Changes In Phosphorus Research Articles

CHANGES IN PHOSPHORUS STATUS OF 'CRIPPS' PINK' APPLE TREES AFTER APPLICATION OF MULCHES

The effect of four different mulches on fruit quality was quantified, either directly via mineral nutrient contributions or indirectly, by increasing nutrient uptake efficiency in the soil. We hypothesised that fruit nutrient levels would increase more when an organic mulch, containing nutrients, was applied to the soil, with smaller/no increases when an inorganic mulch was applied to the tree row. In this paper, we concentrate on changes in fruit phosphorus (P) concentrations after application of five treatments: a clean cultivated control, an inorganic woven geotextile fabric, and organic mulches – compost, wood chips and a vermi-castings/ wood chips combination. The trial was conducted on a commercial farm, Lourensford Estate, South Africa, from October 2008 to April 2012 – on an adjacent light, sandy and heavier, sandy-silt soil. Mineral nutrient analyses of the soil, leaves, mulches and fruit were performed. Yield and fruit size were determined. Soil temperatures and soil water status were recorded hourly during the last two seasons. P concentrations did increase chronologically from the soil, then into leaves and then into the fruit after application of mulches that provided additional P to the soil. Sporadic increases in both leaves and fruit occurred, but could not always be related to treatment effects. The significant consistent increase of P levels of the vermi-castings treatment in the heavy soil is likely to be a combination of reduced irrigation volumes, as well as a treatment effect. All mulches resulted in the well-established buffering of soil temperatures, soil water content and percentage soil carbon. Based on results from this study, it is not feasible to apply mulches for the sole purpose to increase P levels in the soil, leaves or fruit of established trees – although increases were noticed from time to time. In addition to water and temperature modifying effects of mulches that would differ between soil textures and depend on the mulch source, increases in P concentrations may result. As yield efficiency is still the primary factor determining income per hectare for the producer, the decrease in yield that resulted from mulching under these conditions, will still outweigh any positive contributions of mulches. It is therefore of utmost importance to first adjust irrigation volumes to a mulch treatment before the advantageous properties of mulching will be of value.

GROWTH AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN TOMATO OVARIES I. CHANGES IN PHOSPHORUS FRACTIONS

American Journal of BotanyVolume 41, Issue 9 p. 722-726 Article GROWTH AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN TOMATO OVARIES I. CHANGES IN PHOSPHORUS FRACTIONS E. Marrè, E. Marrè Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri, Columbia, MissouriFulbright Research Fellow. Present address: Istituto Botanico Universita, Via Celoria 2, Milano, Italy.Search for more papers by this authorF. G. Teubner, F. G. Teubner Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri, Columbia, MissouriPresent address: Department of Horticulture, Michigan State College, East Lansing, Michigan.Search for more papers by this authorA. E. Murneek, A. E. Murneek Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri, Columbia, MissouriSearch for more papers by this author E. Marrè, E. Marrè Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri, Columbia, MissouriFulbright Research Fellow. Present address: Istituto Botanico Universita, Via Celoria 2, Milano, Italy.Search for more papers by this authorF. G. Teubner, F. G. Teubner Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri, Columbia, MissouriPresent address: Department of Horticulture, Michigan State College, East Lansing, Michigan.Search for more papers by this authorA. E. Murneek, A. E. Murneek Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri, Columbia, MissouriSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 November 1954 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1954.tb14402.xCitations: 1 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume41, Issue9November 1954Pages 722-726 RelatedInformation