Ranges of nutrient concentrations in Quercus ilex leaves at natural and urban sites

The leaf nutrient concentrations and the N‐to‐nutrient ratios were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional status of holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.) experiencing various anthropogenic pressures. Leaves (1 year old) of Q. ilex and surface soil (0–5 cm) surrounding the trees were collected at seven natural and seven urban sites in Campania Region (Southern Italy) and analyzed for the concentrations of macro (C, N, P, S) and micronutrients (Mn, K, Na, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn). The available soil fraction of micronutrients was also evaluated. The nutrients showed different concentration ranges for the natural and the urban sites in the soil (total and available) and in the leaves, that we reported separately. Organic‐matter content and macronutrient concentrations were higher in the natural soils, while the highest leaf N, S, and P concentrations were found at some urban sites. Concentrations of Cu, Na and Zn both in leaves and soil, and Mg and Fe in leaves from the urban sites appeared to be affected by air depositions. Manganese was the only micronutrient to show higher concentrations at the natural than at the urban sites, both in soil and leaves. For this nutrient, in addition, a relationship between leaf and available soil concentrations was found at the natural sites. The ratios between the concentrations of N and each studied nutrient in the leaves highlighted a different nutritional status between the plants from the natural and urban sites.     

Standardization of Leaf Sampling Technique in Bael

Abstract

The chemical diagnosis of nutritional status of Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) tree by leaf analysis was done to study the effect of leaf age and leaf position on foliar nutrient composition of Bael. The results showed that leaf age has significant influence on leaf mineral content, whereas the position of leaf on shoot did not have any significant effect. Interactions between leaf age and position were found to be significant for nitrogen, boron and iron content. In general, stability in level of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents was observed in November–December (6‐ to 7‐month‐old leaves) and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) showed their stability in 2‐to 3‐month‐old leaves (July–August). The contents of boron (B), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were found stabilized in September–October (3‐ to 4‐month‐old leaves), indicating their suitability for sampling in Bael.     

Response of Cherry Rootstocks to Boron and Salinity

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present research was to study the effects of boron (B) and potassium chloride (KCl) induced salinity on growth, nutritional status, and chlorophyll content of the cherry rootstocks CAB 6P (Prunus cerasus L.) and Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus L. × Prunus canescens L.). Plants produced the longest shoots, more leaves, and the greatest fresh weights of shoots and leaves when treated with 0.025 mM B combined with the lower level of salinity (0.75 dS m^?1). CAB 6P plants retained most of their leaves until the end of the experiment, whereas Gisela 5 plants showed higher leaf shedding. Irrigation of plants with solutions containing 0.2 mM B and electrical conductivities (EC) of 4 dS m^?1 resulted in lower leaf chlorophyll contents (SPAD units) when compared with all other treatments. Nitrogen (N) concentrations of leaves from both rootstocks decreased as the EC of the nutrient solution increased from 0.75 to 4 mM. Potassium (K) concentrations of leaves from both rootstocks increased as salinity levels increased.     

Leaf nutrient analysis in Salix viminalis (L.) energy forest stands growing on agricultural land

The seasonal pattern of morphological leaf characteristics, leaf nutrient and carbohydrate contents in two energy forest stands growing on fertile clay soil and consisting of Salix viminalis (L.) was investigated. One of the stands was irrigated and liquid fertilized (IL) daily from May to August while the other stand was untreated (C). The study was carried out on shoots growing for their second year on five-year-old roots. A pronounced seasonal variation in length, weight, and area of leaves of the same developmental stage was observed, while differences between the stands were small. The leaf content of carbohydrates and starch was low. Nitrogen was the only nutrient that was significantly higher in the IL stand compared with the C stand throughout the growing season. The small differences between stands were most probably an effect of the initially high soil fertility. Different bases for expressing plant nutrient status during the growing season, i.e. nutrient amount per leaf dry weight with and without carbohydrates, nutrient amounts per leaf or leaf area, nutrient proportions in leaves, and nutrient amounts in the total canopy, were compared and discussed. It was concluded that the common expression, nutrient weight per dry weight of leaves, without correction for non-structural carbohydrates, was adequate to describe the nutrient situation in well-growing basket willow plantations. The most appropriate time for leaf sampling was proposed to be the phase of most intensive growth.     

Growth Parameters,Leaf Characteristics and Nutrient Status of Banana as Influenced by Organics,Biofertilizers and Bioagents

Nutrients play an important role in improving productivity and quality of banana. It has been observed that the nutrient applied alone was less effective in improving banana production as compared to nutrients applied in combination with organic manures and biofertilizers. Keeping in view the conservation of soil health and quality production on a long-term basis, a field experiment was conducted during 2009–2011 to find out the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management of banana on leaf characteristics, growth and nutrient status of tissue cultured banana cv. ‘Grand Naine’. The study indicates that combination of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures, biofertilizers and bioagents significantly increased growth parameters, leaf characteristics, and leaf nutrient status of banana. The leaf characteristics in terms of functional leaves, total number of leaves, phyllochron, leaf area, and leaf area index were significantly influenced by the combination of inorganic fertilizers with different biofertilizers and organic manures. Similarly, leaf nutrient status like nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide_, (P₂O₅), potassium dioxide (K₂O), and leaf relative water content were also influenced greatly by different nutrients. Treatment involving combination of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + Azospirillum+ Trichoderma harzianum showed overall superiority in most of the parameters.     

小麦和玉米叶面标记尿素态15N的吸收和运输

以15N标记的尿素作为叶面施肥和根系后期追肥的N肥品种,分别采用土培与砂培研究小麦与玉米拔节后至灌浆初期不同生育期、不同N、P和K肥叶面配施后作物对叶面N肥利用效率、叶面施用N肥的分配及对全株N、P和K养分状况的影响。无论是小麦还是玉米叶片均能有效地吸收N素并将其迅速转移。玉米拔节期下位叶（第5叶）施肥,植株吸收的15N转移到根部的比例平均为9.0%,而中位叶（第8叶）处理,分配到根系的比例仅为2.4%。叶面施用尿素态氮肥的N在小麦地上部的回收率一般在54.5%～68.9%,在玉米全株体内的回收率可达59.9%～75.3%。随生育期推迟,两种作物叶片吸收N的回收利用率均明显提高。与单施氮肥相比,N,P和K肥配施均有提高氮素回收率和改善作物地上部N素营养的作用,尤以中位叶（第8叶）配施尿素＋KH2PO4的效果最佳,表明植物的叶面营养仍应注意平衡供应和适宜的施用时期与施肥部位。叶面大量元素营养不仅改善了所施肥料成分中相应元素的营养状况,同时也促进了对其他两种成分的吸收,并且提高了N、P转运到籽粒中去的比例。玉米吐丝期根系追施的尿素态N有56%积累在籽粒中,而叶面施肥所利用的N分配在籽粒中的比例为70%。     

Establishment of nutrients optimal range for nutritional diagnosis of mandarins based on DRIS and CND methods

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to establish for the first time nutrient optimal range (NOR) for mandarins in Tunisia using two methods: Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND). The study was performed using data from 120 mandarin’s commercial orchards, in several locations in Tunisia. Yield data and leaf nutrient content from 2011 to 2014 cropping season were compiled in a database. Leaf samples consist of spring flush leaves (7–8 months old) collected from nonfruiting terminals. The two methods were effective to diagnose the plant nutritional status based on the effectiveness of the chi-square-tested method. The two methods showed the nutrient imbalances of the studied commercial orchards. Phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) showed higher frequencies as the most required nutrients by the plant. The found norms were then compared to the norms used in other countries. The new norms for mandarins are different because some norms in the literature do not take into account the different species of citrus, and they were adopted in different pedoclimatic conditions. So, adopting the new leaf nutrient norms is key for ensuring productivity in mandarin citrus orchards in Tunisia.     

Effects of iron nutritional status and time of day on concentrations of phytosiderophores and nico‐tianamine in different root and shoot zones of barley

The diurnal pattern in concentrations of phytosiderophores (PS) and its precursor nicotianamine (NA) was studied in different root and shoot zones of iron (Fe)‐sufficient and Fe‐deficient barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Europa) grown in nutrient solution. Roots were separated into apical (0–3 cm) and basal zones (>3 cm) and shoots into young (3 cm basal zones of youngest two leaves) and old (remaining zones of youngest two leaves and oldest leaf) parts. The main PS in barley was identified as epi‐hydroxymugineic acid (epi‐HMA). Regardless of the sampling zone and time of day, epi‐HMA concentrations were several times higher in Fe‐deficient than in Fe‐sufficient plants and several times higher in the roots than in the shoots. In roots and shoots, epi‐HMA concentrations were always higher in the younger compared with the older zones. In both root zones of Fe‐deficient plants, an inverse diurnal rhythm occurred in epi‐HMA concentrations and in its release by the roots. In contrast, such a rhythm was absent in roots of Fe‐sufficient plants and in the shoots regardless of the Fe nutritional status. Nicotianamine concentrations in roots were not affected by the Fe nutritional status in apical zones but slightly enhanced under Fe deficiency in basal zones. In contrast to roots, NA concentrations in both shoot parts were lower in Fe‐deficient than in Fe‐sufficient plants. Regardless of the Fe nutritional status in roots and shoots, NA concentrations were higher in young than in old parts and no consistent diurnal variations were observed. The results suggest that PS are also synthesized in the shoot, although at much lower rates than in roots. As with roots, PS synthesis in the shoot is enhanced under Fe deficiency and is mainly localized in young growing tissue. The distinct diurnal rhythm in PS release in roots is apparently not regulated by variation in the rate of PS synthesis during the day.     

Uptake of Iron (59Fe) Complexed to Water‐Extractable Humic Substances by Sunflower Leaves

Abstract

A research was carried out to evaluate the leaves' ability to utilize Fe supplied as a complex with water‐extractable humic substances (WEHS) and the long‐distance transport of ⁵⁹Fe applied to sections of fully expanded leaves of intact sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Plants were grown in a nutrient solution containing 10 µM Fe(III)‐EDDHA (Fe‐sufficient plants), with the addition of 10 mM NaHCO₃ to induce iron chlorosis (Fe‐deficient plants). Fe(III)‐WEHS could be reduced by sunflower leaf discs at levels comparable to those observed using Fe(III)‐EDTA, regardless of the Fe status. On the other hand, ⁵⁹Fe uptake rate by leaf discs of green and chlorotic plants was significantly lower in Fe‐WEHS‐treated plants, possibly suggesting the effect of light on photochemical reduction of Fe‐EDTA. In the experiments with intact plants, ⁵⁹Fe‐labeled Fe‐WEHS or Fe‐EDTA were applied onto a section of fully expanded leaves. Irrespective of Fe nutritional status, ⁵⁹Fe uptake was significantly higher when the treatment was carried out with Fe‐EDTA. A significant difference was found in the amount of ⁵⁹Fe translocated from treated leaf area between green and chlorotic plants. However, irrespective of the Fe nutritional status, no significant difference was observed in the absolute amount of ⁵⁹Fe translocated to other plant parts when the micronutrient was supplied either as Fe‐EDTA or Fe‐WEHS. Results show that the utilization of Fe complexed to WEHS by sunflower leaves involves an Fe(III) reduction step in the apoplast prior to its uptake by the symplast of leaf cells and that Fe taken up from the Fe‐WEHS complexes can be translocated from fully expanded leaves towards the roots and other parts of the shoot.     

Mitigation of alkaline stress by arbuscular mycorrhiza in zucchini plants grown under mineral and organic fertilization

A greenhouse experiment was carried out during the spring–summer 2009 to test the hypotheses that: (1) arbuscular‐mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation with a biofertilizer containing Glomus intraradices gives an advantage to overcome alkalinity problems, (2) mineral fertilization is more detrimental to AM development than organic fertilization on an equivalent nutrient basis. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and non‐AM of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) plants were grown in sand culture with two pH levels in the nutrient solution (6.0 or 8.1) and two fertilization regimes (organic or mineral). The high‐pH nutrient solution had the same basic composition as the low‐pH solution, plus an additional 10 mM NaHCO₃ and 0.5 g L^–1 CaCO₃. Increasing the concentration of NaHCO₃ from 0 to 10 mM in the nutrient solution significantly decreased yield, plant growth, SPAD index, net assimilation of CO₂ (A_CO2), N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentration in leaf tissue. The +AM plants under alkaline conditions had higher total, marketable yield and total biomass compared to –AM plants. The higher yield and biomass production in +AM plants seems to be related to the capacity of maintaining higher SPAD index, net A_CO2, and to a better nutritional status (high P, K, Fe, Mn, and Zn and low Na accumulation) in response to bicarbonate stress with respect to –AM plants. The percentage root colonization was significantly higher in organic‐fertilized (35.7%) than in mineral‐fertilized plants (11.7%). Even though the AM root colonization was higher in organic‐fertilized plants, the highest yield and biomass production were observed in mineral‐fertilized plants due to the better nutritional status (higher N, P, Ca, and Mg), higher leaf area, SPAD index, and A_CO2.     

CORRELATION BETWEEN YIELD,MUST ATTRIBUTES AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE GREEK RED WINE GRAPE VARIETY ‘AGIORGITIKO’

The appropriate tissue and sampling time for the Greek wine-grape variety ‘Agiorgitiko’ nutritional diagnosis was to be evaluated by relating leaf tissue nutrient contents with the yield and must potassium (K), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA). At bloom, véraison and harvest, leaves opposite the basal cluster (LOBC) and youngest mature leaves (YML) were harvested, and soil and berry samples were collected from six vineyards in Nemea, Greece. Petiole K concentration of the LOBC was found to be better correlated with the yield, TSS, TA and must K than the blade or whole leaf K content; the contrary was observed in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations. The LOBC reflected better the nutritional status of the variety compared to the YML. Regarding the sampling time, petiole K presented stronger correlations with yield and must K, TSS, TA at harvest whereas N and P at bloom and véraison.     

Macronutrient omission and the development and nutritional status of basil in nutritive solution

The correct nutrition of basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) is important to increase its production and quality; however, few papers have deal with this subject. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of omission of individual macronutrients on the growth and nutritional status of basil cultivated in nutritive solution. The treatments consisted of nutrient solutions with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium or sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, or S) omissions and a complete solution treatment. The plants were cultivated in 8 L plant pots. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, plant dry matter, concentration levels of macronutrients in the aerial part and root system, and nutritional disorders were all evaluated. Nutrient omission was a limiting factor for plant development, substantially reducing its growth. There was also a considerable decrease in nutrient accumulation when compared to the control treatment.     

考虑植株氮垂直分布的夏玉米营养诊断敏感位点筛选

探明夏玉米氮素营养生化指标(叶绿素a、叶绿素b、类胡萝卜素、叶片氮含量和叶片氮积累量)与叶片SPAD值垂直分布特征及两者间定量回归关系,确立基于叶绿素仪的夏玉米氮营养无损诊断敏感叶位和叶片部位,以实现氮营养时空变化的快捷和精准监测。利用2018-2019年连续2季不同氮营养水平下夏玉米关键生育期主茎各叶位(顶1叶~顶12叶,TL1~TL12)和叶片部位(每张叶片从叶片基部开始根据叶片长度每20%分为1个测试区间) SPAD值及氮营养指标数据,研究基于偏最小二乘(partial least square, PLS)回归模型的夏玉米不同位点SPAD值与氮营养指标间关系,确定可稳定指示夏玉米氮营养空间异质性变化的敏感叶位及叶片部位。结果表明,不同叶位间夏玉米叶片SPAD值和氮营养指标于植株间分布均呈典型的"钟型"特征,至TL5或TL6时达至峰值。同一叶位不同部位间SPAD值由20%至100%位点时则逐步升高,且80%~100%位点间无显著差异(P>0.05)。PLS分析结果显示,夏玉米不同叶位SPAD值与氮营养指标间模型精度决定系数(coefficient of determination, R2)和相对分析误差(relative percent deviation,RPD)范围分别为0.693~0.821和1.425~2.744。不同测试位点R2和RPD值范围则分别为0.660~0.847和1.607~2.451,满足模型精确诊断需求。此后,基于PLS模型中各叶位和叶片部位无量纲评价指标变量重要性投影值(variable importance for projection,VIP),确定顶4叶(TL4)完展叶60%~80%区间为夏玉米氮营养诊断的敏感区域,VIP值均高于临界值1.40,预测效果较为理想。研究可为实现氮营养的高效、快捷诊断和精准施氮提供参考。     

Leaf resorption efficiency in relation to foliar and soil nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cunninghamia lanceolata</Emphasis> with stand development in southern China

Purpose

The relationships among resorption, leaf nutrient status, and soil nutrient availability remain unresolved. Moreover, the dynamics of resorption in leaf and soil nutrients and stoichiometry during development of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) stands have rarely been studied. This study quantified the resorption efficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and their potential correlations with stoichiometric ratios in leaf and soil as Chinese fir stands develop, and also evaluated the nutritional control on resorption in the stands based on the “relative resorption hypothesis.”

Materials and methods

Leaf and soil samples were collected from Chinese fir stands at different developmental stages (young, mature, and overmature) at the Xinkou National Forest in southern China. Samples of green leaves were collected from different portions of the crown from representative trees in different seasons. Samples of senesced leaves were collected from litter traps placed under the representative trees every month. Soils were sampled at three depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm). Samples of green and senesced leaves were analyzed to determine nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations, stoichiometric ratios, and resorption efficiencies. Soil samples were also analyzed for nutrient concentrations (organic matter, N, P, and K) and stoichiometric ratios.

Results and discussion

P (75 %) and K (77 %) resorption efficiencies were higher than N resorption efficiency (57 %) but did not vary among the stands. However, K resorption efficiency decreased from the young to the overmature stage. N and P resorption efficiencies were influenced by season, and leaf nutrient stoichiometric ratios varied with stand stage. Green-leaf N and P concentrations, and senesced-leaf K concentration increased with stand developmental stage. The concentrations of N, P, and K decreased with soil depth, and there was no interaction effect of stand stage and soil depth on stoichiometric ratios of the soil nutrients. The correlation results showed that nutrient resorption efficiencies were mostly affected by leaf nutrient status, but seldom by soil nutrient concentration and stoichiometry.

Conclusions

The results suggest Chinese fir might preferentially resorb P and K from senescing leaves prior to abscission. Based on the relative resorption hypothesis the Chinese fir plantations are more limited by P and that resorption may be an important mechanism to conserve nutrients in these stands in order to reduce dependence on soil nutrient pools. There is an indication that stand development affects these processes; however, the resorption process and internal mechanism need to be further investigated for the long term.

     

Sample Washing Procedures Influence Mineral Element Concentrations in Zinc‐Sprayed Apple Leaves

Abstract

Widespread use of postbloom zinc (Zn) nutritional sprays in tree fruit and nut orchards can lead to substantial surface contamination of apple leaf samples by Zn spray residue, which complicates diagnosis of tree Zn status and Zn nutritional requirements. Detergent washing alone substantially reduced the Zn, iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) concentrations of Zn‐sprayed Golden Delicious apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) leaves compared to unwashed leaves. Adding a 0.1M HCl washing step further reduced leaf Zn concentration, but had no additional effect of leaf Fe and Al concentrations. There was evidence for nitrogen (N) and sodium (Na) contamination of the leaf samples, possibly from chemical components of the detergent washing solution. The results indicate that the detergent washing is critical for eliminating Fe or Al contamination introduced by dust or soil adhering to leaves collected from trees grown in dusty environments or impacted by soil splash. Adding the acid wash should improve the estimate of the physiologically meaningful Zn concentration in Zn‐sprayed leaf tissue; however, the resulting leaf Zn concentrations may still be biased by a small and possibly variable amount of Zn spray residue.     

NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS L. AND WASHINGTONIA ROBUSTA H. WENDL PALM TREES AND THEIR LONG-TERM NUTRITIONAL RESPONSES TO SALINITY

The ornamental value of plants used in semiarid areas can be improved by knowledge of their required nutrients and of their nutritional responses under saline conditions. We present a long-term study concerning the nutritional status in Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia robusta. Two-year-old plants were grown for two years outdoors in pots using water with electrical conductivity values of 2 (control) or 8 dS m^?1 (saline conditions). Nutrient specific absorption rates and leaf nutrient transport rates were estimated by fitting a Richards function regression. We suggest fertilizing C. humilis and W. robusta plants with nitrogen (N): phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅): dipotassium oxide (K₂O) ratios of 4:1:5 and 5:1:3, respectively. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Plant Analysis with Standardized Scores (PASS) norms were also evaluated. PASS norms provided better nutritional diagnosis than DRIS norms. In saline conditions, PASS-INI (Independent nutrient index) pointed to a deficiency (C. humilis and of nitrogen in W. robusta.     

VARIABILITY OF THE RESPONSE TO SODIUM CHLORIDE OF EIGHT ECOTYPES OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA

ABSTRACT

The variability of the sensitivity to sodium chloride (NaCl) in relation with leaf ionic content has been explored in Arabidopsis thaliana. Seedlings of eight ecotypes (WS, COL, LER, NOK0, NOK1, NOK2, NW40, and N273) were grown on a peat substrate mixed or not with 50?mM NaCl. The effect of NaCl treatment on rosette leaf dry weight after 18 days (vegetative stage) was used to establish a scale of sensitivity to salt, where COL was the most sensitive ecotype and NOK2 the more tolerant one. The tolerance to NaCl was associated to a better growth of plants, responsible for a dilution of Na⁺ in leaf tissues, and to a better supply of K⁺ to leaves. These two characteristics were responsible for maintenance of a high K/Na ratio in leaves of to the most tolerant ecotypes (NOK1, NOK2), as compared to the other ones. Responses of leaf peroxidase activity to a five-day treatment with NaCl in light and darkness conditions suggest that oxidative status is changed only in the sensitive ecotypes.     

Growth Response and Nutrient Uptake of Eriobotrya japonica Plants Inoculated with Three Isolates of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Under Water Stress Condition

Mycorrhizal technique is a promising biotechnology in horticultural industry, benefiting plants exposed to diverse abiotic stresses. In this study, the effects of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Acaulospora laevis, Glomus mosseae, and Glomus caledonium on plant growth and nutrient uptake of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) seedlings under three water regimes (well watered, water stressed-slight, water stressed-heavy) were investigated. Results showed that inoculated seedlings had higher dry biomass, plant height, and total leaf areas than those un-inoculated ones. AMF effect was the greatest for water stressed-heavy seedlings, followed by water stressed-slight seedlings and well watered seedlings. All AMF species increased the uptake of nitrogen (N) potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and the mycorrhizal contributions to the nutrient uptake were positively related to that to the biomass. Data suggest that AMF inoculation increases the tolerance of loquat seedlings to drought stress, and the improved nutrient uptake by AMF contributes greatly to the tolerance.     

SEASONAL FLUCTUATION AND INTRACANOPY VARIATION IN LEAF NITROGEN LEVEL IN OLIVE

Seasonal fluctuation and intracanopy variation in leaf nitrogen (N) of bearing olive (Olea europaea L.) was assessed. The N concentration was high and stable during the wintertime (about 1.8% dwt). With the advancement of vegetative growth and reproductive development, N concentration in the leaves decreased sharply, reaching the lowest value (about 1.45 to 1.50% dwt) in summer months June, July, and early August, coincident with early fruit development. Among intracanopy factors studied, the largest single influence on N concentration was light exposure. Thus on average, over all leaf types and canopy heights, leaves from the south side of the tree had 11.8% more N than north side leaves. Consistencies with regarding sampling time, canopy locations, height, and nodal position of the leaf are critical for diagnosis of N status in the olive.     

Nutrient Status in Oak Forests in Galicia,Northwest Spain: Foliar and Soil Concentration

The concentration of edaphic and foliar nutrients is an important factor in assessing the nutritional status of an ecosystem. This article presents data on the macronutrients in leaves and topsoil in Quercus robur forests located in northwest Spain. The aim is to evaluate the nutrient level explained by foliar and soil standard values and establish their relationships. We calculated the following nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Plots 10 × 10 m were laid out and replicated three times. Soil was collected once per month with three samples from the topsoil, and leaves were collected once every 2 months during the vegetative period. Within the results, we emphasize the absence of nutrient deficiencies. The leaf macronutrient results differed by stand. Soil fertility can be considered low to medium, except for phosphorus and potassium, as compared with soils under pine and eucalyptus. There was no relationship between macronutrients in topsoil and leaves.