Macronutrient Status Research Articles

Herbaceous diversity and biomass under different fire regimes in a seasonally dry forest ecosystem

The present work deals with the impact of forest fire over herb community along with changes in soil micronutrient status and C (carbon) storage. The present investigation was carried out in Bhoramdeo wildlife sanctuary, India. The entire area was divided into four distinct sites, i.e., no fire, low fire, medium fire (MFZ) and high fire zones depending upon geo-referenced data and ground truth verification. Quantification of the herb was done within 1 ha grid plots by laying random quadrats of 50 × 50 cm. Soil sampling was done at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm depths. The micronutrient status of the soil was analysed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Most studies focuses on forest land degradation through depletion of soil macronutrient status under fire incidence. The present work involves a new approach to evaluate the impact of different fire regimes on herb community along with changes in soil micronutrient status. MFZ reported highest species, families, density, biomass and C storage. Zn (zinc), Mn (manganese), S (sulphur), nitrate N (nitrogen) and ammonical N level decreased with the gradual increment of the soil depth from 0 to 20 cm under various fire regimes. Cu (copper) level increased with the gradual increase in the soil depth from 0 to 20 cm under various fire regimes. C stock and biomass varied significantly in different fire regimes. Species such as Cassia tora, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis tenella and Setaria glauca recorded high C storage under MFZ and represented their higher presence and regeneration.

Fixing the Broken Phosphorus Cycle: Wastewater Remediation by Microalgal Polyphosphates.

Phosphorus (P), in the form of phosphate derived from either inorganic (Pi) or organic (Po) forms is an essential macronutrient for all life. P undergoes a biogeochemical cycle within the environment, but anthropogenic redistribution through inefficient agricultural practice and inadequate nutrient recovery at wastewater treatment works have resulted in a sustained transfer of P from rock deposits to land and aquatic environments. Our present and near future supply of P is primarily mined from rock P reserves in a limited number of geographical regions. To help ensure that this resource is adequate for humanity’s food security, an energy-efficient means of recovering P from waste and recycling it for agriculture is required. This will also help to address excess discharge to water bodies and the resulting eutrophication. Microalgae possess the advantage of polymeric inorganic polyphosphate (PolyP) storage which can potentially operate simultaneously with remediation of waste nitrogen and phosphorus streams and flue gases (CO2, SOx, and NOx). Having high productivity in photoautotrophic, mixotrophic or heterotrophic growth modes, they can be harnessed in wastewater remediation strategies for biofuel production either directly (biodiesel) or in conjunction with anaerobic digestion (biogas) or dark fermentation (biohydrogen). Regulation of algal P uptake, storage, and mobilization is intertwined with the cellular status of other macronutrients (e.g., nitrogen and sulphur) in addition to the manufacture of other storage products (e.g., carbohydrate and lipids) or macromolecules (e.g., cell wall). A greater understanding of controlling factors in this complex interaction is required to facilitate and improve P control, recovery, and reuse from waste streams. The best understood algal genetic model is Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in terms of utility and shared resources. It also displays mixotrophic growth and advantageously, species of this genus are often found growing in wastewater treatment plants. In this review, we focus primarily on the molecular and genetic aspects of PolyP production or turnover and place this knowledge in the context of wastewater remediation and highlight developments and challenges in this field.

Impact of Chelated or Inorganic Manganese and Zinc Applications in Closed Hydroponic Bean Crops on Growth, Yield, Photosynthesis, and Nutrient Uptake

In this study, we investigated the effect of individual and combined applications of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) chelates on common bean grown in hydroponics (nutrient film technique—NFT) on physiological and agronomical responses. Inorganic sulphate forms of Mn and Zn were compared to their synthetic chelate forms, in the replenishment nutrient solution (RNS). Nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) to water uptake ratios (termed uptake concentrations; UCs), growth, pods yield and quality, photosynthetic parameters and tissue nutrient status were evaluated in different cropping seasons (spring-summer and autumn-winter crops). Mean UCs of nutrients ranged as follows: 10.1–12.4 (N), 0.8–1.0 (P), 5.2–5.6 (K), 1.8–2.2 (Ca), 0.9–1.0 (Mg) mmol L−1; 12.2–13.4 (Fe), 5.2–5.6 (Mn), 4.4–4.9 (Zn), 0.9–1.0 (Cu) μmol L−1. Tissue macronutrient status remained unaffected in both seasons, however, Mn chelates in the RNS affected Fe within plants. Pod yield and quality, growth, photosynthesis and water uptake did not differ among treatments; however, seasonal variations are presented. Results suggest that the chelate forms of Mn and/or Zn in the refill solution for NFT-grown beans do not lead to any changes, adding superiority in the yield, photosynthesis, and nutritional status of the crops compared to their mineral forms.

Assessing the Macronutrient Status of Some Selected Soils in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria

Fertility status of soils within the south-south region of Nigeria varies both inter and intra states. Therefore, the study investigated the macronutrient status of some selected soils in Bayelsa State. Two farm sites in Opume (OPF) and Amassoma (AMF) with records of long term cultivation were randomly selected and soil samples randomly collected from each locality for physico-chemical analyses. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of means and a post hoc regression analysis to determine relationships between soils and analyzed parameters. Results revealed that soils were loam to sandy clay loam and acidic with low pH levels. Exchangeable bases (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+) were low in AMF soils compared to OPF soils except for Na+. Organic carbon and organic matter were moderately low in both soils, however, AMF had lower contents. Total N were found to be critically low (0.03%) in both soils. OPF had higher available phosphorus (5.09 mg/kg) while AMF had higher available Sulphur (6.55 mg/kg). Base saturation was moderate in OPF (50.44 %), however, not significantly different (p<0.05) from AMF. Similarly, Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) was low in soils of both localities. Regression analysis showed that pH had significant positive relationships with sand, Org C, Org M, available P, TN, % B.S and the basic cations (r=0.534*, 0.841***, 0.837***, 0.855***, 0.736***, 0.856**) with a negative relationship with Exchangeable acidity and SO42- (r=-0.799** and -0.844***). Org C, Org M and TN had significant negative relationships with silt at both localities (r=-0.592**, -0.592** and -0.491*) respectively. These results indicate clearly that the nutrient status of soils in the study areas are mostly controlled by pH and the textural distribution. It also indicates that improved soil management practices can improve the macronutrient status for increased crop production.

Macronutrient status and indicators of acid-alkaline blood balance in cats with chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure is a common pathology among cats. According to various literary sources, this pathology is found in 0.5–14.0% of cats. Pathology in cats in our studies is a consequence of glomerulonephritis. The diagnosis of chronic renal failure established on the basis of clinical, instrumental, and laboratory methods of blood and urine testing. Studies have found that chronic renal failure in cats is clinically characterized by apathy, anorexia, dry skin, odor of urea, vomiting, thirst, occurrence in the mouth of uremic ulcers (9.5% of patients), tachycardia (up to 177 beats per minute) tachypnoea (up to 45 respiratory movements per minute), hypertension. In the urine – hypostenuria, erythrocyturia, leukocyturia, kidney epithelium, hyaline and granular cylinders. According to echosonography – increase in echogenicity of the parenchyma, brain substance echone negative, cortico-brain differentiation erased. In the blood test – normochromic macrocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperazotemia (up to 27.9 mmol/L), hypercreatininemia (324 μmol/L), hyperuricemia (615 μmol/L), 4.6-fold increase in SDMA (symmetric dimethylargin). In chronic renal failure, cats have a significant change in the elemental composition of the blood. In particular, the Na+ content was increased by 3%, Ca2+ 1.6 times, P 2.1 times. Instead, the K+ level was reduced 1.9 times. Changes in acid-base equilibrium (ABE) were also detected: the pH decreased to 7.22; HCO3– by 34%, total CO2 by 32.3%, while anionic difference (AG) and buffer bases (BE) increased by 1.8 and 3.5 times, respectively. Such changes are characteristic of the development of lactic acidosis. The obtained experimental data on changes in mineral metabolism and acid-base equilibrium in the serum of cats in chronic renal failure supplement and clarify information on the pathogenic pathology of the kidneys in cats aged 5–10 years. Blood biochemical data can be used to improve early-stage diagnostics without clinical manifestations of chronic renal failure, their prevention and treatment, and to solve applied scientific problems in the field of nephrology and urology of small animals.

GROWTH AND MINRAL STATUS OF COTTON PLANTS AS AFFECTED BY ABSICISIC ACID AND SALT STRESS

Application of antioxidant materials like absicisic acid to alleviate salinity stress and promote cotton growth is high effectiveness target, whereas cotton plant is an attractive industrial crop. Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity stress and absicisic acid (antioxidant materials to alleviate salinity stress) on cotton growth and macro nutrients status in shoots of cotton plants. Plants subjected to two salinity levels (2500 and 5000 ppm as diluted sea water), and tap water (250ppm) as control, sprayed absicisic acid (ABA) with two concentrations (20 and 40 ppm of ABA) and distilled water as a control. Salinity decreased stem and leaves dry weight compare to the control treatment. The lower concentrations of ABA (20 and 40 ppm as a foliar spray) improve dry weight of stem and leaves. Reversely, leaves/stem ratio decreased with both concentrations of the absicisic acid. The increment in dry weight of leaves and stem or their sum showed its higher values by application 40 ppm from ABA under the 5000 ppm salinity level and also under fresh water treatment but under the 2500 ppm treatment the highest values were by 20 ppm of growth regulator. Nevertheless, L/S ratio decreased by ABA treatment, whereas, the high concentration of ABA (40ppm) was super than lower concentration (20ppm) under both salinity levels. Generally, it can be used diluted seawater in irrigation of cotton plant with spraying abscisic acid to alleviate the harmful effect of salinity.

Impact of improved forms of sulphur on NPK status of soil under mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cultivation

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University during rabi season of 2016-17 to evaluate the effect of improved sulphur (S) formulations on the status of available macronutrients in soil at various growth stages of mustard. Results revealed that the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content of soil decreased with increasing the dose of Gromor Rapid Blue® from 5 to 7.5 kg acre-1. Residual N and K status of the soil were found highest when Micronized S was applied @3kg acre-1, whereas application of Gromor Sulphamax @10kg acre-1 gave better results in increasing the P content of soil. At vegetative stage, maximum increase in NPK level over control was recorded, i.e. 34.4, 49.0, and 11.6% with application of Micronized S @3kg acre-1, Gromor Sulphamax @10kg acre-1, and Gromor Rapid Blue® 7.5 kg acre-1, respectively. During this study, the available nutrient content of soil was in decreasing trend as the crop progressed and maximum available nutrient content was observed at vegetative stage.

GPS based sampling for determination of fertility status of some villages of Jatani block of khordha district, Odisha

Precision agriculture is the need of hour and GPS soil sampling is an important tool to achieve it. This as a result helps us to have site specific nutrient management. A GPS based soil sampling was done from some villages of Jatani block, khordha district of Odisha. The pH ranged from strongly acidic to neutral, organic carbon was low in most of sample, status of macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur were low for most of sample where as calcium and magnesium was found out to be sufficient. Fertilizer dose as per the nutrient status can be recommended and thus suitable crop can be selected for better yield and sustainable agriculture.

Diverging landscape impacts on macronutrient status despite overlapping diets in managed (Apis mellifera) and native (Melissodes desponsa) bees.

Declining pollinator populations worldwide are attributed to multiple stressors, including the loss of quality forage. Habitat management in agricultural areas often targets honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) specifically, with the assumption that native bees will benefit from an 'umbrella species' strategy. We tested this theory using a conservation physiology approach to compare the effects of landscape composition and floral dietary composition on the physiological status of honey bees and Melissodes desponsa in eastern South Dakota, USA. The total glycogen, lipid and protein concentrations were quantified from field collected bees. Next-generation sequencing of the trnL chloroplast gene from bee guts was used to evaluate dietary composition. The effects of landscape and dietary composition on macronutrient concentrations were compared between bee species. As the mean land-use patch area increased, honey bee glycogen levels increased, though M. desponsa experienced a decrease in glycogen. Protein levels decreased in honey bees as the largest patch index, a measure of single patch dominance, increased versus M. desponsa. Lipids in both species were unaffected by the measured landscape variables. Dietary analysis revealed that honey bees foraged preferentially on weedy non-native plant species, while M. desponsa sought out native and rarer species, in addition to utilizing non-native plants. Both species foraged on Asteraceae, Oleaceae and Fabaceae, specifically Melilotus sp. and Medicago sp. Dietary composition was not predictive of the macronutrients measured for either species. Together, these data highlight the management importance of including patch area in conservation recommendations, as bee species may have divergent physiological responses to landscape characteristics. While solitary bees may forage on weedy introduced plants in agricultural areas, robust strategies should also reincorporate native plant species, though they may not be preferred by honey bees, to maximize overall health and diversity of pollinator communities.

Assessment of the nutritional status of malnourished school-age Egyptian children

Background The nutritional status of school-age children is a primary determinant of children's health, as it influences their physical and mental development. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and dietary intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in a sample of malnourished school-age children (5–12 years) in Egypt. Patients and methods This was a cross-sectional study that included school-age children (5–12 years) recruited from the outpatient clinic of the National Nutrition Institute, Cairo, Egypt. Participants sampling was performed during the period from June to August 2019. In this study, 85 children of both sexes were enr?olled. Results The studied group constituted 52 boys and 33 girls. There was no statistical difference between them regarding age or sex distribution, and also, the anthropometric measures showed that there were highly significant differences in the weight and BMI between the different groups, but with no difference in the height. More than 50% of the undernourished children were taking unsafe levels of carbohydrates (55.3%) and calories (52.6%), and ~ 40% were taking an unsafe level of fat. Only 2.6% had an unsafe level of consumption of proteins. There was a significant difference in the distribution of % recommended dietary allowances of macrominerals in undernourished and overnourished children compared with that of the normal group. Regarding vitamin intake, the authors found that most undernourished children were consuming unsafe levels of vitamins. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for dietary intervention measures in school-aged children.

Long-term Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Nutrient Status, Content and Uptake by Finger Millet Crop in a Typic Kandiustalf of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

ABSTRACTMacronutrients support the most essential functions of the plant. Impact of integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the macronutrient status in soil and plant were studied in an ongoing 40-year old long-term fertilizer experiment (LTFE) under finger millet mono-cropping system at All India Co-ordinated Research Project for Dry land Agriculture (AICRPDA), Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, during kharif 2018. The experimental plot in the field was laid out following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Results indicated that continuous application of 100% NPK with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) increased the macronutrient availability in soil N (345.35 kg ha−1), P2O5 (66.58 kg ha−1), K2O (136 kg ha−1), nutrient content and uptake by finger millet grain, straw, roots, and stubbles. Application of FYM @ 10 t ha−1 + 100% RDF over a period of 40 years significantly increased the macronutrient content in soil and uptake by finger millet grain, straw, roots, and stubbles against 100% NPK treatment and control.

Available macronutrient status of soils in various cropping systems of Thotapalli irrigation project ayacut of North coastal Andhra Pradesh

Assessment of macronutrient status of soils under five major cropping systems namely, rainfed mango/cashew orchards, rainfed groundnut/mesta cropping, irrigated rice followed by pulses, irrigated rice followed by maize and irrigated sugarcane in Thotapalli irrigation project ayacut area of north coastal Andhra Pradesh was carried out. A total of 125 random soil samples were collected from five different cropping systems from five villages of five Tehsils (mandals) namely, Cheeprupalli, Therlam (both tehsils from Vizianagarm district), Ranasthalam, Regidiamadalavalasa and Laveru (from Srikakulam district). The results of the study revealed that the soil organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) contents of the irrigated land was higher than adjacent rainfed upland, however the exchangeable calcium and magnesium were higher in rainfed uplands and relatively lower in irrigated cropping systems. Significant positive correlation was noticed between percent clay content with available N (r = 0.311**), available P2O5 (r = 0.232*), available K2O (r = 0.473**), available Sulphur (r = 0.249*), likewise organic carbon content also positively correlated with available N (r = 0.456**), available P2O5 (r = O.578**), available K2O (r = 0.211*) and available sulphur (r = 0.298*), while available phosphorous, was negatively correlated with soil pH, EC and CaCO3 contents. The variations in soil properties and nutrient status among cropping systems indicate need for employing integrated and soil test based nutrient management in sustainable manner.

The Macronutrients Status of Tarai Soils in Uttarakhand, India

The Macronutrients Status of Tarai Soils in Uttarakhand, India

Interactions of acidic soil near copper mining and smelting complex and waste-derived alkaline additives

Liming is a common practice in the treatment of acidic and metal contaminated soils, aiming at pH regulation, enhancing of the nutrient availability and attenuation of trace metals mobility. Replacement of natural limestone with alternative soil alkalizers found among waste materials represents a step towards sustainable resource management and reduced waste storage. In this study, waste seashells (SW) and red mud (RM) were applied in different doses to the soil sampled in the vicinity of mining and smelting complex. The soil was characterized by acidic reaction (pH 4.93), increased Cu concentration (219.2 mg/kg) and a very low level of P-supply (3.61 mg P2O5/100 g). The study aimed to quantify and compare additive-induced effects onto soil physicochemical properties, the status of macronutrients and distribution of trace metals. Targeted effect on soil pH was achieved with SW dose of 0.3% and RM dose of 2%. RM was found to be a source of available P and gave rise to the available P concentrations in the soil. Medium level of P-supply (15.60 mg P2O5/100 g) was achieved with RM dose of 5%, however, the increase in soil salinity and total trace elements concentrations have become significant adverse effects at such dose. The decrease in the ion-exchangeable content of Cu and other trace metals was in correlation with the increase in soil pH after the treatments. Redistribution of metal cations was mainly directed to carbonate/acid soluble and Fe, Mn-oxide bonded fraction after SW addition. Even though trace metals concentration has increased in the soil after application of the RM, they were principally found in the residual fraction. The results emphasize low amounts of contained trace elements and lower doses for achieving targeted effects on pH and metal mobility as the main benefits of SW treatments. On the other hand, moderate and controlled use of RM may represent multiple benefits in terms of simultaneous pH regulation, P-supply, and reduced trace metals mobility.

The Study of Nutrient Macro Soil (N, P, and K) in Profil Soil Forest Land, Agroforstry, and Dryland Agriculture

This study aims to determine the macronutrients status of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), and soil acidity (pH) in the use of forest land, agroforestry, and dryland agriculture. The study was conducted by taking soil samples at four soil horizons (Ao or Ap, A1 or A2, B1, and B2) in each land use. Soil analysis in the laboratory to determine the concentration of N, P, K, organic C, and soil pH. Data analysis was carried out descriptively. The results showed that the distribution of N, P, and K on forest land and agroforestry decreased based on the depth of the land horizon, while the dryland agriculture has fluctuated. On forest land the concentration of N = 0.20-1.11%, P = 5.81-6.62 ppm, and K = 0.19-1.52%. Agroforestry N = 0.06-0.22%, P = 3.66-4.70 ppm, and K = 0.11-0.78 ppm. Whereas in the dryland agriculture concentration, N = 0.18-0.51%, P = 5.61-6.68 ppm, and K = 0.11-0.37 ppm. Organic matter, the intensity of tillage plays an important role in the distribution pattern and concentration of N, P, and K in the soil. Agroforestry systems can be a solution to the stability of soil fertility.

IMPACT OF SOIL SALINITY ON AVAILABLE MACRO NUTRIENTS UPTAKE BY WHEAT PLANT

In Egypt, the soil salinity is the mainly constraint to the development of agricultural sector. In the last few decades, the farmers and the government have made a great effort to diminish the hazard of soil salinity. The resistance of soils to salinity processes by human positive actions is known as soil resilience.This study aims to assess the soil salinity and resilience at north of Nile Delta and evaluate their impact on macro nutrients uptake by wheat plant. To fulfill these objectives, (i) field survey for identifying the main soil physical and chemical properties as well as the nutrients status in soils of the study area were carried out, (ii) explore the effects of salinity on the macronutrients uptake and ionic relations, and to (iii) status of macronutrients in soils and wheat plant in salinity environments. The results showed that the textural classes of these soils were clay were determined in cultivated land. In addition, The CEC range between 26.49 to 33.03Cmolc kg-1, total CaCO3 was range between 0.91 to 3.04 % and the gypsum was range between 1.69 to 5.64 %. The dominant soluble cations were Na+ followed by Ca+2 and Mg+2 while K+ was rather low in a descending order. On the other hand, soluble anions were dominated by Cl- and SO4-2. Results on correlations of EC with macronutrients in the soils, it gives strong positively correlation and regression of EC constant with available macronutrients. The present study confirms that at all salinity levels the variation in germination, plant growth, dry matter accumulation, ionic strength and availability of nutrients in seeds and straw could be better explored in determining the tolerance capacity of the wheat cultivars.

Macro nutrient status of Sundarbans forest soils in Southern region of Bangladesh

An attempt has been made to evaluate the condition of soil of the Sundarban mangrove forest of Bangladesh by applying standard method. Soil pH was varied from 6.63 to 7.87. Organic carbon of soil was found 4.06, 4.79, 5.59, 9.38 and 9.80 (gKg-1) at Kotka, Kochikhali, Hironpoint, Harbaria, and Dublarchar, respectively. The electrical conductivity of soil was varied from 14.39, to 42.89 (dSm-1) in the study areas.The cation exchange capacity in the soils was varied from 22.32 to 27.2 Cmolckg-1 in the study area. The average percentages of total nitrogen content in the soil were varied from 0.04 to 0.08%. The soils of Oligohaline zone of Sundarban mangrove forest are rich in water soluble and exchangeable magnesium followed by calcium and the potassium. The percentages of silt and clay were higher than sand in all study areas. Dissolved chloride in the soil was found 7010, 4186,11750 and 16389 (μg g-1) at Hironpoint, Harbaria, Dublarchar and Kotka respectively.
 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(1), 67-72, 2019

The identification of macro nutrient status of superior teak plantation (Tectona grandis Lin.F) by means of DRIS norms (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) in Indonesia

The improvement in forest productivity by considering the balance of nutrient input-output is the proper choice. This research aimed at investigating the macro nutrient status of a teak plantation in Indonesia. The quantitative measurement of the nutritional status of a plantation was done by picking sample plantations and doing laboratory analysis. The determination of macronutrition status was conducted by means of Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), that is a diagnostic method to measure the balance of nutrients before designing silvicultural treatments. Index analysis on teak has resulted in a macronutrient index (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg); respectively –8.40, –1.70, –4.17, 4.98 and 9.28. The availability levels of nutrients from the highest to the lowest were Mg > Ca > P > K > N. Mg and Ca have shown positive index values; this implies that the nutrients are sufficient. N, K, and P have shown negative index values; this implies that the nutrients are less available, and thus growth-limiting nutrients for teak. It is recommended that silvicultural treatments be conducted on teak by means of balanced nutrient inputs, to be specific N, P, and K to achieve maximum growth of teak.

EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS ACCORDING TO AGE GROUP.

ABSTRACTObjective: To evaluate the nutritional profile of the population assisted at a reference center for cystic fibrosis treatment.Methods: Cross-sectional study including patients with cystic fibrosis assisted at a pediatric reference center in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2014. All patients attending regular visits who agreed to participate in the study were included. A questionnaire on dietary habits (24-hour diet recall) and socioeconomic characteristics was applied. Anthropometric data (compared with the reference from the World Health Organization, 2006 and 2007) and pulmonary function data were collected from medical records. Patients were stratified into age groups for statistical analysis.Results: A total of 101 patients were included in the study (59.4% male, 86.4% Caucasian), with median age of 10 years old. Most patients (n=77; 75%) were classified as eutrophic, but lower values of body mass index (BMI) Z scores were observed in schoolchildren and adolescents. The proportion of underweight patients was 10% (n=2) among preschoolers and 35% (n=6) of the school age group. Dietary intake was adequate, and the use of only two supplements (medium chain triglycerides and complete powdered supplement) was associated with adequacy of macronutrient intake. The socioeconomic characteristics did not show any statistical association with the nutritional state or nutritional consumption. Lung function was not significantly different between neither adolescents nor individuals with worse nutritional status in this sample.Conclusions: Most of the patients presented adequate nutritional status and adequate consumption of calories and macronutrients, indicating appropriate nutritional management. New studies focusing on preschool children should be performed to assess if it is possible to reduce the nutritional risk of patients with cystic fibrosis at older ages.

The Significance of Macronutrients in Alternate Bearing ‘Nadorcott’ Mandarin Trees

The significance of macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in leaves was studied in relation with their possible roles in alternate bearing of ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata) trees over a period of three seasons. Fruit load (“on,” a heavy fruit load, vs. “off,” a light fruit load) affected the leaf macronutrient concentrations, and the amount of macronutrients removed through the harvest of fruit, i.e., the crop removal factor (g·kg−1), was consistent in both seasons. The crop removal factors were higher for each macronutrient in “off” trees—harvest of 1 kg fruit removed ≈2.3 g·kg−1 N, 0.3 g·kg−1 P, 3.1 g·kg−1 K, 1.0 g·kg−1 Ca, and 0.4 g·kg−1 Mg, compared with 1.3 g·kg−1 N, 0.2 g·kg−1 P, 1.7 g·kg−1 K, 0.6 g·kg−1 Ca, and 0.2 g·kg−1 Mg in “on” trees. Fruit load per tree (kg/tree) of 84, 110, and 52 kg/tree in “on” trees, however, removed ≈217 g/tree N, 28 g/tree P, 296 g/tree K, 100 g/tree Ca, and 35 g/tree Mg, which was 1.5–6 times more than that of fruit loads of 14, 71, and 16 kg/tree in “off” trees. In “off” trees, N, P, and K, and in “on” trees, Ca accumulated in leaves to between 20% and 30% higher concentrations in season 1, but the higher macronutrient status did not manifest in or consistently correlate with intensity of summer vegetative shoot development in the current season, or intensity of flowering in the next season, the two main determinants of fruit load in ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin. Apart from some anomalies, the concentrations of macronutrients in leaves were unaffected by de-fruiting and foliar spray applications of N and K to “on” trees, and showed no consistent relationship with treatment effects on parameters of vegetative shoot development and flowering. Leaf macronutrients in alternate bearing ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin trees, fertilized according to grower standard practice, are not related to differences in flowering and vegetative shoot development, and appear to be a consequence of fruit load and not a determinant thereof.