Nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium effects on pre‐ and post‐transplant growth of salvia and vinca seedlings

Pre‐ and post‐transplant growth of bedding plants is affected by seedling nutrition. However, there is little information available on how seedling nutrition affects the growth of ornamental bedding plants. In this study, we quantified the effects of nitrogen (N) (8 to 32 mM) and phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentration (0.25 to 1 mM) of the seedling fertilizer on pre‐ and post‐transplant growth and nutrient element content of salvia (Salvia splendens F. Sellow ex Roem. & Schult.) and vinca (Catharanthus roseus L.) seedlings. Shoot growth of salvia and vinca increased with increasing concentrations of N in the pre‐transplant fertilizer and these differences lasted until the end of the study at 15 days after transplanting. Pre‐transplant root dry mass of these species was not affected by the N concentration of the fertilizer, but root dry mass at 12 days after transplanting was positively correlated with the N concentration of the pre‐transplant fertilizer. Increasing N concentrations in the seedling fertilizer increased tissue N levels of salvia and decreased tissue K level of vinca at transplanting. Increasing P and K concentrations in the pre‐transplant fertilizer increased tissue P level of salvia and P and K levels of vinca, but had little effect on seedling growth. Leaf area and root dry mass at transplanting decreased slightly with increasing P and K concentration in the fertilizer. There were no lasting effects of pre‐transplant P and K concentration of the fertilizer. These results indicate that salvia and vinca seedlings can benefit from high concentrations of N (up to 32 mM) in the fertilizer, while only low concentrations of P and K (0.25 mM) are needed.     

Contribution of N : P ratio and endogenous phytohormones during development of phosphorus toxicity in Brassica campestris spp. parachinensis

Agricultural practices may lead to excessive phosphorus (P) accumulation in soil. The effects of excessive P on Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campestris spp. parachinensis) were investigated by exposing plants for 4 weeks in solution containing 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 mM NaH₂PO₄. Phosphorus concentrations [P] greater than 3 mM produced significantly stunted growth, together with reduced appearance quality due to overaccumulation of anthocyanin in the epidermis of flower stalk. Nitrate concentrations in the flower stalk decreased with increasing solution [P]. Nitrogen (N) concentrations in the roots and potassium (K) concentrations in the leaves, stems, and roots all decreased at [P] higher than 3 mM. Increasing P supply caused great enhancement of root and stem [P], but decreased total plant and root N : P ratios. A positive linear relationship between solution [P] and anthocyanin concentration and a negative linear relationship between root N : P ratio and anthocyanin concentration were also observed. In addition, 3 to 7 mM P caused decreased levels of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA₃) in the leaves, but promoted ethylene production. The average gibberellin concentration was generally correlated with the plant's relative growth rates. Ethylene was negatively correlated with plant growth parameters except for the last day of the experiment. In conclusion, N : P ratio and endogenous phytohormones may be involved in the development of P toxicity in Chinese flowering cabbage plants.     

Effects of copper toxicity on growth and the uptake and translocation of metals in rice plants

Copper (Cu) contamination in the lower reaches of the Sado River in the Alcacer do Sal region of Portugal (a major rice producing area) has became a major pollution problem. In an attempt to study the changes in rice growth (Oryza sativa L.), the effect of excess Cu on the plasma membrane activity (as measured throughout proton extrusion) and membrane permeability as well as on the zinc (Zn), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and aluminum (Al) net uptake and translocation was studied. Long‐term studies (30 days) were conducted with rice subjected to increasing Cu concentrations (ranging from 0.002 to 6.25 mg/L) showed a concentration increase of Cu in root and shoot tissues. Root proton extrusion increased 7.4‐fold between the 0.01 and the 1.25 mg/L Cu treatments, whereas its membrane permeability (as measured throughout the electrolytic conductance) revealed a marked increase after the 1.25 mg/L Cu treatment. Zinc concentrations decreased with increasing Cu levels in the nutrient solution (excepting the 6.25 mg/L Cu treatment in shoots), while N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, B, Mo, and Al concentrations, although showing different patterns, did not reveal any correlation with increasing Cu level. The absolute content of all these metals as well as their net uptake exhibited (excepting Al) its highest values in the 0.25 mg/L Cu treatment. It is suggested that these variations, triggered by excess Cu on root growth, might be explained based on the interaction among Cu‐uptake mechanism(s), plasma membrane‐H⁺ ATPase and root membrane permeability. It is also suggested that Cu affects the N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, B, Mo, and Zn concentrations in rice shoots mainly by changing their net uptake rate.     

Metabolite profiling of shoot extract,root extract,and root exudate of rice under nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency

ABSTRACT

Root exudate is derived from plant metabolites and its composition is affected by plant nutrient status. A deficiency of mineral nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), strongly affects the type and amount of plant metabolites. We applied a metabolite profiling technique to investigate root exudates of rice plants under N and P deficiency. Oryza sativa was grown in culture solution containing two N levels (0 and 60 mg N L^?1) or two P levels (0 and 8 mg P L^?1). Shoot extracts, root extracts, and root exudates were obtained from the rice plants 5 and 15 days after transplanting and their metabolites were determined by capillary electrophoresis/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Shoot N concentration and dry weight of rice plants grown at ?N level were lower than those of plants grown at +N level. Shoot P concentration and dry weight of rice plants grown at ?P level were lower than those of plants grown at +P level. One hundred and thirty-two, 127, and 98 metabolites were identified in shoot extracts, root extracts, and root exudates, respectively, at the two N levels. One hundred and thirty-two, 128, and 99 metabolites were identified in shoot extracts, root extracts, and root exudates, respectively, at the two P levels. Seventy-seven percent of the metabolites were exuded to the rhizosphere. The concentrations of betaine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutarate in root exudates were higher at both ?N and ?P levels than at their respective high levels. The concentration of spermidine in root exudates was lower at both ?N and ?P levels than at their respective high levels. The concentrations of the other metabolites in root exudates were affected differently by plant N or P status. These results suggest that rice roots actively release many metabolites in response to N and P deficiency.     

Aluminum and nutrient interplay across an age-chronosequence of tea plantations within a hilly red soil farm of subtropical China

Aluminum (Al) and nutrients are key factors to influence tea (Camellia sinensis L.) productivity and quality, while how they interplay in tea plantations under the pressure of global change and increasing fertilization is little studied. In this study, we selected the tea plantations along an age-chronosequence to study Al fractions using a sequential extraction procedure, and nutrient concentrations in topsoil and subsoil and various plant organs. Our results indicated that Al levels and nutrient concentrations in soils and plants generally increased with planting year (P < 0.05), and soil Al bioavailability was positively correlated with Al concentrations in most plant organs. Significant negative relations among pH and most extractable Al fractions in both soil layers suggested that decreased pH would directly alter soil-plant Al cycling due to exogenous nitrogen (N) fertilizer and atmospheric acid deposition. Topsoil total phosphorus (P) was positively correlated with most Al fractions, and root P was positively correlated with root Al concentration, both of which indicate that P and Al were synchronously absorbed by roots in acid tea soils. In addition, topsoil organic carbon was positively correlated with both active and inert Al fractions, indicating that above-ground organic litters would be the main source of elevated Al levels in older tea plantations. Clearly, Al enrichment in tea leaves with increasing planting year needs to be considered under management practices with heavy N and P fertilizers and increasing atmospheric acid deposition in subtropical China.     

Effect of sodium arsenite and sodium chloride on bean plant nutrition (macronutrients)

The effects of different levels of arsenic (As) and salinity on bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Buenos Aires) nutrition were investigated. We studied the processes of absorption and accumulation of macronutrient elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The experiment was performed in soilless culture at two levels of As: 2 and 5 mg AsL^‐1 (added as sodium arsenite, NaAsO₂), and three saline levels [only sodium chloride (NaCl) was added]: 1, 2, and 4 dS‐m^‐1. Sodium arsenite and NaCl significantly affected macronutrients allocation within bean plant at concentration levels used in this study. Arsenite depressed K, Na, and Mg concentrations in root, whereas root N, and Ca levels were increased. Nitrogen, P, K, and Na concentrations were significantly higher in As‐stressed plants compared with controls. The addition of NaCl increased Ca concentration in roots and decreased that of K. Salinity tended to increase leaf concentrations of K, Na, Ca, and Mg; whereas leaf N and P levels decreased with increasing salinity.     

氨基酸增值尿素对水稻苗期生长及根际微生物菌群的影响

[目的]研究氨基酸增值尿素(AU)对不同稻作水稻生长、根际养分与微生物群落的影响机制,以期为水稻早期水氮合理调控及氨基酸增值尿素合理施用提供依据.[方法]以'两优华6'水稻和氨基酸增值尿素(AU)为试材,开展了水作/旱作盆栽试验.试验共设旱作不施尿素(GCK)、旱作施普通尿素(GU)、旱作施氨基酸增值尿素(GAU)、水...     

Effect of difference between day and night temperature on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) root activity and low molecular weight organic acid secretion

The difference between day and night temperature (DIF) is a major environmental factor affecting crop growth, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated crop performance, root activity and concentrations of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) secreted by tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) root under different DIF conditions. A fixed daily temperature of 25°C and five DIF treatments (?12, ?6, 0, 6 and 12°C) were used to grow tomato in a climate chamber. Root/shoot ratio; leaf maximum photosynthetic rate (P_max); root activity; total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations in roots; and types and concentrations of LMWOAs were measured at different growth stages. Results showed that positive and negative DIFs inhibited the dry matter accumulation of aerial parts, while 0°C DIF was conducive to the accumulation. Compared to 0°C DIF, positive DIFs significantly increased root dry weight, P_max, root activity and total N, P and K concentrations in roots, while negative DIFs had contrary effects. During the whole growth period, tomato root activity decreased in the order of fruit setting stage, mature stage and flowering stage. Tomato roots secreted oxalic acid, formic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, succinic acid and propionic acid under positive DIFs, while acetic acid was not detected in the negative DIF treatments. Oxalic acid concentration was significantly higher than other LMWOAs. Furthermore, in the same growth stage, positive DIFs caused more LMWOA secretion than negative DIFs and 0°C DIF. There were significant positive correlations between the total LMWOA concentration and root activity, root/shoot ratio, P_max and total N, P and K concentrations in roots. Based on the results, more attention should be paid to the potential effect on tomato growth posed by DIFs, positive DIFs have higher positive influence than negative DIFs, and 6°C DIF is best for greenhouse tomato growth.     

Monitoring rhizospheric pH,oxygen, and organic acid dynamics in two short‐time flooded plant species

The rhizosphere of two flooding‐resistant plant species (Arundinella anomala Steud., Alternanthera philoxeroides Mart.) from Three Gorges Reservoir area (China) has been examined for reactions to waterlogging and submergence. Rhizosphere parameters were monitored in natural sediment substrate by means of a dual‐access floodable rhizobox, which allows monitoring of oxygen and pH dynamics noninvasively with planar optodes in high temporal and spatial resolution, as well as simultaneous low‐invasive soil‐solution sampling. Analysis of samples for low‐molecular‐weight organic acids (LMWOA) was done by capillary electrophoresis. Roots could be observed easily in situ during growth and exposure to flooding. The floodable rhizobox is therefore considered a valuable tool for root‐reaction monitoring also under flooding conditions. During waterlogging, both species exuded oxygen into their rhizosphere and showed diurnal rhythms of rhizospheric acidification. The pH of the rhizosphere of growing root tips decreased up to 0.8 units corresponding to higher LMWOA concentrations. These rhythms weakened during flooding, but gained maximum amplitude again rapidly after resurfacing. We conclude that the root system was still fully functioning during and after flooding, and that flooding poses no threat to the physiology of the root system of the study species.     

低温胁迫下增施锌肥对水稻氮代谢与干物质积累的影响

[目的]施锌是缓解低温胁迫对水稻伤害的有效途径之一,低温胁迫下研究增加施锌量对水稻氮代谢与物质积累的影响,为低温年提高水稻抗低温能力提供理论依据.[方法]采用三叶一心期水稻幼苗进行水培试验,设置低(Zn?0.08?μmol/L)、常规(Zn?0.15?μmol/L)、高(Zn?0.30?μmol/L)?3个ZnSO4·...     

Nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency of 43 wheat alien chromosome addition lines evaluated by hydroponic culture

Wild relatives of wheat may possess useful traits or genes for efficient use of nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P). Forty-three wheat addition lines with alien chromosomes from Leymus, Agropyron, Hordeum, Psathyrostachys, Aegilops, and Secale cereale, along with their common parent Chinese Spring (CS) were cultured by hydroponics, and their phenotypic variation, N/P uptake and utilization efficiency were investigated at seedling stage. The phenotypic variation showed that N deficiency decreased plant height, shoot dry weight, and total dry weight, while increased root length, number of leaves, SPAD value, and root to shoot ratio (R/S); while P deficiency decreased all the measured traits except root dry weight and R/S. Aegilops longissima 2S and Aegilops searsii 4SS addition lines were identified as both N- and P-efficient germplasm, of which Ae. longissima 2S addition line showed significant increased N and P uptake efficiency than CS under all treatments.     

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on alleviation of boron toxicity in Puccinellia tenuiflora under the combined stresses of salt and drought

Abstract

High boron (B) often occurs in saline and arid soils and exerts toxicity to plants. A potting experiment was conducted to examine the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on alleviating B toxicity in an alkali grass, Puccinellia tenuiflora, in saline and arid soils. As a B-tolerant species, P. tenuiflora grew well in soil with high concentration (300?mg kg^?1) of B under the combined stresses of salt and drought. N and P have significantly increased plant biomass and decreased B concentrations in plants by 14.5%–31.4% in the shoot and 22.3%–41.5% in the root, respectively. The results indicate that the addition of fertilizer enforced photosynthesis of plant and decreased K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. Our results suggest that N and P can be used to alleviate B toxicity in P. tenuiflora under the combined stresses of salt and drought.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND SOIL ZINC APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PISTACHIO SEEDLINGS

The effects of four salinity levels [0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil] and three zinc (Zn) levels [0, 5, and 10 mg kg^?1 soil as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄.7 H₂O)] on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami’ were studied in a calcareous soil under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. After 26 weeks, the dry weights of leaves, stems and roots were measured and the total leaf area determined. Salinity decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights and leaf area, while this effect diminished with increasing Zn levels. Zn fertilization increased leaf, stem and root Zn concentrations, leaf potassium (K) concentration, and stem and root sodium (Na) concentrations, while decreased leaf Na concentration, and stem and root K concentrations. Salinity stress decreased leaf, stem, and root Zn concentrations, and leaf K concentration, while salinity increased leaf, stem and root Na concentrations, and stem and root K concentrations. Proline accumulation increased with increasing salinity levels, whereas the reverse trend was observed for reducing sugar contents. Zn application decreased proline concentration but increased reducing sugar contents. These changes might have alleviated the adverse effects of salinity stress.     

Concentration Profile of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Leachate of a Paddy Plot during the Rice Cultivation Period in Southern Korea

Abstract

The relationships between nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in surface flooding water and those in the leachate of various soil depths were monitored, and temporal variation of leaching losses of N and P from a paddy plot during rice cultivation was estimated under the conditions of southern Korea. Even flooded conditions nitrification in subsurface soil was identified, but nitrate concentrations in leachate were less than 10 mg/L, the standard drinking water nitrate concentration set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The NO₃‐N and ortho‐P concentrations in the leachate were generally higher than those in the surface flooding water. Field data implied that leaching losses would not be accurately estimated under the flooded conditions of the paddy field when using the N and P concentrations of surface flooding water and infiltration depth. The leaching losses of NO₃‐N from paddy fields were high immediately after fertilization. The study results suggested that proper fertilization and irrigation strategies are required to reduce leaching losses of NO₃‐N from paddy fields.     

Changes in mineral nutrient concentrations and C‐N metabolism in cabbage shoots and roots following macronutrient deficiency

The responses of metabolic networks to mineral deficiency are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a detailed, broad‐scale analysis of macronutrient concentrations and metabolic changes in the shoots and roots of cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) plants in response to N, P, K, Ca, and Mg deficiency in nutrient solution. To standardize individual macronutrient‐deficient treatments, the concentrations of the other nutrients were maintained via substitution with other ions. Individual nutrient deficiencies had various effects on the uptake and accumulation of other mineral nutrients. Phosphorus deficiency had relatively little effect on other mineral nutrient levels compared to the other treatments. Cation deficiency had little effect on N and P concentrations but had a somewhat negative effect on the uptake or concentrations of the other nutrients. Primary metabolic pathways, such as energy production and amino acid metabolism, were greatly affected by mineral nutrient deficiency. Compared to the control treatment, soluble sugar levels increased under –N conditions and decreased under –Ca and –Mg conditions. The levels of several organic acids involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle decreased in response to –N, –P, or –K treatment. The levels of most amino acids decreased under ‐ N treatment but increased under –P, –K, –Ca, or –Mg treatment. Mineral depletion also led to the activation of alternative biochemical pathways resulting in the production of secondary metabolites such as quinate. Notable changes in metabolic pathways under macronutrient deficiency included (1) a quantitative increase in amino acid levels in response to Mg deficiency, likely because the restriction of various pathways led to an increase in protein production and (2) a marked increase in the levels of quinate, a precursor of the shikimate pathway, following cation (K, Ca, and Mg) deficiency. These findings provide new insights into metabolic changes in cabbage in response to mineral deficiency and pave the way for studying the effects of the simultaneous deficiency of more than one macronutrient on this crop.     

Earthworm (Aporrectodea trapezoides)–mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices) interaction and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by maize

The interactive impacts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomus intraradices) and earthworms (Aporrectodea trapezoides) on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and nutrient uptake were studied under near natural conditions with pots buried in the soil of a maize field. Treatments included maize plants inoculated vs. not inoculated with AMF, treated or not treated with earthworms, at low (25 mg kg⁻¹) or high (175 mg kg⁻¹) P fertilization rate. Wheat straw was added as feed for earthworms. Root colonization, mycorrhiza structure, plant biomass and N and P contents of shoots and roots, soil available P and NO₃⁻–N concentrations, and soil microbial biomass C and N were measured at harvest. Results indicated that mycorrhizal colonization increased markedly in maize inoculated with AMF especially at low P rate, which was further enhanced by the addition of earthworms. AMF and earthworms interactively increased maize shoot and root biomass as well as N and P uptake but decreased soil NO₃⁻–N and available P concentrations at harvest. Earthworm and AMF interaction also increased soil microbial biomass C, which probably improved root N and P contents and indirectly increased the shoot N and P uptake. At low P rate, soil N mobilization by earthworms might have reduced potential N competition by arbuscular mycorrhizal hyphae, resulting in greater plant shoot and root biomass. Earthworms and AMF interactively enhanced soil N and P availability, leading to greater nutrient uptake and plant growth.     

Responses of Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedling to Phosphorus Fertilization Under Saline Conditions

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate effects of phosphorus (P) levels (0, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 soil) under saline (0, 1000 and 2000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil) conditions on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami-zarand’ in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Results showed that salinity application decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights, number of leaf, length of stem and leaf area, while this effect diminished with P fertilization. By increasing salinity levels, all of the nutrients concentration in leaf, stem and root except sodium (Na) content were reduced. P application increased P and potassium (K) concentrations in the leaves, stem and root, while decreased Na and Zinc (Zn) leaf, stem and root concentrations. However, the results indicated that proline accumulation and reducing sugar content were increased by salinity, P and their interaction application. The results suggest that fertilization of phosphorus can diminish some adverse effects of high salinity on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings.     

Effect of salt stress on Growth and Ion accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield and nutrient contents may be affected under salinity condition. Thus, this experiment was conducted to determine the effect of three salinity levels (60, 120, and 180 mM NaCl) on shoot and root dry weights, and mineral contents of three alfalfa cultivars. With the increasing salinity levels sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) contents increased; but potassium (K), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) contents and root and leaf weights decreased; however, changes in these traits depended on cultivar and salinity level. However, Rehnani, a tolerant cultivar, had the lowest Na and Mg contents and the highest K, N, P, Ca, Zn, and Cu contents and dry weights under all of the salinity levels. Moreover, leaf dry weight and leaf P content had the highest correlation with salt tolerance suggesting that these traits may be used as a marker for selecting salts that are tolerant among genotypes in alfalfa.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional interactions in a CO2 enriched environment

Nonnodulated soybean plants (Glycine max. [L.] Merr. ‘Lee') were supplied with nutrient solutions containing growth limiting concentrations of N or P to examine effects on N‐ and P‐uptake efficiencies (mg nutrient accumulated/gdw root) and utilization efficiencies in dry matter production (gdw²/mg nutrient). Nutritional treatments were imposed in aerial environments containing either 350 or 700 μL/L atmospheric CO₂ to determine whether the nutrient interactions were modified when growth rates were altered.

Nutrient‐stress treatments decreased growth and N‐ and P‐uptake and utilization efficiencies at 27 days after transplanting (DAT) and seed yield at maturity (98 DAT). Atmospheric CO₂ enrichment increased growth and N‐ and P‐utilization efficiencies at 27 DAT and seed yield in all nutritional treatments and did not affect N‐ and P‐uptake efficiencies at 27 DAT. Parameter responses to nutrient stress at 27 DAT were not altered by atmospheric CO₂ enrichment and vice versa. Nutrient‐stress treatments lowered the relative seed yield response to atmospheric CO₂ enrichment.

Decreased total‐N uptake by P‐stressed plants was associated with both decreased root growth and N‐uptake efficiency of the roots. Nitrogen‐utilization efficiency was also decreased by P‐stress. This response was associated with decreased plant growth as total‐N uptake and plant growth were decreased to the same extent by P stress resulting in unaltered tissue N concentrations. In contrast, decreased total P‐uptake by N‐stressed plants was associated with a restriction in root growth as P‐uptake efficiency of the roots was unaltered. This response was coupled with an increased root‐to‐shoot dry weight ratio; thus shoot and whole‐plant growth were decreased to a much greater extent than total‐P uptake which resulted in elevated P concentrations in the tissue. Therefore, P‐utilization efficiency was markedly reduced by N stress.