Uptake Of Major Nutrients Research Articles

Growth and Nutrient Use in Four Grasses Under Drought Stress as Mediated by Silicon Fertilizers

ABSTRACT Field water stress is a common problem in crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid zones and it is widely hypothesized that silicon (Si) could reduce water stress in plants. We set up a greenhouse study to evaluate some silicon sources—potassium silicate (K2SiO3), calcium silicate (CaSiO3) and silica gel for growth and nutrient uptake by four grass species under adequate and deficit irrigation. The four species studied were Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), Timothy grass (Phleum pratense), Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) and Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). For all species, the biomass yield response to applied silicon under deficit irrigation was significantly better than under adequate irrigation. The yield response of Rhodes grass across silicon sources was 205% under deficit irrigation compared with only 59% under adequate irrigation; for Sudan grass it was 49% compared with 26% and for Timothy, it was 48% compared with a mere 1%. The higher responses under deficit irrigation suggest that the plants relied more on silicon to endure drought stress. Biomass yield of individual plants also differed according to soil water levels with Timothy grass being the most sensitive to water stress as it exhibited the highest yield response (209%) to adequate irrigation. This was followed by tall fescue (122%) and Rhodes grass (97%). Sudan grass was the least affected by deficit irrigation, possibly on account of improved root mass and its natural drought tolerance. Strong associations were noted between the uptake of silicon and those of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) irrespective of soil water condition, but the uptake of potassium (K) was more strongly correlated with that of Si under deficit than adequate irrigation. Improvements in plant growth following Si application could therefore be linked to enhanced uptake of major essential nutrients.

Effects of Broiler Litter and Nitrogen Fertilization on Uptake of Major Nutrients by Coastal Bermudagrass

Land application of poultry litter provides essential nutrients for hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] production, but ammonia (NH3) volatilization and N mineralization influence the amount of litter N available for plant uptake. Our objective was to determine the combination of broiler litter and fertilizer N, which maximizes the yields of forage and N, P, and K by ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass. Studies were conducted for 3 yr (1999–2001) in pastures at Newton and Mize, MS that differed widely in soil test P (STP) due to history of litter application (0 vs. 30+ yr, respectively.). Litter rates of 0, 4.5, 8.9, 13.4, and 17.9 Mg ha−1 were obtained by up to four monthly (April–July) applications of 4.5 Mg ha−1 and were supplemented with ammonium nitrate (NH4–NO3) to provide the same total N in each treatment. At Newton, combining litter with fertilizer N increased forage yield by 10% in 1999, 25% in 2000, and 34% in 2001, as compared to fertilizer N. At Mize, K uptake increased as litter rate increased in 2001 only. These responses to litter were related to increased soil P and K at Newton, and increased soil N, P, and Ca at Mize. Averaged across years, maximum P uptake of about 40 kg ha−1 was obtained by applying 8.9 Mg litter + 134 kg N ha−1 at Newton and 4.5 Mg litter + 202 kg N ha−1 at Mize. Safe and effective management of major plant nutrients in broiler litter may require the use of commercial N fertilizer.

Embryo Development in the Lady's Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum delenatii, with Emphasis on the Ultrastructure of the Suspensor

Owing to large-scale collecting, the lady's slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum delenatii, is under threat of extinction. Asymbiotic germination provides a useful way to re-establish plants in the wild and for commercial propagation. A detailed study of embryo development would provide information on subsequent germination events and aid in the propagation of the species. Developing capsules were collected for histochemical and ultrastructural studies by using both light and transmission electron microscopy. The suspensor of this species consists of three vacuolated cells. During the early globular stage of embryo development, structural differentiation occurs, revealing an abundance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and wall ingrowths within the suspensor cells. These features are not present in cells of the embryo proper. Furthermore, the results of Nile red staining demonstrate that a cuticular layer is present only in the embryo proper, but absent from the suspensor. Cuticular material is also present in the inner walls of the seed coat, and persists through seed maturation. The morphological features of the transfer cell and the absence of cuticular material in the suspensor cell wall corroborate the hypothesis that the suspensor is the major nutrient uptake site for the developing embryo in the lady's slipper orchid. The absence of an endosperm and presence of cuticular material in the inner walls of the seed coat enclosing the embryo proper further support the notion that nutrient uptake by the embryo is confined to the micropylar end of the seed through the suspensor.

Analysis of Micro-Nutrient Behaviour in the Rhizosphere using a DGT Parameterised Dynamic Plant Uptake Model

Mathematical models of micro-nutrient uptake by plants have been based on models designed for uptake of major nutrients. This poses a number of problems, as the behaviour of micro-nutrients in the rhizosphere is different, particularly with respect to interactions between solid and solution compartments. There is no standard procedure for the measurement of soil parameters that affect the supply of micro-nutrient from the soil. The Dynamic Plant Uptake Model (DPUM) presented here can use soil parameters for micro-nutrients that are measured under similar conditions to those that apply during plant uptake, as, for example, by the technique of DGT (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films). The construction and practical applications of the model are discussed in the context of mathematical simulations of realistic situations. The simulations have been used to investigate conditions under which uptake of zinc by a zinc hyperaccumulator (Thlaspi caerulescens), and a non-accumulator plant (Thlaspi arvense), is limited by either processes occurring in the plant or in the soil. The size of the solid phase reservoir of zinc, and the rate at which the solid phase reservoir responds to zinc depletion in the solution phase, are important in determining the soil solution concentration at which the plant uptake kinetics begin to limit the uptake of the metal. The relative importance of advective transport of zinc from the surrounding soil to the root–soil interface depends on both the size of the solid phase reservoir and the speed at which the soil responds to zinc depletion in the pore water. These results have been used to assess conditions where DGT is likely to behave as a reliable surrogate for the transport and metal release processes that affect plant uptake.

Influence of arbuscular mycorrhiza and phosphate rock on uptake of major nutrients by Acacia mangium seedlings on degraded soil

To investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and phosphorus (P) source on the uptake of major nutrients by Acacia mangium seedlings, three P sources were used: (1) Gafsa phosphate rock (GPR), (2) China phosphate rock (CPR), and (3) triple superphosphate (TSP). The plant samples were analyzed at 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, and 135 days after planting (DAP) for their N, P, K, Ca, and Mg contents. The uptake of these nutrients was significantly influenced by AM inoculation. Nutrient use efficiency in the AM-inoculated seedlings was also significantly higher than that in uninoculated seedlings. The effect of P sources on the uptake of these nutrients decreased in the order of TSP>GPR>CPR>control. There was a significant (P<0.05) interaction effect of AM and P source on P and K uptake by A. mangium. The uptake of P and K by mycorrhizal seedlings supplemented with TSP was significantly higher than that provided with other sources of P treatments. As a natural and cheaper P source, GPR might be used in combination with AM for growing A. mangium seedlings on degraded tin tailings.

Uptake of major nutrients in above ground parts of promising mid late maturing sugarcane clones

Ten mid late maturing promising sugarcane clones including three standards were evaluated for major nutrient uptake and use efficiency in ratoon crop grown in a clay soil (Typic Haplustert). Concentration of N, P and K in dry leaves, green tops and stem were determined and their uptake in the individual plant parts, total above ground parts and uptake of nutrients (kg) per tonne of cane produced were computed. Clones differed significantly in N, P and K uptake in dry leaves, green tops, stem and total above ground parts and kg nutrients to produce a tonne of cane. Total N uptake ranged from 50.19 kg/ha in Co 7219 to 84.24 kg/ha in Co 93014. The lowest uptake of N per tonne of cane was 0.812 kg in Co 93009 and the highest was 1.135 kg in Co 93016. Total P uptake varied from 16.09 kg/ha in Co 7219 to 32.01 kg/ha in Co 93009. Uptake of P per tonne of cane varied from 0.297 kg in Co 86032 to 0.449 kg in Co 93016. Total K uptake ranged form 94.80 kg/ha in Co 93010 to 240.03 kg/ha in Co 6304. The lowest and the highest K uptake to produce a tonne of cane were 1.50 kg in Co 93010 and 3.10 kg in Co 6304 respectively. Clones CoG 93076, Co 93010 and Co 93009 were identified for better NPK use efficiency.

Effect of plant growth regulators on yield, quality, available soil nutrients and uptake of nutrients by chilli

A field experiment was conducted in a sandy loam soil at Agricultural Research Station farm, Bhavamsagar, Tamil Nadu, during (Dec-June) 1999-2000 to study the effect of plant growth regulators on yield, quality, available soil nutrients and uptake of nutrients by chilli ev. Col. The results of the investigation revealed that foliar application of vipul 0.1 per cent EC at 300 ml ha for three times at 25, 45 and 65 days after transplanting maximized the dry pod yield of chillies (3.08 t ha'), improved the quality attributes (capsaicin, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents) and enhanced the uptake of major nutrients (N, P and K). Miraculan 0.05 per cent EC at 300 ml ha also had a favourable influence on dry pod yield and total soluble solid content of the red ripe fruits.

Agrotechniques to enhance the productivity of niger (Guizotia abyssinica) under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2012 at Dharwad, Karnataka, to study the effect of 3 sowing dates [first fortnight (FN) of July, second FN of July and 1 FN of August], 2 plant geometries (45 cm 10 cm and 60 cm 10 cm) and 2 doses of Cycocel spraying (500 ppm and 1,000 ppm at 30 days after sow- ing) on growth and yield of rainfed niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.). Sowing of niger in I fortnight of July at a plant geometry of 45 cm 10 cm with application of cycocel @ 1,000 ppm at 30 DAS significantly enhanced the plant height (123.5 cm), branches (21.2), dry-matter accumulation (61.2 g/plant), number of capitula (59.9/plant), 1,000- seed weight (4.22 g), seed yield (0.675 t/ha), oil yield (275 kg/ha), uptake of major nutrients (42.1, 10.2 and 14.2 kg NPK/ha), net returns ( 17,673/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.00).

Yield and nutrient uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties under different sowing dates

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of .I99445 and 1995-96 to study the effect of different sowing dates on yield attributes and yield and uptake of major nutrients by 4 varieties, viz. Lok l , Swati, Mangla and GW 173 of wheat (Tritjcum aestivum L. emend. Flori &amp; Paol.) under rice- based cropping system in the eastern Madhya Pradesh. The study showed that sowing of wheat in the first week of December (5 December) was most suitable. Thereafter, yield decreased to 46.2-67.3 kglday with delay in sowing from 5 December to 5 January. Early sowing in the last week of ~ovember (25 November) was also inferior to sowing in the first week of December in the study area. Among the varieties, GW 173 being at par with Lok 1 gave significantly higher grain yield than Swati and Mangla. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium decreased significantly with delay in sowing beyond optimum date.

Pattern of accumulation of some major and trace elements in salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive lines of lentil under nitrogen deficiency

The response of two lines of lentil (Lens culinaris), ILL 6796 (salt‐tolerant) and ILL 6778 (salt‐sensitive), to nitrogen (N) deficiency was examined under glasshouse conditions. Plants of the two lines were subjected to 56(control), 28, 14, and 7mgN L‐1 in Rorison's nutrient solution. The ILL 6796 had significantly greater dry matters of shoots and roots, and seed yield than ILL 6778 at varying external N levels of the growth medium. Concentrations of N and P in different plant parts of the two lines generally decreased with decrease in N levels of the rooting medium. By contrast, an increase in leaf calcium (Ca2+) concentrations in both lines was observed with decreasing external N levels, although root Ca2+ concentrations decreased considerably and those of seed remained unaffected. An antagonistic effect between N and Ca2+ was observed in the leaves of both lines. Magnesium (Mg2+) in the leaves and roots of both lines generally decreased, whereas those of seed remained unaffected under N deficient regimes. Comparison of lines showed that ILL 6796 had greater N in the leaves and roots, and potassium (K+) in the roots than those of ILL 6778. By contrast, ILL 6778 accumulated significantly greater Mg2+ and zinc (Zn2+) in leaves and manganese (Mn2+) in seed than ILL 6796 at the lower N levels. Of the different trace elements analyzed only iron (Fe2+), Mn2+ and Zn2+ in seed of both lines slightly increased with decrease in N level of the growth medium. The concentrations of trace elements in different plant parts of both lines did not bear any relationship with the uptake of major nutrients under N deficient regimes. It is concluded that in lentil uptake of maj or nutrients such as N, P, K, Ca, and Mg was perturbed due to N deficiency, but in contrast, the uptake of trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn, and copper (Cu) in the leaves and roots remained unaffected except the leaf Zn2+ in ILL 6778.

Nutrient uptake and soil erosion losses in cassava and six other crops in a Psamment in eastern Thailand

Total nutrient uptake and nutrients removed in harvested plant parts were determined for cassava grown for either root or forage production, maize, sorghum, peanut, mungbean, pineapple and sugarcane. All crops were grown in replicated plots on 7% slope on a sandy loam soil in Sri Racha, Thailand, during a 4 1/2-year period. Erosion losses associated with each crop were also determined by weighing at monthly intervals the soil sediments that had collected in plastic covered channels at the bottom of each plot. Cassava for root production had the lowest total uptake of major nutrients of all crops except mungbean. The amounts of N and P removed in the harvested plant parts were also much lower than those removed by other crops, while the amount of K removed by cassava was similar to other crops but much lower than pineapple or cassava grown for forage. This latter crop had a very high nutrient uptake and removal, especially that of N, K, Ca and Mg. On an annual basis, soil losses due to erosion were highest in cassava grown for roots, followed by cassava for forage, sugarcane, mungbean, sorghum, peanut, maize and pineapple. Thus, when cassava is grown for root production on slopes, it is likely to cause more erosion than most other crops due to its wide spacing and slow initial canopy development. Cassava farmers should therefore be encouraged to use special management practices that reduce erosion. However, it is unlikely that cassava causes soil degradation by depleting the soil nutrient supply, as N and P removal in the harvested part of the plant was actually lower than, and K removal was similar to that of other crops tested.

Production of sanguinarine by elicited plant cell culture I. Shake flask suspension cultures

Various Papaver somniferum cell lines species were generated and examined for sanguinarine production either by elicitation with chitin or endogenous production. Initial elicitation experiments gave variable results, with sanguinarine yields and concentrations of up to 4.5% of the biomass dry weight and 202 mg l −1, respectively, much higher than endogenous levels of production (~ 1 % or ~ 90 mg l −1). A closer examination of the growth and major nutrient (carbohydrates, phosphate, nitrate and ammonia) uptake patterns of these cultures revealed interesting insights into this process. Extracellular phosphate concentration near depletion (~ 0.1 mM) was found to be a reliable marker for elicitation and production. Elicited cultures showed an absolute requirement for extracellular carbohydrates and ammonia during the production phase for both survival and maximum production. Highest sanguinarine levels obtained were yield of 5.0%, concentration of 385 mg l −1, and productivities of 82 and 26 mg l −1 d −1 for the production phase and whole culture duration, respectively.

EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS APPLICATION OF FYM AND NPK ON FERTILITY STATUS OF SOIL, YIELD AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN MAIZE

FYM and NPK were continuously added for over 20 years in the cropping sequence of maize-cowpea-finger millet in a Typic Ustropept clay loam soil at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbtore to study their effect on soil fertility and crop productivity. Among the ten treatments, FYM and NPK and increasing levels of NPK fertilization significantly increased the available N, P and K and organic carbon content in the soil and the biomass yield and uptake of major nutrients in maize being the 55th crop in this study. Continuous fertilization with N only resulted in depletion of available P and not much variation was observed for available K. Exclusion of S from fertilizer schedule had not resulted in adverse yield reduction.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) Grown in a P-Fixing Mollic Andosol

ABSTRACT Compost (C), chicken manure (M), bone ash (BA) and triple superphosphate (TSP) were evaluated as fertilizers for common beans on a P-fixing Andosol from Nicaragua, in a pot experiment. Three different levels, based on phosphorus content, of each fertilizer were used. BA- treatments did not have any major effect on growth of bean plants, probably due to slow dissolution rate of calcium phosphates. The high content of macro- and micro-nutrients in compost and chicken manure in most cases significantly increased the growth of bean plants, enhanced nodulation and increased uptake of P, N, Ca, Mg, S, Mn and Cu as compared to TSP, bone ash and the control. Only the highest level of TSP significantly increased plant growth, nodulation and uptake of major nutrients. Clear correlations were found between dry weight of nodules and N- and S- uptake, concentration of Cu and P and added P. A lower fertilizer level of C, M, and BA resulted in a higher phosphorus utilization efficiency than at higher levels. Th...

YIELD AND UPTAKE OF MAJOR NUTRIENTS BY MAHSURI RICE IN THE ONATTUKARA TRACT OF KERALA

A field experiment was conducted in the sandy loam soils of the Onattukara tract of kerala with rice variety Mahsuri to determine the effect of different levles of fertilisers on the yield and uptake of major nutrients at different stages of crop growth. The results revealed that the uptake of N. P and K increased with increased levels of fertilisers at all the growth stages. The uptake of N and P increased from tillering to flowering and thereafter declined. The uptake of K was at its highest at harvest. The grain and straw yields were also significantly increased by increasing the fertiliser levels, and were found to be siginificantly and positively correlated with the uptake of N, P and K.

Acúmulo de macronutrientes pela bananeira cv. prata em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento

Visando estabelecer a marcha de absorção, quantidade exportada e reciclada de nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio e cálcio na bananeira cultivar Prata, instalou-se um ensaio no Estado do Espírito Santo, em janeiro de 1980, em terreno com declividade média de 40% e solo cambissólico distrófico. Sorteou-se três plantas matrizes do plantio até 465 dias após (colheita),sendo bimensal até 300 dias e mensal até o final, totalizando doze estádios de desenvolvimento, e três plantas rebento, mensalmente, da emissão até 300 dias após, atingindo nove estádios. Cada bananeira foi dividida em folha, pecíolo, pseudocaule, rizoma, engaço, botão floral e fruto para se analisar os macronutrientes. A partir dos dados coletados ajustou-se um programa de regressão e obteve-se as curvas de absorção de macronutrientes, cujos resultados permitiram concluir que, as plantas matriz e rebento: necessitam de expressivas quantidades de macronutrientes para desenvolver e produzir; apresentam uma absorção de macronutrientes que acompanha a matéria seca acumulada pelos órgãos, exceto para o potássio no período; absorvem mais de setenta e cinco por cento de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio após o estádio de 180 dias e acima de setenta por cento do cálcio e magnésio, a partir de 240 e 120 dias; podem repor ao solo grande parte dos macronutrientes absorvidos; apresentam uma razão de absorção de macronutrientes de 20 K:12 N:10 Mg: 9 Ca: 1 P e de 26,5:8 N:4,5 Mg: 4,5 Ca: 1 P. Conclui-se ainda que: deve-se considerar a quantidade de macronutrientes exportados com a colheita e consumo dos frutos, principalmente nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, em um programa de adubação; a planta rebento acumula mais macronutrientes do que a planta matriz.

Titanium in Plants

We have surveyed the occurrence of titanium in aquatic and terrestrial plants. Due to the low solubility of titanium minerals during rock weathering and pedogenesis, titanium can accumulate in the soil profile, but did not enrich sea water. Therefore algae and submersed angiosperms are low in titanium, except diatoms. In terrestrial plants, titanium accumulates in a species-specific and organ-specific pattern, with increased concentrations in senescencing leaves. Titanium fertilizer, applied via roots or leaves in growth experiments stimulates plant growth in a species-specific manner. It can stimulate chlorophyll content, enzyme activities and uptake of major and minor nutrients. The biotransformation of titanium and substitution of other elements by titanium are processes which have been seldom detected, but are a prerequisite in understanding the role of titanium in plants and in solving titanium-based environmental problems.

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis in Plants is Energetically Possible

A detailed examination of the arguments of Cram (1980 New Phytol 84: 1-17) against the uptake of major nutrients in plants by endocytosis shows that the arguments do not exclude the possibility of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Rosmarinic acid production and growth characteristics of Anchusa officinalis cell suspension cultures.

The kinetics of growth, rosmarinic acid (RA) accumulation, major nutrient uptake and respiration rate of Anchusa officinalis cell suspension cultures have been investigated. The biosynthesis of RA is restricted to the linear phase of the growth cycle, resulting in a marked increase in RA accumulation from 1% to 6% of dry weight. The onset of RA synthesis coincided with the almost complete depletion of phosphate and nitrate from the medium and also with a striking drop in respiration rate of the cultured cells. Linear phase cells also showed the highest rate of incorporation of exogeneously supplied tyrosine (>30%) and phenylalanine (>20%) into the caffeoyl ester. These observations indicate that R A biosynthesis in Anchusa officinalis cultures is initiated after the decline of primary metabolism.

The effect of mass transport on biostimulation of algal growth

A model is proposed to account for mass transport limitation to the uptake of major nutrients. A thin film diffusion resistance layer is hypothesized. In an example using Cyclotella nana (a diatom), diffusion resistance was calculated to result in a maximum decrease of 40% in phosphorus uptake rate. Transport limitation was demonstrated experimentally. The growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (a green alga) was found to be stimulated by shaking the cultures. Using similar mathematical techniques, the internal resistance to the uptake of nutrients in algal cell aggregates was also modeled.