Mineral Elements In Leaves Research Articles

Reducing Mineral Fertilizer Usage: Utilizing Sheep Wool and Alkaline Hydrolysate for Enhanced Sugar Beet Cultivation

The effects of sheep wool (SW) and its hydrolysate (H) on the vegetative growth, root development, nutrient concentrations and sugar quality parameters of sugar beet grown under full (FF) and reduced fertilizer (RF) conditions were investigated. The treatments were as follows: FF, FF + SW (4 g kg−1) and FF + SW + H (4 g kg−1 + 4 ml kg−1), RF, RF + SW (4 g kg−1) and RF + SW + H (4 g kg−1 + 4 ml kg−1). The shoot and root samples were collected at two-week intervals from the beginning of root development to harvest. In these samples, temporal change of leaf mineral element concentrations and sugar quality parameters of the sugar beet roots were determined. Reduced fertilizer application did not have a negative effect on shoot and root growth. SW and SW + H treatments significantly increased total shoot (40.2 and 52.1%) and root yield (4.59 and 7.61%) of sugar beet in reduced fertilizer conditions. Nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations of shoots increased significantly with SW and SW + H applications. Similar increases were also observed for phosphorus (P) in the 3rd sampling period. The treatments did not have an effect on potassium (K) concentrations of shoots but some increases observed in Na and α-amino N concentrations depending on SW and SW + H treatments. The SW and SW + H treatments significantly reduced sugar existence and refined sugar existence. On the other hand, the treatments had no significant effect on the refined sugar at harvest periods. Sheep wool and H can be incorporated into organomineral fertilizers, potentially reducing excessive fertilizer use and improving fertilizer efficiency.

Effect of Partial Root-Zone Irrigation on Plant Growth, Root Morphological Traits and Leaf Elemental Stoichiometry of Tomato under Elevated CO2

The increasing CO2 concentration ([CO2]) in the atmosphere decreases mineral nutrients concentration in crops, whereas it increases water use efficiency (WUE). Partial root-zone irrigation (PRI) could not only increase WUE but also improve plant nutrient status. Yet the effect of PRI combined with elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) on the element stoichiometry of tomato leaves remains unknown. This study sought to investigate the responses of leaf mineral nutrients status and element stoichiometric ratios in tomatoes to PRI combined with e[CO2]. Tomato plants (cv. Ailsa Craig) were grown in pots in climate-controlled growth chambers with ambient [CO2] (a[CO2], 400ppm) and elevated [CO2] (e[CO2], 800ppm), respectively. Three irrigation regimes, i.e., full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI) and PRI, were applied to tomato plants at the flowering stage. The results showed that plants grown under DI and PRI had a similar biomass, enhanced root growth including greater root to shoot ratio, root length, surface area, volume and specific length, and an improved WUE in comparison with FI under e[CO2]. Additionally, under e[CO2], PRI showed an increase in leaf [C](+1.5%) and [N] (+9.3%), no decrease in leaf [K], [Ca], [Mg], [S] and [15N], but a decrease in leaf C/N (−6.6%) as compared with FI. Conclusively, PRI had the ability to improve leaf N concentration, maintain most leaf mineral nutrient concentrations, and optimize or maintain leaf element stoichiometric ratios under e[CO2]. Therefore, PRI would be a practicable mode of irrigation for optimizing WUE and nutrient status in tomato leaves in a future freshwater-limited and higher-CO2 environment.

Effect of Shading, Substrate, and Container Size on Argania spinosa Growth and Cost–Benefit Analysis

The production of argan seedlings in nurseries is considered a crucial step for the success of any argan forest regeneration program since it increases the rate of survival and growth. Therefore, the substrate and container play a vital role in argan seedling production, while the use of shade may improve soil moisture and decrease the water stress of the plant. This study aims to determine the effects of these factors and their interactions. For this, the effects of four shade levels (0%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) and six different compositions of the substrate, as well as four different sizes and forms of containers, on argan seedling production were studied for six months under greenhouse conditions, based on analyzing the leaf mineral elements and measuring morphological traits. According to the studied parameters, the results show that 0% and 40% of shade are, respectively, the best shade levels for growth, while the germination rate is higher only in an unshaded compartment (85.28%). Furthermore, the substrate based on peat moss lead to one of the higher germination rates (78.75%) and the finest plants in terms of chlorophyll content, and shoot and root growth, while the largest container (C2) had the best shoot and root growth with 34.34 cm of root length. However, the mineral analysis, mainly the leaf total nitrogen concentration, is correlated with morphological traits. In addition, the cost–benefit analysis study confirmed this finding and valorizes the use of S1 substrate (1/2 black peat and 1/2 blond peat) and a C2 container (volume: 3100 mL) since it is considered the most efficient and economic combination for different shade levels.

Evaluation of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and mineral elements in the leaves of guava (Psidium guajava L.) genotypes from China

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a medicinal tree species and its leaves are rich in beneficial bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity. China has the second-largest planting area in the world however a comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of guava genotypes in China has not yet been conducted yet. To identify the desirable genotypes with the greatest antioxidant capacity, 18 guava genotypes widely cultivated in China were collected in a germplasm garden. In this study, the antioxidant capacity, bioactive compound contents and mineral element contents of guava leaves were assessed. Genotypic variation was observed for antioxidant capacity, bioactive compound contents and mineral element contents in guava leaves. The bioactive compound contents were all significantly and positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity in guava leaves. Correlation analysis indicated that the total phenolic total triterpenoid contents were significantly related to the total phosphorus content. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that DW was superior in antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging abilities of DPPH and ABTS) and total phenolic, total flavonoid and total triterpenoid contents, and the medicinal quality of superior guava genotypes was regulated by the leaf mineral element contents, especially phosphorus. This study is not only helpful for developing guava genotypes with superior medicinal quality in the future but can also provide theoretical support for fertilization management in the cultivation of superior guava genotypes to achieve higher medicinal quality.

Contrasting global patterns and trait controls of major mineral elements in leaf

AbstractAimMultiple mineral elements in leaf are the foundation of plant life and regulate many ecosystem functions. However, whether a common mechanism governs the variations of all leaf mineral elements is still unknown.LocationGlobal.Time period1970–2020. 10.Major taxa studied: Plants.MethodsHere, we demonstrate the global‐scale biogeographic patterns of 12 major mineral elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, aluminium, iron, manganese, sodium, zinc and copper) by compiling a global data set including 2710 records of leaf mineral elements for 1073 species and of associated climate and soil indices.ResultsIn general, like nitrogen and phosphorus, elements including potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and copper in leaf declined towards the equator, which supported both plant physiological hypothesis and soil substrate age hypotheses developed on the basis of nitrogen and phosphorus. By contrast, other elements responded to latitude in a contrary manner as nitrogen and phosphorus, in line with a competing mechanism, temperature–biogeochemistry hypothesis. Besides, plant functional types intrinsically differed in mineral concentrations, and to a certain extent, shifts of their composition in turn exacerbated the latitudinal patterns of respective elements as predicted by the species composition hypothesis.Main conclusionsThe fundamentally different dynamics and control mechanisms of patterns of some elements compared with those of nitrogen and phosphorus challenge the idea that common hypotheses can predict biogeographic patterns across all mineral elements; thus, current paradigms of element biogeochemical models and ecological plant nutrition require revision.

Exogenous Sucrose Supply Regulates the Physiological Index Levels Before the Flower Blooming and Fruit Abscission Stages in the Biodiesel Tree Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.

Nutrient deficiency leads to a high fruit abscission rate and low yields of Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. (Soapberry), which is one of the most widely cultivated biodiesel feedstock forests in China. Exogenous sucrose can provide a solution to nutrient deficiency and fruit abscission leading to low yields; therefore, it was applied to whole trees at two stages, 20 days before blooming (DBB stage) and before fruit abscission [days before fruit abscission (DBFA) stage]. Six sucrose concentrations, 0%, 1%, 1.5%, 3%, 5%, and 7%, were sprayed three times using a completely randomized block design with five replications and six treatments. 13CO2 labeling experiments were performed after the three sprayings. The results indicated that the 3% treatment had the highest yield, reaching 15.9 kg/tree. During the DBB stage, the 3% treatment significantly increased the inflorescence fructose and glucose contents 1- to 1.2-times and resulted in the highest fruit gibberellic acid, leaf indole acetic acid (IAA), fruit IAA, and fruit zeatin contents; however, it decreased the inflorescence abscisic acid (ABA) from 16 μg/g to 4 μg/g. The 1.5% and 3% treatments significantly increased the carbohydrate content and decreased the fruit ABA content to 30% to 50% of the control level during the DBFA stage. High-concentration sugar treatment (>3%) increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents, which decreased the calcium and magnesium contents. The 13C-dispatching ability of the inflorescence was three-times greater than that of leaves under the high-concentration sugar treatment during the DBB stage. Supplying 1.5% sucrose nearly doubled the allocation capacity during the DBFA stage. The source-sink nutrient migration pathway showed that leaf and fruit sugars were directly correlated with phosphorus. Fruit fructose and glucose contents affected the leaf mineral element contents.

Zero Discharge of Nutrient Solution to the Environment in a Soilless Greenhouse Cucumber Production System.

With the development of the economy and society, more attention is being paid to energy costs and the potential environmental pollution caused by vegetable cultivation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of zero discharge of nutrient solutions on cucumber growth, leaf photosynthesis, and the yield and quality of cucumber under greenhouse conditions. The results show that zero discharge treatment did not change plant height, stem diameter, internode length, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), and leaf relative chlorophyll content on the most measurement days. Only Pn and relative chlorophyll content were significantly reduced after 16 days of treatment but soon recovered over time. Cucumber plants can adapt to treatment circumstances over the course of days. Leaf mineral element contents showed significant differences on some treatment days compared to the control, and trace elements of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Mo can be appropriately supplied during the treatment days. The cucumber yield and fruit quality in the zero discharge treatment did not change during the whole experimental period. This study confirmed that the irrigation method of a nutrient solution with zero discharge can be applied in cucumber cultivation practices. The strict management of irrigation strategy, plant growth, and greenhouse climate are very important for zero discharge cultivation. The cultivation method with zero discharge of nutrient solution can reduce the energy costs of disinfection, save water and fertilizers, and reduce the environmental pollution in cucumber cultivation.

Quality Attributes Prediction of Flame Seedless Grape Clusters Based on Nutritional Status Employing Multiple Linear Regression Technique

Flame Seedless grape is considered one of the most popular and favorite grapes for consumers, since it ripens early, and has good cluster quality. Flame seedless grape marketing value depends upon its desirable appearance, berry, cluster size, and shape. Therefore, it is imperative that the cluster yield and quality are enhanced to ensure profitability. In this study, the prediction of physical characteristics of clusters and berries’ color attributes of Flame Seedless grape grown under different culture practices, in particular fertilization treatments, was carried out using nutritional status concentration (leaf mineral elements, total chlorophyll content, total carotenoids content) and multiple linear regression (MLR). The method was based on the development of two indices: the first is called index 1 (%) and was formulated by combing the mineral elements of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations; and the second is called index 2 (ppm) and was formulated by combing the elements of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B concentrations in leaf petioles. The results indicated that the established MLR models can obtain variation accuracy, based on values of coefficients of determination (R2) using the test set. The R2 values were in the range of 0.9286 to 0.9972 for cluster weight, cluster length, shoulder length, berries’ color attributes (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue, and color index for red grapes (CIRG)). This study highlighted that during a grown season, leaf mineral elements, total chlorophyll content, and total carotenoids coupled with a MLR model can be used successfully to evaluate the physical characteristics of the cluster and berries’ color attributes of Flame seedless grape. This method is easy, fast and reliable as it retains the physical appearance of the fruits by adjusting the concentration of mineral elements, total chlorophyll content, and total carotenoids in leaves. Moreover, total chlorophyll had the greatest weight of all the predicted quality attributes.

노지 온주밀감 성목이식 재배 연년 안정결실 기술 개발

Cultivation technology was studied for stable fruiting of adult tree transplantation cultivation in satsuma mandarin in the open field. A 42-year-old unshiu ‘Miyagawa Wase’ adult tree was transplanted to Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo-si in 2010 and tested from 2018 to 2020. The contents of the treatment consisted of annual overall bearing, annual partial bearing and biennial bearing. Investigation items included leaf mineral element content, chlorophyll content, agricultural work time, browse development, fruit quality survey, canopy volume, yield, and fruit size. The time required for agricultural work based on 10a was 40.54 hours for annual partial bearing, which was the most demanded. In partial fruiting, flower picking took the most time (25.89 hours). The agricultural work hours were investigated as 18.43 hours for fruiting once every two years and 16.34 hours for overall fruiting. In annual partial bearing, the ratio of sugar content of 12°Bx or more was most common at 70.7%, and the ratio of acid content less than 1.00% was also the most common at 34.5%. In partial fruiting, the yield per tree was the highest at 86.2 kg, and the ratio of small and medium fruit size (2S, S, M) was the highest at 77.1%. It is considered that annual partial bearing is more suitable as a method for stable fruiting every year compared to other treatments. However, it takes more time for agricultural work than other treatments in annual partial bearing. In order to shorten the working time, a strong cut pruning for the unplanted and branch is required.

Soil and Leaf Mineral Element Contents in Mediterranean Vineyards: Bioaccumulation and Potential Soil Pollution

The study reported here concerns the geochemical distributions of macro- and trace elements (including potentially toxic elements, PTEs) in the vineyard soils of Alcubillas, which is one of the oldest, albeit not world-renowned, wine-growing areas in La Mancha (Central Spain). Soil and leaf samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to ascertain the levels of various elements in the soil and the plant. The potential toxicity of the elements was assessed with regard to the development of the vineyard. Despite the fact that fertilizers and pesticides are employed in the vineyards in this area, the results showed that the levels of trace elements in the soil samples did not exceed the reference values according the pedogeochemical values for the region and Spain. This finding suggests that the study area is not polluted, and therefore, there are hardly any traces of anthropogenic contamination. The Biological Absorption Coefficient (BAC) was calculated to assess the assimilation of various elements from the soil to the leaves, and differences were found in the element absorption capacity of the vines. Some elements were not taken up by Vitis vinifera despite elements like Zr and Rb being present in relatively high concentrations in the soil. The production in these soils does not represent a threat to human health or the ecosystem, because the farmers in this area are extremely careful to preserve the environment and they only farm to achieve moderate yields of grapes per hectare.

Influence of humic substance on vegetative growth, flowering and leaf mineral elements of Pelargonium x hortorum

Humic acid (HA) as a major portion of humic substances and organic matter play an important role in soil fertility and environmental sustainability. Previous studies reported an enormous range of responses after HA application on plants. To investigate the influence of HA on pelargonium plants cv. ‘Hortorum’ this study was conducted as a randomized complete block design under greenhouse condition. Treatments included HA at 0, 250 and 500 mg L−1 concentrations that were added into the soil via irrigation. Application of HA at both 250 and 500 mg/L promoted plant growth characteristics; however, application of 250 mg L−1 of HA showed better improvement in terms of numbers of leaves, numbers of flowering shoots, and numbers of flowers per plant. Moreover, the length and diameter of the flowering shoot, inflorescence diameter, fresh weight of the aerial parts per plant, and leaf nitrogen (N) were improved only by 250 mg L−1 of HA application.

Effects of nanosilicon dioxide on leaf anatomy, chlorophyll fluorescence, and mineral element composition of strawberry under salinity stress

Leaf morphology and anatomy are important criteria to evaluate plant tolerance to salinity stress. Therefore, in this study the morphophysiological responses of strawberry (Fragaria’× anansa Duchesne “Camarosa”) plants treated with nanosilicon (nSiO2) were investigated under salt-stress conditions. The plants in a complete nutrient solution designed for strawberry were exposed to salt stress (0, 25, or 50 mM NaCl) and treated with nanosilicon before (0, 50, or 100 mg L−1) or after (0 or 50 mg L−1) floweringConcentrations of sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and calcium (Ca) increased in plants exposed to salt stress, whereas silicon (Si), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) decreased. In the presence of nanosilicon, strawberry plants absorbed K, P, and Ca from the nutrient solution and transferred the nutrients to leaves effectively. Only a little amount of Ca, Cl, or Na was transferred to leaves with presence of nanosilicon. The adverse effects of salinity on phyllochron, flowering, and fruit set, and fruit production parameters were suppressed by application of nanosilicon. Analysis by optical microscopy revealed that salt stress limited the number of parenchyma cells, leaf thickness, epidermis cell thickness, and mesophyll thickness, thereby leading to restrictions in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. Nanosilicon application reduced negative effects of salinity by improving cell wall thickness, providing higher content of water, and leading to increased chlorophyll content and fluorescence. Overall, these observations indicated that application of nanosilicon can suppress the adverse effect of salinity on anatomical and physiological changes of strawberry plants.

Effects of Shade Net Colors on Mineral Elements and Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality of Fresh Fig (Ficus carica L.) under Rain-Fed Condition

Photoselective netting is well known for filtering the intercepted solar radiation, thus affecting light quality. While its effects on leaf mineral elements have been well investigated, how color netting affects fruit mineral nutrients remains elusive. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of shade provided by blue and yellow nets on mineral nutrients of fig trees under rain-fed conditions. The experiment was arranged as a split-plot treatment in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cultivars “Sabz” and “Siah” were covered with color nets or left uncovered (as the control group). The highest nitrogen content (8710 ppm) was recorded for cultivar “Sabz” covered with blue net. Color nets enhanced calcium concentration in cultivar “Siah”. Covering fig trees with yellow net increased magnesium content in cultivar “Siah” and phosphorus content in cultivar “Sabz”. Our observation showed the significant positive effect of photo selective nets on postharvest quality, by decreasing fig fruit weight loss and extending shelf life of fruits. In general, color nets as a new agro-technological approach can maintain fruit nutrition under rain-fed conditions and increase postharvest shelf life and quality of fresh fig.

Leaf mineral element content and soil characteristics on in vitro antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory activities of aqueous fennel extracts

This study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical characterization of three harvested Foeniculum vulgare plants collected from two bioclimatic zones in order to investigate the soil growing conditions effect. The results showed a great variability of the phenolic amounts and biological properties of samples rely on localities. FvSEN contained the highest amounts of phenolic compounds. These amounts were accompanied by the greatest antioxidant ability through almost studied assays. FvSEN and FvZO were significantly different. In addition, the samples exhibited a significant and variable enzymatic inhibition activity with values ranging from 30 to 50 µg/mL for lipoxygenase assay. But these extracts did not revealed significant differences on their tyrosinase abilities. On the other hand, the levels of mineral elements were also estimated. These contents varied depending on sample and locality. The growing soil conditions of samples in terms of different parameters is likely related to their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potentialities added to their mineral composition which settled by Spearman’s correlation. These data may confirm the interesting potential of F. vulgare as a valuable source for natural antioxidant molecules but the growing soil conditions can affect all the potentialities of these plants set for human consumption and other uses.

Leaf nutrient status of some grafted-pear rootstocks influenced by different soil types

Aim of study: Determining leaf nutrient status of some grafted-pear rootstocks grown under different calcareous soil types.Area of study: The Horticultural Research Station of Kamalabad, Karaj, Iran.Material and methods: Leaf mineral element concentrations were determined in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Leaf sampling was carried out about 90 days after full bloom. The N-content was estimated by the Kjeldahl method. Total concentration of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) were also determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were analyzed using the flame photometry. The deviation from optimum percentage (DOP) and its correlation with the ΣDOP of macro- and micro-nutrients were used to determine the nutritional status of the studied plants.Main results: In clay loamy soil pyrodwarf rootstock, which was grafted with 'William Duchess' scion, presented a more suitable balanced nutritional index than other rootstocks/scion combinations. The OHF69 rootstock grafted with 'Daregazi' offered better balanced nutritional values in fairy lime silt-loamy soil, whereas the pyrodwarf rootstock grafted with 'Louise Bonne' scion in less lime silt-loamy soil was found to have higher values than other studied rootstocks/scion combinations in terms of nutrient concentration.Research highlights: The study determined effective solutions to the field problems of calcium carbonate equivalent which distinctly affect the soil properties related to plant growth. It also revealed the most suitable pear rootstock/scion combinations in different calcareous soil types for orchard establishment in arid and semi-arid regions.

Amelioration of soil properties, growth and leaf mineral elements of summer savory under salt stress and biochar application in alkaline soil

Salinity is one of the environmental factors limiting plant growth and development. Biochar has various effects on the chemical properties of soil and through soil fertility enhancement, can enhance plant productivity. This study was aimed to study the effect of biochar on the growth, physiological traits and mineral nutrient contents of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and some chemical and elemental properties of the soil under salinity condition. Thus, a pot factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with four replications was performed. Experimental treatments included three levels of biochar (non-biochar, 1 and 2% of total pot mass) and four different NaCl levels (0, 3, 5 and 7 dS m−1). The results showed that the growth traits (fresh and dry weight of the shoots and roots, main root length and volume) and leaf nutrients of summer savory were improved by increasing soil biochar (especially 2% of total pot mass) under salinity stress. Using biochar as 2% of total pot mass, at 5 dS m−1 increased proline content. In addition, this study indicated that soils containing biochar were rich in nutrients content and showed the highest pH (8.18), OC (1.63 %) and N content (0.14 %) at 2% biochar under no salinity. The highest EC (29.8 dS m/m), CEC (10.6 Cmol(+) kg−1), Ca2+ (45.4 meq/L), Mg2+ (32.4 meq/L), Na+ (180 meq/L) and Cl- (318 meq/L) were observed at 7 dS m-1 salinity by using 2% biochar. In general, biochar can modify the soil nutrient situation to overcome the detrimental effects of NaCl. The positive effect of biochar on the growth, nutrient uptake, and soil properties encourage the application of biochar to overcome nutrient deficiency and improve the plant growth.

Influence of Humic Acid on Growth, and Leaf and Root Mineral Elements of Sabrina Strawberry under Salinity Stress

Influence of Humic Acid on Growth, and Leaf and Root Mineral Elements of Sabrina Strawberry under Salinity Stress

EFFECTS OF CITRUS ROOTSTOCKS ON SOME PLANT NUTRIENT ELEMENTS ABSORPTION OF GRAFTED CULTIVARS

Citrus rootstocks have prime effects on the size of tree and fruit, quality of fruit and micorhyza dependence, which make difference in their leaf mineral elements concentration in leaf of grafted cultivars on them. A pot factorial experiment with two factors including rootstocks (sour orange, Citrange, Rough Lemon, Citrumelo and Yozo) and grafted cultivars (Thomson Navel, Sanguine, Unshiu Tangerine) was carried out in farm conditions with three replications. The studied traits were concentrations of elements in leaves including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper. The result of analysis of variance revealed significant mean squares of variety, rootstock and their interaction effects for the elements in leaves. Citrumelo rootstock had mainly effect on nutritional elements in leaves. Unshiu mandarin with Citrumelo rootstock had the most amount of nitrogen and sanguine variety with Citrange rootstock made the highest concentration of phosphorus and potassium in leaves of the grafted cultivar. Significant positive correlation of K with Fe and Zn indicating that all rootstocks with high mean value of K in leaf of grafted cultivar will have high amount of Fe and Zn. Significant positive correlation also detected between N and P of leaf of grafted cultivars in combination with different rootstocks; therefore, most of combinations with high mean value of N had also high mean value of P. Unshiu Tangerine had high variation for P, but Thomson Novel had lowest variation for this mineral element. Due to Significant positive correlation of S with Mg and Mn, most of rootstocks with high amount of S in leaf of grafted cultivar had high mean values of Mg and Mn in their leaf of grafted cultivars.

Alfalfa Powder Affects Soil Nutrient and Walnut Dry Matter Accumulation under Drought

Improving soil conditions has been an increasingly important issue in degraded hilly areas; however, the effects of plant manure on soil nutrient and plant dry matter accumulation are poorly understood. We studied the effects of alfalfa powder, decomposed chicken manure and drought in a nonplanted group (NPG) and planted walnut group (PG) soil to explore the regulatory mechanisms of plant growth and dry matter accumulation in response to soil nutrients in hilly areas. Alfalfa fertilizer increased the soil water content and organic nutrient content, and drought resulted in a high carbon to nitrogen ratio and carbon to phosphorus ratio in NPG and PG soil. In addition, fertilization changed the available nutrient content of the soil in the nonirrigated NPG and PG. Alfalfa fertilizer altered the soil micro‐element contents and leaf mineral nutrient contents, promoted the net photosynthetic rate and relative water content, and inhibited the transpiration rate, resulting in high water use efficiency in leaves. Moreover, the coupling effect of soil organic matter and soil water content affected the correlations between the organic composition and mineral nutrients and maintained leaf mineral element contents as well as the net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency, resulting in dry matter accumulation in the leaves, shoots and roots. This study highlights that plant manure can improve soil properties and the accumulation of plant dry matter in hilly areas.Core Ideas Alfalfa powder enhanced soil fertility in mountainous/hilly areas. Alfalfa powder improved leaf nutrient contents, leaf photosynthesis and water use efficiency (WUE) in drought. Soil environmental factors were correlated with plant growth and dry matter accumulation.

Content difference and correlation analysis of leaf mineral element and fruit quality in different pomegranate cultivars

Content difference and correlation analysis of leaf mineral element and fruit quality in different pomegranate cultivars