Nitrogen Forms Modify Growth Response and Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements by Wheat Genotypes in Nickel‐Contaminated Soil

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of nitrogen (N) forms on growth and accumulation of nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) by wheat genotypes viz. Lasani‐2008 and Sahar‐2006 is investigated. Genotypes are grown in Ni‐contaminated soil with different N forms viz. urea, NH4–N, mixed N (NH4–NO3), and NO3–N. Lasani‐2008 produces maximum shoot dry weight (SDW) with NO3–N while Sahar‐2006 produces maximum SDW with NH4–N. Lasani‐2008 has higher SDW (24%), greenness index (7%), photosynthetic rate (18%), and transpiration rate (29%) compared to Sahar‐2006. This genotype accumulates more N with mixed N (NH4–NO3) and NH4–N and has 47% higher remediation factor. Lasani‐2008 contains 43% more Ni and maximum Zn in roots with NH4–N while minimum with NO3–N. Lasani‐2008 accumulates Ni and Zn more in shoots while Sahar‐2006 retains more Ni in roots. Sahar‐2006 contains 16% higher Mn in shoot compared to Lasani‐2008. Manganese is maximum with NO3–N followed by urea in roots. It is concluded that genotypes differ for Ni accumulation in response to N forms. Lasani‐2008 proves effective for remediation of Ni‐contaminated soils while Sahar‐2006 can be a good choice for restricting the entry of potentially toxic elements into food chain.