Steady-state nutrient preconditioning and early outplanting performance of containerized black spruce seedlings

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 585-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. R. Timmer ◽  
G. Armstrong ◽  
B. D. Miller

Conventional fertilization of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) container stock usually does not conform to steady-state nutrient conditions and may limit subsequent outplanting performance. Steady-state nutrient preconditioning of seedlings, characterized by maintaining stable tissue nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations during the exponential growth phase, was induced by an exponentially based fertilization regime that compensated for low nutrient reserves in germinating seeds. By the end of the greenhouse rotation, this regime reduced the shoot/root ratio of the trees, but fell short of increasing seedling growth and nutrient status when compared with seedlings conventionally fertilized with equivalent amounts of nutrients. However, first-season height growth and shoot biomass of trees outplanted on different surface soils in pot bioassays were significantly improved by steady-state nutrient preconditioning and were accompanied by increased plant nutrient uptake, particularly N at the half-dose level and P at the full-dose level. Out-planting performance was higher on an upland site type, although relative response was greater on nutrient-poorer, lowland substrates. The preconditioning response from exponentially based fertilization was attributed to lower shoot/root mass ratio and more effective nutritional adaptation of the seedlings to the field environment. Under steady-state nutrient culture, seedling nutrient uptake conforms more closely with stable nutrient supply in nature, since expanding root systems exploit new soil volumes exponentially. Field performance of exponentially fertilized seedlings may be further enhanced when combined with balanced nutrient loading in the greenhouse phase.


2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Quoreshi ◽  
V R Timmer

Containerized black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedlings fertilized conventionally (12.5 mg N/plant) or exponentially (12.5, 25, or 50 mg N/plant) and inoculated with Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. Ex St-Amans) Quel. or Laccaria bicolor (R. Mre.) Orton were periodically monitored for a 20-week greenhouse rotation to assess growth dynamics, steady-state N and P nutrition, and ectomycorrhizal development. Growth and nutrient accumulation increased exponentially for the exponential regimes and more linearly for the conventional regime, although final biomass was similar except for the low-dose exponential addition. Shoot/root biomass ratios were relatively stable for most of the growing season, characterizing steady-state nutrient supply that benefits seedling outplanting performance and mycorrhizal colonization. Exponential fertilization also stimulated mycorrhiza formation even at high loading (25 or 50 mg N) rates that build up nutrient reserves in the seedlings without affecting seedling size. Plant nutrient uptake was more efficient under exponential fertilization and (or) fungal colonization, although efficiency dropped off at high loading levels. Vector nutrient diagnosis revealed marked nutrient dilution under conventional fertilization, but steady-state nutrition under exponential fertilization that coincided with satisfactory mycorrhiza development on seedlings. Dilution-free nutrient conditions for seedlings may provide stable carbohydrates for symbiosis and may develop enhanced tolerance to high fertilizer inputs.



1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Imo ◽  
Victor R. Timmer

This paper reports on a new graphical analysis technique that facilitates screening alternative strategies for crop management in programs of integrated vegetation management in young forest plantations. The responsiveness of black spruce seedlings to three vegetation management measures (herbicide application, fertilization and seedling nutrient loading) on two contrasting site types (Hardwood [ST 10] and Feathermoss [ST 4]) located in northern Ontario, were compared and evaluated using vector competition analysis. The approach is based on vector diagnosis and regression analysis that compare growth and nutritional interactions between crop and non-crop plants competing for the same growth resources. Response parameters are examined in a bivariate model depicting vectors of changing biomass production or nutrient uptake relative to competition-free treatments. Although herbicide application reduced non-crop vegetation on both sites, it accelerated tree growth and nutrient uptake only in the herb-rich Hardwood site, but had no effect on seedlings in the Feathermoss site. Fertilization stimulated vegetation growth in the competitive Hardwood site causing seedling suppression, but stimulated both tree and non-crop vegetation growth in the Feathermoss site because of weaker competition. Preplant nutrient loading improved seedling growth and nutrition reducing competition of neighboring weeds. Vector competition analysis facilitated interpretation of plant interactive relationships and identification of limiting factors. Advantages over traditional competition indices are that both growth and nutrition parameters, as well as crop and non-crop responses are quantitatively and systematically evaluated, and that simultaneous comparisons simplified screening of the most effective treatments and sites for possible vegetation control. Key words: Competition indices, treatment screening, nutrient loading, fertilization, herbicide



1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1058-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. R. Timmer ◽  
A. D. Munson

Black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) containerized seedlings were raised at high fertilizer regimes, i.e., "nutrient loaded," during greenhouse culture to assess whether increased preplant nutrient reserves improved site-specific outplanting performance. Growing media electrical conductivity levels during the greenhouse phase ranged between 0.9–1.2 and 0.3–0.6 dS/m for loaded and nonloaded seedlings, respectively. Although similar in total biomass and P and K content at rotation end, the loaded seedlings contained 78% more N than the nonloaded seedlings, demonstrating induced luxury consumption of N from loading. After overwintering, the seedlings were planted on intact potted surface soils from three ecological site types (upland Feathermoss, lowland Alnus, and lowland Ledum) of contrasting fertility. In the first growing season, N loading significantly increased height growth and dry matter production on all substrates; relative response was higher on the more N-deficient lowland sites. Plant nutrients were markedly diluted after establishment, except for N of nonloaded seedlings. The loading response was closely associated with the buildup of preplant N, which served as a critical nutrient source for internal retranslocation to new growth. Loading stimulated not only N uptake after outplanting, but also uptake of other nutrients presumably because of the expanded root system with this treatment. Balanced nutrient loading offers a cost-efficient alternative to field fertilization by promoting outplanting performance of container stock, and by avoiding competition response and operational constraints often associated with on-site fertilization.



Author(s):  
Kamrun Nahar Mousomi ◽  
Mohammad Noor Hossain Miah ◽  
Md. Abul Kashem ◽  
Imtiaz Miah

A pot experiment was conducted at the experimental net house of the Department of Soil Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh to observe the effect of fertilizers on yield and nutrient uptake of local aromatic rice varieties during the Aman season of 2015. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Five local aromatic rice varieties (Kalizira: V1, Muktasail: V2, Nagrasail: V3, Maloti: V4 and Chinigura: V5) and four packages of fertilizers (F1:  Recommended package i.e. 45-10-20-10-0.5 kg ha-1 of N-P-K-S-Zn, F2: 2/3rd of recommended package, F3: 1/3rd of recommended package, and F4: Control) were used. Urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum and ZnSO4 were used as N, P, K, S and Zn source, respectively. According to the treatment, all fertilizers were applied as basal during final pot preparation while urea was applied in two equal splits (one half as basal and another half at 40 DAT). Nutrient content and uptake of the aromatic rice varieties were significantly affected by the application of different fertilizer packages (with few exceptions). Mostly Kalizira (1.10-0.44-2.31-0.67-13.75 g pot-1 of N-P-K-S-Zn) and/or Nagrasail (1.15-0.46-2.70-0.62-11.74 g pot-1 of N-P-K-S-Zn) varieties showed the highest nutrient uptake in grain and straw with recommended package of fertilizers. While in maximum cases Chinigura (0.41-0.16-0.76-0.197-3.17 g pot-1 of N-P-K-S-Zn) was observed to have the lowest with control treatment. In case of post harvest soil nutrient analyses, Kalizira and/or Chinigura variety associated with recommended package of fertilizers showed the highest nutrient status.



Author(s):  
Oriana Sanicola ◽  
Terry Lucke ◽  
Michael Stewart ◽  
Katharina Tondera ◽  
Christopher Walker

Constructed Floating Wetlands (CFWs) are increasingly being used globally in freshwater environments such as urban lakes and ponds to remove pollutants from urban stormwater runoff. However, to date there has been limited research into the use and performance of these systems in saline environments. This study compared the root and shoot biomass growth and nutrient uptake of five different plant species, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Baumea juncea, Isolepis nodosa, Phragmites australis and Sarcocornia quinqueflora, in three different saltwater treatments over a 12-week period. The aim of the study was to identify which of the plant species may be most suitable for use in CFWs in saline environments. Plant nutrient uptake testing revealed that Phragmites australis had the greatest percentage increase (1473–2477%) of Nitrogen mass in the shoots in all treatments. Sarcocornia quinqueflora also had impressive Nitrogen mass increase in saltwater showing an increase of 966% (0.208 ± 0.134 g). This suggests that the use of Phragmites australis and Sarcocornia quinqueflora plants in CFWs installed in saline water bodies, with regular harvesting of the shoot mass, may significantly reduce Nitrogen concentrations in the water. Isolepis nodosa had the greatest percentage increase (112% or 0.018 ± 0.020 g) of Phosphorous mass in the shoots in the saltwater treatment. Baumea juncea had the greatest percentage increase (315% or 0.026 ± 0.012 g) of Phosphorous mass in the roots in the saltwater treatment. This suggests that the use of Isolepis nodosa and Baumea juncea plants in CFWs installed in saline water bodies may significantly reduce Phosphorous concentrations in the water if there was a way to harvest both the shoots above and the roots below the CFWs. The study is continuing, and it is anticipated that more information will be available on CFW plants installed in saline environments in the near future.



Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1681
Author(s):  
Aaronn Avit Ajeng ◽  
Rosazlin Abdullah ◽  
Marlinda Abdul Malek ◽  
Kit Wayne Chew ◽  
Yeek-Chia Ho ◽  
...  

The full dependency on chemical fertilizers in oil palm plantation poses an enormous threat to the ecosystem through the degradation of soil and water quality through leaching to the groundwater and contaminating the river. A greenhouse study was conducted to test the effect of combinations of biofertilizers with chemical fertilizer focusing on the soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and the growth performance of oil palms seedlings. Soils used were histosol, spodosol, oxisol, and ultisol. The three treatments were T1: 100% chemical fertilizer (NPK 12:12:17), T2: 70% chemical fertilizer + 30% biofertilizer A (CF + BFA), and T3: 70% + 30% biofertilizer B (CF + BFB). T2 and T3, respectively increased the growth of oil palm seedlings and soil nutrient status but seedlings in oxisol and ultisol under T3 had the highest in almost all parameters due to the abundance of more efficient PGPR. The height of seedlings in ultisol under T3 was 22% and 17% more than T2 and T1 respectively, with enhanced girth size, chlorophyll content, with improved nutrient uptake by the seedlings. Histosol across all treatments has a high macronutrient content suggesting that the rate of chemical fertilizer application should be revised when planting using the particular soil. With the reduction of chemical fertilizer by 25%, the combined treatment with biofertilizers could enhance the growth of the oil palm seedlings and soil nutrient properties regardless of the soil orders.



2020 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Sebastià Capó-Bauçà ◽  
Marcel Font-Carrascosa ◽  
Miquel Ribas-Carbó ◽  
Andrej Pavlovič ◽  
Jeroni Galmés

Abstract Background and Aims Carnivorous plants can enhance photosynthetic efficiency in response to prey nutrient uptake, but the underlying mechanisms of increased photosynthesis are largely unknown. Here we investigated photosynthesis in the pitcher plant Nepenthes × ventrata in response to different prey-derived and root mineral nutrition to reveal photosynthetic constrains. Methods Nutrient-stressed plants were irrigated with full inorganic solution or fed with four different insects: wasps, ants, beetles or flies. Full dissection of photosynthetic traits was achieved by means of gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and immunodetection of photosynthesis-related proteins. Leaf biochemical and anatomical parameters together with mineral composition, nitrogen and carbon isotopic discrimination of leaves and insects were also analysed. Key Results Mesophyll diffusion was the major photosynthetic limitation for nutrient-stressed Nepenthes × ventrata, while biochemistry was the major photosynthetic limitation after nutrient application. The better nutrient status of insect-fed and root-fertilized treatments increased chlorophyll, pigment–protein complexes and Rubisco content. As a result, both photochemical and carboxylation potential were enhanced, increasing carbon assimilation. Different nutrient application affected growth, and root-fertilized treatment led to the investment of more biomass in leaves instead of pitchers. Conclusions The study resolved a 35-year-old hypothesis that carnivorous plants increase photosynthetic assimilation via the investment of prey-derived nitrogen in the photosynthetic apparatus. The equilibrium between biochemical and mesophyll limitations of photosynthesis is strongly affected by the nutrient treatment.



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.



2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Hussain ◽  
A J M S Karim ◽  
A R M Solaiman ◽  
M S Islam ◽  
M Rahman

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period 2010-2011 to assess the effect of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on the quality attributes (Compactness coefficient, Vitamin C, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents) of broccoli, to assess the comparative performance of USG and PU on nutrient uptake and uptake efficiency of broccoli plant, to assess the effect of different forms and levels of urea N on the post harvest soil nutrient status of broccoli field and to select the better doses of USG and PU for quality broccoli production in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil under Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications having 17 treatments constituted with different levels of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) as- T1: N-control,  T2: PU-N80, T3: PU-N100, T4: PU-N120, T5: PU-N140, T6: PU-N160, T7: PU-N180, T8: PU-N200, T9: PU-N220, T10: USG-N80, T11: USG-N100,  T12: USG-N120, T13: USG-N140, T14: USG-N160, T15: USG-N180, T16: USG-N200, T17 and USG-N220 kg ha-1. Results revealed that the comparative performance of USG in relation to head quality (compactness coefficient, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and chlorophyll content), nutrient (NPKS) uptake and N uptake efficiency was found better as compared to PU. The compactness coefficient, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents were increased with increasing rate of N as well as USG and PU, but ascorbic acid content was slightly decreased with increasing rate of USG and PU. The maximum compactness coefficient (18.61) was found from the treatment USG-N180 that was followed by USG-N160 (18.24) and the highest β-carotene content (0.401 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N160 followed by PU-N180 (0.40 mg/100gFW). Similarly the highest chlorophyll-a content (0.818 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N180 followed by USG-N160 (0.814 mg/100gFW) and the highest chlorophyll-b content (1.141mg/100g FW) was recorded from USG-N180. The higher nutrient uptake and N uptake efficiency (108.531%) was obtained from USG treated plots over that of the PU. But N uptake efficiency was decreased with increasing rates of N fertilizer. But post harvest soil nitrogen status did not show any systematic trend although it was found higher in USG over PU. Similarly no remarkable changes were observed in post harvest soil P, K, S and B status for the crop. However, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) followed by USG-N140 and PU @ 180 kg N ha-1 (PU-N180) with other recommended doses of fertilizer could be suggested as USG and PU based fertilizer recommendation for a good quality broccoli production in terms of yield and quality in Silty Clay Loam Soil of Madhupur Tract.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 24-39 



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