Plant Nutrient Accumulation Research Articles

Light environment and plant growth in plant factories

A plant factory with artificial light is an effective system producing food to satisfy specific demands on yield, morphology, taste and nutrient accumulation in plants. All environmental factors inside a plant factory can be controlled without climate and location limitation. Light is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth and quality. By regulating light aspects, such as light intensity, light period, light quality, lighting position, and daily light integral, the growth and quality of the plants grown in a plant factory can be largely enhanced. As known, the initial and operating cost for a plant factory with artificial light is high, particularly the cost of electrical energy related to lighting. Identifying the optimal light environment that promotes plant growth and quality is critical for commercialization of plant factories. Recent researches have paid great attentions to the effects of light environment on the growth and morphology of leafy vegetables. On the other hand, the demand on functional plants that contain high concentration of bioactive compounds is increasing rapidly. Bioactive compounds in plants have been intensively studied to evaluate their effects on human health and many of them are proved to be clinically active against various types of diseases (e.g. anti-cancer effects). More and more people prefer to take health product derived from natural plants for disease prevention. Solutions to realize sustainable production of high quality functional/medicinal plants can be provided by developing environmental control technologies, such as light recipe, in plant factories. Aromatic herbs such as coriander; medicinal plants such as perilla and water spinach are subjected to different light conditions and root zone environments. Some bioactive compounds e.g. perillaldehyde and rosmarinic acid in perilla leaves; phenolic compounds and flavonoids, especially rutin and chlorogenic acid in coriander can be enhanced. The effects of each light aspect on plant growth vary with plant species and other environmental conditions, however, there are also some general trends that can be used to guide commercial application. This presentation introduces the basic of light and its effects on plant growth in plant factories, demonstrates research results that have been published in scientific journals, reports the current study on herbs and medicinal plants, and summarizes the general application of light in plant production.

Effects of beneficial microorganisms on upland rice performance

ABSTRACT Inoculating plants with a mix of beneficial microorganisms can significantly improve plant growth and contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, it is unclear if mixed inoculations of microorganisms provide better results than inoculations of a single beneficial microorganism. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of beneficial microorganisms on the performance of upland rice in a greenhouse experiment using a completely randomized design with three repetitions and 26 treatments. The treatments consisted of inoculations of Bacillus sp. (BRM32110), Serratia sp. (BRM32114), Azospirillum sp. (1381), Bacillus sp. (1301), A. brasilense (Ab-V5) and a pool of Trichoderma asperellum in isolation or in a mixture in addition to a control treatment (without application of microorganisms). Microorganisms significantly affected gas exchange, biomass production and nutrient accumulation in upland rice plants. The mixed treatments of BRM32114 + pool of T. asperellum and Ab-V5 + pool of T. asperellum were more effective than the other treatments, with improved gas exchange variables and nutrient concentration. The 1301 + Ab-V5 mixed treatment showed higher averages for biomass production than the other treatments, and these values were significantly different from those of the control treatment.

Interaction effects of water supply and artificial defoliation in autumn on growth, biomass and nutrient accumulation in Populus deltoides

Poplar productivity is negatively affected by excess or deficit of water availability and by insect and pathogens that cause defoliation. Some foliar diseases, like leaf rust, produce defoliation at the end of the summer. The interaction between water stress and defoliation is poorly understood. Hence, the aim of this work was to test if defoliation would have a stronger effect on growth, biomass and nutrient accumulation in well-watered plants than in water-stressed plants. The experiment started with 36 Populus deltoides unrooted cuttings, which grew outdoors in pots throughout a complete growing season. Water stresses (flooding and drought) were imposed from early summer when cuttings were established. Defoliation (50%) was applied at the end of summer when plants were acclimated to water stress. We analyzed photosynthetic parameters in response to water stress and biomass, nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation and partitioning at the end of the first growing season. Artificial defoliation produced similar reduction of plant height and aboveground biomass in the three water conditions; but in well-watered plants caused a strong decrease in belowground accumulation. Defoliation increased nitrogen resorption from leaves before abscission only in plants under drought, but it had no effect in nutrient resorption in well-water and flooded plants. Defoliation decreased nitrogen and phosphorus storage in every water condition. The results are relevant to manage poplars in environments with multiple stresses, because defoliation at the end of the growing season and water stress have relevant impact on plant growth, nutrient storage capacity and on the internal distribution of nutrients.

Effect of phosphorus supplementation on growth, nutrient uptake, physiological responses, and cadmium absorption by tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) exposed to cadmium

Cadmium is a common heavy metal pollutant. In some plants, its absorption is inhibited by exogenous phosphorus. Here, the effect of P supplementation on the growth of tall fescue exposed to Cd was evaluated in a hydroponic culture experiment. Plants were exposed to five concentrations of P (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mmol L-1) and three concentrations of Cd (50, 100, and 150 mg L-1), and plant growth, Cd content, absorption, physiological characteristics, and nutrient accumulation were investigated. P supplementation significantly reduced the Cd content, Cd translocation factor(TF), Cd removal efficiency, plant P absorption, chlorophyll content, glutathione levels, glutathione reductase levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in tall fescue under Cd stress (P < 0.05). Moreover, it increased the vertical growth rate and biomass of tall fescue. At a constant P concentration, the biomass and vertical growth rate significantly decreased with an increasing Cd concentration, and the shoot Cd content, SOD activity, and TF significantly increased (P < 0.05). High P supplementation (0.75 and 1.0 mmol L-1) ameliorated the damage caused by 150 mg L–1 Cd stress, and the biomass, vertical shoot and vertical root growth rates were increased by 72.06–82.06%, 250.00–316.67%, 300.00–312.00%, respectively. In the plants subjected to 50 mg L–1 Cd stress, 0.5 mmol L-1 P supplementation enhanced biomass, vertical shoot and vertical root growth rates by 29.99%, 20.41%, and 21.43%, respectively, and reduced the Cd content in shoots (45.85%) and roots (9.71%). Except for the total potassium content and catalase activity, different concentrations of Cd negatively affected all parameters tested. Such negative effects were limited by P supplementation. Optimizing the nutrient composition and concentrations could minimize the potential negative impacts of Cd on plant growth.

Atmospheric transport and mixing of biological soil crust microorganisms

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are created where a diverse array of microorganisms colonize the surface and upper few millimeters of the soil and create a consolidated crust. They were originally described from arid ecosystems where vascular vegetation is naturally sparse or absent. They have since been discovered in all terrestrial ecosystems. Where present, they perform a variety of important ecological functions, including the capture and accumulation of water and essential plant nutrients, and their release in forms useful to vascular plants. They also stabilize the soil surface against wind and water erosion. BSC organisms include fungi (free-living, lichenized, and mycorrhizal), archaea, bacteria (cyanobacteria and chemotrophic and diazotrophic bacteria), terrestrial algae (including diatoms), and bryophytes (mosses and worts). BSC organisms reproduce primarily asexually via thallus or main body fragmentation or production of asexual spores that are readily dispersed by water and wind. Asexual and sexual propagules of BSC organisms are commonly lifted into the air with vast quantities of dust from the world's arid areas. BSC organisms and/or their propagules have been detected as high as the stratosphere. Some have also been detected in the mesosphere. Airborne dust, microorganisms, and their propagules contribute to the formation of essential raindrop and snowflake nuclei that, in turn, facilitate precipitation events. While airborne in the atmosphere, they also reflect the sun's rays passing laterally through the troposphere and stratosphere at dawn and dusk, often causing brilliant colors at sunrise and sunset.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Effects of Epichloë endophyte and repeated cutting on nutrition compositions of Festuca sinensis

The presence of Epichloë endophyte can promote plant growth and increase the accumulation of host plant nutrients. We determined the dry matter (DM) and important nutritional indicators of E+ (infected by endophyte) and E– (not infected by endophyte) Festuca sinensis under the three-time repeated cutting. The results indicated that the total nitrogen, total phosphorus, crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude ash (CA) contents, and DM of F. sinensis decreased with the repeated cutting increase and reached the minimum after the third time cut. The total organic carbon content of F. sinensis peaked at the second time cut. In addition, the DM of F. sinensis was significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) positively correlated with its quality CP, CF, and CA contents, and the appropriate repeated cutting times of F. sinensis was 1–2 times. We concluded that the presence of endophyte and proper cutting frequency can increase the quality and biomass of F. sinensis in Western China.

Comparative evaluation of aquatic biomass feedstocks for energy application and potential for extraction of plant nutrients from their ash

Aquatic biomasses have fast growth rate amicable for energy applications. Presence of low melting alkali elements is a major challenge; however they are plant nutrients that enhances the ash utilization potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate aquatic biomasses (Eichornia, Hydrilla, Lemna, and Spirogyra) for potential energy application, and to assess the accumulation of plant nutrients in the ashes obtained at different temperatures (500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 °C). Volatile matter content (wt.% dry basis) was lower in Spirogyra (58.2%) or Hydrilla (56.8%) than Eichornia (68.3%) or Lemna (64.7%), whereas fixed C content (wt. % dry basis) was higher for Eichornia and Lemna (about 11%) and lower for Spirogyra (7.4%) and Hydrilla (1.0%). Carbon content ranged from 25.2 to 37.9%; decreased in the order Eichornia > Lemna > Spirogyra > Hydrilla. Ash content was higher for Hydrilla (42.1%) followed by Spirogyra (34.5%), Lemna (24.0%) and Eichornia (19.9%). FTIR and cluster analysis showed comparable ash characteristics for Eichornia and Lemna; Hydrilla and Spirogyra have typical characteristics. Plant nutrient (except N, and K) contents in the ash increased with increase in temperature. Potassium and phosphorous content was higher in Eichornia and Lemna. Slagging and fouling tendencies could be arranged in the order Hydrilla > Eichornia > Lemna > Spirogyra. Eichornia, Lemna, and Spirogyra feedstock could be used for energy application and the resultant ash has valuable plant nutrients (K and P). Low temperature (600–700 °C) processing is advantageous to conserve plant nutrients in ash.

Promoting effect of Nano-Se on tobacco growth and reactive oxygen species metabolism

Se is beneficial to plants’ growth and it is an essential mineral for animals and humans. However, relatively little is known about the relationship between nano-Se concentrations and plant antioxidant activity. In this work, a pot experiment was carried out using two cultivars of tobacco and increasing nano-Se concentrations. The changes of plant biomass, root growth, chlorophyll content, nutrient accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in tobacco leaves after being sprayed with nano-Se were studied. The results indicated that the growth of tobacco can be promoted by applying nano-Se in an appropriate concentration. In addition, our research proves that there is cultivars variation in the response of tobacco to increased concentrations of nano-Se. The biomass, root growth characteristics, chlorophyll content and N accumulation of E'yan 1 were increased significantly and were the highest at 5.0 mg L−1 of nano-Se. On the other hand, the above mentioned indicators for K326 reached the maximum value at 2.5 mg L−1 and decreased at 5.0 mg L−1 of nano-Se. The antioxidant enzymes activity were increased by the application of nano-Se, however cultivars variation was detected. The application of nano-Se reduced the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ROS at 5.0 mg L−1 for both cultivars. This study confirms that nano-Se affects positively the growth and oxidative status of tobacco plants. However, this study points out that more research is needed to understand the interaction phenomena observed here between tobacco cultivars and concentrations specifically for the anti-oxidant status of the plant.

Gas Emission and Soil Chemical Properties Associated with Underground Coal Fires, Wuda Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China

The coal fire area in the Wuda coalfield is divided into four parts based on the degree of burning and on surface characteristics: sub-area B is characterized by degraded vegetation, sub-area A has spontaneous combustion but no obvious features, sub-area O has vents and cracks, and sub-area C is characterized by red pyro-metamorphic rocks. Emitted gas contents and temperature at the surface were measured and analyzed. In addition, soil samples were collected for analysis of chemical soil properties. The compositions and concentrations of emitted gases vary from one sub-area to another. The nearly the same correlations among gas contents in sub-area A and in sub-area O indicate that their generation mechanism is the same. SO2, H2S, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2 can only be detected near the cracks and vents in sub-area O. CO and H2 can still be detected in sub-area C, although the CO2 and CH4 contents in sub-area B are higher. Sub-areas A and B exhibit high organic matter contents due to plant nutrient accumulation and deposition of plant litter, whereas organic matter contents decrease at the vents and cracks in sub-area O and in sub-area C because of pyrolysis, leaching, and erosion. Soil near the vents and cracks in sub-area O show strong acidity, and soil pH is correlated with total salt contents of soil, which are composed mainly of Al-, K-, Mg-, or Fe-bearing sulfates. Sub-area A showed weak soil acidity, which was the result of acidification of pore water in soil due to their long-term exposure to CO2 and SO2. Total salt contents in soil in the coal fire area show no significant difference compared to those in the background area except near the vents and cracks in sub-area O. The findings of this study suggest that gas emission and soil chemical properties are reliably related to the underground coal fires.

Soybean seeding rate and fertilizer effects on growth, partitioning, and yield

AbstractGreater soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) total dry matter (TDM) production may support yield potential and correspondingly drive greater nutrient uptake. Whether increased dry matter (DM) and reduced interplant competition at decreased seeding rates improves grain yield response to fertilizer applications is not clear. A 3‐site‐year trial was conducted to evaluate soybean seeding rates and fertilizer applications on plant growth, nutrient accumulation, grain yield, and economic return. Seeding rates included: 123,500; 222,400; 321,200; and 420,100 seeds ha−1. Fertilizer applications consisted of: unfertilized; 90 kg MOP (0−0−62 N−P−K) ha−1 pre‐plant incorporated (PPI); 168 kg MESZ (12‐40−0−10−1 N−P−K−S−Zn) ha−1 applied 5 by 5 cm below and to the side of the seed at planting (5 × 5); and 90 kg MOP ha−1 PPI and 168 kg MESZ ha−1 applied 5 × 5. Dry matter (V4) increased 37.7 to 116.6% and 73.3 to 137.5% with seeding rates ≥222,400 seeds ha−1 and MESZ applications, respectively, with greater early‐season DM supporting increased nutrient uptake and grain yield potential. Increasing seeding rate from 123,500 to 222,400 seeds ha−1 improved grain yield 9% but no differences were observed above 222,400 seeds ha−1. The MESZ and MOP+MESZ applications increased grain yield 7.4 and 6.9%, respectively, while MOP did not affect grain yield across site‐years. As emphasis on creating more durable, resilient agroecosystems continues, results suggest seeding rates ≥222,400 seeds ha−1 maximized DM accumulation facilitating nutrient uptake which may be paramount to improving fertilizer management or reducing post‐harvest residual soil nutrients in impaired watersheds or regions of greater nutrient loss potential.

Influencia del estiércol composteado y micorriza arbuscular sobre la composición química del suelo y el rendimiento productivo de maíz forrajero (Zea mays L.)

Introducción: El estiércol composteado (E) es una alternativa al reciclaje de nutrientes, y puede mejorar o mantener la fertilidad del suelo sustituyendo a la fertilización convencional. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las características y composición química del suelo, porcentaje de infección del hongo micorrízico arbuscular (M) en raíz, características agronómicas de la planta, tasa de crecimiento en el cultivo, acumulación de nutrientes y rendimiento productivo, en respuesta del E y del Glomus intraradices (M) en maíz forrajero.Método: Se evaluaron seis niveles de fertilización orgánica (15, 30 y 45 t ha-1 de E, 15, 30 y 45 t ha-1 de EM), uno de fertilización química (FQ: 160-60-30 kg ha-1 de NPK), y un testigo (sin fertilizar: SF), en dos ciclos de cultivos (Ciclo, PV: primavera-verano y OI: otoño-invierno). Se utilizó E y G. intraradices. Las variables estudiadas en el suelo fueron: pH, conductividad eléctrica (CE), materia orgánica (MO), N, P, K, Ca, capacidad de intercambio catiónico (CIC), numero de esporas; en la planta: acumulación de nutrientes (N, P, K, Ca), porcentaje de infección en raíz, altura, numero de hojas y materia seca (MS); en el cultivo: tasa de crecimiento del cultivo (TCC), rendimiento de forraje en materia verde (MV t ha-1) y materia seca (MS t ha-1).Resultados: Con excepción del K en suelo y la CIC, el Tratamiento, Ciclo y la interacción de ambos factores afectaron (P&lt;0.05) las variables que definieron la composición química del suelo (pH, CE, MO, N, P, Ca), la acumulación de nutrientes en planta (N, P, K, Ca) y el rendimiento de forraje en MV y MS. En OI, FQ presentó el menor contenido de MO; en PV, un incremento en el E (de 15E a 45E) permitió aumentar la MO (P&gt;0.05). El N en suelo fue mayor en OI con relación a PV en todos los tratamientos (P&gt;0.05). En OI, 30EM presentó la mayor acumulación de nutrientes en planta (N, P, K y Ca) con respecto al resto de los tratamientos (P&gt;0.05). En ambos ciclos, PV y OI, 30EM tuvo el mayor rendimiento de forraje en MS (P&gt;0.05).Discusión o Conclusión: La composición química del suelo, planta y el rendimiento de maíz forrajero fueron afectados por el uso de E solo o en combinación con M durante los ciclos PV y OI. El uso de 30EM representa una mejor opción de fertilización con relación SF y FQ debido a que la planta tuvo mayor producción de forraje en MS durante la PV y OI. El uso de G. intraradices en combinación con E contribuye a optimizar la utilización de nutrientes del suelo por la planta. Los resultados obtenidos son importantes para incrementar la calidad y cantidad de maíz forrajero.

Variations in nutrient uptake, yield and nut quality of different pistachio cultivars grafted on Pistacia khinjuk rootstock

Nutrient accumulation in plant leaves provides empirical information about the uptake, translocation and utilization of available resources, which is ultimately reflected in yield. Several studies have reported that rootstock significantly affect nutrient uptake and yield in pistachio; however, little is known about the differences among cultivars of different origin grafted on the same rootstock. This study was conducted to assess the differences in nutrient uptake, yield and nut quality of different pistachio cultivars grafted on Pistacia khinjuk rootstock in Sanliurfa province, Turkey. An orchard with 14 different cultivars grafted on same rootstock was established in 1994 with 7 m × 5 m spacing. Leaf samples were collected at the beginning of fruit maturation and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu contents. Yield and nut quality were evaluated at maturity. Significant differences were observed among cultivars for nutrient uptake, yield and nut quality. The highest N, P and K were accumulated by ‘Haciserifi’ cultivar, whereas the highest uptake of Ca, Mg and Cu was noted for ‘Mumtaz’ cultivar. Similarly, ‘Vahidi’ cultivar accumulated the highest amounts of Fe and Zn, whereas the highest accumulation of Mn was recorded for ‘Sel-15′ cultivar. The highest 100-fruit weight and yield were recorded for ‘Mumtaz’ cultivar. Similarly, the highest percentage of split nuts was recorded for ‘Sel-2′, ‘Sel-5′ and ‘Siirt’ cultivars, whereas the highest kernel ratio was noted for ‘Ohadi’ cultivar. Principal component analysis divided the cultivars in 3 groups. The cultivars in the first group had similar Cu, Mg, Ca, K accumulation, 100-fruit weight and yield, while the second group cultivars had similar accumulation of N, P, Zn and Fe. The third group had the cultivars with heterogenous accumulation of plant nutrients. It is concluded that nutrient accumulation, yield and quality of pistachio is not only influenced by rootstock; rather, grafted cultivars also significantly differ for nutrient uptake. Therefore, both rootstock and cultivars should be considered while establishing pistachio orchards for efficient utilization of available resources and better economic returns.

Nutritional Efficiency and Nutrient Acumulation of Maize Cultivated in Soils With High Al-KCl Content

Most Brazilian soils are weathered and acidic, generally with exchangeable aluminum levels toxic to plants. Aluminum content can exceed 10 cmolc kg-1 in certain soils, but does not interfere in plant nutrient absorption, transport and accumulation. This study aimed to assess whether the high aluminum levels extracted with 1 mol L-1 KCl solution affect the nutritional efficiency of maize plants grown in acidic soils in areas of Brazilian states (AC: profile 9, PE, SC and RS) never before cultivated. To that end, two greenhouse experiments were performed (soybean: 45 days and maize: 60 days) with increasing levels of lime (0; 25; 50 and 100% H+Al content). After the experiments and collection, chemical analyses were conducted to characterize the soils and determine the chemical composition of the maize plants. The Al levels did not interfere in maize plants, nutrient absorption, transport, use or accumulation in AC9 and Rosario do Sul (RS) soils, but did affect those cultivated in PE, BR and CB soils in treatments without lime. The absence of Al toxicity is related to the increased concentration and activity of basic cations and P in the soil solution.

DRY MATTER AND NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION CURVE IN CABBAGE CROP

Abstract Cabbage cultivars currently cultivated present high yield potential and may present differences regarding absorption and use of nutrients. Thus, studies quantifying plant growth and nutrient accumulation are the basis to improve fertilization efficiency and optimize yield. This study aimed to determine the dry matter and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) accumulation curve of cabbage cultivars during two growing seasons. Cultivars Astrus Plus and Green Valley were cultivated during summer-autumn crop season, while Astrus Plus and Fênix during the autumn-winter crop season. Plants were sampled after transplanting at 10-day intervals until harvest. Dry matter and nutrient accumulations are variable with growing season and cultivar. The highest dry matter and nutrient accumulation rates occur in the last ten days of the cycle. Fertilizations with N, P, K, Fe, and Zn should receive more attention due to higher harvest indices.

Blue light alleviates ‘red light syndrome’ by regulating chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthetic traits and nutrient accumulation in cucumber plants

Plant growth and physiology are strongly influenced by blue and red lights. When exposed to prolonged red light, leaf photosynthesis is severely impaired. This ‘red light syndrome’ has been characterized by a low maximum quantum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), a low photosynthetic capacity (Amax) and unresponsive stomatal conductance (gs). When adding blue light to red light, none of these effects occurrs. Previous studies mainly focused on photosynthetic changes, however, little information is available on how blue light alleviates ‘red light syndrome’ through comprehensively regulating photosynthesis in leaves, nutrient uptake by roots and their correlation. Four light quality treatments including white light (W), red monochromatic light (R), blue monochromatic light (B), and a combination of red and blue light (RB) were employed to investigate their effects on chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation in cucumber seedlings. The results showed that compared to W, R treatment significantly decreased RGR, Pn, Fv/Fm and ΦII, numbers and size of chloroplast and starch grain, thickness of grana and largely increased accumulation of P, K, Mn and Zn, indicating that R treatment severely decelerated plant growth, disrupted chloroplast ultrastructure, limited photosynthetic characteristics, and accumulated excess nutrients. However, these suppressions were effectively alleviated by adding blue light to red light (compare RB versus R). The B treatment plants exhibited plant growth, chloroplast ultrastructural and photosynthetic characteristics similar to those of W. It is clearly demonstrated that blue light-dependent alleviation of 'red light syndrome' is accompanied by mediating the enhancement of chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthetic traits, and removal of red light-induced excessive nutrient accumulation in cucumber plant. We hypothesize that changes in both chloroplast ultrastructure and nutrient accumulation could mediate the alleviation.

Efficiency of using biological products in the production of organic soy seeds

The results of studies of the effectiveness of biological products under the organic seed material production of soybean varieties of domestic and foreign breeding (Suzirya and Kent) are presented. The biological products from leading manufacturers of Ukraine have been used. During 2016–2018 in Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine at the Skvyra organic demonstration site of the Skvyra Experimental Station of Organic Production of the Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management NAAS investigated the effects of biological products on the quality and quantity of soybean organic seeds: weight, similarity, germination energy, phytosanitary condition of crops and yield of 1000 seeds. The soil of the experimental field is small humus chornozem (black soil). The research techniques are generally accepted. It was established that the processing of experimental plots with various complexes of biological products provided an improvement in the quality indicators of seeds of both varieties: the mass of 1000 seeds has increased by 2.4–4.5%; the similarity and seed germination have increased by 3.4–9.8% and 3.8–5.0%. The use of biological preparations has contributed to a significant decrease in the weed infestation of soybean compared with the increased competitiveness of cultivated plants relative to segetal ones. It has been proved that complexes of biological preparations stimulated the growth and development of soybean plants and contributed to the accumulation of plant nutrients in the soil. It was noted that favorable weather conditions increased the effect of biological agents and increased their effectiveness in forming high-quality organic soybean seeds harvest. It is proved that the cultivation of soybean according to organic technology requires the use of biological products for pre-sowing treatment of soil and seeds, as well as in the process of growth and development of culture.

Bacterial community and phosphorus species changes in pepper rhizosphere soils after Pseudomonas putida Rs-198 inoculation

The present study was designed to analyze the effect of Pseudomonas putida Rs-198 (Rs-198) on pepper plant nutrient accumulation and its root environment changes in slightly saline soil field condition at Xinjiang, China. Results showed that the application of Rs-198 increased the pepper biomass in shoot and root dry weight by 97% and 131%, respectively, and increased N, P and K uptake in pepper stem by 18.40%, 25.00% and 25.07%, respectively. Additionally, Rs-198 inoculated treatment significantly decreased Na content in pepper root by 59.71% likely for its salt stress alleviating ability. Differences in bacterial composition and predicted metagenome were observed between the Rs-198 inoculated treatment and the control in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. The gene abundance of Blastococcus, AKYG587, and Pseudomonas were significantly increased in bulk soil after Rs-198 inoculation, where as the abundance of Chloroflexi decreased at phyla level. Further analysis showed that Rs-198 inoculation increased the contents of available P, Ca2-P, Ca8-P, iron-P, aluminum-P and total-P by 34.28%, 32.68%, 18.04%, 9.90%, 14.51% and 9.01%. The bacterial community was changed with the variation of soil P form relative abundances and soil pH that associated with Rs-198 application. Overall, these findings indicate that the beneficial changes in soil environment condition, such as soil nutrition, bacterial community and functional bacterial diversity, could be attributed to rhizobacteria inoculation.

Dark septate endophytic fungi increase the activity of proton pumps, efficiency of 15N recovery from ammonium sulphate, N content, and micronutrient levels in rice plants.

Plants colonised by dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi show increased uptake of nutrients available in the environment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of DSE fungi on the activity of proton pumps, nitrogen (N) recovery from ammonium sulphate, and nutrient accumulation in rice plants. Treatments consisted of non-inoculated plants and plants inoculated with two isolates of DSE fungi, A101 and A103. To determine N recovery from the soil, ammonium sulphate enriched with 15N was added to a non-sterile substrate while parameters associated with the activity of proton pumps and with NO3- uptake were determined in a sterile environment. The A101 and A103 fungal isolates colonised the roots of rice plants, promoting 15N uptake, growth, and accumulation of nutrients as compared with the mock control. A103 induced the expression of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase (PM H+-ATPase) isoforms OsA5 and OsA8, the activity of the PM H+-ATPase and H+-pyrophosphatase. Our results suggest that the inoculation of rice plants with DSE fungi represents a strategy to improve the N recovery from ammonium sulphate and rice plant growth through the induction of OsA5 and OsA8 isoforms and stimulation of the PM H+-ATPase and H+-pyrophosphatase.

Comparisons of commercial organic and chemical fertilizer solutions on growth and composition of lettuce

The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of organic or chemical nutrient solutions on the growth and composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in greenhouse production. Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution, an organic hydroponics solution, and no fertilization were factored with lettuce cultivars of different phenotypes, iceberg, romaine, loose head, and loose leaf. Lettuce growth was higher with Hoagland and Arnon solution than with the organic fertilizer or with no fertilization. The organic fertilizer increased growth above no fertilizer applied. Hoagland and Arnon solution gave the highest concentration of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and iron in the lettuce whereas lettuce grown with the organic fertilizer had the highest phosphorus. Plant nutrient accumulation differed slightly among the cultivars. Hoagland and Arnon solution produced high nitrate in leaves. Nitrate concentrations with organic or no fertilization were low. Loose head or loose leaf cultivars had higher nitrate than romaine or iceberg.

Impact of Fe3O4 nanoparticle on nutrient accumulation in common bean plants grown in soil

The effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on chemical properties of the soil rhizosphere and on the accumulation of nutrients in common bean plants was studied for two different concentrations of Fe3O4 NPs. The root-to-leaves translocation index for micro- and macronutrients was calculated. The results showed that Fe3O4 NP treatments had a significant effect ( $$P < 0.05$$ ) on the chemical properties of soil rhizosphere in terms of an increase in the contents of total P, extractable P, total K, extractable K, Ca, total Mn, total Fe and cation exchange capacity and of a decrease in Cl content in soil. The treatments led to a marked increase in the accumulation of nutrients in plants by revealing a higher content of total P, K, Ca, Mn and Fe in roots, stems and leaves. In addition, the plants treated with Fe3O4 NPs showed lower translocation of total Mn and Fe to stems and leaves compared with the control plants. The results indicate that Fe3O4 NPs may contribute to the conversion of the insoluble forms of total P, extractable P, total K, extractable K, Ca, total Mn and total Fe in soil into soluble forms that can dissolve in the soil solution and be taken up by plants. A greater capability in the roots, stems and leaves of Fe3O4-NP-treated plants to take up the nutrients suggests a beneficial effect for plant development and health. Likewise, the roots of plants treated with Fe3O4 NPs absorbed and accumulated the greatest quantities of Mn and Fe compared with the control plants.