Shoot and root biomass, phosphorus and nitrogen uptake of spring wheat grown in low phosphorus and moisture content conditions in a pot experiment

Abstract

A pot experiment was done in a greenhouse to investigate the effect of low phosphorus (P) and moisture content on growth and yield components of four spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. Days to emergence of seedlings were shortened, plant height, tiller number, and SPAD (Soil-Plant Analyses Development) index of the leaves were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by low P. Root and shoot biomass, nitrogen and P uptake decreased significantly with low moisture and P content in the potting mix. Moisture and P interactions had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on shoot and root biomass and P uptake and these variables were closely related to each other with regression (Coefficient of determination R2) values ranging from 0.72 to 0.90. The study underlines the strong relationship between moisture, P availability and uptake and provides more information on P nutrition during the vegetative stage of wheat in moisture and P deficient soils.