scholarly journals Nutrient Loaded Biochar Doubled Biomass Production in Juvenile Maize Plants (Zea mays L.)

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte C. Dietrich ◽  
Md Arifur Rahaman ◽  
Ana A. Robles-Aguilar ◽  
Sajid Latif ◽  
Kiatkamjon Intani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Plant Productivity ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Plant Nutrient ◽  
Substrate Properties ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Maize Plants

Biochars have long been associated with elevating plant productivity. An increasing number of studies, however, report that char application might also impair plant nutrient availability and reduce yields. In particular, char accompanying compounds as well as a hypothesized immobilization of nitrogen have been identified as playing a significant role in possibly diminishing plant productivity following char application. Herein, we tested the fertilizing effects of modified biochars in order to derive knowledge required to develop tailor-made chars, which predictably affect plant nutrition. Slow-pyrolysis maize cob biochar was modified by washing with either ethanol or hydrochloric acid to remove ash and organic compounds or by loading it with nutrient-rich residues in the form of digestate from the bioenergy sector. Maize plants were grown for 35 days on biochar-amended sand. We analyzed both substrate properties (pH, total carbon, and nitrogen, available magnesium and potassium) and plant functional traits (biomass, leaf area, root to shoot ratio, specific leaf area). Our results suggest that total plant biomass production remained unaffected by the application of biochar and its washed forms. Contrastingly, nutrient-loaded biochar induced a significant increase in productivity at similar nutrient levels due to improved plant nutrient uptake. Further research is required to understand the role of biochar modifications that facilitated improvements in plant productivity.

scholarly journals Strength and size of phosphorus-rich patches determine the foraging strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Cai ◽  
Yuzhen Wang ◽  
Mulualem Tigabu ◽  
Xiaolong Hou ◽  
Pengfei Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Sand Culture ◽  
Physiological Plasticity ◽  
P Concentration ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Plant Biomass Production ◽  
P Distribution

Abstract Background Under natural conditions, soil nutrients are heterogeneously distributed, and plants have developed adaptation strategies to efficiently forage patchily distributed nutrient. Most previous studies examined either patch strength or patch size separately and focused mainly on root morphological plasticity (increased root proliferation in nutrient-rich patch), thus the effects of both patch strength and size on morphological and physiological plasticity are not well understood. In this study, we examined the foraging strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana (Kunth) Keng ex Hithc, a pioneer grass colonizing degraded sites, with respect to patch strength and size in heterogeneously distributed phosphorus (P), and how foraging patchily distributed P affects total plant biomass production. Plants were grown in sand-culture pots divided into ½, ¼, 1/6 compartments and full size and supplied with 0 + 0/30, 0 + 7.5/30 and 7.5 + 0/30 mg P/kg dry soil as KH2PO4 or 0 + 15/15, 0 + 18.5/ 18.5, 7.5 + 15/15 mg kg − 1 in the homogenous treatment. The first amount was the P concentration in the central region, and that the second amount was the P concentration in the outer parts of the pot. Results After 3 months of growth under experimental conditions, significantly (p < 0.05) high root elongation, root surface area, root volume and average root diameter was observed in large patches with high patch strength. Roots absorbed significantly more P in P-replete than P-deficient patches. Whole plant biomass production was significantly higher in larger patches with high patch strength than small patches and homogeneous P distribution. Conclusion The result demonstrates that root morphological and physiological plasticity are important adaptive strategies for foraging patchily distributed P and the former is largely determined by patch strength and size. The results also establish that foraging patchily distributed P resulted in increased total plant biomass production compared to homogeneous P distribution.

scholarly journals Strength and Size of Phosphorus-Rich Patches Determine the Foraging Strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Cai ◽  
Yuzhen Wang ◽  
Mulualem Tigabu ◽  
Xiaolong Hou ◽  
Pengfei Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Sand Culture ◽  
Physiological Plasticity ◽  
P Concentration ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Plant Biomass Production ◽  
P Distribution

Abstract Background: Under natural conditions, soil nutrients are heterogeneously distributed, and plants have developed adaptation strategies to efficiently forage patchily distributed nutrient. Most previous studies examined either patch strength or patch size separately and focused mainly on root morphological plasticity (increased root proliferation in nutrient-rich patch), thus the effects of both patch strength and size on morphological and physiological plasticity are not well understood. In this study, we examined the foraging strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana (Kunth) Keng ex Hithc, a pioneer grass colonizing degraded sites, with respect to patch strength and size in heterogeneously distributed phosphorus (P), and how foraging patchily distributed P affects total plant biomass production. Plants were grown in sand-culture pots divided into ½, ¼, 1/6 compartments and full size and supplied with 0 + 0/30, 0 + 7.5/30 and 7.5 + 0/30 mg P/kg dry soil as KH2PO4 or 0 + 15/15, 0 + 18.5/ 18.5, 7.5 + 15/15 mg kg−1 in the homogenous treatment. The first amount was the P concentration in the central region, and that the second amount was the P concentration in the outer parts of the pot. Results: After 3 months of growth under experimental conditions, significantly (p < 0.05) high root elongation, root surface area, root volume and average root diameter was observed in large patches with high patch strength. Roots absorbed significantly more P in P-replete than P-deficient patches. Whole plant biomass production was significantly higher in larger patches with high patch strength than small patches and homogeneous P distribution. Conclusion: The result demonstrates that root morphological and physiological plasticity are important adaptive strategies for foraging patchily distributed P and the former is largely determined by patch strength and size. The results also establish that foraging patchily distributed P resulted in increased total plant biomass production compared to homogeneous P distribution.

Interference of Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) and Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

1991 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Byrd ◽  
Harold D. Coble
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Xanthium Strumarium ◽  
Cotton Leaf ◽  
Cotton Yield ◽  
Cotton Plants ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Area Of Influence

An area of influence method with biweekly destructive harvests 5 through 19 wk after planting (WAP) was used to monitor the reciprocal interference of common cocklebur and cotton in 1987 and 1988. Plant heights, leaf area, and leaf, stem, boll, fiber, and total plant biomass dry weights were measured in 15-cm increments away from common cocklebur or from a randomly selected cotton plant out to 105 cm. Data indicated that cotton less than 60 cm from common cocklebur was shorter, had less leaf area and lower leaf, stem, boll, and biomass dry weights than cotton beyond 60 cm from common cocklebur or cotton grown without common cocklebur interference. Differences in leaf area and biomass between cotton grown with and without common cocklebur interference were greater at and beyond 13 WAP sample dates than before 13 WAP. By 15 WAP, cotton leaf area and biomass were reduced an estimated 11% and 15%, respectively, averaged over the entire 105 cm of row. Cotton yield, harvested 27 WAP, was reduced an estimated 31% on plants grown with one common cocklebur plant per 2.1 m. Cotton yield was reduced on plants out to 99 cm from common cocklebur. Common cocklebur and cotton plants grown alone were taller, had greater leaf area, and greater leaf, stem, and biomass dry weight than those respective plants grown adjacent to cotton. Common cocklebur grown alone produced 67% more biomass than did cotton grown alone. Cotton plants grown adjacent to other cotton plants produced 89% and 96% less boll and fiber weight, respectively, than plants grown alone.

scholarly journals Strength and Size of Phosphorus-Rich Patches Determine the Foraging Strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Cai ◽  
Yuzhen Wang ◽  
Mulualem Tigabu ◽  
Xiaolong Hou ◽  
Pengfei Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Sand Culture ◽  
Physiological Plasticity ◽  
P Concentration ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Plant Biomass Production ◽  
P Distribution

Abstract Background: Under natural conditions, soil nutrients are heterogeneously distributed, and plants have developed adaptation strategies to efficiently forage patchily distributed nutrient. Most previous studies examined either patch strength or patch size separately and focused mainly on root morphological plasticity (increased root proliferation in nutrient-rich patch), thus the effects of both patch strength and size on morphological and physiological plasticity are not well understood. In this study, we examined the foraging strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana (Kunth) Keng ex Hithc, a pioneer grass colonizing degraded sites, with respect to patch strength and size in heterogeneously distributed phosphorus (P), and how foraging patchily distributed P affects total plant biomass production. Plants were grown in sand-culture pots divided into ½, ¼, 1/6 compartments and full size and supplied with 0 + 0/30, 0 + 7.5/30 and 7.5 + 0/30 mg P/kg dry soil as KH2PO4 or 0 + 15/15, 0 + 18.5/ 18.5, 7.5 + 15/15 mg kg−1 in the homogenous treatment. The first amount was the P concentration in the central region, and that the second amount was the P concentration in the outer parts of the pot.Results: After 3 months of growth under experimental conditions, significantly (p < 0.05) high root elongation, root surface area, root volume and average root diameter was observed in large patches with high patch strength. Roots absorbed significantly more P in P-replete than P-deficient patches. Whole plant biomass production was significantly higher in larger patches with high patch strength than small patches and homogeneous P distribution.Conclusion: The result demonstrates that root morphological and physiological plasticity are important adaptive strategies for foraging patchily distributed P and the former is largely determined by patch strength and size. The results also establish that foraging patchily distributed P resulted in increased total plant biomass production compared to homogeneous P distribution.

The effect of population structure on growth patterns in the woody goldenrod Solidago pauciflosculosa

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (7) ◽  
pp. 1955-1958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marvin P. Pritts ◽  
James F. Hancock
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Dispersion Pattern ◽  
Allocation Patterns ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Two Populations

The population structure and growth patterns of two populations of Solidago pauciflosculosa, a woody goldenrod, were investigated. Populations consisted of even-aged contagious patches of individuals, a dispersion pattern likely caused by the periodic appearance of microsites suitable for seedling establishment. The density of individuals within the even-aged clumps varied considerably and was correlated with total plant biomass and reproductive output. Density was not correlated with either reproductive or nonreproductive allocation patterns.

Comparative Analysis of Three Cruciferous Weeds: Growth, Development, and Competitiveness

Weed Science ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Wall
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Growth Analysis ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Replacement Series ◽  
Wild Mustard ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Growth Development

Wild, ball, and dog mustard growth and development were investigated by mathematical growth analysis in a greenhouse experiment. Plant height and total plant biomass over the growth period followed the trend wild mustard > ball mustard > dog mustard. Dog mustard plants had lower leaf areas than either wild or ball mustard. In a replacement series experiment, wild mustard was more competitive than either ball or dog mustard, and ball mustard was more competitive than dog mustard.

scholarly journals Growth and physiological response of selected clones of rubber grown under different water frequencies

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-213
Author(s):  
Rohaizad Mislan ◽  
Z Sulaiman ◽  
WD Noordin ◽  
SNA Abdullah ◽  
MR Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Response ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
The Other ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Rubber Plantations ◽  
Vigorous Growth ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Positive Effect

Effects of water frequencies on growth and physiological response of different clones of rubber were investigated. Different clones of rubber were screened with different watering frequencies as everyday watering (EW), every 2 days (E2D), every 3 days (E3D), every 5 days (E5D), and every 7 days (E7D). The treatments EW and E2D were found to be suitable for all the five clones for increasing as shown in plant height. A similar result was also found for plant biomass after 4 and 8 months of treatments. Noticeably, watering had a pronounced positive effect on clone RRIM 3001 and greatly increased vigorous growth as shown in its highest height, largest girth circumference and relative growth rate after 8 months of different watering frequencies. This clone equally showed superior performance with a significantly higher total plant biomass after 4 and 8 months of watering frequencies compared to the other four clones. The result could be used in water management and the clone RRIM 3001 could be suitable for rubber production at the nursery stage and replanting exercise in rubber plantations.

scholarly journals What Drives the Diversity of the Most Abundant Terrestrial Cercozoan Family (Rhogostomidae, Cercozoa, Rhizaria)?

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hüsna Öztoprak ◽  
Susanne Walden ◽  
Thierry Heger ◽  
Michael Bonkowski ◽  
Kenneth Dumack
Keyword(s):  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Morphological Trait ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Environmental Sequencing ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Abundance And Diversity

Environmental sequencing surveys of soils and freshwaters revealed high abundance and diversity of the Rhogostomidae, a group of omnivorous thecate amoebae. This is puzzling since only a few Rhogostomidae species have yet been described and only a handful of reports mention them in field surveys. We investigated the putative cryptic diversity of the Rhogostomidae by a critical re-evaluation of published environmental sequencing data and in-depth ecological and morphological trait analyses. The Rhogostomidae exhibit an amazing diversity of genetically distinct clades that occur in a variety of different environments. We further broadly sampled for Rhogostomidae species; based on these isolates, we describe eleven new species and highlight important morphological traits for species delimitation. The most important environmental drivers that shape the Rhogostomidae community were soil moisture, soil pH, and total plant biomass. The length/width ratio of the theca was a morphological trait related to the colonized habitats, but not the shape and size of the aperture that is often linked to moisture adaption in testate and thecate amoebae.

scholarly journals Root and shoot attributes of indigenous perennial accessions of the wild mungbean (Vigna radiata ssp. sublobata)

2006 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 791 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Rebetzke ◽  
R. J. Lawn
Keyword(s):  
Vigna Radiata ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Seed Biomass ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant

Root and shoot attributes of 12 indigenous perennial accessions of the wild mungbean (Vigna radiata ssp. sublobata) were evaluated in early and late summer sowings in the field in SE Queensland. All but one of the accessions were obtained from the Townsville–Charters Towers region of NE Queensland. In both sowings, the accessions developed thickened tap and lateral roots, the taproot thickening extending to a depth of 0.20–0.30 m below the soil surface, depending on accession. The thickened lateral roots emerged from the taproot within 0.10 m of the soil surface, and extended laterally up to 1.10 m, remaining close to the soil surface. Differences among the accessions in gross root morphology and phenology were relatively small. There were differences among the accessions in the production of seed, tuberised root, and recovered total plant biomass. Depending on accession and sowing date, the tuberised roots accounted for up to 31% of recovered plant biomass and among accessions, the root biomass was positively correlated with total plant biomass. In contrast, seed biomass represented only a small proportion of recovered plant biomass, up to a maximum of 14%, depending on accession and sowing date. Among accessions, the proportion of seed biomass tended to be negatively correlated with that of tuber biomass. The perennial trait appears to be unique to Australian accessions of wild mungbean obtained from coastal-subcoastal, speargrass-dominant woodlands of NE Queensland. Although the ecological significance of the trait remains conjectural, field observation indicates that it facilitates rapid plant re-growth following early summer rainfall, especially where dry-season fire has removed previous-season above-ground growth.

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