A comparison of NH4+ and NO3– net fluxes along roots of rice and maize

Abstract

Net fluxes of NH4+ and NO3– along adventitious roots of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and the primary seminal root of maize (Zea mays L.) were investigated under nonperturbing conditions using ion‐selective microelectrodes. The roots of rice contained a layer of sclerenchymatous fibres on the external side of the cortex, whereas this structure was absent in maize. Net uptake of NH4+ was faster than that of NO3– at 1 mm behind the apex of both rice and maize roots when these ions were supplied together, each at 0·1 mol m–3. In rice, NH4+ net uptake declined in the more basal regions, whereas NO3– net uptake increased to a maximum at 21 mm behind the apex and then it also declined. Similar patterns of net uptake were observed when NH4+ or NO3– was the sole nitrogen source, although the rates of NO3– net uptake were faster in the absence of NH4+. In contrast to rice, rates of NH4+ and NO3– net uptake in the more basal regions of maize roots were similar to those near the root apex. Hence, the layer of sclerenchymatous fibres may have limited ion absorption in the older regions of rice roots.