Effect of N supply on shoot and root mineral composition in Retama raetam

Abstract

In deserts, biological processes decrease at the end of the vegetation period by lack of soil moisture and increasing heat. Important processes for plant nutrient uptake are negatively affected like N fixation, litter decomposition and denitrification. Desert plants must therefore adapt their mineral household towards best use of available nutrients and storage of minerals in perennial organs. Here we studied this pattern by experiments of the effect of nitrogen nutrition on mineral concentration and plant growth of Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb. Berth for two years in sand culture. In summary, the mineral household of R raetam seems to be well adapted to unfavourable desert habitat independent from the N source and N level.