EFFECTS OF FOLIAR AND SOIL CALCIUM APPLICATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TABLE GRAPE CV. ‘THOMPSON SEEDLESS’

Table grape quality and firmness are key parameters for Chile's export, given distances from the main markets. As a consequence, calcium (Ca) fertilization has become a standard practice in the country, although its effects have not been fully evaluated. The objectives in this study were to investigate the effects of calcium fertilization on table grape nutrition and quality. A two-year field trial was conducted in central Chile, using grapevines (Vitis vinifera) cv. ‘Thompson seedless’, grown on an overhead trellis system. Calcium (CaCl₂) application treatments included foliar, soil, foliar plus soil, and a control without Ca fertilization. Calcium and other nutrients concentration were determined afterwards in soil, leaves, and berries. Also, yield and some fruit quality parameters were evaluated. Calcium application method did not have an effect on soil, leaf or fruit Ca content, neither on yield and berry sugar concentration, with levels being similar to the control treatment. Additionally, in treatments where CaCl₂ was applied to soil, chlorides concentration in soil, leaves, and berries were higher. Also, berries were larger, more turgent, with lower dry matter and larger cells. In the second season, in these same treatments, berry firmness at harvest was higher, but this effect disappeared after the storage simulation period. These results question the validity that Ca applications might improve table grape postharvest quality for growing conditions similar to the ones in this experiment. The temporal changes in berry quality parameters were attributed to higher Cl soil content and the associated plant osmoregulatory mechanisms.     

MODELING GROWTH AND ION CONCENTRATION OF LILIUM IN RESPONSE TO NITROGEN:POTASSIUM:CALCIUM MIXTURE SOLUTIONS

Nutrient solution composition plays an important role in root uptake rate due to interactions among nutrients and internal regulation. Studies to determine the optimum nutrient solution concentration are focused on individual ions, ignoring the adaptation mechanisms triggered by plants when growing in a varying external nutrient concentration. The objective of the present study was to determine the response in growth and tissue ion concentration of lilium cv. ‘Navona’ to nutrient mixtures of varying proportions of nitrogen (N), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) in solution using mixture experiments methodology in order to determine the optimum concentration. Bulbs of lilium were transplanted in plastic crates and drip-irrigated with the treatment solutions, which consisted of a mixture of N, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ whose total concentration was 340 mg L^?1 and minimum concentrations of each ion was 34 mg L^?1. Chlorophyll concentration (SPAD), shoot fresh weight (FW), leaf FW, and leaf area were measured 60 days after transplanting and ion analysis was performed on shoot tissues from selected treatments. Lilium exhibited a moderate demand for N and K⁺ (136–170 mg L^?1 N and 116–136 mg L^?1 K⁺) and a very low demand for Ca²⁺ (34–88 mg · L^?1). This low demand may be due to the remobilization of the nutrients stored in the bulbs. Integrating the predictions of the models estimated to produce >90% of maximum growth, the optimum nutrient solution should contain Ca²⁺ at a concentration between 34 and 126 mg · L^?1, K⁺ between 119 and 211 mg · L^?1, and N between 92 mg · L^?1 and 211 mg · L^?1. Increasing external N concentration affected internal N concentration but not internal K⁺ or Ca²⁺ concentrations, despite that the increase in external N was associated with a decrease in external K⁺ and Ca²⁺. Similar trends were observed for external K⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentration. In conclusion, lilium was able to maintain a relatively constant K⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentration regardless of the lower concentration in the nutrient solution when N was increased (similar response was observed for K⁺ and Ca²⁺) and it has a low Ca²⁺ demand and moderate N and K⁺ supply.     

NUTRIENT UPTAKE,PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES,AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) EXPOSED TO EARLY AND LATE DROUGHT STRESS

The response of different wheat cultivars to drought imposed after three and six weeks of seedling emergence was evaluated in the wire house. The seeds of recommended local wheat cultivars were sown in plastic pots. The drought stress decreased the water relation, nutrient uptake and grain yield of all the wheat cultivars. The early drought stress significantly reduced the nitrogen (N) uptake by 38% while late drought stress decreased nitrogen uptake by 46%. The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake were decreased by 49% and 37% under early drought stress, respectively while their uptake was decreased by 51% each under late drought stress. Grain yield was reduced by 24% under early drought stress while it was reduced by 60% under late drought stress. Water deficit at early growth stages reduced grain weight by 10% while it was reduced by 35% under water deficit at later stages of growth.     

RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF NUTRIENT ELEMENTS IN FINGERED CITRON LEAF USING NEAR INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY

In order to provide references for leaf nutrition diagnosis of fingered citron, the technique of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was introduced to analyze nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in the dry-leaf samples of fingered citron. The best calibration model for N was developed with high RSQ_CAL (0.90), SD/SECV (2.73) and low SEC (1.06 mg g^?1), good calibration models were obtained for P, K, Fe and Mn, and no significant correlations were found between the spectra and the individual amounts of Zn and Cu. When tested using a validation set (n = 38), N was well predicted with low values of SEP (1.21 mg g^?1) and high RPD (2.5). The values of SEP and RPD were also acceptable for the external validation of P, Fe and Mn. Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis technique shows potential of diagnosing minerals in fingered citron, particularly for N, P, Fe and Mn.     

Response of soil properties and yam yield to Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) mulches

Plant materials differ in their chemical composition, rate of decomposition and suitability as mulch materials. Experiments were conducted during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 cropping seasons for early yam cultivation at Owo in the forest–savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria to study the effect of Chromolaena odorata and Tithonia diversifolia mulches applied at 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 t ha^?1 on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient composition, growth and tuber yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir). Both C. odorata and T. diversifolia mulches reduced soil bulk density and temperature; increased concentrations of soil organic matter (SOM), total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg, leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg; enhanced growth and yield of yam compared with control. The values of SOM, total N and available P and leaf N and P concentrations increased with increasing mulch rate. C. odorata mulch and T. diversifolia mulch applied at 10.0 and 7.5 t ha^?1, respectively, was found to be suitable for yam production. T. diversifolia mulch compared with C. odorata mulch produced higher values of soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth and yield of yam. T. diversifolia mulch produced 19% and 18% higher tuber yield compared with C. odorata mulch during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 cropping seasons, respectively.     

Effect of biofertilizers on the nutrient availability in soil in relation to growth,yield and yield attributes of Stevia rebaudiana

A field experiment was conducted at Rani Chandramma Agricultural University (Arabhavi, Belgaum), Karnataka, India, in basic soil to study the nutrient availability in soil, yield and yield attributes of the medicinal plant stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). The results showed that the availability of nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soil increased up to the fifth month; and thereafter, decreased by the same amount with the progress of the plant growth up to the sixth month, irrespective of treatments. Results also showed that the fresh and dry biomass yields significantly increased up to the sixth month with different treatments, but the yield attributes like plant height and the number of branches were observed to be varied with various treatments, being highest in the combined application of biofertilizers over that of their corresponding sole applications.     

井冈山国家级自然保护区森林土壤养分含量的空间变化

以井冈山国家级自然保护区为研究区,采集了57个土壤剖面的5个不同深度(0~10、10~20、20~40、40~60、60 cm)的土壤样品,对土壤样品的有机碳、全氮、全磷和全钾等指标进行了测定,并结合森林类型数据和DEM高程数据,对不同森林类型及高程条件下的土壤养分状况进行比较分析。结果表明:①土壤有机碳含量最大,全磷含量最小,各土壤养分含量均随土壤深度的增加而递减;②土壤类型的空间分布呈现海拔梯度特征,黄棕壤的分布海拔最高,依次为黄壤、黄红壤,红壤的分布海拔最低;③全磷、有机碳及C/N随着海拔高度的上升呈增加趋势。全钾含量随着海拔高度的上升呈下降趋势;④不同森林类型土壤养分存在差异,常绿阔叶林、落叶阔叶林和常绿落叶阔叶混交林的各土壤养分含量均较高;山顶矮林和温性针叶林除全氮和全钾含量外,其他土壤养分值显著高于其他林型;竹林及灌木林的土壤养分条件相对较差;⑤不同森林类型土壤养分含量的空间分布规律与其分布的海拔高度范围有关。     

Integrated Management of Organic Manures and Chemical Fertilizers for Enhancing Paddy Yield and the Nutrient Content of Rice Cultivars

The integrated nutrient management with organic manure and chemical fertilizers can improve rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, soil health, and fertility. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of organic manures and chemical fertilizers on the yield and nutrient content of wetland rice under field conditions. It was conducted in northern Iran in two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016 as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replications. Two local rice cultivars, Tarom Hashemi and Tarom Mahalli, were chosen as the first factor; mineral fertilizers in four levels: 100% recommended nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), 75% recommended nitrogen with 100% phosphorus-potassium (PK), 75% recommended phosphorus with 100% nitrogen-potassium (NK), and 75% recommended potassium with 100% nitrogen-phosphorus (NP), were selected based on soil analysis and were arranged as the second factor; and three levels of organic manures, namely zero and eight tons of vermicompost per hectare, and 10 tons of rotted manure per hectare was the third factor. Results revealed that the highest paddy yield occurs with vermicompost and manure consumption for both cultivars. Moreover, the highest paddy yield (3962 kg ha^?1) occurs with 100% recommended NPK and vermicompost consumption. For both cultivars, the most chlorophyll a and chlorophyll ab content was produced with application of 100% recommended NPK. The most grain nitrogen content, grain nitrogen uptake, protein content, and protein yield were observed with 100% recommended NPK applied with 10 tons of rotted manure and eight tons of vermicompost usage per hectare. Therefore, in view of the ever-increasing use of chemical fertilizers and irreversible damage thereby, the additional use of these compounds can benefit the environment and human health. The global attention to sustainable agricultural concepts and organic manure can, in addition to producing reasonable yields, be considered as an appropriate alternative to chemical fertilizers.     

Nitrogen release dynamics of a slow release urea pellet and its effect on growth,yield, and nutrient uptake of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Manure urea pellets were produced and their nitrogen release rate was evaluated in soil incubation at different water contents of 90, 75, and 60% soil filed capacity (FC). In another experiment, sweet basil growth was evaluated during eight months (with three shoot harvests) under the pellet application. The nitrogen release and pellet dispersion rates were slow after two months or at lower soil water content (60% FC), but they were significant after four months of soil incubation, or at higher soil water content (75 or particularly 90% FC). Application of pelleted urea reduced plant growth and yield at first harvest than urea treatment. However, at second and particularly at third harvest (and the average of three harvests) significant improvement in growth parameters of SPAD value, leaf area, plant height, shoot fresh weight, pot yield, and` leaf N and K concentrations were achieved by application of pelleted urea fertilization.     

田间烤烟叶片缺钾症状与钾积累及土壤供钾水平关系

基于田间正常施肥烟株生长中期中、上部叶通常出现缺钾症状的现象,以烤烟品种K326为材料在砂质壤土上进行了田间试验,定期观察无钾(即K0,仅按常规施用氮磷肥,K_2O用量为0 kg·hm~(–2))、常规施肥但中后期出现缺钾症状(即CF,按常规施用氮磷钾肥,K_2O用量为364 kg·hm~(–2)但中后期仍有缺钾症状)、常规施肥且正常生长(即CK,按常规施用氮磷钾肥,K_2O用量为364 kg·hm~(–2)但中后期无缺钾症状)3处理烟株移栽后生长情况(特别是叶片缺钾症状的出现情况),并及时采集和测定了相应烟株的干物质、钾含量及根区土壤速效钾含量,以阐明正常施肥烤烟中、上部叶出现缺钾症状的可能原因。结果表明:(1)CF和K0烟株在移栽后33 d前叶片均未出现缺钾症状;但根区土壤速效钾含量移栽后42 d低于99.86 mg·kg~(–1)时,K0烟株第8～第15叶陆续表现缺钾;CF烟株根区土壤速效钾含量移栽后57 d低于131.1mg·kg~(–1)时,第12～第16叶也相继缺钾,而其他叶位叶片正常。(2)从移栽至42 d,CK和K0烟株干物质和钾素累积量虽皆明显增加,但K0烟株总量偏低趋势愈发显著;至移栽后57 d期间,CK和K0烟株前述两个指标继续增加,但此期CF干物质累积有相似的增加趋势,而钾素累积与出现缺钾症状前相比(即移栽后42 d时CK)则略有减少;(3)移栽后42 d至57 d,CF烟株上、中部叶和K0烟株上部叶钾净输出明显,而茎中净输入显著,其他器官或部位总体持平或略有增加;CK烟株上部叶钾素输入、输出维持平衡,其他器官有净增加。(4)生长期间,CK烟叶钾含量皆表现出随叶位上升而呈总体下降,K0烟叶前期有相似规律,但移栽后42 d、57 d呈"上升-下降-上升",CF于移栽后57 d为"下降-上升"趋势。上述结果说明,K0烟株移栽后42 d中部叶开始缺钾是钾整体吸收不足所致,后期则兼有上部叶钾净输出原因;CF烟株出现中、上部叶缺钾而下部叶正常则有3个原因,一是后期体内干物质累积持续增加导致的稀释;二是此期整株钾累积不仅未增加,且有下降;三是CF烟株中、上部叶钾净输出增加。