Uptake Of Macroelements Research Articles

Analisis Serapan Hara N, P dan K Jaringan Cabai (Capsicum sp.) pada Variasi Tingkat Kemasaman Tanah

This research tested the effect of soil acidity level on the uptake of macro elements in plant tissue. This research is a type of experimental research that examines the effect of soil acidification levels on the absorption of N, P, and K nutrients in chili plant tissues. This research was conducted on the greenhouse experimental land of the Sambas State Polytechnic, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. This activity is carried out from March to October 2022. The research design used a descriptive analysize with three treatments, namely pH = 6 (P1), pH = 7 (P2), and pH = 8 (P3) which were repeated as many as 3 tests. Each treatment consisted of 30 plants planted in a planting medium mixed with soil, burnt husks and animal dung. N, P and K uptake is obtained through the analysis of the covering of stem and leaf tissues. The results showed that the difference in the level of acidification of the growing media did not have a effect on the level of absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, but level of acidification have effect in potassium absorption in chili plants. Nitrogen content generally decreases in plant tissue samples aged 30 to 45 days after planting, while in plants aged 45 to 50 days after planting, there is enerally an increase in the accumulation of nitrogen in plant tissues. Absorption of phosphorus elements in tissues fluctuates over a period of 30 to 60 days after planting. The phosphorus content found in leaf tissue treatment pH 6 and pH 7 increased from the observation period of 30 to 60 days after planting. Absorption of potassium elements in tissues fluctuates over a period of 30 to 60 days after planting. An increase in Potassium content in stem and leaf tissues occurred in pH 6 treatment samples. Key words : chili, nitrogen, phosphor, potassium, uptake

Content and uptake of macroelements in green fodder of mixtures of narrowleaf lupin with spring triticale

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a study conducted in 2016–2018 in the temperate conditions to evaluate the content and uptake of P, K, Ca and Mg in mixtures of narrowleaf lupin with spring triticale grown for green fodder. Two factors were analysed in the experiment: A – the proportion of components in the mixture: narrowleaf lupine 100%, narrowleaf lupine + spring triticale 75 + 25%, 50 + 50%, 25 + 75%, and spring triticale 100%; B – the harvest stage the flowering stage of narrowleaf lupine, the stage of flat green pod of narrowleaf lupine. Increasing the proportion of spring triticale in the sown mixtures in relation to narrowleaf lupine resulted in a decrease in the content of the analysed macroelements by 8.9%–28.7% on a g/kg DM basis. The greatest uptake on a kg/ha basis of macroelements was found in the mixture with an equal share of both components. Harvesting mixtures at a later stage of development increased the uptake of P, K, Ca and Mg by 98.7%–111.8% because of greater DM yield, but reduced the content of these macroelements by 12.6%–20.8% in the more mature fodder. Mixtures of narrowleaf lupine with spring triticale can provide valuable mineral nutrients for livestock.

The response of spring rye (Secale cereale L.) to NPK and S fertilizers. The content and uptake of macroelements and the value of ionic ratios

The response of spring rye (Secale cereale L.) to NPK and S fertilizers. The content and uptake of macroelements and the value of ionic ratios

Effect of Trichoderma spp. and Fertilization on the Flowering of Begonia × tuberhybrida Voss. ‘Picotee Sunburst’

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of Trichoderma spp. and different fertilization levels on the flowering and nutritional status of Begonia × tuberhybrida Voss. ‘Picotee Sunburst’ plants. Before planting, the tubers were soaked in water or a mixture of spore of Trichoderma spp. (T. viride Schumach–Tv14, T. harzianum Rifai–Thr2, T. hamatum/Bonord/Bainier–Th15) in the form of a suspension for 24 h. The plants were fertilized every 7 days with the multi-component Peters Professional Allrounder fertilizer (20:20:20 + microelements) at a concentration of 0.0%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. Trichoderma spp. accelerated the flowering of the ‘Picotee Sunburst’ cultivar by 2.7–8.7 days, stimulated the development of buds and flowers in the plants and affected their size. The plants bloomed most intensively and had the biggest flowers after the treatment with the 0.3% fertilizer. Trichoderma spp. and the fertilization had no effect on the height of the plants and the number of shoots regardless of the fertilizer concentration, but they stimulated the development of leaves. Trichoderma spp. stimulated the production of chlorophyll. They did not affect the uptake of macroelements, but they stimulated the uptake of microelements (Zn, Fe, and B). The higher the fertilizer concentration was, the higher was the content of microelements in the plants.

Effect of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) Undersowing Cultivation and Nitrogen Fertilization on Weed Infestation, Biomass Yield and Its Component, Content and Uptake of Macroelements of Willow (Salix viminalis L.)

Fertilization of willow with nitrogen is an important issue with economic and environmental implications. The study was aimed at determining the effect of nitrogen fertilization and white clover on weed infestation, morphology, biomass and chemical composition of willow. A field experiment was established at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland) during the years 2013–2017 with the use of a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results showed that the number and dry mass of weeds per m2, the number of willow shoots and the fresh weight yield of willow were smaller where the clover was sown. The plants were found to be higher after applying nitrogen fertilization. The dry mass yield and shoot diameter did not depend on the cultivation method. Nitrogen fertilization increased the ash content. Undersowing willow with white clover, higher nitrogen content was found. Nitrogen fertilization increased the content of ash, and in undersowing cultivation, the willow stems had higher nitrogen content than in monoculture. On average, the phloem had 5.6 times higher crude ash content and 4.6 times higher nitrogen content than wood. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that in the first years after planting, the undersowing growing of willow with white clover can be an alternative to plantations fertilized and non-fertilized with nitrogen.

Maghemite nano-fertilization promotes fluoride tolerance in rice by restoring grain yield and modulating the ionome and physiome

The present manuscript elucidated the ameliorative potential of nano-maghemite (FeNPs) against the hazardous effects of fluoride toxicity in the sensitive rice cultivar, IR-64. Fluoride pollution triggered bioaccumulation in root, shoot and spikelets which inhibited reproduction, agronomic development and mineral uptake. Suppressed activity of enzymatic antioxidants and excessive cobalt translocation manifested severe ROS-induced oxidative injuries. Seedling priming with FeNPs reduced fluoride bioaccumulation and promoted efficient uptake of macroelements and micronutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, nickel, manganese, selenium and vanadium and reduced the translocation of cobalt in mature seedlings during stress. This altogether triggered growth and activated the enzymes like SOD, CAT, APX and GPOX. High accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants like proline, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolics along with stimulated GSH synthesis (determined from high GR, GST and GPX activity) and glyoxalase activity enabled FeNP-pulsed plants to efficiently scavenge ROS, O2-, H2O2 and methylglyoxal, and mitigate oxidative injuries. The ROS production was also lowered due to suppressed NADPH oxidase activity. This ensured subsequent revitalization of Hill activity and the level of photosynthetic pigments. Due to reduced fluoride partitioning and improved nutritional sink, the grain and panicle development in FeNP-primed, stressed seedlings were more stimulated than even control sets. Overall, our findings supported by statistical modelling established the potential of iron-nanotechnology in promoting safe rice cultivation even in fluoride-polluted environments.

Effect of hydric and light stress on biomass, nutrient uptake and enzymatic antioxidants of Argania spinosa seedlings

Sunlight and water are factors that affect seedling development. However, the effects of acclimatization of seedlings to sunlight and water stress remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the interactive effects of acclimatization to light and water stress on argan tree (Argania spinosa) seedlings in nurseries. An experiment was conducted with 504 seedlings using two sunlight treatments (L1 and L2, i.e. 100% and 60% of full sunlight, respectively), and three watering treatments (well-watered, moderate stress and severe stress, i.e. 100%, 50% and 25% of field capacity, respectively). According to our results, water stress treatments caused a reduction in total biomass accumulation, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Water stress significantly increased other macroelements, H2O2 and MDA levels and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to well-watered seedlings. Seedlings grown under moderate shade (L2) showed higher macroelement uptake, which probably contributed to the increase in total biomass in all water treatments. The highest membrane stability index (MSI) values, H2O2 and MDA levels and lowest antioxidant enzyme activities were recorded in acclimatized argan seedlings under moderate shading (L2). These results suggest that moderate shade can effectively prevent stress caused by light excess and can also mitigate the harmful effects of water stress on A. spinosa seedlings.

Effect of Molybdenum on Plant Physiology and Cadmium Uptake and Translocation in Rape (Brassica napus L.) under Different Levels of Cadmium Stress.

This study investigated the beneficial effect of molybdenum (Mo) application on rape plants (Brassica napus L.) grown in a soil polluted by cadmium (Cd). A pot experiment was conducted to determine how different concentrations of exogenous Mo (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) affect plant physiology, biomass, photosynthesis, cation uptake, and Cd translocation and enrichment in rape plants under Cd stress (0.5 and 6.0 mg/kg). Under single Cd treatment, plant physiological and biochemical parameters, biomass parameters, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and macroelement uptake of rape plants decreased, while their malonaldehyde content, proline content, non-photochemical quenching coefficient, and Cd uptake significantly increased, compared to those of the control group (p-values < 0.05). High-Cd treatment resulted in much larger changes in these parameters than low-Cd treatment. Following Mo application, the accumulation of malondialdehyde and proline decreased in the leaves of Cd-stressed plants; reversely, the contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and chlorophyll, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, all increased compared to those of single Cd treatment (p-values < 0.05). Exogenous Mo application promoted shoot and root growth of Cd-stressed plants in terms of their length, fresh weight, and dry weight. The negative effect of Cd stress on leaf chlorophyll fluorescence was substantially mitigated by applying Mo. Exogenous Mo also improved the uptake of inorganic cations, especially potassium (K+), in Cd-stressed plants. After Mo application, Cd uptake and accumulation were inhibited and Cd tolerance was enhanced, but Cd translocation was less affected in Cd-stressed plants. The mitigation effect of Mo on Cd stress in rape was achieved through the immobilization of soil Cd to reduce plant uptake, and improvement of plant physiological properties to enhance Cd tolerance. In conclusion, exogenous Mo can effectively reduce Cd toxicity to rape and the optimal Mo concentration was 100 mg/kg under the experimental conditions.

Investigation of Relationships between Salt Stress, Potassium Application and Macro Element Uptake in Pepper Plant

This study was carried out to determine how plants behave in the uptake of macro nutrients by using different doses of potassium (K +) together with salt to understand how to recover from stress. Demre Sivri pepper variety was used in the study. The study was carried out in a controlled climate room for 16/8 hours with light / dark photoperiod, 25 ° C and 70% humid climate. Seedlings formed after germination of seeds transformed in pumice were taken to hydroponic culture after having 2 true leaves. Hoagland nutrition solution was used in hydroponic culture. 116, 136, 156 and 176 ppm potassium (K+) was used in the present Hoagland solution. In addition, 100 mM NaCl salt was applied to the plants. Sampling for measurements and analyzes was performed on day 20 of salt administration. In these samples, total plant weight and potassium (K +), calcium (Ca +2), magnesium (Mg +2) element contents were determined. At the same time, Na + and Cl- uptake were also investigated because of the salt application. The results showed that K+ doses of 156 ppm and 176 ppm were effective in ion uptake and reduction of harmful effects of salt. Keywords: Pepper, Ion accumulation, Potassium doses, Salt stress DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/5-11-03

Response of spring wheat to NPK and S fertilization. The content and uptake of macronutrients and the value of ionic ratios

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilizers on the content and uptake of macronutrients by grain dry mass (DM) of spring wheat. A field experiment was conducted in southeastern Poland on Cambisols (WRB 2007), in conditions of low S content in the soil. The experiment included 2 factors: fertilization with N (0, 40, 80, 120 kg ha-1) and with S (0, 50 kg ha-1). The experiment showed a positive response of spring wheat to N and S fertilization. The highest grain yield was found after application of 80 kg N ha-1 and addition of 50 kg S ha-1 (5.43 t ha-1). The described combination resulted in beneficial content of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) (P –4.267, K–4.533, Mg–1.567, Ca–0.433 g kg-1) and uptake of macroelements by grain dry mass (DM) (P–20.48, K–21.79, Mg–7.52, Ca–2.08 kg ha-1). A generally positive correlation was found between content and uptake of macronutrients with exception of P content. Fertilization with N caused significantly narrowed mass ratios of K+: Ca2+, K+: Mg2+ and mass and mole ratio of K+:(Ca2++Mg2+) and increased mass ratio of Ca:P. While S application narrowed significantly, mass ratios of K+:Ca2+ and K+: (Ca2+ + Mg2+) and increased mass ratio of Ca:P.

Aluminum effects on photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal detoxification in two Citrus species differing in aluminum tolerance.

Citrus are mainly grown in low pH soils with high active aluminum (Al). 'Xuegan' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and 'Shatian pummelo' (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) seedlings were fertilized for 18 weeks with nutrient solution containing either 0 mM (control) or 1 mM (Al toxicity) AlCl3·6H2O. Aluminum induced decreases of biomass, leaf photosynthesis, relative water content and total soluble protein levels, and increases of methylglyoxal levels only occurred in C. grandis roots and leaves. Besides, the Al-induced decreases of pigments and alterations of chlorophyll a fluorescence transients and fluorescence parameters were greater in C. grandis leaves than those in C. sinensis leaves. Aluminum-treated C. grandis had higher stem and leaf Al levels and similar root Al levels relative to Al-treated C. sinensis, but lower Al distribution in roots and Al uptake per plant. Aluminum toxicity decreased nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur uptake per plant in C. grandis and C. sinensis seedlings, with the exception of Al-treated C. sinensis seedlings exhibiting increased sulfur uptake per plant and unaltered magnesium uptake per plant. Under Al-stress, macroelement uptake per plant was higher in C. sinensis than that in C. grandis. Aluminum toxicity decreased the ratios of reduced glutathione/(reduced + oxidized glutathione) and of ascorbate/(ascorbate + dehydroascorbate) only in C. grandis roots and leaves. The activities of most antioxidant enzymes, sulfur metabolism-related enzymes and glyoxalases and the levels of S-containing compounds were higher in Al-treated C. sinensis roots and leaves than those in Al-treated C. grandis ones. Thus, C. sinensis displayed higher Al tolerance than C. grandis did. The higher Al tolerance of C. sinensis might involve: (i) more Al accumulation in roots and less transport of Al from roots to shoots; (ii) efficient maintenance of nutrient homeostasis; and (iii) efficient maintenance of redox homeostasis via detoxification systems of reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal.

ASSIMILATION OF NUTRIENTS FROM COMMON WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) DEPENDING ON SOME AGRONOMY FACTORS

The genotype specificity in the uptake of the main nutrients according to the fertilization rate was investigated in Triticum aestivum L. varieties under conditions of a vegetation experiment. Four fertilization rates were tested: N0P0K0, N200P200K200, N400P200K200 and N600P200K200. The response of the varieties to the nutrition conditions provided was studied during several stages of growth and development. The different nutrition regimes used lead to manifestation of the specific abilities of the varieties to take up nutrients. Genotype and mineral fertilization had a higher effect on nutrients uptake than stage of development. During the initial stage of wheat development, the differences established in the uptake of macro elements were greater between the varieties than between the individual fertilization rates. The differences were most evident at maturation. This specificity was well expressed in nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in total biomass and to a lesser extends - in potassium uptake. Varieties Slaveya and Milena had highest amounts of nitrogen uptake in grain.

Effect of Different Cultivation Systems on the Accumulation of Nutrients and Phytochemicals in Ligularia fischeri

A hydroponic cultivation system was established to improve the nutraceutical properties of Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz, during which nutrient uptake by the plant from nutrient solution was measured using inductive coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Based on the obtained data, the uptake of macro and micro elements per gram of fresh weight was calculated. The uptake of macro-elements of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, K, S, P, Ca, and Mg were 1.62, 4.27, 8.41, 1.19, 2.59, 2.79, and 0.84 mg·g−1 FW and micro-elements of B, Fe, Mn, Mo, Cu, and Zn were 9.91, 22.31, 25.73, 2.51, 2.91, and 5.07 µg·g−1 FW. Moreover, the effects of cultivation systems on growth and phytochemical composition of L. fischeri were compared. The greatest biomass was observed in the hydroponic cultivation system with continuous circulation nutrient solution compared to natural soil and Tosilee media based culture systems. The recirculated hydroponic system significantly increased the total phenol contents of the leaf, petiole, and root extracts by 17.6%, 30.6%, and 20.9% more compared to the soil grown. The recirculated hydroponic system treatment significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity of root extracts by 55.9% more compared to the soil treatment. Based on the contents of elements, total phenolic and flavonoid, it was concluded that hydroponic cultivation system is the optimal method to enhance medicinal value.

Increment of root membrane permeability caused by microcystins result in more elements uptake in rice (Oryza sativa)

We conducted an indoor culture experiment to evaluate the phytotoxic effect of microcystins (MCs) on rice. After a 30day exposure, MCs induced a clear inhibition in rice growth, as well as a disruption of its antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation. We observed an increase in root membrane permeability; the conductivity of the leakage solution of the roots at 50 and 500μgL−1 was significantly increased by 77% and 136%, respectively, compared to the control. Uptake of microelements (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) was generally not affected after the 30day exposure to MCs. In contrast, uptake of macroelements, with the exception of K, was stimulated by MCs. Ca content in roots exposed to 500μgL−1 showed the greatest increase, by 47%, compared to the control. We propose the following mechanisms to explain our experimental results: exposure of rice roots to MCs leads to root damage and loss of membrane integrity, resulting in greater permeability and uptake of elements.

Effect of living mulches and conventional methods of weed control on weed occurrence and nutrient uptake in potato

The aim of the study was to determine the biomass, abundance and species composition ofweeds, as well as macroelement uptake in potato weeded using mechanical, mechanical–chemical and mechanical control combined with the sowing of living mulches of white mustard,common vetch, Persian clover and tansy phacelia. Abundance and biomass of the weeds was themost effectively limited by the mechanical treatments. The effectiveness of mechanicaltreatments in weed biomass reduction was 2.5–fold lower. The mechanical treatments moreeffectively limited the number of monocotyledonous than dicotyledonous weeds. Livingmulches increased the efficiency of mechanical weeding by affecting both weed biomassdevelopment and weeds abundance. The living mulch that most effectively limited the growthof weed biomass was white mustard, while vetch was effective to reduce of the number ofmonocotyledonous weed and Persian clover for dicotyledonous weeds. The most frequentlyoccurring weed species were Galinsoga parviflora, Chenopodium album and Echinochloacrus-galli. The share of N accumulated in the biomass of neighboring plants constituted from5% to 34%, P from 6% to 38%, K from 5% to 36%, Ca from 27% to 190% and Mg from 12% to55% of the amount of these nutrients absorbed by potato plants. Mechanical treatments plusliving mulches, especially Persian clover, may be useful in organic cropping systems due totheir effectiveness at reducing weed abundance and biomass and relatively low nutrient uptakecompared with weeds.

Mineral Uptake and Soluble Carbohydrates of Tomato Plants as Affected by Air Temperatures and Mineral Treatment Levels

Both low and high temperatures affect plant growth and development at whole plant level, tissue and even cell level through a variety of metabolic changes. Temperature stress is one of frequently occurring problems in greenhouse crops in summer and winter seasons due to the wide-spread year-round cultivation. In the present study, we investigated the extent of the inhibition of growth, macro-element uptake and soluble carbohydrate production, and the effect of extra-supply of minerals as a means of the recovery from temperature damage. Tomato plants were grown five different growth temperatures (15/8, 20/13, 28/21, 33/23 and 36/26°C), and extra-supply of minerals was composed of 1.5- and 2.0-fold stronger than the standard nutrition (1/2 strength of Hoagland’s solution). Temperature stress significantly adversely affected tomato growth and mineral uptake, whereas soluble carbohydrate accumulation represented temperature-dependent response, more accumulation at low temperature and more consumption at high temperature. The soluble sugars in leaves and stems were mostly declined with the supply of extra-minerals at low and optimal temperatures, whereas remained unchanged at high temperature. The starch levels also remained unchanged or slightly decreased.

Response of Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link) to a residual effect of municipal sewage sludge application

Abstract The objective of our study was to assess the residual effect of sewage sludge on the growth and yield of Prairie cordgrass and the content of crude ash, macroelements and heavy metals in the plant biomass. Field trials conducted in the years 2011 to 2013 focused on the assessment of the impact of municipal sewage sludge applied from 2008 to 2010on the growth and yield of Prairie cordgrass. The experiments followed the split-plot design with two variables: the rate of sewage sludge (DM-dry matter) at 0, 1.4, 2.8 and 4.2 t ha-1, corresponding to nitrogen fertilization with: 0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1, and the harvest time - fall and winter. The total dose of sewage sludge applied in 2008−2010 was 0, 4.2, 8.4 and 12.6 t DM ha-1, which corresponded to the total dose of nitrogen fertilization: 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha-1, respectively. The municipal sewage sludge at a rate of 8.4 t DM ha-1, compared to the Control, significantly increased the number of leaves per plant, the leaf and culm matter, the number of shoots per 1 m2, the dry matter yield, crude ash deposition and uptake of macroelements and heavy metals.

English

&nbsp; The objective of the performed investigations was to assess the effect of application of effective microorganisms (EM), employed in the form of substrate inoculant (I), seed inoculation (II) and foliar application in the form of a spraying solution (III), on growth, development and macroelement uptake as well as microbiological properties of the root zone in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum&nbsp;L.) cultivated in a peat substrate. The application of effective microorganisms for sweet basil cultivation resulted in the inhibition of plant growth dynamics, among other things, reduction of plant height and fresh mass. A significantly higher macro-element content was observed for the application of EMs in form I &ndash; on the improvement of plant nutrition with nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) and in the form III &ndash; on the improvement of plant nutrition with nitrogen (N). The application of the EM inoculum was found to reduce the total number of bacteria, numbers of fungi, copiotrophs and oligotrophs. Recapitulating, it can be concluded that the application of EMs for a short cultivation period of spice plants in pots fails to yield any positive effects in the form of improved yield. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Chlorophyll content, macroelements, nutrient content, soil microbiology, spice plants.

The effect of sowing time/method on yield and uptake of macroelements in autumn regrowth of genotypes of red fescue

The yield of autumn regrowth of grasses and the content of macronutrients are affected by environmental and agronomic factors as well as genetic traits of species and varieties. Biomass yield and the concentration of mineral elements determine their uptake by plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate dry matter yield as well as the content and uptake of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the autumn regrowth of three varieties of red fescue in the first two production years depending on different sowing time and methods. This study was based on a strict field experiment conducted in 2004-2007, located in the Province of Kujawy and Pomorze (wojewodztwo kujawsko-pomorskie) (53°09′N, 17°35′E). The first factor was the time/method of sowing (spring: pure or with spring barley, and summer: in mid- and late July and in mid-August), while the second factor was the variety (chewings, slender creeping and strong creeping fescue cultivars). An average of 3.5 t ha –1 and 3.9 t ha–1 of regrowth of dry matter was obtained in the first and second production years, respectively. A delay of the sowing date until summer caused an increase in yield during the first production year in comparison with the spring sowing. In both years, the creeping variety gave the highest yield. The yield of the chewings variety was higher than that of the slender creeping one in the second production year. The concentration of N in the strong creeping variety was lower than that of the chewings one in the first year, and also in relation to the slender creeping variety in the second production year. The chewings and slender creeping varieties were characterized by a higher concentration of P than the strong creeping cultivar. The K and N uptake in the average regrowth yield from the first and second production years was the highest (106.3 kg ha –1 K and 62.7 kg N);

Dominant weeds in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation and their competitiveness under conditions of various methods of weed control

A field experiment was conducted in the years 2008-2010 at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, on brown soil with a slightly acidic pH, a high content of available phosphorus and potassium as well as an average magnesium content. The experiment was set up in a random split-plot design with four replications, with two methods for controlling weed infestation: I. mechanical - weeding of inter-rows twice; II. chemical - the herbicide Afalon Dyspersyjny 450 SC (a.i. linuron, 900 g × ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;). Next, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents were determined in maize and in the dominant weed species. Based on the dry weight yield of maize and the biomass of particular weed species, nutrient uptake per hectare area was calculated. The chemical method of weed control reduced both the number and dry weight of weeds more than the mechanical method. The dominant species in the maize crop were &lt;i&gt;Echinochloa crus-galli&lt;/i&gt; (L.) P. Beauv., &lt;i&gt;Chenopodium album&lt;/i&gt; L., &lt;i&gt;Galinsoga parviflora&lt;/i&gt; Cav., and &lt;i&gt;Cirsium arvense&lt;/i&gt; L. All the weed species examined were more competitive than maize in accumulating potassium, calcium and magnesium. &lt;i&gt;Galinsoga parviflora&lt;/i&gt; Cav. was the most competitive species with maize for potassium, &lt;i&gt;Cirsium arvense&lt;/i&gt; L. for calcium, and &lt;i&gt;Chenopodium album&lt;/i&gt; L. and &lt;i&gt;Polygonum lapathifolium&lt;/i&gt; L. subsp. &lt;i&gt;lapathifolium&lt;/i&gt; for magnesium. Weeds are serious competitors in taking up nutrients relative to crop plants; their share in the total uptake of macroelements from the soil by the maize crop and weeds together was considerable and it averaged as follows: for K - 35%, Ca - 27.3%, Mg - 27.4%.