results suggest that leaves are the most important site of NO₃ assimilation in artichoke. By increasing NH₄ percentage in the nutrient solution, the tissue content of inorganic anions was generally increased, except for NO₃, and the same figure was observed for the percentage of reduced N. Results from this study suggest that NO₃ is the N‐form preferred by artichoke.     

Effect of nitrogen form during the flowering period on zucchini squash growth and nutrient element uptake

Zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Green Magic) plants were grown hydroponically with nitrate (NO₃):ammonium (NH₄) ratio of 3:1 until the onset of flowering when the plants were assigned to four NO₃:NH₄ ratio (1:0, 1:1, 1:3, or 3:1) treatments. Changing the original nitrogen (N) form ratio significantly affected plant growth, fruit yield, nutrient element, and water uptake. Growth of plants was better when NO₃‐N (1:0) was the sole form of N than when NH₄‐N was part of the N treatment. Fruit yields for plants fertilized with 1:0 or 1:3 N‐form ratio were double those of plants grown continuously with 3:1 N ratio. The largest leaf area and plant water use were obtained with 1:0 N ratio treatment Total uptake of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) decreased with increasing NH₄‐N proportion in the nutrient solution which suggest NH₄‐N was competing with these cations for uptake. The results also demonstrated that growers may increase fruit yield by using a predominantly NO₃‐N source fertilizer through the vegetative growth stage and by shifting the NO₃:NH₄ ratio during the reproductive phase.     

Nutrient solution nitrogen form and barley yellow dwarf virus disease tolerance in oat and wheat

Abstract

The form of nutrient solution nitrogen (either NH₄‐N or NO₃‐N or mixtures of the two) provided to plants influences the severity of many crop diseases. This greenhouse study was conducted to determine how growth, grain yield, and yield components of oat (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants given nutrient solutions containing different ratios of NO₃‐N to NH₄‐N would react to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) infection. Fifteen‐day‐old seedlings (2nd leaf stage) were either infected with BYDV (PAV strain) or left uninfected. Nutrient solution treatments (started 19 d after germination) provided three ratios of NO₃‐N to NH₄‐N (100% NO₃, 50:50 NH₄:NO₃, or 100% NH₄) for a 30‐d period, after which plant height and tillers plant^?1 were measured. Oat and wheat plants given NH₄ had fewer tillers than plants given the other nutrient solution treatments. BYDV‐infected oat and wheat plants were shorter than uninfected plants. All pots then received NO₃ nutrient solution until plant maturity, after which days to anthesis, primary tiller height, grain yield and yield components were measured. In the NH₄ nutrient solution treatments, BYDV infection significantly reduced individual kernel weight in oat and primary tiller height in wheat. These same measures were not significantly affected by BYDV infection in the NO₃ or NH₄NO₃ nutrient solution treatments. There were no other significant nutrient solution by BYDV infection interactions for any other dependent variable measured. Nutrient solution treatments had no significant effect on grain yield, but BYDV infection reduced grain yield by 45% in oat and 46% in wheat. In conclusion, nutrient solution N form interacted with BYDV infection to alter disease tolerance in oat (kernel weight) and wheat (primary tiller height), but these alterations had no effect in ameliorating grain yield loss caused by BYDV disease.     

Effect of Ammonium: Nitrate Ratio on Yield,Calcium Concentration,and Photosynthesis Rate in Strawberry

The effect of ammonium:nitrate (NH₄:NO₃) ratio in nutrient solution on growth, photosynthesis (Pn), yield, and fruit quality attributes in hydroponically grown strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) cvs. ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva’ was evaluated. There were four nutrient solutions of differing NH₄:NO₃ ratios as follows: 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25. Plants grown in solution with 75% NH₄ had lower leaf fresh and dry weights and leaf area than those with 25% NH₄ in both cultivars. High ratios of NH₄ and NO₃ in the solution always reduced the yield. The yield was increased by 38% and 84% in ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva,’ respectively, when the plants were grown in the 25NH₄:75NO₃ solution compared with plants grown in a higher NH₄ ratio solution. The increased yield at the 25 NH₄:75NO₃ ratio was the result of the increase in fruit size, i.e., length and fresh weight of fruits. Plants grown in the 25NH₄:75NO₃ solution had the highest rate of Pn, while those grown in 75NH₄:25NO₃ solution had the lowest Pn rates in both cultivars. Increasing the NH₄ ratio in the solution from 0 to 75% significantly reduced the calcium (Ca) concentration and postharvest life of the fruits in both cultivars. Both higher leaf area and Pn rate appeared to be the reason for the increased yield and plant growth in the 25:75 ratios of nitrogen (N). The results indicate the preference of strawberry plant growth toward a greater nitrate N form in a hydroponic solution. Therefore, a combination of two forms of N in an appropriate ratio (25NH₄:75NO₃) appears to be beneficial to plant growth, yield, and quality of strawberry fruits.     

Ammonium/nitrate ratio effects on dry matter partitioning and radiation use efficiency of corn 1

Physiological responses of plants to ammonium (NH₄) versus nitrate (NO₃) nutrition can vary considerably. A greenhouse study was conducted to examine the effect of ammonium‐nitrogen/nitrate‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N/NO₃‐N) ratio on dry matter partitioning and radiation use efficiency in corn (Zea mays L.). The hybrid Funks G 4673A was supplied with nutrient solutions that contained 8:1, 1:1, or 1:8 ratios of NH₄‐N/NO₃‐N. At each of four harvests, plants were separated into leaf blades, stem + leaf sheaths, and roots. Radiation use efficiency was calculated from these dry matter harvests and measured photosynthetically active radiation. Generally, more dry matter was partitioned to the stem than to leaf tissue when supplied with the 1:8 NH₄‐N/NO₃‐N ratio than when supplied with the other N treatments. Corn supplied with 8:1 and 1:1 ratios of NH₄‐N/NO₃‐N resulted in radiation use efficiency values for total dry matter that were significantly higher by 39 and 25%, respectively, than that of corn supplied with the 1:8 ratio indicating that Funks G 4673A was more efficient in converting radiation into dry matter when supplied with high proportions of NH4 than when supplied primarily with NO₃.     

Turnip growth,leaf yield,and leaf nutrient composition responses to nitrogen forms

’Shogoin’ turnip plants (Brassica rapa L.) were grown in sand culture under five nitrate:ammonium (NO₃:NH₄) ratios (N:N of 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1). The leaves expressed symptoms of NH₄ toxicity (reduced growth and curly leaves with dark‐green areas surrounding yellow spots) when NH₄ was the dominant nitrogen (N) form. Increasing NO₃ in the nutrient solution significantly (p<0.01) increased leaf and root fresh weight and dry weight. Leaf nutrient concentration and composition of all elements analyzed, except N and calcium (Ca), responded quadratically (p<0.01) to NO₃:NH₄ ratios, and the highest values were observed with the 1:0 [for molybdenum (Mo)], 3:1 ([or magnesium (Mg)], 1:1 [for boron (B), coper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn ), and zinc (Zn)] or 1:3 [for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] treatments. Nitrogen and Ca leaf concentration responses were linear and highest at 0:1 and at 1:0, respectively. Cultural practices and fertilizer applications should maintain NO₃ as the dominant N form in the root zone, and the continuous use of NH₄‐ based or NH4‐releasing fertilizers is not recommended for the production of high yields of turnip greens.     

Ammonium concentration in solution affects chlorophyll meter readings in tomato leaves

Abstract

Combinations of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N usually result in higher tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yields than when either form of nitrogen (N) was used alone. Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf N content, but the effect of the NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratio on leaf greenness was not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratios on chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings, and evaluate the meter as a N status estimator and tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. Fruit yield and SPAD readings increased as the amount of NH₄‐N in solution increased up to 25%, while higher ratios of NH₄‐N resulted in a decline in both. The N concentration in tomato leaves increased as concentration of NH₄‐N in solution increased. Fruit yield increased as chlorophyll readings increased. SPAD readings, total N in leaves, fresh weight of shoots, and fruit yield all showed a quadratic response to NH₄‐N, reaching a peak at 25 or 50% of N as NH₄‐N. SPAD readings taken at the vegetative and flowering stages of growth had the highest correlation (r²=0.54) with N concentration in leaves, but this could not be used as a reliable estimate of N status and fruit yield. Lack of correspondence between high N concentration values and fruit yield indicated a detrimental effect of NH₄‐N on chlorophyll molecules or chloroplast structure. The SPAD readings, however, may be used to determine the optimum NH₄‐N concentration in solution to maximize fruit yield.     

Influence of biocides on tomato nitrogen uptake and soil nitrification and denitirification

As a result of repeated applications, some fungicides may accumulate in the soil to levels high enough to have adverse effects on the activity of soil microorganisms and plant growth. Comparison of the effects of 10 mg kg^‐1 soil of the benlate, captan, and lime‐sulfur fungicides with the nitrification inhibitors (NI) nitrapyrin and terrazole on oxidation of NH₄ ⁺ in Tifton loamy sand (siliceous, thermic plinthic Typic Kandiudults) incubated at 30° C showed that benlate had no significant effects whereas captan inhibited nitrification 21% more than lime‐sulfur, but about 20% less than NI. Application of benlate enhanced NO₃ ^‐ reduction to N₂O and N₂ in liquid medium inoculated with soil whereas 50 and 100 mg L"¹ medium of captan and lime‐sulfur compared favorably with the NI in suppressing NO₃ ^‐ and NO₂ ^‐ reductions, but were less effective than the inhibitors when applied at the low rate of 10 mg L^‐1 medium. In a greenhouse study with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. ‘Better Boy'), weekly drench applications of 0.25 mg kg^‐1 soil of the test biocides for four weeks with three NH₄ ⁺‐N: NO₃ ^‐‐N ratios showed that benlate applied with 1: 0 N ratio and lime‐sulfur applied with 0: 1 N ratio restricted significantly the plant growth and N uptake. The largest root: shoot ratios, total plant dry weight, and N uptake were obtained with plants fertilized with 1: 1 N ratio in combination with the biocides.     

Study on ammonium tolerance of cucumber plants

The influence of N form on xylem exudate and the guttation fluid concentration in cucumber plants was studied under greenhouse conditions. Plants were hydroponically grown with three NO₃:NH₄ ratios (100:0, 80:20, and 60:40) at a constant pH of 6.0 in the nutrient solutions. Plants supplied with 60:40 NO₃:NH₄ ratio displayed a significant decrease of NO₃‐N, total‐N, organic‐P, and Mn concentrations in the xylem sap and an increase of H₂PO₄‐P, SO₄‐S, Cl, B, and Zn concentrations. Potassium and Ca uptake in these plants was slightly reduced, indicating that pH control was an important factor for cationic nutrition in cucumber plants fed with NH₄. The major ions present in the nutrient solutions are concentrated in the xylem sap, particularly for NO₃, K, Ca, and Na. The NO₃:NH₄ ratio had a small effect on the ionic levels of the guttation fluid. The concentrations of all nutrients in the guttation fluid were substantially reduced, except for Cl, showing that the leaf tissues of cucumber plants remove the excess of Cl ion. Finally, in this study, secondary effects of N source on ion uptake and release were minimized by controlling nutrient solution pH.     

Calcium efficiency among tomato strains depends on nitrogen regimes 1

Two Ca‐efficient and 3 Ca‐inefficient tomato strains were grown for 18 days in nutrient solutions with NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratios (%) of 0:100, 50:50, or 90:10 and with 40 mg of total Ca⁺⁺. When NH₄‐N nutrition was used, efficient strains exhibited Ca‐deficiency symptoms sooner or produced less dry matter than inefficient strains. The greatest reductions in dry weight production occurred between 50 and 90% NH₄‐N nutrition. The greatest reduction in solution pH and in % of Ca in plant tissues occurred between 0 and 50% NH₄‐N nutrition. Ratings of Ca efficiency varied according to the proportion of NH₄‐N in the nutrient solutions.     

Fertilizer ammonium : nitrate ratios determine phosphorus uptake by young maize plants

We investigated the interacting effects of inorganic nitrogen and the main inorganic phosphorus form in dairy manure (dicalcium phosphate, CaHPO₄) on growth, nutrient uptake, and rhizosphere pH of young maize plants. In a pot experiment, three levels of CaHPO₄ (0, 167, and 500 mg P pot^?1) were combined with nitrogen (637 mg N pot^?1) applied at five NH₄‐N : NO₃‐N ratios (0 : 100, 25 : 75, 50 : 50, 75 : 25, and 100 : 0) and a nitrification inhibitor in a concentrated layer of a typical acid sandy soil from Denmark. ¹⁵N‐labeled NH₄‐N was applied to differentiate the role of nitrification and to partition nitrogen uptake derived from NH₄‐N. Among treatments including nitrogen, shoot biomass, rooting and phosphorus uptake were significantly higher at the five‐leaf stage when CaHPO₄ was applied with NH₄‐N : NO₃‐N ratios of 50 : 50 and 75 : 25. In these treatments, rhizosphere pH dropped significantly in direct proportion with NH₄‐N uptake. The fertilizers in the concentrated layer had a root‐inhibiting effect in treatments without phosphorus supply and in treatments with pure NO₃‐N or NH₄‐N supply. Increased nitrogen uptake as NH₄‐N instead of NO₃‐N reduced rhizosphere pH and enhanced acquisition of applied CaHPO₄ by young maize plants, which may have positive implications for the enhanced utilization of manure phosphorus.     

The response of pearl millet to changes in nitrogen concentration or form during grain fill

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a potentially productive, high‐yielding grain crop in the southeastern USA. A lack of response in pearl millet grain yield to fertilizer N in field studies indicates pearl millet may be able to remobilize N from vegetative to reproductive tissue. The N remobilization capabilities of a plant can be affected by the form of N supplemented. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of N‐form ratio (NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐) on the N remobilization capabilities of pearl millet when N is removed from the nutrient solution at the boot stage and to evaluate the effects of changing N‐form ratios at the boot stage on the seed yield and N content of pearl millet. Pearl millet was grown in solution culture under greenhouse conditions. There were 10 treatments: an initial NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐ ratio of 3:1 followed by a change at the boot stage to either all NO₃ ^‐, no N, or a continuation of the initial ratio; an initial NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐ ratio of 1:1 followed by a change at the boot stage to either all NO₃ ^‐, all NH₄ ⁺ no N, or a continuation of the initial ratio; and an initial NH₄ ⁺ : NO₃ ^‐ ratio of 1:3 followed by a change at the boot stage to either all NH₄ ⁺ no N, or a continuation of the initial ratio. Pearl millet dry matter accumulation was insensitive to changes in N‐form ratio or N removal at the boot stage. The lack of seed yield response to removal of N was a result of pearl millet utilizing N present in culms and leaves for seed production. Applications of N after the boot stage did not increase seed yield, but led to luxury consumption of N.     

Effect of NO3 and NH4 concentrations in nutrient solution on yield and nitrate concentration in seasonally grown leaf lettuce

The effect of suboptimal supply of nitrogen (N) and of replacing nitrate in the nutrient solution with ammonia on growth, yield, and nitrate concentration in green and red leaf lettuce was evaluated over two seasons (autumn and spring) using multiple regression analysis. The plants were grown in a greenhouse on a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system. Nitrogen concentrations in the nutrient solution were either 3?mM or 12?mM, and the form of N was varied as follows: 100% NO₃, 50% NO₃?+?50% NH₄, and 100% NH₄. In both seasons, the biomass (fresh weight) of lettuce heads increased with increasing NO₃ concentrations and in autumn, NO₃ even at 1.5?mM was sufficient for high yield. However, head dry weight was affected neither by the season nor by changes in the composition of the nutrient solution. The concentration of NO₃ had no effect on root dry weight, but it decreased at higher concentrations of NH₄. The number of leaves increased as the ratio of NO₃ to NH₄ in the nutrient solution increased and was higher in autumn because of the longer growth period. Increasing the concentration of NO₃ in nutrient solution increased both total N and nitrate concentration in lettuce heads (dry weight) but decreased the concentration of total C. Also, leaf nitrate concentration was lower in spring than in autumn and decreased with increasing NH₄ concentration. Nitrogen utilization efficiency was maximum when NH₄ levels in the nutrient solution were either 0% or 50% irrespective of the season. Our results thus show that suboptimal N supply in autumn will not affect lettuce yield, and that nitrate concentration in leaves is lower when NH₄ concentrations in nutrient solution are higher and also much lower in red lettuce than in green lettuce.     

Nitrogen Source and Concentration Affect Growth and Performance of Bedding-Plant Impatiens

ABSTRACT

Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook. f.) is the most important annual bedding plant in the United States, based on wholesale dollar volume. Production of high-quality plants requires optimization of the nutrition regimen during growth, especially the total nitrogen (N) concentration and the ratio of N sources. The objective was to determine the N concentration and the nitrate (NO₃ ^??N):ammonium (NH₄ ⁺?N) ratio of N source that optimized bedding-plant impatiens growth and flower development. Four N concentrations (3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 mmol N · L^?1) were used in factorial combination with four ratios of NO₃ ^??N:NH₄ ⁺?N (4:0, 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3). Application of treatments was made for 30 d. Then for 10 d only deionized water was applied to reduce salt buildup. Substrate pH was lowest (4.9) with the NH₄ ⁺?N source and electrical conductivity (EC) highest, but never > 2.4 dS m^?1. Nitrogen concentration and N source displayed an interaction for most growth parameters. Shoot fresh and dry weights and flower bud number were maximized at the 1:3 NO₃ ^??N:NH₄ ⁺?N ratio with a N concentration of 10.5 mmol L^?1. However, plant diameter, leaf number, and leaf chlorophyll content responded quadratically to N form ratio, with the 1:1 ratio optimum at a concentration of 10.5 mmol N· L^?1.     

Mineral nutrition of chickpea plants supplied with NO3 or NH4 N

Chickpea plants (Cicer arietinum L cv. ILC 195) were grown for 24 days in water culture under two regimes of nitrogen nutrition (NO₃ or NH₄‐N) with or without Fe. For plants fed with NO₃‐N, Fe stress severely depressed fresh weight accumulation and chlorotic symptoms of Fe‐deficiency developed rapidly. Little difference in growth occurred in the NH₄‐fed plants, whether or not Fe was withheld, with no visual evidence of Fe‐deficiency indicating a beneficial effect of NH₄ in depressing the symptoms of Fe chlorosis. Typical pH changes were measured in the nutrient solution of the control plants in relation to nitrogen supply, increasing with NO₃ and decreasing with NH₄‐nutrition. With both forms of nitrogen, plants acidified the nutrient solution in response to Fe‐stress. Under NH4‐nutrition, acidification was enhanced by withholding Fe. In the NO₃‐fed plants the uptake of all nutrients was reduced by the stress but proportionally NO³‐ and K⁺ were most affected. Total anion uptake was depressed more than that of cation uptake. For the NH₄‐fed plants withholding Fe resulted in an increased uptake of all ions except NH₄ ⁺ which was depressed. Regardless of the form of N‐supply, when Fe was withheld from the nutrient solution the net H⁺ efflux calculated from the (C‐A) uptake values was closely balanced by the OH” added to the nutrient solution to compensate for the pH changes. Evidence of accumulation of organic acids in the Fe‐stressed plants was found, especially in the NO₃‐fed plants, indicating a role for these internally produced anion charges in balancing cation charge in relation to the depression of NO₃ ^‐ uptake associated with Fe‐stress.     

Effect of nitrate/ammonium ratio on biomass production,nitrogen accumulation,and use efficiency in sorghums of different origin

Plant nitrogen (N) uptake, growth, and N use efficiency may be affected by N form (NO₃ ^‐or NH₄ ⁺) available to the root. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of mixed N form on dry matter production and partitioning, N uptake, and biomass N use efficiency defined as total dry matter produced per unit plant N (NUE₁) in U.S. and tropical grain sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The U.S. derived genotype CK 60 and three tropical genotypes, Malisor‐7, M 35–1, and S 34, were evaluated in a greenhouse trial using three nutrient solutions differing in their NO₃ ^‐/NH₄ ⁺ ratio (100/0, 75/25, 50/50). Shoot and root biomass, N accumulation, and NUE, were determined at 10‐leaf and boot stages. Averaged over all genotypes, shoot and root biomass decreased when NH₄ ⁺ concentration was increased in the solution. Shoot biomass was reduced by 11% for 75/25 and 26% for 50/50 ratios, as compared to 100/0 NO₃ ^‐/NH₄ ⁺. Similarly, root biomass reduction was about 34% and 45% for the same ratios, respectively. Increasing NH₄ ⁺ concentration also altered biomass partitioning between shoot and root as indicated by decreasing root/shoot ratio. Total plant N content and NUE₁ were also reduced by mixed N source. Marked genotypic variability was found for tolerance to higher rates of NH₄ ⁺. The tropical line M 35–1 was well adapted to either NO₃ ^‐ as a sole source, or to an N source containing high amounts of NH₄ ⁺. Such a characteristic may exist in some exotic lines and may be used to improve genotypes which do not do well in excessively wet soil conditions where N uptake can be reduced.     

Growth and nutrition of pansy as influenced by N‐form ratio and temperature

Abstract

Pansy (Viola xwittrockiana Gams.) producers often observe nutrient disorders among plants grown during warm periods (>18°C) of the growing season. These disorders typically are not seen when production temperatures are optimal (≥18°C) even though fertility regimes may remain the same. Our objectives were to assess the effects of temperature and nitrogen (N) fertility on growth and nutrition of pansy. Pansies cultivar ‘Crown White’ were grown until lateral branches had open flowers. Treatments consisted of two temperatures (12 and 22°C) and three NO₃ ^?:NH₄ ⁺ molar % ratios (100:0, 62:38, and 25:75) with a total concentration of 100 mg N L^?1. A modified Hoagland's solution was used with NO₃ ^?‐N supplied as Ca(NO₃)₂ and KNO₃ and with NH₄ ⁺‐N as (NH₄)₂SO₄. Cumulative nutrient absorption and foliar nutrient content were determined when plant lateral branches flowered. Root and shoot growth were limited when NH₄ ⁺ was present in solutions at high ambient air temperature (22°C), but not at low temperature (12°C). Individual absorption and accumulation of plant nutrients varied with N regimes and temperatures. Overall, pansies absorbed more total N, NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^?, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), and less iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) at 12°C than at 22°C. In addition, absorption of NO₃ ^? by pansy was negligible if any NH₄ ⁺ was present in solutions at 22°C. Results suggest that pansy growers should adjust fertility programs according to production temperatures to avoid possible nutritional disorders and maximize plant growth. If maximum growth is to be obtained in warm temperatures, the use of NH₄ ⁺‐containing fertilizers should be reduced or eliminated. However, the choice of NO₃ ^?:NH₄ ⁺ ratio for nutrition may be less important under cool growing conditions.     

The effect of N and NaCl on growth,yield, and nitrate content of salad rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.)

Hydroponic production of rocket as a salad vegetable has become increasingly important in recent years. Rocket is known to be a high nitrate (NO₃^–)-accumulating vegetable, which can be grown throughout the year. In the present study, rocket was grown in a floating hydroponic system at three levels of nitrogen (N) and sodium chloride (NaCl). The highest yield was obtained at 14 mM N, whereas the yield was lower at 20 mM and 40 Mm NaCl. Leaf elongation was more sensitive to salinity than leaf differentiation. Adding NaCl to the nutrient solution increased the relative chlorophyll content. Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations increased as salinity increased. NO₃^? levels in fresh biomass increased with increased amounts of NO₃^? in the nutrient solution, and plants at 18 mM N were able to maintain a higher NO₃^? : Cl^? ratio than those at 10 mM N.     

Ammonium increases the net rate of sodium influx and partitioning to the leaf of muskmelon

The influx and partitioning of sodium (Na) is controlled by potassium (K)/Na selectivity/exchange mechanisms. Since ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) has been shown to inhibit K absorption and K/Na selectivity/exchange mechanisms control Na influx and partitioning, our objective was to observe if NH₄‐N affects Na influx and partitioning in muskmelon. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were grown in a pH controlled nutrient solution with 100 mM NaCl in a complete nutrient solution containing either 10 mM nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) or NH₄‐N. With NH₄‐N, Na accumulation and partitioning to the leaf blade increased while K absorption was almost completely inhibited. A second study omitted K to simulate the inhibition of K absorption by NH₄‐N and monitored Na accumulation and partitioning as K was depleted in the plant. Sodium accumulation and partitioning to the leaf increased as K decreased in the plant, mirroring the effect of NH₄‐N. Roots appeared healthy in both studies. Our work indicates that at a given level of NaCl stress, NO₃‐N reduces the level of stress experienced by muskmelon plants through reducing the net rate of Na influx and transport to the sensitive leaf blade, not by reducing chloride (Cl) absorption, thereby permitting these plants to “avoid”; this stress.