Use of petiole analysis for assessment of vineyard nutrient status in the Barossa district of South Australia

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.B Robinson ◽  
M.G McCarthy

Summary. A study of the petiole nutrient status of cvv. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhine Riesling (Vitis vinifera) was carried out in 19 vineyards of each in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, during 1979 to 1982. The sampling unit chosen was the petiole of leaves opposite bunches, collected at flowering time. Nitrogen status (assessed as nitrate concentration) varied widely among vineyards and high concentrations of nitrate could be associated with use of organic materials (chicken litter, winery marc) in the vineyards. Phosphorus status was almost invariably higher than necessary. Potassium, magnesium and chloride status were usually high by Californian standards. Of the trace elements, boron was low in 1979 to 1980 in some vineyards, but sufficient in other years. Zinc and manganese were usually present in sufficient quantities. Daily sampling of petioles showed that nutrient levels during the flowering period changed less dramatically in this region than in California. Pre-bloom foliar sprays ofurea with zinc had non-significant effects on petiole nitrate concentration. Differences in nutrient concentrations between the three cultivars were detected in some years. The standards used to interpret petiole analysis data in California, while useful in the survey area, required some modification for local use, and working standards are proposed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 387-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. M. Gremmen ◽  
A. H. L. Huiskes ◽  
J. W. Francke

AbstractThe standing crop of the epilithic foliose lichen Mastodia tesselata and some other species, the nutrient status (chloride, phosphate, nitrate and ammonium) of the substratum, slope and moisture availability were studied in 29 sample plots on Petermann Island (65°10'S, 66°30'W), Antarctica. The observed standing crop values for Mastodia ranged from 49 to 614 g m 2, with an average of 310 g m 2 (17 sample plots), and were 542 g m−2 for Rinodina petermannii (one sample plot) and 314 g m−2 for the alga Prasiola crispa in two meltwater pools. A regression equation with log-transformed ammonium and phosphate concentrations as predictors explained 75% of the observed variance in Mastodia standing crop. No significant influence of chloride or nitrate concentration on the Mastodia standing crop was detected, indicating that Mastodia is a salt-tolerant lichen species, but is not an obligate halophyte. The maximal standing crop of Mastodia on Petermann Island proved to be lower than maximal values found for fruticose macrolichen vegetation in maritime and continental Antarctic. The Mastodia standing crop on Petermann Island was similar to the standing crop of this species on subantarctic Marion Island.



2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Reef ◽  
Nele Schmitz ◽  
Britt A. Rogers ◽  
Marilyn C. Ball ◽  
Catherine E. Lovelock

Salinisation of the soil can cause plant water deficits, ion and nutrient imbalances and toxic reactions. The halophyte, Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., is a mangrove that tolerates a wide range of soil salinities. In order to understand how salinity affects plant growth and functioning and how salinity responses are influenced by the water deficit signalling hormone abscisic acid (ABA) we grew A. marina seedlings under two non-growth limiting salinities: 60% seawater and 90% seawater and with and without exogenously supplied ABA. We measured growth, photosynthesis, sap flow, aquaporin gene expression, hydraulic anatomy and nutrient status as well as sap ABA concentrations. ABA addition resulted in a drought phenotype (reduced sap flow, transpiration rates and photosynthesis and increased water use efficiency and aquaporin expression). In contrast, growth in high salinity did not lead to responses that are typical for water deficits, but rather, could be characterised as drought avoidance strategies (no reduction in sap flow, transpiration rates and photosynthesis and reduced aquaporin expression). Tissue nutrient concentrations were higher in seedlings grown at high salinities. We did not find evidence for a role for ABA in the mangrove salinity response, suggesting ABA is not produced directly in response to high concentrations of NaCl ions.



1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Brand ◽  
C. Tang ◽  
A. J. Rathjen

Current varieties of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupin angustifolius L.) are poorly adapted to alkaline and calcareous soils found commonly throughout the south-estern Australian cropping zone. Apot experiment compared the growth of Lupinus angustifolius cv. Gungurru with L. pilosus P20954 in a range of soils collected throughout South Australia. The soils displayed a range of texture (clay, 3–82%), pH (1:5 soil:H2O, 7·0–9·6), and calcium carbonate content (CaCO3, 0–47%). Potting mix (pH 5·8) was used as the control. The plants were grown for 7 weeks with weekly measurements of chlorosis score and leaf number. At harvest, dry weights were recorded and the youngest fully expanded leaves were analysed for nutrient concentrations. The line P20954 grew much better in all the soils than Gungurru in terms of plant dry weight relative to the control soil, this being particularly evident in the calcareous soils. Chlorosis score correlated highly with shoot dry weight for Gungurru, but not for P20954. The main soil factor contributing to the chlorosis score of Gungurru was CaCO3 content, whereas none of the soil factors significantly affected P20954, although in Weeks 2 and 3 chlorosis score correlated with CaCO3 content. The dry weight of Gungurru was affected by a combination of factors including clay content, pH, and CaCO3 content, whereas the dry weight of P20954 was affected by most of the soil factors measured. The dry weight of P20954 was positively correlated with aluminium and magnesium concentrations. Concentrations of all nutrients were above critical levels for both genotypes grown in all soils. The results indicate that L. pilosus has the potential to be grown in areas where current varieties of L. angustifolius are poorly adapted.



2011 ◽  
Vol 50 (No. 7) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Matula

In this study experiments primarily aimed at the needs of specification of an adequate soil reserve of labile sulphur were extended by investigations of the impact on interactions in nutrient uptake by a test barley plant. Vegetation (18-day) experiments under controlled conditions of cultivation were conducted on a diverse set of 48 soils from agricultural lands. Before barley sowing the experimental set of soils was divided into two variants: A &ndash; control (with NH<sub>4</sub>Cl application) and B &ndash; response variant [with (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> application], and a uniform dose of 26 mg N/kg soil was used. After the experiment terminated, concentrations of N, N-NO<sub>3</sub><sup>&ndash;</sup>, S, S-SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2&ndash;</sup>, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn and B were determined. Paired t-test revealed significant differences between the sets of data on variants A and B in barley yield and concentrations of sulphur, sulphate, nitrate, phosphorus and boron in barley plants. Sulphate variant (B) had higher yield of barley, higher concentrations of sulphur, sulphate and boron and lower concentrations of nitrate and phosphorus compared to variant A. The lower concentrations of nitrate and phosphorus could not be reasoned by the effect of dilution resulting from the higher barley yield. A substantial decrease in nitrate concentration was related to better utilisation of plant nitrogen after the nutrient status of soil was adjusted with sulphur. Phosphorus concentration in barley adequately corresponded to the soil reserve of labile phosphorus, but only after the phosphorus concentration in barley markedly decreased to the lower level in (sulphate) variant B. Higher concentration of boron in barley could potentially be related to the depression of phosphorus uptake after sulphate application.



Picoplankton consists of those organisms found in the open waters of seas and lakes which are capable of passing through a filter with 2 μm pores but not through one with 0.2 μm pores. Cells in this size range are well adapted to planktonic life in that they sink extremely slowly and are more efficient than larger forms in taking up nutrients and absorbing radiant energy. Picophytoplankton includes coccoid cyanobacteria and a variety of eukaryotic algal forms. Strains studied in the laboratory have all been found to show maximum growth at relatively low irradiances, the eukaryotic forms being more efficient than the cyanobacteria in utilizing the blue light which predominates at the bottom of the photic zone in clear oceanic waters. Oceanic strains of coccoid cyanobacteria, however, are characterized by high concentrations of phycoerythrin, which appears to function as a nitrogenous reserve as well as an accessory pigment in photosynthesis. The seasonal and spatial distribution of picophytoplankton seems explicable in terms of these physiological characteristics. Numbers of coccoid cyanobacteria have shown a striking correlation with temperature in a number of different situations. Heterotrophic bacteria are also included in the picoplankton, and a review of the information concerning them suggests that they form a highly dynamic population subsisting on dissolved organic matter liberated by living phytoplankton and zooplankton and by decomposition of dead matter. The productivity of this population in the euphotic zone approaches that of the phytoplankton. Both the picophytoplankton and the bacterioplankton are preyed on by phagotrophic flagellates. Both bacteria and flagellates are active in regeneration of mineral nutrients. Regardless of the salinity, temperature or nutrient status of the water, the numbers of heterotrophic bacteria, picophytoplankton and flagellates tend to be around 10 6 , 10 4 and 10 3 organisms per millilitre respectively. It is suggested that these populations form a basic, self-sustaining and self-regulating community in all natural waters. From present information, it seems that little of the energy which passes through this community finds its way into the larger planktonic organisms, but the role of picoplankton in recycling nutrient elements is of great importance in the marine ecosystem.



2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Radrizzani ◽  
Scott A. Dalzell ◽  
H. Max Shelton

Plant analysis is an important tool for predicting plant nutrient imbalances associated with variable soil fertility and it is usually based on analysis of index plant parts such as the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL). Recent use of the YFEL to diagnose plant nutrient status of Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata (leucaena) pastures has given unreliable results. Two field trials, one irrigated and one dryland, were conducted in subtropical Queensland to investigate the effect of index leaf selection, plant phenology and environmental factors (ambient temperature and water stress) on leaf nutrient concentrations. The YFEL was identified as the best plant part to sample because it was readily identifiable and had consistent concentrations of most nutrients compared to older and younger leaves provided specific conditions were met when sampling. At both sites there was significant (P < 0.05) seasonal variation in nutrient concentrations in leucaena YFEL, which was poorly correlated with ambient temperature but strongly correlated with rainfall in the preceding 28 days and chronological age of YFEL. Advancing plant phenological stage of development increased the chronological age of YFEL from 12 to 73 days under irrigation since no new leaves were produced for prolonged periods during pod filling and maturation. Similarly, YFEL could be 146 days old on plants in vegetative stages of growth under prolonged drought in dryland conditions. YFEL of ~21 days of age or less were found to be optimal for analysis. Furthermore, as the calcium (Ca) concentration of YFEL was strongly correlated with leaf chronological age, this parameter could be used to determine the age of the leaves sampled. YFEL with Ca concentrations >0.75% DM were likely to be >21 days in age and should not be used for the diagnosis of plant nutrient status. It was concluded that leaf analysis could be used to confidently assess leucaena plant nutrient status provided the YFEL were sampled from actively growing plants in vegetative development that had received rainfall/irrigation in the preceding 28 days and were <21 days of age.



2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustina Cortelezzi ◽  
Carolina Ocón ◽  
María V. López van Oosterom ◽  
Rosana Cepeda ◽  
Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo

ABSTRACT One of the most important effects derived from the intensive land use is the increase of nutrient concentration in the aquatic systems due to superficial drainage. Besides, the increment of precipitations in South America connected to the global climate change could intensify these anthropic impacts due to the changes in the runoff pattern and a greater discharge of water in the streams and rivers. The pampean streams are singular environments with high natural nutrient concentrations which could be increased even more if the predictions of global climate change for the area are met. In this context, the effect of experimental nutrient addition on macroinvertebrates in a lowland stream is studied. Samplings were carried out from March 2007 to February 2009 in two reaches (fertilized and unfertilized), upstream and downstream from the input of nutrients. The addition of nutrients caused an increase in the phosphorus concentration in the fertilized reach which was not observed for nitrogen concentration. From all macroinvertebrates studied only two taxa had significant differences in their abundance after fertilization: Corbicula fluminea and Ostracoda. Our results reveal that the disturbance caused by the increase of nutrients on the benthic community depends on basal nutrients concentration. The weak response of macroinvertebrates to fertilization in the pampean streams could be due to their tolerance to high concentrations of nutrients in relation to their evolutionary history in streams naturally enriched with nutrients. Further research concerning the thresholds of nutrients affecting macroinvertebrates and about the adaptive advantages of taxa in naturally eutrophic environments is still needed. This information will allow for a better understanding of the processes of nutrient cycling and for the construction of restoration measures in natural eutrophic ecosystems.



1979 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Coote ◽  
P. A. Yeats

The general pattern of nutrient distribution in the Gulf of St. Lawrence results from regeneration processes being superimposed on the physical processes of estuarine circulation within the Gulf. This leads to a general increase in nutrient concentration with depth and with distance into the Gulf from Cabot Strait. Nutrient concentrations in the Laurentian Channel are higher inside the Gulf than at equal or even greater depths in the Atlantic Ocean some distance outside Cabot Strait. Summer nutrient concentrations in the surface layer are generally low. However, during the winter when biological activity is low, quite high concentrations of the nutrients are found in the surface waters of the Gulf. A balance exists between inward and outward fluxes of all three nutrients through Cabot Strait in the winter. However, in the summer the influxes of both nitrate and silicate at Cabot Strait greatly exceed the outgoing fluxes. Losses of biogenic silica to the sediments may account for the silicate imbalance. Excess nitrate may be accounted for if ammonia or nitrogen bound with dissolved organics had been measured. Key words: nutrients, silicate, phosphate, nitrate, distribution, regeneration, transport, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Cabot Strait, Laurentian Channel



HortScience ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (12) ◽  
pp. 1707-1715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Campisi-Pinto ◽  
Yusheng Zheng ◽  
Philippe E. Rolshausen ◽  
David E. Crowley ◽  
Ben Faber ◽  
...  

Optimizing ‘Hass’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) tree nutrient status is essential for maximizing productivity. Leaf nutrient analysis is used to guide avocado fertilization to maintain tree nutrition. The goal of this research was to identify a ‘Hass’ avocado tissue with nutrient concentrations predictive of yields greater than 40 kg of fruit per tree. This threshold was specified to assist the California avocado industry to increase yields to ≈11,200 kg·ha−1. Nutrient concentrations of cauliflower stage inflorescences (CSI) collected in March proved better predictors of yield than inflorescences collected at full bloom (FBI) in April, fruit pedicels (FP) collected at five different stages of avocado tree phenology from the end of fruit set in June through April the following spring when mature fruit enter a second period of exponential growth, or 6-month-old spring flush leaves (LF) from nonbearing vegetative shoots collected in September (California avocado industry standard). For CSI tissue, concentrations of seven nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were predictive of trees producing greater than 40 kg of fruit annually. Conditional quantile sampling and frequency analysis were used to identify optimum nutrient concentration ranges (ONCR) for each nutrient. Optimum ratios between nutrient concentrations and yields greater than 40 kg per tree were also derived. The high nutrient concentrations characterizing CSI tissue suggest current fertilization practices (timing or amounts) might be causing nutrient imbalances at this stage of avocado tree phenology that are limiting productivity, a possibility that warrants further investigation. Because CSI samples can be collected 4–6 weeks before full bloom, nutritional problems can be addressed before they affect flower retention and fruit set to increase current crop yield, fruit size, and quality. Thus, CSI nutrient analysis warrants further research as a potential supplemental or alternative tool for diagnosing ‘Hass’ avocado tree nutrient status and increasing yield.



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