Waterlogged Conditions Influence the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sugar Distribution in Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) at Seedling Stages.

Aidil Azhar,Daisuke Sugiura,Koki Asano,Mana Kano-Nakata,Hiroshi Ehara

doi:10.3390/plants11050710

Aidil Azhar, Daisuke Sugiura + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050710

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Abstract

Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) grows in well-drained mineral soil and in peatland with high groundwater levels until complete submersion. However, the published information on nutrient uptake and carbohydrate content in sago palms growing under waterlogging remains unreported. This experiment observed sago palm growth performance under normal soil conditions (non-submerged conditions) as a control plot and extended waterlogged conditions. Several parameters were analyzed: Plant morphological growth traits, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sugar concentration in the plant organ, including sucrose, glucose, starch, and non-structural carbohydrate. The analysis found that sago palm morphological growth traits were not significantly affected by extended waterlogging. However, waterlogging reduced carbohydrate levels in the upper part of the sago palm, especially the petiole, and increased sugar levels, especially glucose, in roots. Waterlogging also reduced N concentration in roots and leaflets and P in petioles. The K level was independent of waterlogging as the sago palm maintained a sufficient level in all of the plant organs. Long duration waterlogging may reduce the plant’s economic value as the starch level in the trunk decreases, although sago palm can grow while waterlogged.

Highlights

We found that within a certain period of waterlogging, sago palm maintained the higher net photosynthetic rate than in normal soil water conditions
In our other unpublished study, we found that K concentration in the sago palm grown in peat soil with low nutrient levels was comparatively higher than in mineral soil with higher soil nutrient levels
Air temperature ranged from 29–33 ◦ C, and relative humidity ranged from 50–60%, consistent with optimal air conditions for sago palm photosynthetic performance [24]

Summary

Introduction

Variability in the period and duration of precipitation causes major issues for agricultural practice in some areas, especially where waterlogging occurs. Abiotic stress caused by waterlogging is a major impediment to crop growth. The low O2 level in soil restricts water and nutrient uptake by roots. O2 is the acceptor of the electron in mitochondrial electron transport. Low O2 causes respiration to shift metabolism from the aerobic to anaerobic mode [1,2]. When the water and nutrient distribution from roots to leaflets is inhibited, the leaf photosynthetic performance will be automatically restricted

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