scholarly journals Nitrogen Level and Form Affect Taro Growth and Nutrition

HortScience ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.W. Osorio ◽  
X. Shuai ◽  
S. Miyasaka ◽  
B. Wang ◽  
R.L. Shirey ◽  
...  

Nitrogen (N) is often the most limiting mineral nutrient for taro growth. Two experiments were carried out under hydroponics conditions to determine the effects of varying solution N levels and N form on taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott cv. Bun Long) growth and foliar nutrient concentrations for 42 days. In the first experiment, taro plants were grown at six NH4NO3 levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mm N). In the second experiment, taro plants were grown at a total N level of 3 mm with five nitrate (NO3-): ammonium (NH4+) percent molar ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). In the N level experiment, dry matter and leaf area increased up to 2 mm N and then decreased at the highest N level. The reduced growth of taro at the highest N level was attributed in part to a high NH4+ level that reduced uptake or translocation of cations, such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+. Nitrogen concentration in leaf blades increased with increasing N levels. The critical foliar N concentration that coincided with 95% of maximum growth based on a quadratic model was 40.4 g·kg-1 (dry weight basis). In the N form experiment, NO3-: NH4+ ratios of 75:25 or 100:0 favored greater plant growth compared to other treatments. Taro plants grown in NH4+-rich solutions drastically acidified the solution pH, and had retarded growth and smaller leaf area compared to those grown in NO3--rich solutions.

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-163
Author(s):  
Amy L. Tillman ◽  
Stuart L. Warren ◽  
Frank A. Blazich

Abstract Rooted stem cuttings of ‘Snow White’ raphiolepis (Raphiolepis × delacourii Andre ‘Snow White’) were grown in 3.8-liter (#1) black plastic containers containing a pine bark:sand (8:1, by vol) substrate. Plants were fertilized at every irrigation, for 17 weeks, with a 4:1:2 nitrogen (N):phosphorus (P):potassium (K) nutrient solution containing N at 20, 60, 100, 140, 180, 220, or 240 mg·L−1 (ppm) supplied as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). Maximum top and root dry weights were achieved with N at 145 mg·L−1. Substrate solution electrical conductivity increased linearly with increasing nitrogen application rate (NAR) with maximum growth occurring at 1.28 dS·m−1, whereas substrate solution pH decreased linearly with increasing NAR with a pH of 5.3 at 145 mg·L−1. Increasing the N rate beyond 145 mg·L−1 had minimal effect on top or root dry weight. Leaf area peaked at a NAR of 171 mg·L−1 with a plateau at 524 cm2. Leaf area increased 275% as the NAR increased from 20 to 171 mg·L−1. Specific leaf area increased linearly with increasing NARs. Carbon allocation between tops and roots was unaffected by NARs from 60 to 280 mg·L−1. Root:top ratio decreased 56% between the pooled NARs (60 to 240 mg·L−1) and N at 20 mg·L−1. Leaf area ratio increased linearly with increasing NARs. Foliar mineral nutrient concentrations of N, P, and sulfur increased linearly with increasing NAR, whereas concentrations of K, calcium, magnesium, and copper responded quadratically to increasing NARs. Top growth increased from inadequate at a NAR of 60 mg·L−1 to optimum at 145 mg·L−1, whereas root growth was relatively similar over the same range. At 145 mg·L−1, mineral nutrient concentrations of the top are well within or exceed accepted levels reported, and growers can expect rapid growth of rooted cuttings.


2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 440-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac G Amponsah ◽  
Philip G Comeau ◽  
Robert P Brockley ◽  
Victor J Lieffers

We investigated the effects of repeated fertilization (either periodically every 6 years or annual fertilization) on needle longevity and growth response in two juvenile lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. Annual fertilization decreased needle longevity by 23% at the Kenneth Creek site and by 30% at Sheridan Creek, compared with the control treatments at each site. At Sheridan, repeated fertilization significantly increased effective leaf area index, foliated shoot length, and annual shoot growth. However, none of these variables was significantly altered by repeated fertilization at Kenneth. At both locations, fertilization elevated nutrient concentrations in the current year's foliage. Annual fertilization increased nitrogen concentration in mid-crown branches of retained cohorts (1998–2002) at both study sites. Furthermore, annual nitrogen addition apparently induced or exacerbated copper and iron deficiency in these stands, especially at Kenneth Creek, which may be related to the premature loss of foliage. Nutrient imbalance may also be related to poor effective leaf area index and growth response at Kenneth Creek. Stem growth efficiency declined with annual fertilization at Kenneth Creek because of accelerated turnover of needles, increased allocation of growth to branches, and probably reduced photosynthetic capacity.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 523
Author(s):  
David L. Cole ◽  
Savannah J. Kobza ◽  
Savannah R. Fahning ◽  
Samuel H. Stapley ◽  
Dicken K. A. Bonsrah ◽  
...  

Hydroponic systems are efficient for studying plant nutrition. It is often desirable to adjust individual nutrients for unique species’ needs and/or to create multiple nutrient deficiencies within the same study. However, this is challenging to do with traditional solutions as nutrients are generally added as dual nutrient salts, such as when varying phosphorus (P) concentration also affects nitrogen concentration; potentially, the chemical form of the nutrient taken up when ammonium phosphate is the source for P. This can create unintended consequences with nutrients other than those intended for adjustment. A new hydroponic system has been created to allow for nutrient deficiencies using single-nutrient sources, including ammonium nitrate; phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrochloric, and boric acids; potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper carbonates; manganese acetate; sodium molybdate; iron EDDHA; with HEDTA as an additional chelate. This nutrient solution was compared to a traditional “Hoagland” hydroponic solution to grow soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr). Additional treatments included alteration of pH in the new solution as well as evaluating varying levels of calcium, magnesium, and manganese. This new solution proved effective, as soybean was grown to maturity and performed as well as the traditional Hoagland solution. Adjusting pH downward with hydrochloric acid resulted in healthy plants, but solution pH was not adequately buffered. Adjusting pH with acetic acid resulted in toxicity. Further work is required to provide better pH buffering and approximately align tissue nutrient concentrations with field-grown soybean.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa E. Abaker ◽  
Frank Berninger ◽  
Gustavo Saiz ◽  
Jukka Pumpanen ◽  
Mike Starr

Background Over the last decades sub-Saharan Africa has experienced severe land degradation and food security challenges linked to loss of soil fertility and soil organic matter (SOM), recurrent drought and increasing population. Although primary production in drylands is strictly limited by water availability, nutrient deficiencies, particularly of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), are also considered limiting factors for plant growth. It is known that SOM (often measured as soil organic carbon (SOC)) is a key indicator of soil fertility, therefore, management practices that increase SOM contents, such as increasing tree cover, can be expected to improve soil fertility. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of Acacia senegal (Senegalia senegal) trees on soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (K) in relation to SOC, the potential of A. senegal for N2 fixation, and to identify possible N and P ecosystem limitations. Methods Soil nutrient (total N, P, K and available P and exchangeable K) concentrations and stocks were determined for the 0–10, 10–20,20–30 and 30–50 cm layers of A. senegal plantations of varying age (ranging from 7 to 24-years-old) and adjacent grasslands (reference) at two sites in semi-arid areas of Sudan. At both sites, three plots were established in each grassland and plantation. The potential of A. senegal for N2 fixation in relation to plantations age was assessed using δ15N isotopic abundances and nutrient limitations assessed using C:N:P stoichiometry. Results Soil concentrations of all studied nutrients were relatively low but were significantly and directly correlated to SOC concentrations. SOC and nutrient concentrations were the highest in the topsoil (0–10 cm) and increased with plantations age. Acacia foliage δ15N values were >6‰ and varied little with plantations age. Soil C:N and C:P ratios did not differ between grassland and plantations and only 0–10 cm layer N:P ratios showed significant differences between grassland and plantations. Discussion The results indicated that soil fertility in the Sahel region is strongly related to SOM contents and therefore highlighting the importance of trees in the landscape. The higher mineral nutrient concentrations in the topsoil of the plantations may be an indication of ‘nutrient uplift’ by the deeper roots. The high foliar δ15N values indicated that N2 fixation was not an important contributor to soil N contents in the plantations. The accretion of soil N cannot be explained by deposition but may be related to inputs of excreted N brought into the area annually by grazing and browsing animals. The soil C:N:P stoichiometry indicated that the plantations may be limited by P and the grasslands limited by N.


Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1003
Author(s):  
Chonthicha Pakwan ◽  
Arunothai Jampeetong ◽  
Hans Brix

This study aimed to assess effect of nitrogen (N) form and phosphorus (P) level on the growth and mineral composition of hybrid Napier grass. Experimental plants were grown with different N forms (NO3−, NH4NO3, and NH4+; 500 µM) and P concentrations (100 and 500 µM) under greenhouse conditions for 42 days. Growth rate, morphology, pigments, and mineral nutrients in the plant tissue were analysed. At the low P concentration, the better growth was found in the plants supplied with NH4+ (relative growth rate (RGR) = 0.05 g·g−1·d−1), but at the high P concentration, the NH4+-fed plants had 37% lower growth rates and shorter roots and stems. At the high P level, the NH4NO3−-fed plants had the highest RGR (0.04 g·g−1·d−1). The mineral nutrient concentrations in the plant tissues were only slightly affected by N form and P concentration, although the P concentrations in the plant tissue of the NO3−-fed plants supplied with the high P concentration was 26% higher compared to the low P concentration plants. The N concentrations in the plant tissues did not vary between treatments. The results showed that the optimum N form for the plant growth and biomass productivity of hybrid Napier grass depends on P level. Hybrid Napier grass may be irrigated by treated wastewater containing high concentrations of N and P, but future studies are needed to evaluate biomass production and composition when irrigating with real wastewater from animal farms.


Author(s):  
KS Nawrin ◽  
MJ Uddin ◽  
AHMZ Ali ◽  
MK Rahman

The effects of boron (B) and vermicompost (VC) on growth and yield of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) and nutrient accumulation in its fruits was examined. The highest plant height (22 cm), leaf number per plant (73), leaf area (502.53 cm2/plant), dry weight (22.27g/plant), fruit length (8.97cm), fruit number per plant (6), fruit yield (11.76 g/plant) were recorded in B0.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha at harvest. The results of growth and yield of Chilli varied significantly (p<0.05) and increased with time. The total nutrient concentrations in the fruits were measured and varied significantly (p<0.05). The highest concentration of total P (0.028 %), K (2.50%), S (0.20 %), Cu (8.0 mg/kg), Fe (410 mg/kg) and Mn (0.80 mg/kg) in the fruit were observed in B0.5 kg/ha +VC5 ton/ha treatment and total N (0.41 %) and Zn (3.50 mg/kg) were found in B1.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment. The overall best growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in the fruits of Chilli was achieved in B0.5 kg/ha + VC5 t/ha treatment. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2020, 6(1): 31-36


HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 467B-467
Author(s):  
Helen T. Kraus ◽  
Stuart L. Warren

Five ratios of NH4:NO3 (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) were evaluated for impacts on growth of Cotoneaster dammeri Schneid. `Skogholm' (cotoneaster) and Rudbeckia fulgida Ait. `Goldsturm' (rudbeckia). Nitrate decreased dry weight and leaf area, while nutrient solutions containing >25% NH4 increased shoot and root growth of cotoneaster and rudbeckia. Additionally, NO3 decreased accumulation of some cationic nutrients and N in roots and shoots of cotoneaster and rudbeckia compared to solutions containing either NH4 alone or mixes of NH4 and NO3. Nitrogen contents (in milligrams) in cotoneaster fertilized with NO3 decreased an average of 54% and 58% in rudbeckia compared to N supplied as NH4 alone. These dramatic reductions in growth and tissue nutrient content reiterate the need for proper N form selection. Root diameter of cotoneaster was higher with a mix of NH4 and NO3 than with NO3 alone; whereas, the N form had no impact on diameter of rudbeckia roots. However, the stele of both cotoneaster and rudbeckia roots was larger and contained more secondary xylem with larger tracheary elements with a mix of NH4 and NO3 compared to nutrient solutions with NO3 alone. Increased number and size of secondary tracheary elements may relate to increased dry weight and leaf area of both cotoneaster and rudbeckia fertilized with mixes of NH4 and NO3 compared to NO3 alone.


Author(s):  
AT Sharif ◽  
AHMZ Ali ◽  
MK Rahman

The effects of copper (Cu) and vermicompost (VC) on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Walp and nutrient accumulation in its fruits was examined. Eight treatments of Cu and VC were used. The highest plant height (226.67 cm), leaf number per plant (86.33), leaf area (174.12 cm2/plant), dry weight (13.98 g/plant), fruit length (52.4 cm), fruit number per plant (6), and fruit yield (5.65 g/plant) were recorded in Cu0.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment at harvest. The results of growth and yield of cowpea varied significantly (p≤ 0.05) and increased with time. The total nutrient concentrations in the fruits were measured and varied significantly (p≤ 0.05). The highest concentration of total P (0.79%), K (4.14%), S (0.42%), Cu (27 mg/kg), Fe (640 mg/kg) and Mn (59 mg/kg) in the fruits were observed in Cu0.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment and total N (4.29%) and Zn (88 mg/kg) were found in Cu1.5 kg/ha + VC5 ton/ha treatment. The overall best growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in the fruits of cowpea were achieved in Cu0.5 kg/ha + VC5 treatment. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 13-18


2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-86
Author(s):  
Daniel S. Norden ◽  
Stuart L. Warren ◽  
Frank A. Blazich ◽  
David L. Nash

Abstract Seeds of southern seaoats (Uniola paniculata L.) were removed from storage in July 2004, surface disinfested with 2.6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 15 min, and sown in styrofoam tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) float trays (flats) filled with a vermiculite-based hydroponic substrate. Trays were floated in plastic tubs (one tray per tub) containing a complete nutrient solution with nitrogen (N) at 10, 60, 120, 180, or 240 mg·L−1 (ppm) from a 2N–3.5P–1K ratio (8N–32P2O5–5K2O) liquid slow-release fertilizer. After 10 weeks the study was terminated and data recorded. Total plant, top, leaf, stem, and root dry weights increased quadratically with increasing nitrogen application rate (NAR) with maximum dry weights calculated to occur with N at 140 to 150 mg-L−1, respectively. Other growth indexes of leaf area, root length, root area, plant height, crown growth index, tiller number, and leaf number also increased quadratically with increasing NAR similar to dry weight data. Leaf area, root length, and root area were maximized with N at 157, 140, and 140 mg-L−1, respectively. Root to top ratio and specific leaf area were both unaffected by NAR. Leaf mineral nutrient concentrations of N and phosphorus responded quadratically with increasing NAR whereas, foliar mineral nutrient concentrations of potassium, calcium, sulfur, sodium (Na), manganese, zinc, and copper responded linearly to increasing NARs. With the exception of Na and iron, foliar nutrient content for all analyzed nutrients increased quadratically with increasing NAR. Calculated leaf N concentration at maximum top dry weight was 31 mg·g−1. Southern seaoats can be grown successfully using the float system with optimum N rates of 140 to 150 mg·L−1 provided by a fertilizer having a 2N–3.5P–1K ratio.


1995 ◽  
Vol 26 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 927-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaobing Peng ◽  
Ma. Rebecca C. Laza ◽  
Felipe V. Garcia ◽  
Kenneth G. Cassman

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