Adequate Plant Growth Research Articles

Algumas considerações sobre as exigências nutricionais das gramíneas forrageiras tropicais

Over the years have studied soils, forage crops and nutrition of ruminants separately. However the soil-plant-animal is complex and interdependent, which can lead to failure of the production system if the inclusion of forage is inadequate. When thinking about deployment or persistence of cultivated pastures of the main factors to take into consideration is the adequate supply of nutrients in the soil, thus ensuring an adequate plant growth. Lack or non-application of these nutrients contributes to accelerate the degradation of cultivated pastures, hence the decrease in live weight gain per area. However, it is important to determine the levels of these critical elements so you can do a job without any kind of degradation. The deficiency of these nutrients in the soil will be a determining factor in the physical structure (thin stems, stunted, and somewhat resistant to tipping, while the leaves are small, yellowish, or yellow-orange, with necrotic spots on the tips and margins increased intensity drying of leaves), yield (dry matter) and quality (protein). The objectives of this review are to discuss the nutritional requirements of the species of grasses of the genera Panicum, Brachiaria, Andropogon, Cynodon, Pennisetum and Cenchrus, and their respective peculiarities, that affect forage production.

Wood Ash Fertilization on Structural Characteristics and Chlorophyll Index of Tropical Forage Grasses

The appropriate nutrient supply via fertilization is essential for an adequate plant growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics and chlorophyll index of Marandu and Xaraes grasses fertilized with wood ash. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse; the experimental design was entirely randomized, with 12 treatments and six replications arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme: two forage grasses (Marandu and Xaraes) and six wood ash doses (0; 3; 6; 9; 12; and 15 g·dm-3). Each plot was composed of pots with 7 dm3 soil and five plants. Soil moisture was maintained by the gravimetric method at 60% of the maximum soil water retention capacity. Three harvests of the plant aerial part were performed at 30-day intervals. The evaluated characteristics were plant height, leaf number, tiller number, and chlorophyll index. Results were submitted to the variance analysis by F test and, after verification of the significant effects on Marandu and Xaraes characteristics, were also submitted to Tukey test; the wood ash doses were evaluated according to the regression analysis at 5% probability. Wood ash doses ranging from 10.15 to 15 g·dm-3 resulted in quadratic responses of plant height, leaf number, and tiller number for both Marandu and Xaraes grasses. The highest values of chlorophyll index derived from wood ash doses of 9.44 and 10.92 g·dm-3, with increments greater than 50%, 25%, and 9% at the first, second, and third harvests, respectively. The wood ash, when used as a fertilizer, improves structural characteristics and increases chlorophyll indices of Marandu and Xaraes grasses cultivated in Cerrado Rhodic Hapludox.

A macromineral survey of Louisiana beef cow-calf production systems

The survey purpose was to determine the state and regional macromineral status of Louisiana beef cow/calf production systems. Serum, forage, soil, and water were sampled from fall 2007 to spring 2009 at Louisiana beef-cattle operations (n = 25), which were divided into 7 regions (northwest, northeast, central, southwest, south central, Florida parishes, and southeast). Serum samples were collected twice annually in fall and spring, forage samples were collected quarterly, and soil and water were collected annually. The forage concentrations of Ca (0.42%); serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and S (9.0, 1.9, 303.3, and 103.3 mg/100 mL, respectively); soil concentrations of P, Na, and S (56.3, 88.4, and 29.7 mg/kg, respectively); and water concentrations of Na (84.7 mg/kg) were not different (P > 0.05) among regions. For all serum samples, less than 10% of Ca, 57% of Mg, and 14% of Na were less than reported lower critical levels in serum; 40% of Ca, 45% of P, small percentage of K, 70% of Na, and 7% of S were less than the minimum reported for appropriate nutrition in forage for beef cattle. All macromineral concentrations were above critical levels in soil as required for adequate plant growth. Water Na concentrations in regions northeast, southwest, south central, and Florida parishes were at desirable levels reported for livestock. Using serum as an indicator, the results indicated Louisiana cattle maintained adequate macromineral status and perhaps are partially reflective of the macromineral supplementation programs used throughout the state.

Growth dynamics and yield of melon as influenced by nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen (N) is an important nutrient for melon (Cucumis melo L.) production. However there is scanty information about the amount necessary to maintain an appropriate balance between growth and yield. Melon vegetative organs must develop sufficiently to intercept light and accumulate water and nutrients but it is also important to obtain a large reproductive-vegetative dry weight ratio to maximize the fruit yield. We evaluated the influence of different N amounts on the growth, production of dry matter and fruit yield of a melon 'Piel de sapo' type. A three-year field experiment was carried out from May to September. Melons were subjected to an irrigation depth of 100% crop evapotranspiration and to 11 N fertilization rates, ranging 11 to 393 kg ha-1 in the three years. The dry matter production of leaves and stems increased as the N amount increased. The dry matter of the whole plant was affected similarly, while the fruit dry matter decreased as the N amount was increased above 112, 93 and 95 kg ha-1, in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI), 3.1, was obtained at 393 kg ha-1 of N. The lowest N supply reduced the fruit yield by 21%, while the highest increased the vegetative growth, LAI and Leaf Area Duration (LAD), but reduced yield by 24% relative to the N93 treatment. Excessive applications of N increase vegetative growth at the expense of reproductive growth. For this melon type, rates about 90-100 kg ha-1 of N are sufficient for adequate plant growth, development and maximum production. To obtain fruit yield close to the maximum, the leaf N concentration at the end of the crop cycle should be higher than 19.5 g kg-1.

Solubility and Leaching of Boron from Borax and Colemanite in Flooded Acidic Soils

Boron (B) is a micronutrient essential for adequate plant growth. Borax (Na2B4O7·10H2O) and colemanite (Ca2B6O11·5H2O) are common B fertilizer materials, the former being widely used worldwide. Boron is completely water soluble and subjected to leaching. In this study, the dissolution kinetics of both borax and colemanite in deionized water and at pH 3.8, 5.2, 6.5, and 8.2 were determined. Soils incubated with minerals for 40 days and 80 pore volumes of leachates from repacked soil column treated with either surface-applied borax or colemanite (powdered and granular) were collected and analyzed for B contents. Two different soils, Chempaka (Typic paleudult) and Tepus (Typic Kandiaquult) series, taken from paddy-growing areas were used in leaching and incubation studies. Dissolution rate of borax was greater than that of colemanite, and complete dissolution was observed after 100 min, whereas complete dissolution of colemanite was not reached even after 300 min. There was no effect of pH on dissolution rate of borax and colemanite. Boron released from borax was hasty, and after 5 weeks no more B was released. In the case of colemanite, B released was steadily increased until the end of the incubation study. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference in B levels of both borax- and colemanite-applied soils. Particle size had a significant effect on the solubility and dissolution rate of colemanite. Boron dissolution rate and solubility from colemanite powder were significantly greater than those from granular colemanite. Leaching losses from borax were much greater than from colemanite as indicated by the breakthrough curves, which were earlier for borax than colemanite. After 60 pore volumes, no more B was leached out from borax, and in the leachates of colemanite some concentration was detected even after 80 pore volumes. Boron content in soil of columns after the completion of the experiment was greater in case of colemanite. Borax and colemanite fertilizers showed the same trend of leaching and B releasing in both Tepus and Chempaka soil series.

Nitrogen-use efficiency and economic efficiency of slow-release N fertilisers applied to irrigated turfs in a Mediterranean environment

The effect of three fertilisers that delay the bioavailability of nitrogen (N) in the soil was compared with ammonium nitrate and a zero N control in two irrigated turfs in NE Portugal. The fertilisers used were: Floranid permanent 16-7-15 (slow-release, IBDU/Isodur fertiliser); Basacote plus 9M 16-8-12 (controlled-release fertiliser, copolymer ethylene acrylic); Nitroteck 20-8-10 (stabilized fertiliser, dicyandiamide as nitrification inhibitor + coating with polyterpene) and Nitrolusal (ammonium nitrate, 20.5% N), applied all at a rate of 120 kg N ha−1. Nitrolusal was split into two fractions of 60 kg N ha−1. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) rates were balanced among treatments by using superphosphate (18% P2O5) and potassium chloride (60% K2O). The turf dry matter (DM) yield and N concentration in dry material were determined from several cuts of biomass throughout the growing season. Based on DM yield, N concentration in dry material and fertilisation costs, indices of N use efficiency and economic efficiency were estimated. Soil nitrate levels were monitored by using anion exchange membranes inserted directly into the soil. Basacote gave significantly lower DM yields than the other fertilised treatments. The apparent N recovery of Basacote was also the lowest. The results showed that Basacote released less N than that required for an adequate plant growth in the beginning of the growing season, hampered the flush of spring growth. Furthermore, the release period of this Basacote formulation, in the environmental conditions of these experiments, seemed to be longer than the length of the growing season. Nitroteck and Floranid yielded similar or even higher DM and apparent N recovery values than did Nitrolusal. The indices of economic efficiency ordered the fertilisers as Nitroteck > Nitrolusal > Floranid > Basacote or Nitrolusal > Nitroteck > Floranid > Basacote, if the costs of P and K fertilisers used to balance the P and K rates in the experimental design were, respectively, taken or not taken into account.

Potencial climático para a produção de uvas em Campos dos Goytacazes, região norte Fluminense

O Sistema de Classificação Climática Multicritérios (Sistema Geovitícola CCM) baseado em três índices climáticos:o Índice de Seca (IS), que corresponde a um indicador do nível de seca; o Índice Heliotérmico (HI), que corresponde ao índice heliotérmico de Huglin, e o Índice de Frio Noturno (IF), que atua como um indicador das condições de temperatura noturna durante a maturação das bagas, possibilitaram a descrição do potencial climático de vinhedos no mundo todo. Neste trabalho, foi caracterizado o clima vitícola em períodos de crescimento e produção durante o ano com duração de quatro meses cada, na região norte fluminense, representada pelo município de Campos dos Goytacazes (21º 45'S, 41º 19'W, 13 m). o sistema indicou potencial para o cultivo da videira na região durante o ano, por meio de diferenças encontradas nos índices IS, IH e IF. Os períodos quadrimestrais de janeiro/abril, fevereiro/maio, março/ junho, abril/julho, maio/agosto, junho/setembro, julho/outubro e agosto/novembro foram considerados os mais adequados para o cultivo da videira, mostrado pelos índices: IS+1 indicando classe de Seca Moderada, IH-2 a IH-1, para classes Frias a Temperadas, exceto para janeiro/abril, com IH+1, para classe Temperada quente, e IF-2 a IF-1 para classes de Noites quentes a Temperadas. Em adição ao potencial climático mostrado, que permite adequado crescimento das plantas, as condições desses períodos também são satisfatórias pela diminuição da necessidade de pulverizações de defensivos e coincidindo com baixa oferta de uvas no mercado e preços mais elevados, o que torna a região apropriada para mais de um ciclo por ano. Neste trabalho, o sistema permitiu a distinção de períodos de cultivo da uva ao longo do ano, funcionando como uma ferramenta apropriada para o zoneamento vitícola.

A Field Study of Green Roof Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance

Recent regulations intended to minimize the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in stormwater runoff have resulted in interest in stormwater treatment practices to reduce nutrient loadings. In ultra-urban areas where typical treatment practices are not optimal because of large surface area requirements, green roofs are an option to improve stormwater runoff. The hydrologic and water quality performance of two extensive green roofs in eastern North Carolina's Neuse River basin were investigated. The two green roof designs were a flat 70 m2 area with an average media depth of 75 mm, and a 3% pitch 27 m2 surface area roof with an average media depth of 100 mm. Extensive green roofs typically have shallow media depths (less than 150 mm) with vegetation that requires minimal irrigation and maintenance. Each green roof retained a significant (p < 0.05) proportion of the rainfall observed, 64% of the total rainfall measured at each site. Peak outflow of runoff was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) from the green roof (average peak flow reductions of more than 75% were observed from each green roof), and each green roof substantially delayed runoff. On average, the total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in the green roof outflow were 2.7 mg L-1 higher than the rainfall (significant at p < 0.05) and 1.3 mg L-1 higher than the control roof outflow; TN amounts in the green roof outflow were 0.02 g higher than the rainfall and 0.12 g lower than the control roof outflow. On average, total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the green roof outflow were 1 mg L-1 higher than the rainfall and 0.8 mg L-1 higher than the control roof outflow (both significant at p < 0.05); TP amounts in the green roof outflow were 0.07 g higher than the rainfall (significant at p < 0.05) and 0.05 g higher than the control roof outflow. It was determined that the media, composed of 15% compost, was leaching TN and TP into the green roof outflow. This field study demonstrated the importance of green roof media selection in locations where nutrient removal is a concern. Results from this study serve as a benchmark for the development of an optimal media that contains fewer nutrients initially within the media mix, yet provides adequate plant growth.

Degradation of oxadiazon in a bioreactor integrated in the water closed circuit of a plant nursery

Hardy ornamental nursery stock (HONS) use fertigation as a rational supply of nutrients all along the growth cycle of plants. Nevertheless, that frequency of irrigation increases the risks of nutrient and herbicide leaching and subsequent contamination of the waste water. Therefore, systems of water treatment are required in plant nurseries. Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CG5 cells were immobilized on a ceramic support (sepiolite) contained in a 150 l-bioreactor for the biodegradation of the herbicide oxadiazon in the re-circulated leachates. Percolation and inundation operating processes were assayed in the bioreactor. The levels of oxadiazon in water samples were determined by solid phase extraction on C 18 columns and gas chromatography with electron capture detection system. Fifty eight percolation cycles resulted in a significant reduction of oxadiazon up to just 5 μg l −1 at the outlet. Similar herbicide elimination was achieved after two consecutive 68-h inundation periods. In addition, it was found that the nutrient content in the waste water at the bioreactor outlet was sufficient to support an adequate plant growth.

De-inking Sludge and Phosphorus Effects on Growth and Symbiotic Dinitrogen Fixation in Forage Legumes

The de-inking process produces a waste by-product, called de-inking paper sludge (DS), that contains paper fibers, clay particles and inks and high carbon (C) concentrations combined with low nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. The use of high rates of DS to increase the soil organic matter thus requires provision of high rates of N and P for adequate plant growth. Using dinitrogen (N2)-fixing forage legumes is an alternative to N fertilization under such circumstances. In a greenhouse study, DS rates of 0, 50 or 100 Mg ha(-1) and five rates of P (40, 80, 120, 160, or 200 kg P2O5 ha(-1)) were applied on two soil types, a clay loam (Pintendre) and a silty clay loam (St-Augustin). Nitrogen uptake and symbiotic N2 fixation (SNF) were estimated in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.); Bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) and alfalfa ineffective for N2 fixation were used as the reference (non-N2 fixing) crops. Atmospheric N2 fixation was estimated by natural abundance of 15N (815N). Under controlled conditions, high rates of DS substantially reduced delta15N values, particularly with high rates of P. In addition, N uptake of legumes generally increased with increased P concentrations and it peaked with 120 or 160 kg P2O5 ha(-1). Correlated with the trends observed with delta15N values and it peaked with 120 or 160 kg P2O5 ha(-1). Present results showed that under high rates of application of DS and adequate P supply, forage legumes fixed more atmospheric N2. delta15N can be a good indicator of SNF under the above-mentioned conditions.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and two levels of compost supply on nutrient uptake and flowering of pelargonium plants

Two challenges frequently encountered in the production of ornamental plants in organic horticulture are: (1) the rate of mineralization of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from organic fertilizers can be too slow to meet the high nutrient demand of young plants, and (2) the exclusive use of peat as a substrate for pot-based plant culture is discouraged in organic production systems. In this situation, the use of beneficial soil microorganisms in combination with high quality compost substrates can contribute to adequate plant growth and flower development. In this study, we examined possible alternatives to highly soluble fertilizers and pure peat substrates using pelargonium (Pelargonium peltatum L'Her.) as a test plant. Plants were grown on a peat-based substrate with two rates of compost addition and with and without arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Inoculation with three different commercial AM inocula resulted in colonization rates of up to 36% of the total root length, whereas non-inoculated plants remained free of root colonization. Increasing the rate of compost addition increased shoot dry weight and shoot nutrient concentrations, but the supply of compost did not always completely meet plant nutrient demand. Mycorrhizal colonization increased the number of buds and flowers, as well as shoot P and potassium (K) concentrations, but did not significantly affect shoot dry matter or shoot N concentration. We conclude that addition of compost in combination with mycorrhizal inoculation can improve nutrient status and flower development of plants grown on peat-based substrates.

Root and Leaf Ferric Chelate Reductase Activity in Pond Apple and Soursop

Root and leaf ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity in Annona glabra L. (pond apple), native to subtropical wetland habitats and Annona muricata L. (soursop), native to nonwetland tropical habitats, was determined under iron (Fe)-sufficient and Fe-deficient conditions. One-year-old seedlings of each species were grown with 2, 22.5, or 45 µM Fe in a nutrient solution. The degree of tolerance of Fe deficiency was evaluated by determining root and leaf FCR activity, leaf chlorophyll index, Fe concentration in recently mature leaves, and plant growth. Root FCR activity was generally lower in soursop than in pond apple. Eighty days after plants were put in nutrient solutions, leaf FCR activity of each species was lower in plants grown with low Fe concentrations (2 µM) than in plants grown with high (22.5 or 45 µM) Fe concentrations in the nutrient solution. Leaves of pond apple grown without Fe became chlorotic within 6 weeks. The Fe level in the nutrient solution had no effect on fresh and dry weights of soursop. Lack of Fe decreased the leaf chlorophyll index and Fe concentration in recently matured leaves less in soursop than in pond apple. The rapid development of leaf chlorosis in low Fe conditions and low root and leaf FCR activities of pond apple are probably related to its native origin in wetland areas, where there is sufficient soluble Fe for adequate plant growth and development. The higher leaf FCR activity and slower growth rate of soursop compared to pond apple may explain why soursop did not exhibit leaf chlorosis even under low Fe conditions.

Impacts of intensive dairying on soil and pasture sustainability in Taranaki

The intensification of dairying can have adverse impacts on the environment through diminished soil quality and greater loss of nutrients to water bodies. Poor soil quality can reduce the productivity and sustainability of pastoral farming systems. The effects of increased stocking rate (SR) (3, 4 and 5 cows/ha) and introducing a cut and carry system on soil, pasture and water quality were compared with a pasture fallow on an Egmont Allophanic soil in South Taranaki over three years. Soil nutrient and organic matter (OM) levels were not affected by the treatments imposed and were maintained in the ranges for adequate plant growth by the application of fertiliser (grazing) or farm dairy effluent (cut and carry). Macroporosity in the top 5 cm of soil was greater for the fallow treatment (31-37%) than the other treatments (cut and carry 20-25%; grazing 17-21%). Treading damage as indicated by soil surface roughness only increased with SR in one winter grazing when the soil was saturated. The management treatments had no significant effect on annual pasture production. Ryegrass content significantly increased with grazing and higher SRs and there was more dead material in the fallow treatment. Pasture chloride (Cl), potassium (K), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents were significantly lower in the fallow treatment and pasture K content significantly lower in the cut and carry treatment than in the grazing treatments. The leaching loss of calcium (Ca) was significantly lower in the fallow treatment in 2003, and in 2004, the rate of magnesium (Mg) leaching increased in the grazing treatments. Nitrate-N leaching losses were low (average 5 kg/ha/yr) but in the 2004 drainage season were significantly higher in the fallow compared with the cut and carry and grazing treatments. Overall it could be concluded that the more intensive management had no adverse effect in the short term on the sustainability and quality of soil, pasture and groundwater. Keywords: dairying, nutrient leaching, nutrients, pasture, soil macroporosity, sustainability

Symbiotic Dinitrogen Fixation in Forage Legumes Amended with High Rates of De‐Inking Paper Sludge

The paper de‐inking process produces a waste by‐product, de‐inking paper sludge (DPS), which contains paper fibers, clay particles, and inks and has high C and Ca and low N and P concentrations. Use of high rates of DPS to increase the soil organic matter thus requires provision of high rates of N for adequate plant growth. Using dinitrogen (N2)‐fixing forage legumes is an alternative to the N fertilization under such circumstances. In a 2‐yr field study (1995 and 1996), the effect of different rates of DPS (0, 50, or 100 Mg dry matter ha−1), applied once in October 1994, were evaluated on symbiotic N2 fixation of forage legumes established on two soil types in Eastern Quebec, Canada. Symbiotic N2 fixation was measured in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.); bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) was used as the reference (non N2–fixing) crop. Dinitrogen fixation was estimated by the 15N natural abundance method. The percentages of N derived from the atmosphere increased significantly with DPS in the year of establishment (1995). In the first production year (1996), the effects of DPS on N2 fixation were mainly observed at the first cut. Our results show that DPS used as an organic amendment generally led to similar or greater forage legume productivity and greater N2 fixation compared with unamended controls in the first production year and is compatible with sustainable agricultural practices.

Nitrogen and Phosphorous Absorption and Leaching from Anthurium Plants Grown in Municipal Solid Waste Compost

Municipal solid waste compost (MSW) can be used as an effective substrate for ornamental plant production as an alternative to peat. In a previous study a mix with peat, perlite, and vermiculite (1:1:1 per volume) was used along MSW compost at 1:1 per volume ratio as a growing substrate for Catharanthus roseus, providing nitrogen (N) for adequate plant growth. This study will focus in determining if MSW provides adequate amounts of N and Phosphorous (P) for Anthurium pot plant production, reducing the use of fertilizers and nutrient loss to the environment. Plants were fertilized at 0, 100, 150, and 200 ppm N using a 20-10-20 soluble fertilizer. Chemical characterization of leachates collected from plants grown in substrates with or without MSW, to determine possible nutrient run off. Tissue analysis for N and P content was conducted to determine absorption. Our results shows an increase in NH4 -N, NO3 -N and soluble P in leachates as the fertilizer level increased. Higher NO3 -N content in leachates was observed in treatments with MSW. Higher P concentrations were observed in leachates from substrate without MSW. Weeks after, 62% of the plants grown in MSW were dead; the surviving plants had less biomass, but similar N content in leaf and root tissues than plants grown without MSW. Higher P content in tissues was observed in fertilized plants grown without MSW. The MSW was a nutrient source for the plants, but further studies should be conducted for optimum use of MSW as a component of growing substrate.

Urea as an organic nitrogen source for hydroponically grown tomatoes in comparison with inorganic nitrogen sources

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Momotaro) plants were grown in nutrient solutions with several levels of urea, nitrate, and ammonium alone or in combination to evaluate the role of urea as an organic nitrogen source compared with that of nitrate and/or ammonium as inorganic nitrogen sources. Nitrogen deficiency and excess symptoms were detected in the urea-fed plants at lower (28 mg N L-1) and higher nitrogen levels (336, 504 mg N L-1), respectively. The effect of urea on plant growth and leaf elemental composition was intermediate between that of nitrate and ammonium. Solution pH under urea nutrition slightly increased or remained stable. When plants were cultured with the solution containing 168 mg N L-1, the total dry weight of the plants which received urea+nitrate was significantly higher than that of the plant which received urea and was almost equal to that of the plants which received nitrate or nitrate+ammonium. Both absorption and utilization of nitrogen in the plants fed with urea decreased compared with those of the plants fed with nitrate or ammonium. The insufficient absorption and utilization of nitrogen were estimated to be the main factors associated with the growth reduction of tomato plants under urea nutrition. However, combined application of urea and nitrate is useful for adequate plant growth without a reduction of the cation absorption in tomato while maintaining a stable solution pH.

Influence of soil redox potential on nitrogen uptake and growth of wetland Oak seedlings

A study was conducted to determine ammonium nitrogen uptake by cherrybark oak and overcup oak as affected by soil redox conditions. Seedlings of the two species were grown in laboratory microcosms for 60 days in soil suspensions incubated at three separate Eh levels (+560, +340, and + 175 mV). In both species, uptake of added 15N labeled nitrogen (N) (NH4Cl) and photosynthesis activity decreased with decreasing soil redox potentials. Net photosynthesis in cherrybark oak decreased by 72.9 and 100% in response to the +340 and + 175 mV treatments as compared to control plants, respectively. Similarly, net photosynthetic rates were reduced by 53.7 and 65.8% in overcup oak under + 340 and + 175 mV treatments, respectively. A significant correlation between net photosynthesis and leaf 15N content was found in cherrybark oak (r=0.866, P=0.01) but not in overcup oak (r=0.648, p>0.05). However, in overcup oak, the correlation between net photosynthesis and total leaf N content was significant (r=0.911, P=0.01). Maximum 15N uptake was measured at the highest soil redox level (+560 mV). Uptake of 15N in cherrybark oak decreased from a maximum of 1.83 mg under aerated (+560 mV) treatment to 0.11 mg under reduced conditions (+175 mV). Similarly, 15N uptake in overcup oak decreased from 2.37 mg under the + 560 mV treatment to 0.28 mg under + 175 mV treatment. Greater uptake of soil and fertilizer nitrogen was measured under the soil redox conditions in which adequate plant growth was recorded. Moderately reducing soil redox conditions (+340 and + 175 mV) adversely affected both plant nitrogen uptake and net photosynthetic activities of the two species.

Comparison of hydroponic solutions for poinsettia nutritional studies1

Poinsettia cultivars Supjibi and Freedom were grown in eight hydroponic solutions to develop a baseline solution for further nutritional studies. Four solutions contained nitrogen (N) from Ca(NO3)2‐4H2O and KNO3 (denoted as ‐NH4) and four contained Ca(NO3)2‐4H2O, KNO3, nitric acid, and NH4NO3 as the N sources (denoted as +NH4). The four ‐NH4 and +NH4 solutions were further divided by an IX or 2X rate of micronutrients [boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn)] (denoted as IX or 2X). A factorial of these four solutions at 2 concentrations (100 mg L1 of N and potassium (K) and 15 mg L1 phosphorus (P), or 300 mg L1 of N and K and 46 mg L‐1 P) was studied. Greater leaf and stem dry weight for both ‘Supjibi’ and ‘Freedom’ was observed in plants grown with the +NH4 solutions, with a larger increase occurring with’ Supjibi’. Leaf NH4‐N content for both cultivars was higher for both the 100 and 300 mg L‐1 N and K fertilization rates when NH4‐N was included. The leaf K content was highest for the plants grown with the +NH/2X solution for ‘Supjibi’, for both fertilization rates, and leaf K content increased as the K application rate increased. Results indicate that for nutritional studies with poinsettias, hydroponic solutions should include between 12.5% to 33% of the N in the NH4 form, a calcium magnesium (Ca:Mg) ratio of 2:1, and a micronutrient concentration of (mg I/1) 0.5, 0.02, 6.6, 0.5, 0.1, and 0.05, respectively, for B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn, for adequate plant growth.

Modifying a Soilless Root Medium with Aluminum Influences Phosphorus Retention and Chrysanthemum Growth

Soilless container root media have little capacity to retain P, and preplant amendments of triple superphosphate (TSP) and water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) P applications are readily leached from them. A soilless medium modified with Al2(SO4)3 was tested to reduce such P losses. Aluminum sulfate solutions were applied to a 70 sphagnum peat: 30 perlite (v/v) medium to result in 0.32, 0.96, and 1.92 kg Al/m3 and dried at 70C. Adsorption isotherms (25C, 0 to 500 mg P/liter) showed that P retention increased as the rate of Al addition increased. In a greenhouse study, plants of Dendranthema ×grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura `Sunny Mandalay' were grown in Al-modified media and an unmodified medium in factorial combination with P from preplant amendment of 0.1 kg TSP-P/m3, or P applied at each watering as WSF at rates of 5.5 or 21.8 mg P/liter. The two highest rates of Al were excessive and resulted in low pH and excessive soluble Al levels in the root medium solution early in the cropping cycle, which were detrimental to plant growth. When the root medium was modified with 0.32 kg Al/m3, soluble Al levels in medium solution were not significantly different than in the unmodified control. TSP-P that leached was substantially reduced by the addition of Al, yet sufficient P was released throughout the cropping cycle for adequate plant growth. Plants grown in Al-modified medium with 0.1 kg TSP-P/m3 did not differ from control plants in unmodified medium + 0.27 kg TSP-P/m3 and were larger than plants grown in unmodified medium + 0.1 kg TSP-P/m3. Aluminum modification of the root medium substantially reduced P leaching when used with WSF containing P. In addition, growth of plants in unmodified medium fertilized with 5.5 vs. 21.8 mg P/liter was similar.

Ammonium nitrogen uptake by rice grown in acid sulfate soil under controlled redox conditions

A study was conducted to determine plant growth and ammonium fertilizer nitrogen uptake by rice (Oryza sativa, L.) in acid sulfate soils (Sulfic Tropaquept) as affected by soil redox conditions. Rice seedlings of acid sulfate soil-tolerant and sensitive varieties (IR 46 and IR 26, respectively) were grown in laboratory microcosms for 3 weeks in soil suspensions incubated at four separate Eh levels (+500, +250, +50, and-150 mV). Growth of both varieties decreased as soil Eh decreased. Uptake of both added15N labelled (NH4)2SO4 and native soil nitrogen also decreased with decreasing soil Eh. Percent N from fertilizer in the plant tissues increased with decreasing soil Eh. Nitrogen uptake was greater in IR 46 as compared to IR 26. A greater amount of fertilizer N and native soil N remained in the soil suspension under a highly reduced condition compared to an oxidized condition indicating that more ammonium N was utilized by the rice plants under the oxidized than the highly reduced conditions. The growth of the soil tolerant rice variety (IR 46) was more superior to that of the sensitive rice variety (IR 26) under oxidized (+500 mV) and moderately reduced (+250 to +50 mV) than highly reduced (-150 mV) conditions. Greater uptake of soil and fertilizer nitrogen was measured under the soil redox conditions in which adequate plant growth was recorded. Strongly reducing soil redox conditions adversely affected plant growth which in turn limited nitrogen uptake.