Content Of Macroelements Research Articles

The Effect of Selected Factors on the Content of Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Macro-Elements in Raw Milk from Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows and Acid Curd Cheese (Tvarog).

Simple SummaryDepending on the region, specific methods of cheese production are used. Acid coagulation is applied in the production of the traditional acid curd cheese highly valued in Poland, called ‘tvarog’. It is important to maintain the traditional nature of production that guarantees cheese with a high nutritional value and health-promoting properties. By conducting an analysis of tvarog, taking into account the quality of the raw milk and the type of starter cultures used, we found that the content of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, and E) mainly depended on the quality of the raw milk from which it was produced. A higher content of fat-soluble vitamins was found in milk obtained from Simmental cows kept in a traditional system in the spring/summer season and in the tvarog produced from it. Vitamin retention rates from raw milk to cheese were above 90%. In contrast, we noticed that the mineral composition of the cheese was not linked to the quality of the milk used. More Ca and Mg were lost with the whey, as indicated by the very low retention rates of these minerals from milk to tvarog (below 20%).The study was conducted to determine the content and retention of selected fat-soluble vitamins and minerals in curd cheese–tvarog made by a traditional method, taking into account the effect of the quality of the raw milk and the type of starter cultures used. The raw milk used to make the tvarog was obtained in various conditions, i.e., with and without the use of pasture forage (in a traditional and an intensive system), in two production seasons (spring/summer and autumn/winter), from two breeds raised in Poland (the Black-and-White variety of Polish Holstein-Friesian and Simmental). Two variants of starter cultures were used to make tvarog: Freeze-dried DVS starters (Flora Danica) and pure cultures of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria. The acidity and content of protein, fat, selected fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, and E), and selected macro-elements (Ca and Mg) were determined in samples of bulk milk and cheese. Retention rates of individual nutrients from the milk to the cheese were calculated. A higher content of fat-soluble vitamins was found in milk obtained from Simmental cows kept in a traditional system in the spring/summer season, as well as in the tvarog produced from it. Vitamin retention rates from the raw material to the tvarog were above 90%. The mineral composition of the cheese was not associated with the quality of the milk used. Very low retention rates from milk to cheese were obtained for Ca and Mg (below 20%). Higher retention rates were obtained in the spring/summer season when culture variant 1 was used. However, the starter culture was not found to significantly influence the concentration or retention of vitamins in the experimental cheese.

Growth performance of <i>Hydrangea macrophylla </i> ‘glowing embers’ on culture medium with different macro-element concentrations and culture conditions

Hydrangeas are very popular shrubs thanks to their attractive, colorful flowers and foliage. Recently, they have been commercialized for cut-flower production. For mass propagation of this plant species using plant tissue culture, it is necessary to study the effects of culture medium and culture conditions on in vitro plant growth. In the first experiment, in vitro hydrangea shoots were cultured for 56 days on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing one among five different types of macro-elements. The half concentration of NH4NO3 on MS macro-elements significantly increased fresh and dry weights of hydrangea shoots in comparison with other treatments. The number of roots of in vitro plants in this treatment were the highest, resulting in better absorption of culture nutrient. Cross sections of the shoot base on day 14th showed that reducing only NH4NO3 on the MS medium enhanced the formation of adventitious roots. The experiment on culture conditions showed that photoautotrophic condition was suitable for the in vitro growth of hydrangea. Plants grown under photoautotrophic (PA) condition had increased fresh weight (341.39 mg/plt), increased dry weight (31.03 mg/plt) with leaf area (7.76 cm2) significantly greater than those grown under photomixotrophic (PM) condition (259.53 mg/plt, 38.22 mg/plt and 4.73 cm2 respectively). In addition, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of plants under PA condition was statistically higher and increased over the culture period while Pn of plants under PM condition remained constant. This study demonstrated that MS salts with half concentration of NH4NO3 and photoautotrophic culture method were appropriate for in vitro growth of hydrangea.

Investigations of Detergents and Metal Components for Supporting the Effective Treatment of Greywater

Abstract The aim of our research was to investigate the detergent content and several micro and macro elements in greywater samples, a necessary step in determining the water quality for the further reuse of the greywater. We determined the anionic detergent content of synthetic greywater with a two-phased titration method prepared in laboratory conditions. The current study leads to a new suggestion for a more accurate and reliable titrimetric method for determination of anionic detergent content of synthetic greywater samples. Following these investigations, we also examined the metal content of synthetic bath water. We wanted to highlight how detergents in greywater influence the micro and macro element content of the given synthetic bath water samples.

Field-Scale Evaluation of Botanical Extracts Effect on the Yield, Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Celeriac (Apium graveolens L. Var. rapaceum).

The use of higher plants for the production of plant growth biostimulants is receiving increased attention among scientists, farmers, investors, consumers and regulators. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility of converting plants commonly occurring in Europe (St. John’s wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, valerian) into valuable and easy to use bio-products. The biostimulating activity of botanical extracts and their effect on the chemical composition of celeriac were identified. Plant-based extracts, obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation, were tested in field trials. It was found that the obtained formulations increased the total yield of leaves rosettes and roots, the dry weight of leaves rosettes and roots, the content of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids, the greenness index of leaves, the content of vitamin C in leaves and roots. They mostly decreased the content of polyphenols and antioxidant activities in leaves but increased them in roots and conversely affected the nitrates content. Extracts showed a varied impact on the content of micro and macroelements, as well as the composition of volatile compounds and fatty acids in the celeriac biomass. Due to the modulatory properties of the tested products, they may be used successfully in sustainable horticulture.

Chemical profiling of the Arctic sea lettuce Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) mass-cultivated on land under controlled conditions for food applications

The increasing use of seaweeds in European cuisine led to cultivation initiatives funded by the European Union. Ulva lactuca, commonly known as sea lettuce, is a fast growing seaweed in the North Atlantic that chefs are bringing into the local cuisine. Here, different strains of Arctic U. lactuca were mass-cultivated under controlled conditions for up to 10 months. We quantified various chemical constituents associated with both health benefits (carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, minerals) and health risks (heavy metals). Chemical analyses showed that long-term cultivation provided biomass of consistently high food quality and nutritional value. Concentrations of macroelements (C, N, P, Ca, Na, K, Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, I) were sufficient to contribute to daily dietary mineral intake. Heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) were found at low levels to pose health risk. The nutritional value of Ulva in terms of carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids is comparable to some selected fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.

Organization of a nursery of maternal plants in the Chechen Republic and soil requirements

The relevance of the study is determined by the lack of sufficient healthy planting material in the Russian Federation, especially in the Chechen Republic. Therefore, this project considers the way of cultivation of the maternal plants of fruit crops (the scheme that rootstocks are planted). Besides, the soil requirements (the content of humus, macroelements, microelements and soil reaction (pH) at different depths and the work that must be done with the recommendations before planting the healthy rootstock material is also illustrated in this research project.

Quality Analysis Of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Using Raw Vegetable Waste From Pasar Baru Kabupaten Tuban

This study aims to determine the manufacturing process and the quality of liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste from Pasar Baru, Tuban Regency. Liquid organic fertilizer is done as a solution to the amount of vegetable waste which is the most waste produced by Pasar Baru in Tuban Regency with the amount reaching 2 tons / day. This large amount of vegetable waste will cause environmental problems if not handled and treated properly. The method used in making liquid organic fertilizer is semi anaerobic fermentation using drum composter with the addition of EM-4 bioactivator. The quality of liquid organic fertilizer will be seen based on the physical properties and the results of the analysis of macro nutrient content and adjusted to SNI determined by Permentan No. 70 Th. 2011. The results of the analysis showed that physical properties pH and temperature are fullfill the standard of SNI Permentan No.70 Th. 2011. But for the content of macro elements of C-organic, N, P, and K total are not fullfill the standard.

The Effect of Dietary Humic Preparations on the Content of Essential and Non-Essential Chemical Elements in Hen Eggs.

Simple SummaryIn addition to protein, fatty acids and vitamins, hen eggs also contain many minerals, including macroelements, microelements and trace elements. Currently, many different organic mineral supplements are introduced into the diet of laying hens, which can affect the content of chemical elements (essential and non-essential) in the albumen and yolk. These effects are not fully understood. In the present work, the effect of the addition of humic preparations to the standard feed mixture on the content of essential and non-essential chemical elements in albumen and yolk of hen eggs was assessed. The obtained results indicate that only some elements significantly increase in the albumen and yolk when more of them are in a feed mixture enriched with humic preparations.This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with two humic preparations, Humokarbowit (HKW) and Humobentofet (HBF), on the mineral content of the albumen and egg yolk of Lohmann Brown hens. The content of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S), microelements (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Si, Sr, Zn) and trace elements (Ag, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Ga, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Ti, Tl, V, W, Y and Zr) in the feed mixture (FM), albumen and yolk were presented. The material was collected from laying hens kept in a cage system in two groups, control (C) and enriched (E), with standard feed and feed enriched with humic preparations, respectively. The enriched feed mixture was characterised by a significantly higher Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Co, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Mg, Ni, S, Sb, Si, Zn and Zr content compared to the standard, basal mixture. Only some of these elements were found in significantly increased levels in albumen (Bi, Co, Ni, S) and yolk (Bi, Fe, K, Sb). Another noteworthy finding was a significantly lower concentration of Na in the content of eggs from the E-Group, which corresponds to the content of this important macronutrient in the feed. In addition, a significant increase in the concentration of elements such as Al, I, Li, Sr, Ti, Tl, Y, W was noted with a reduction in Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Rb, Sn in Group-E, which indicates a complicated egg formation processes, including biotransfer-essential and non-essential chemical elements.

Trace macroelement content and speciation analysis in leaves of sweet cherry trees by elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The purpose of this study was to explore the relative elemental contents and speciation of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur in the leaves of sweet cherry trees. The differences in the content of the same carbon elemental species were small, and the contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were small different in leaves grown under the two cultivation patterns. This study provides a new method for fast, convenient and efficient detection of leaf macroelements and reveals the differences in content and elemental speciation of sweet cherry leaves grown under different cultivation patterns.

Environmental Risk Evaluation and Source Identification of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Agricultural Soil of Shangdan Valley, Northwest China

To understand the environmental quality and heavy metal(loid) pollution of farmlands in Shangdan Valley, the contents of macroelements (Na, K, Si, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Ti, P, S, Cl, Br) and heavy metal(loid)s (Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr, As) were surveyed by the X-ray fluorescence method. The pollution degree and ecological risk of the heavy metal(loid)s were judged by the Nemerow synthetic pollution index, geo-accumulation index, and potential ecological risk index, and their sources were identified by the multivariate statistic method. The mean contents of nine heavy metal(loid)s in Shangdan Valley farmland soil exceeded their corresponding reference values. Soils were not contaminated with As, Cr, Mn, and Ni but were slightly contaminated with Co, Cu, Pb, V, and Zn. Their comprehensive pollution levels were moderate to serious. The ecological risk index of single heavy metal(loid) decreased in the sequence As > Pb > Co > Cu > Ni > V > Zn > Cr > Mn. The source analysis results indicated that Cu, Pb, Zn, and As were highly affected by anthropogenic inputs, e.g., metal smelting and agricultural activities, while Mn, Ni, Cr, and V were principally derived from a natural source. As for Co, it was affected by a mixture source of nature, fossil fuel combustion, and fertilizer.

Поширення шкідників та продуктивність посівів пшениці озимої за беззмінного вирощування

Goal. To determine the influence of prolonged action of natural and anthropogenic factors on the phytosanitary condition (pests) of winter wheat and the dynamics of its performance for permanent cultivation. Methods. Field, statistical, laboratory. Results. The obtained results show that anthropogenic and natural factors have a certain influence on the distribution of pests in crops of winter wheat and the level of its performance. By the results of the monitoring of pests in the crops, it was found out that the greatest damage was done to them by Agrotis segetum and the larvae of grasshoppers. The average number of insects of Agrotis segetum for the duration of the study was 4.3 ins./m2, and of grasshoppers — 8 ins./m2. Among grasshoppers, the dominant species was Agriotes gurgistanus Fald. — 52,5% in the species composition. Correlation link between the presence of pests in crops of winter wheat and the weather conditions and years of observation have shown their inverse relationship. The correlation coefficient between the number of pests and temperature and water regimes during the growing season were respectively –0,78...–0,62. Fertilization has a positive effect on the productivity of winter wheat even for permanent cultivation. So, on average for years of researches, the yield increase due to fertilizers was 8.3–9.5 t/ha. However, the imbalance of nitrogen and weather conditions (particularly soil moisture) can lead to lower yields. Therefore, before the application of fertilizers, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics of soil and plants as to the content of macro-elements. Conclusions. The correlative relationship is determined between the presence of pests in crops of winter wheat and weather conditions, which indicates their inverse relationship. It is established that the productivity of winter wheat over the years, not decreased. It is proved that the culture by its genetic characteristics can adapt to long cultivation in the same place. However, the study confirms the feasibility of compliance with science-based crop rotations.

Phytoneuston and Chemical Composition of Surface Microlayer of Urban Water Bodies

The concentration of chemical and biological parameters in the ecotone of the surface microlayer (SML) occurring between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere of urban water bodies was investigated. Parallel, sub-surface water (SUB) analyses were carried out to compare the SML properties with the water column. The concentrations of trace metals, macronutrients, nutrients, chlorophyll a, pheophytin, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton and the number of heterotrophic bacteria in both studied layers were analyzed. Each of the studied groups of chemical parameters was characterized by specific properties of accumulation. Trace metals occurring in concentrations below 1 ppm, such as Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and metalloid As, were accumulated to a higher degree in SML than in SUB. Macroelement concentrations, with the exception of Mg, were lower in the SML compared to the SUB. Nutrients, autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms occurred in the SML to a higher degree than in the SUB. Bacillariophyceae dominated the analyzed water bodies, which are typical for the spring period, as well as Chrysophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Dinophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Cyanobacteria dominated in one of the ponds. The abundance of individual phytoplankton groups was significantly correlated with Ca, K, Na, P-org, SO42−, F−, Al and Sr.

Bentonite Rock from Oglanlynski Field (Turkmenistan) and Composites Based on It as Sorbents for 90Sr

Removal of 90Sr from aqueous media by sorbents prepared from bentonite from the Oglanlynski field and by their composites with magnetite is studied. It is shown that the sorbents can be used for purification of large volumes of radioactively contaminated waters. Here, we study bentonite rock material (a natural mineral), montmorillonite in Na-form derived from it, clinoptilolite and cristobalite (impurities in bentonite), and composites obtained by depositing magnetite onto the surface of listed materials. The 90Sr sorption is effective in a broad pH range (3.7–9). The developed composites can be successfully used in purification of radioactively contaminated aquatic environments. The magnetite in sorbents functions exclusively as a magnetically active component, which enables us to use an external magnetic field in separation of sludge resulting from water purification process. The maximum adsorption of strontium ions, as calculated from the Langmuir equation, is obtained for montmorillonite in Na-form and the initial rock material: 20.8 and 14.5 mg/g, respectively. For the composites based on these materials, the values are smaller: 18.5 and 10.6 mg/g, respectively. The effectiveness of sorbents for removal of 90Sr from natural waters and liquid radioactive wastes is shown to be determined mostly by the mineral content of media to be purified, i.e., the type and concentration of macro elements: Na+, K+, and Ca2+. Among the indicated competing ions, calcium affects the removal of strontium from aquatic environments to the largest extent.

Batman Yöresinden Selekte Edilen Cevizlerin (Juglans regia L.) Bazı Meyve Özellikleri ile Makro-Mikro Element Düzeyleri

Bu çalışmada Batman ili Kozluk ve Sason yöresinden selekte edilen 27 adet ceviz genotipinin bazı fiziksel ve kimyasal özelliklerini belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada genotiplerin kabuklu meyve kalınlıkları, meyve genişlikleri, meyve yükseklikleri, kabuk kalınlıkları, kabuklu meyve ağırlıkları, iç meyve ağırlıkları, iç randımanı sırasıyla 25.99-37.19 mm, 27.25-35.29 mm, 29.64-50.69 mm,1.11-2.55 mm, 8.28-17.45 g, 3.59-7.74 g, % 36.00-58.25 arasında saptanmıştır. İç meyve rengi 13 genotipte çok açık, 10 genotipte açık, geriye kalan 4 genotipte ise orta olarak belirlenmiştir. Genotiplerde protein % 12.15-18.30, toplam yağ % 53.25-68.70, nem % 1.87-3.60, kül % 1.30-2.96 arasında değiştiği belirlenmiştir. Genotiplerin makro element içeriklerinin ortalaması; % 2.35 N; 285.64 mg P; 406.23 mg K; 315.83 mg Mg; 226.30 mg Ca; ve 187.71 mg S olarak tespit edilmiştir. Mikro element içerikleri 100 g iç meyvede ortalama Na 2.05 mg, Fe 2.51 mg, Mn 2.86 mg, Zn 2.42 mg, Cu 1.78 mg olarak saptanmıştır.

Nutritional Value of Savory Herb (Satureja hortensis L.) and Plant Response to Variable Mineral Nutrition Conditions in Various Phases of Development.

Mineral nutrition and plant ontogeny influence both the physiological balance between nutrients in a plant and determine the proper nutritional status of a plant, which is necessary to realize the yielding potential of a cultivated species. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of nitrogen doses (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 g N·m−2) and plant development phases (the beginning and full flowering) on the content of macroelements and changes in ionic ratios occurring in the herb of the summer savory cv. ‘Saturn’. The two-factor experiment was carried out in a random-block design with five replications. The mineral nitrogen nutrition applied increased the concentration of total nitrogen and its mineral forms in the plants. There was a change in ion homeostasis in the individual stages of the ontogenesis process, i.e., a higher content of P, K, Ca, and S in the initial flowering phase as well as Mg and Cl in the full flowering phase. The increase in the availability of mineral nitrogen in the soil solution caused a decrease in total sorption capacity, reducing the potential of the soil for saturation with alkaline cations.

Kompostlaştırılmış Ahır Gübresi Uygulamalarının Lahananın (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Capitata) Bitki Besin Elementi İçeriğine Etkisi

Bu çalışma, toprağa farklı dozlarda uygulanan ahır gübresinin, lahana bitkisinin (Brassica oleraceae L. var. capitata) bitki besin elementi içeriğini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bu kapsamda, olgunlaştırılan çiftlik gübresi 0, 20, 40 ve 60 t ha-1 dozlarında Typic Xerofluvent toprağa uygulanmış ve bu alanlarda lahana yetiştirilmiştir. Tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak planlanmış ve 2013 ile 2014 yıllarında yürütülmüştür. Araştırma sonucuna göre, yaprakların makro element konsantrasyonları incelendiğinde; ilk ve ikinci yıl için sırasıyla N % 1.49-2.35 ile % 1.70-2.51; P % 0.51-0.82 ile % 0.51-0.70; K % 4.50-6.98 ile % 4.30-5.00; Ca % 0.34-0.53 ile % 0.42-0.54 ve Mg ise %0.29-0.36 ile % 0.22-0.25 aralığında saptanmıştır. Mikro element konsantrasyonlarındaki değişimin ise ilk ve ikinci yıllarda sırasıyla Fe için 28.93-58.36 mg kg-1 ile 42.25-67.38 mg kg-1; Cu 1.62-2.95 mg kg-1 ile 3.18-3.85 mg kg-1; Zn 18.95-36.79 mg kg-1 ile 27.28-31.00 mg kg-1 ve Mn için ise 18.23-31.74 mg kg-1 ile 22.85-29.37 mg kg-1 aralığında değişim gösterdiği izlenmiştir. Genel olarak en yüksek bitki besin elementleri içeriği 60 t ha-1 uygulamasında belirlenmiştir.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria mitigate deleterious combined effects of salinity and lime in soil in strawberry plants

The effects of Kocuria E43, Alcaligenes 637Ca and Pseudomonas 53/6 on combined lime and salinity stress in the soil were evaluated on strawberry cv. ‘Sweet Ann’. The results of the experiment showed that yield, average number and weight of fruit, leaf area, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) content of leaves, SPAD, stomatal conductance, membrane stability, protein and proline contents, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity were considerably affected by rhizobacterial inoculations in strawberry plants. There was a remarkable enhancement in fruit weight, number and yield, leaf area, macro elements contents of leaves, SPAD, stomatal conductance, protein and proline contents and CAT, SOD and APX activity. On the other hand, the sodium content of leaves, membrane permeability, H2O2 and MDA contents were considerably reduced by rhizobacterial treatment. The 637Ca had the highest yield per plant (120.4 g), while the lowest value was found in the control (89.9 g). Average increases in N, P and Ca contents in the leaf were obtained from rhizobacterial root inoculations of 16%, 35% and 32%, respectively. The lowest stomatal conductance was found in the control (67 mmol/m2s), while E43 + 53/6 had the highest (384 mmol/m2s). The highest CAT, SOD and APX activity were obtained from 637Ca + 53/6 (563 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW), E43 + 637Ca + 53/6 (399 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW) and E43 + 637Ca (31.91 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW), respectively. These results suggested that the 637Ca, E43 + 53/6 and E43 + 637Ca + 53/6 treatments may be effective in reducing the negative impacts of combined salinity and high calcareous in soil.

The assessment of metal contamination in water and sediments of the lowland Ilova River (Croatia) impacted by anthropogenic activities

The aim of the present study was to assess physico-chemical water parameters, granulometric sediment characteristics and concentrations of trace and macroelements in the water and sediments of the Ilova River. Samplings were conducted at three sampling sites (near villages Maslenjača, Ilova and Trebež) along the Ilova River, differing in the source and intensity of the anthropogenic influence. This study indicated disturbed environmental conditions, most pronounced in the downstream part of the river (Trebež village) impacted by the activity of fertilizer factory. Water from the Ilova and Maslenjača villages was of good quality, whereas COD, nitrates and phosphates exceeded the good quality levels in Trebež village. Trace and macroelement concentrations in water were mostly below thresholds set by environmental quality standards at all locations, but levels of Al, As, Cd and Ni were few times higher in Trebež village than at other locations. Metal contamination assessment of sediments (trace and macroelement concentrations, contamination and enrichment factor, pollution load index) confirmed deteriorated environmental quality in Trebež village. However, the overall assessment performed in this study revealed that anthropogenic impact was still not particularly strong in the Ilova River ecosystem. Nevertheless, the observed water and sediment characteristics serve as a warning and suggest that stricter protection measures should be initiated, including continuous monitoring and comprehensive quality assessment of the downstream part of the Ilova River, especially because it is a part of the protected area of the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park.

Multielemental Stoichiometry in Plant Organs: A Case Study With the Alpine Herb Gentiana rigescens Across Southwest China.

Multiple elements are required to be allocated to different organs to meet the demands for plant growth, reproduction, and maintenance. However, our knowledge remains limited on the stoichiometry in all plant organs in response to heterogeneous environments. Here, we present the systematic investigation of multielemental stoichiometry in organs of the alpine plant Gentiana rigescens across different environmental conditions. The slopes of N–P stoichiometric relationships among organs in G. rigescens did not differ significantly between environments even in flowers, the most active organ with the highest N and P level. C:P ratios had strong positive relationships with N:P ratios within and between organs. Zn had strong positive correlations with Fe, S, or Cu in each organ, indicating the potential interactions among the homeostases of these elements. The contents of macroelements, such as C, N, P, Ca, Mg, and S, were higher in plant organs than those in soil and exhibited a relatively narrow range in plant organs. However, G. rigescens reduced Fe uptake from soil and showed the strictest homeostasis in its root, implying its resistance to excess Fe. Furthermore, precipitation and temperature associated with geography, followed by soil P, were the main divers for the multielemental stoichiometry in this species. Plant stoichiometry responded differently to abiotic environmental factors, depending on organ type and element. N:P ratio, no matter in which organ, showed little flexibility to climate factors. The results have implications for understanding the regulation of multielemental stoichiometry in plant individuals to environmental changes. Further studies are needed on the interactions of multielement homeostasis in plants.

Effect of different slow release potassium fertilizer rates on growth and productivity of banana cv.Williams plants

This study was carried out during the two successive seasons (2017 and 2018) on the first and second ratoon of healthy uniform banana cv. Williams (Musa spp.) Plants grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system in a private orchard located at El-Tahadi region, Cairo Alexandria desert road, Behaira governorate, Egypt. The investigation aimed to study the effect of different slow release potassium fertilizer (SRKF) (50% K2O) rates (100%, 75% and 50%) were added as soil drench during mid March, mid June and mid September while, potassium sulphate dose used in control treatment was added at monthly intervals as soil application from mid March until mid October on vegetative growth, productivity, total yield income and net return/feddan of banana plants. The obtained results showed that, all treatments had a significant effect on enhancing the vegetative growth parameters, i.e. number of green leaves /plant, plant total assimilation area (m2/plant), leaf total chlorophyll content (CCI) and leaf macro element content (N, P and K) as (%) as well as leaf micro element content (Fe, Zn and Mn) as (ppm). Also, improving yield (ton/feddan), bunch weight (kg), number of hands/bunch, hand weight (kg), number of fingers/hand, finger weight (g), finger length (cm), finger circumference (cm), finger pulp weight (g), finger pulp/peel (ratio), TSS (%), TSS/TA (ratio), total sugars (%). In addition, the total yield income (1000 LE) and net return/feddan (1000 LE) in both seasons. Moreover, all treatments had no significant effect on plant pseudostem height (cm), pseudostem circumferences (cm) and leaf area (m2) of plant in both seasons and bunch length (cm) in the first season only. Treatment of: slow release potassium at 100% gave the highest values of physical and chemical properties of banana plants cv. Williams in both seasons compared to, control treatment (100% potassium sulphate) and slow release potassium at 50% gave the lowest values.