Development and Nutrition of Soybeans with Macronutrients Deficiencies

Soy is to one of the main crops in the world. However, there are aspects related to its management that should be explained, especially regarding its mineral nutrition, because a proper nutritional balance is associated with productivity levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of nutrients in the tissues related to the deficiency of nutrients and its effects on plant development. In addition, nutritional disorder symptoms were evaluated according to the deficiency of macronutrients. For this, seven treatments were evaluated. They comprised a complete nutrient solution followed by deficiency of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, relative chlorophyll content, and production of dry matter of soybean plants were evaluated. The deficiency of any macronutrient affects biometric variables, especially the production of dry matter. The nutrients that limited the most the production of dry matter were Ca>N>K>Mg>P > S. With the exception of S, all other macronutrients, when suppressed, caused nutritional disorder symptoms. The plants presented an accumulation of K > N>Ca>P>Mg>S in leaves. In the present study, soybean plants had a high nutritional requirement of K followed by N. This requires care in the development of fertilization programs in view of the essential roles these nutrients play in the life cycle of plants.

Abbreviations: N_Nitrogen; P_Phosphorus; K_Potassium; Ca_Calcium; Mg_Magnseium; S_Sulfur; DM_Dry matter; NL_number of leaves; H_plant height; SD_stem diameter; RCI_Relative chlorophyll index; AP_Aerial part; R_Roots; EP_Entire plant; DMS_significant mean difference; CV_Coefficient of variation; pH_hydrogen potential; NaOH_sodium hydroxide; HCl_hydrochloric acid.     

Dry matter production and nutrient accumulation in Crotalaria spectabilis shoots

Among Crotalaria L. species, Crotalaria spectabilis stands out for its good adaptation to various production systems in the Brazilian cerrado, high nutrient cycling, reduction of weeds incidence, and antagonistic action on the nematode population. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize dry matter production and macronutrient accumulation in plant shoots at different growth and development stages. The experimental design consisted of random blocks, with 12 cutting times and 5 repetitions. At each collection, the plants were divided into leaves, stems?+?branches, pods, and seeds, for macronutrient level determination. The stem?+?branches are the primary drain on nutrients during the formation of reproductive structures. Macronutrient concentration in the shoots exhibited the following order: K?>?N>Ca?>?P>Mg?>?S and the order of nutrient export in seeds was N?>?K>P?>?Ca?>?S>Mg. Cutting aimed at nutrient supply to the soil should be conducted before pod formation, and at the end of the cycle for biomass production.     

Effects of High Nonexchangeable Aluminum on Decomposition and Nutrient Release from Chestnut Leaves

The effect of high nonexchangeable aluminum of a Cryptopodzolic soil derived from mica schist on decomposition and nutrient release from chestnut (Castanea sativa) leaf litter was studied in southern Switzerland using the litter bag technique. Variables studied were time (18 months), exposure (NW versus SE), and profile position of litter (L, O_f and A_h horizons). A site with a Haplumbrept (Al-poor) derived from cherty limestone provided a parent material contrast. Litter decay was chiefly controlled by microclimatic of sites rather than parent material. Litter decay differed between NW- and SE-exposed sites for L and O_f horizons. After 18 months, initial dry matter remaining in L, O_f and A_h positions was 58, 34 and 18%, respectively. All factors equal, the mobility series for nutrient release was K>Mg>Ca>P>N, but site and litter position affected element release. Only K and Mg were lost more rapidly than dry matter. Because dry matter and nutrient loss were similar for Al-rich and Al-poor sites, we conclude that Al content of soils had no influence on decomposition.     

Balance and turnover of nutrients in a bamboo plantation (Bambusa bambos) of different ages

The accumulation of nutrients by a bamboo plantation and their rate of uptake and release through litter fall was determined. The nutrients in the above-ground living biomass increased linearly with plant age. The balance of nutrients showed an increase in loss by litter fall, and annual nutrient accumulation and enrichment ratio were enhanced with age. Annual percentage turnover showed no consistent trend. Enrichment ratios were in the order of K>N>Mg>Ca>P. In conclusion, precautions are necessary during the exploitation of bamboo plantations on a large scale in order to prevent nutrient depletion of the soil. Received: 7 January 1996     

Effect of Cropping on Changes in Phosphorus Fractions of Soils from Arable and Other Forest Land Use: A Greenhouse Bioassay

Abstract

Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted on six soils from natural reserves, seven plantation soils, and two arable soils from the Omo biosphere reserves in southwestern Nigeria to assess the phosphorus (P) fractions and the extent to which the soils could support five consecutive cycles of maize (Zea mays L.) harvest. The organic‐P fractions constitutes about 50% of the total P, and the inorganic‐P fractions in the order of abundance was iron (Fe) P>occluded P>aluminum (Al)‐P>calcium (Ca) P. The residual P constituted about 20% of the total P. There were significant reductions in the inorganic‐P fractions after five consecutive maize harvests; this was however, more pronounced in the available P (Bray 1). About 62% reduction in Bray 1 P was recorded after maize harvests. The reductions in the P forms after five cycles of maize harvest was Bray 1 P>Ca P>residual P>Al P>total P>Fe P>organic P>occluded P>reductant P. The capacity of the soils to support maize growth without fertilization varied widely in each of the maize cycle. Soil from natural reserves produced a significantly higher maize yield compared to most plantation soils. The arable soils investigated were depleted of their fertility after the third crop harvest.     

Nutrient dynamics in decaying leaves of Fagus sylvatica L. and needles of Abies alba Mill.

 The dynamics of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) in decomposing beech and fir litters was studied. N, P, Mg and Ca content increased in all litters, whereas K content decreased. Nutrient content correlated to mass loss with a few exceptions for K and P. Final N, K, Mg and Ca content was higher the lower the initial content and the higher the initial C/nutrient ratio was. Final P content correlated neither with initial P content nor with initial C/P ratio. All litters lost K very quickly, mainly by leaching. P was lost initially by leaching, although at a lower rate than K, and later by mineralization. Mg, Ca and N showed alternate phases of accumulation and release. Mg losses by leaching occurred only in litters with high initial Mg content; in litters with low initial Mg content, Mg losses occurred by mineralization. Ca and N were lost only by mineralization. A mobility series K>P>Mg>Ca=N is suggested. Received: 8 May 1997     

DRIS and geostatistics indices for nutritional diagnosis and enhanced yield of fertirrigated acai palm

Abstract

Information about Açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) nutrition, that gives support for yield increase is sparse. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of fertigated Açaí palm by the Index called Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), as well as the spatial variability of this Index and its productivity. We achieved a sampling of 80 geo-referenced points in an Açaí palm commercial crop area. Then we assessed the yield and contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The DRIS evaluation indicated that the frequency of nutrients in suitable status was N?>?S?>?Zn?>?B>Fe?>?K>Ca?>?Mg?>?P>Mn?>?Cu, in deficiency was Mn?>?Ca >?B>Cu?>?Mg?>?Fe?>?K?>?P?>?S>Zn?>?N, and in excess was P?>?Cu?>?Mg?> K?>?N?=?Zn?>?Fe?>?Ca?>?S?=?B?>?Mn. The nutrients N and S were well balanced, whereas Mn, Ca and B were the nutrients with the highest frequency of deficiency. The sampling points were close enough to detect the spatial variability of DRIS Index. Thus, it was possible to observe the patterns for the nutritional deficiencies, occurring at the final part of the irrigation, as well as the variability of the Açaí palm yield. The spatial variability of the DRIS Index was efficient to indicate the points in which fittings in the fertilization doses are required.     

Improving rhizospheric environment and sugarcane ratoon yield through bioagents amended farm yard manure in udic ustochrept soil

A field experiment was conducted for two crop cycles during 2003–2005 and 2004–2006 at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow in subtropical India. Trichoderma viride and Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus amended farm yard manure (FYM) increased organic carbon (19.44 Mg ha⁻¹) and available nitrogen (260 kg N ha⁻¹) content of soil from 14.78 Mg ha⁻¹ (OC) and 204 kg N ha⁻¹ observed under farmer's practice (sole N application). Application of bioagents amended FYM improved soil porosity and reduced compaction (bulk density—1.39 Mg m⁻³ over 1.48 Mg m⁻³ under farmer's practice). Sugarcane ratoon crop removed the highest amount of nitrogen (N—165.7 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (P—24.01 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (K—200.5 kg ha⁻¹) in the plots receiving FYM with Trichoderma and Gluconacetobacter. Inoculation of FYM with bioagents improved population of ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria in the soil. Phosphorus and potassium uptake of the crop was greatest in the plots receiving FYM, Trichoderma and Gluconacetobacter. Bioagents (Trichoderma and Gluconacetobacter) amended FYM increased ratoon cane (70.2 Mg ha⁻¹) and sugar yields (7.93 Mg ha⁻¹) compared with control (62.3 and 7.06 Mg ha⁻¹ ratoon cane and sugar yields, respectively).     

Frequency of defoliation and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on Andropogon gayanus Kunth. II. Macroelement concentrations

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in a semi‐arid region located in the State of Zulia, western part of Venezuela (10°32'N and 71°42'W, and 600 mm average annual rainfall), to evaluate ash and macroelement concentrations of Andropogon gayanus Kunth as affected by two frequencies of defoliation (every 42 and 63 days) and fertilization with three levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha^‐1‐year^‐1) and two levels of phosphorus (P) (0 and 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1#lbyear^‐1) in a factorial array using a split‐split‐plot experimental design with frequencies in the main plots, N in the sub‐plots, P in the sub‐sub‐plots, and two replications. Soil was a sandy‐loam Andisol with pH 5.5. Average soil calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and P contents were 0.6, 0.3, 0.1, and 0.17 meq#lb100 g^‐1 soil and 6 ppm, respectively. Data from six and four cuttings for the frequencies of 42 and 63 days were analyzed over the total duration of the study (252 days) as well as separately for periods with “high”; (168 days, 384 mm) and “low”; rainfall (84 days, 69 mm). In the overall analysis, forage ash content was increased (P≤0.05) by increasing the cutting interval, whereas macroelement concentrations were not affected (P>0.05). Mean Ca, P, Mg, and Na were: 0.20, 0.11, 0.10, and 0.029 with over 90% of the samples inadequate for grazing ruminants. Only mean K content (1.2%) was considered adequate. Nitrogen fertilization did not influence (P>0.05) macromineral composition. Applied P fertilizer increased (P<0.05) forage P concentration from 0.09 to 0.12% and reduced (P≤0.05) the Ca:P ratio, but within the normal range. Most macroelement concentrations in A. gayamts are extremely low, indicating the need for mineral supplementation to prevent deficiencies in ruminants consuming this species.     

In Vitro digestibility,crude protein,and mineral concentrations of Leucaena leucocephala accessions in a wet/dry tropical region of venezuela

Abstract

An experiment was conducted on a commercial farm located in the western part of Venezuela (10.5°N and 72°W; mean annual rainfall of 1000 mm; mean annual temperature of 28°C; sandy‐loam Alfisol with pH of 5.5). The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content and mineral composition of four Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit accessions under rotational grazing by heifers over a 6‐month period covering dry and rainy seasons, using a split‐plot experimental design with two replications. Neither accessions nor the accession x season interaction affected (P>0.05) any of the variables. The mean IVOMD was 68.6%, whereas CP content during the rainy season (26.5%) was higher (P<0.05) than in the dry season (24.3%). Average mineral content of the accessions were adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of phosphorus [(P) 0.13%], sodium [(Na) 0.038%], copper [(Cu) 6.9 ppm], and zinc [(Zn) 19.7 ppm]. Forage P concentration may have been influenced by the low soil P content of the experimental site. The mean forage Ca:P ratio (11.3:1) was considerably wider than desirable. During the dry season, ash content increased (P<0.05), Na, iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co) decreased (P<0.05), but Fe and Co still remained above the critical levels. Mean concentrations of other elements were not affected (P>0.05) by season. Forage molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were low and, therefore, would not result in conditioned Cu deficiency. The four L. leucocephala accessions had similar feeding value for grazing ruminants and their quality was not markedly reduced in the dry season. Mineral supplementation of ruminants grazing this legume may be needed to correct specific deficiencies and imbalances.     

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on some components of nutritive value of dwarf elephantgrass

Abstract

Crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) concentrations and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of leaves, stems, and whole plants of sprinkler‐irrigated dwarf elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum) cv. Mott as affected by the factorial combinations of nitrogen (N) (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha^‐1 year^‐1) and P (0, 50, and 100 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1 year^‐1) fertilization rates were evaluated in a tropical dry forest in the State of Zulia, western region of Venezuela. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Soil was a low‐fertility sandy‐loam Alfísol (Udic Paleustalf) with pH of 6.1. Data from eight cuttings carried out at 45‐day intervals were used. Only Ca and P concentrations in stems were affected by N fertilization. Phosphorus fertilization influenced (P>0.05) PC and P contents in leaves, IVDMD in stems, and Ca and P concentrations in both stems and whole plants. Overall mean IVDMD and CP, Ca, and P contents were: leaves, 62.9, 8.75, 0.39, and 0.30%; stems, 64.1, 7.38, 0.20, and 0.38%; and whole plants, 61.3, 8.13, 0.26, and 0.33%, respectively. Even though CP values were not very high, moderate production levels can be expected from ruminants fed this species since other components of its nutritive value can be regarded as adequate.     

Nitrogen,calcium, and magnesium fertilization affects growth and leaf elemental content of ‘dormanred’ raspberry

’Dormanred’ raspberry (Rubus species) plants grown in sand culture were subjected to varying concentrations of N, Ca, and Mg over a two‐year period. Increasing nitrogen fertilization resulted in linear reductions of leaf Ca, K, Zn, Fe, and Mn but did not affect leaf Mg. Leaf Ca and K increased linearly with Ca fertilization, but applied Ca had an antagonistic influence on leaf Mg. Magnesium fertilization had a positive influence on leaf Mg but negatively affected leaf K, Ca, and Mn. Plant growth was negatively correlated with leaf Ca and leaf K, but had a positive correlation with leaf Mg and Mn. Nitrogen fertilization increased plant growth up to the mid‐level of applied N, but additional N reduced plant growth.     

Combination of Different Extractants to Assess Binding Forms of Some Elements in Soil Profiles

Abstract

Three different chemical extractants were evaluated as to their extraction efficiency for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) on forest soil profiles from the Romanian Carpathians. The extractants were hot 14 M nitric acid (HNO₃), 0.05 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), and 0.1 M sodium pyrophosphate. By comparing amounts extracted by 0.05 M HCl and 0.1 M sodium pyrophosphate relative to that dissolved by hot 14 M HNO₃, some conclusions were drawn concerning the chemical forms of the metals in the extractable pool. The amount released by 0.05 M HCl was generally less than 10% of the HNO₃‐extractable fraction but showed considerable variation among the elements studied. The relative amount extracted by pyrophosphate increased with organic‐matter content of the soils for Cu, Zn, Pb, Al, Fe, and Cr; stayed more or less constant for Mn, K, and Mg; and decreased for Ca. These findings are discussed with respect to the different binding forms of the metals in the soil and the processes affecting their mobility. From the present results, the metals were ranked as follows with respect to their ability to form organic complexes in natural soils: Cu>Cr, Pb>Ca>Al>Fe, Zn, Mn, K>Mg. However, the use of cold dilute HCl as a fractionation step may be questionable in cases of soils with a high content of substances possessing large neutralization capacity for protons.     

Stability constants of complexes of metals with humic and fulvic acids under non-acid-conditions

Stability constants of complexes of four divalent metal ions viz. Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ with humic (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) at pH values of 7 and 8 were determined. The log K (logarithm of the stability constant) ranged from 3.09 to 7.77 and from 2.22 to 5.98 for metal-humic and metal fulvic acid complexes, respectively. Sequentially, the order of stability constants were as follows: Cu> Ca> Mn> Zn and Cu> Ca> Zn> Mn for metal -HA and metal-FA complexes, respectively, indicating a higher degree of complexation with Cu metal ion.     

Nitrogen uptake and utilisation by bell pepper in subtropical australia 1 ∗

Concern over the pollution potential of nitrogen (N) fertilisers has prompted studies of the utilisation efficiency of applied N by crops. This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of N usage by bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown with plastic mulch and trickle irrigation, and to define a rate of applied N which is equal to uptake by the crop. The relationships between applied N (0, 70, 140, 210, and 280 kg/ha), nutrient uptake, and yield for spring and autumn bell pepper crops grown on a major soil type (Tropeptic Eutrustox) in the Bundaberg region of subtropical Australia were investigated. Maximum dry weight yield of fruit, leaves, roots, and stems corresponded with N210 to N280 for both spring and autumn crops. In addition, maximum fresh weight of marketable fruit corresponded with N210 to N280 for both seasons. Nitrogen uptake was equal to the applied rate at N140. Plant uptake of elements increased with applied N and, at N280, were ranked as follows: K> N> Ca> Mg > S > P. Fruit accumulated the greatest proportion of K, N, and P (40 to 64%, 40 to 64%, 49 to 76%, respectively), and only a comparatively small amount of Ca (6 to 7%). The efficiency of fruit production from absorbed applied N declined with increasing N rate. District standard rates of P, N, K, and S application exceeded uptake by plants grown at an equivalent N rate (differences of 68 and 65 kg P, 57 and 52 kg N, 32 and 24 kg K, and 19 and 24 kg S for spring and autumn, respectively). Because of the importance of pepper yield as a determinant in economic outcome and the relatively low cost of fertiliser N, application rates in excess of N140 are likely to continue by district growers in an attempt to maximise yield.     

Nutrient release from decomposing leaf mulches of karité (Vitellaria paradoxa) and néré (Parkia biglobosa) under semi-arid conditions in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Information on decomposition and nutrient release from leaf litter of trees in agroforestry parkland systems in Sub-Saharan Africa is scarce despite the significant role of these trees on soil fertility improvement and maintenance. Decomposition and nutrient release patterns from pruned leaves of the two most common species of parklands of the semi-arid zone of West Africa: Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn (known locally as karité) and Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. (known locally as néré), were investigated by a litter-tube study in Burkina Faso. Litter quality, methods of leaf exposure to the soil and combination with fertilizers were the factors studied. Leaves of néré had a higher nutrient content (C, N, P, Ca) and contained more ash and lignin than leaves of karité. Karité leaves had a greater content of K, cellulose and polyphenols. The pruned leaves of karité and néré showed two distinct decomposition patterns. Néré leaves decomposed more rapidly, with less than 32% of the initial weight remaining after the rainy season (4 months) while karité leaves decomposed more slowly with 43% of the leaf litter remaining after the rainy season. Addition of urea and compost did not significantly affect the rate of decomposition. Significant interaction was observed between species and method of leaf exposure for the first sampling date. Leaf litter of néré buried in soil gave the highest weight loss (34% of the initial mass in 1 month) compared with exposed leaf litter of néré and karité, and buried leaf litter of karité. Except for N, nutrient release patterns were similar for both species but the nutrient release rates were higher for néré leaves compared with karité leaves. N was immobilised in karité leaves most likely due to low N and high phenolic content. The rate of nutrient release from karité leaves followed the general trend K>P>N.     

Ameliorative effect of potassium on mice and tomato subjected to sodium salinization

Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Yamabiko) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Saturn) plants subjected to Na-salinization (NA: 80 mmol( + ) kg^-1 Na) in hydroponics were grown after the addition of K at five concentrations (K1: 10, K2: 20, K3: 30, K4: 40, K5: 50 mmol( + ) kg^-1). The effect of K on their growth was analyzed in terms of transpiration, cation uptake, and transport. A similar tendency for the above parameters was obtained in both species. The addition of 10 mmol( + ) kg^-1 K improved the growth by decreasing the content of Na and increasing the K content of the plants. The growth of the plants, however, was reduced along with the increase of the K concentration and became comparable to that of NA at K5. The total cation content increased with the increase of the K concentration, which was due to the increase of the K content.

A close relationship was observed among the osmotic potential of the solution, cumulative transpiration, and dry weight for both species among the K treatments.

Addition of K suppressed the uptake of other cations by rice and tomato in the order of Na>Mg>Ca, with a very small suppression for Ca and Mg. The depression of Na uptake by K could be due to the antagonism between the two cations.

In rice, the addition of K resulted in a decrease of the uptake concentration (UC) of Na and an increase of that of K, but did not bring about any changes in the UC of Ca and Mg. It was worth noting that K1 and K2 led to a higher UC of Na than NA in tomato, while the trend of the UC of K, Ca, and Mg was similar to that in rice. The transport of Na and Ca to the tops of rice was not affected by the addition of K, while that of Mg increased by K addition. In tomato, the transport of all the cations was promoted by the increase of the K concentration.     

Calcium deficiency and CaCO3 on micronutrient status of plants grown in solution culture

Abstract

Plants were grown in solution culture with different levels of Ca to further evaluate Ca relationships to trace metal uptake and to toxicity of trace metals. When tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum L., Tropic) were grown at a low level of Ca, the Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Al, and Ti concentrations of leaves, stems, and roots were considerably increased. The use of an excess of CaCO₃ which increased pH did not influence the trace metal concentrations of plants any more than did Ca⁺⁺. In a factorial experiment with bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. C.V. Improved Tendergreen) with Ca (10^‐4,10^‐2, 10^‐2 N) and Ni (0, 2 × 10^‐6 M, 2 X10^‐5 M), Ni phytotoxicity and Ni uptake were decreased somewhat at the highest Ca level. High Ni tended to decrease the Ca concentration in leaves. High Ca and Ni both tended to decrease Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn concentrations in leaves. The Ni had some interactions on the P concentrations of shoots.     

Effects of excess aluminum on mineral uptake in mycorrhizal sorghum

Soil acidity is often associated with toxic aluminum (Al), and mineral uptake usually decreases in plants grown with excess Al. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Al (0, 35, 70, and 105 μM) on Al, phsophorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn,) and copper (Cu) uptake in shoots and roots of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, cv. SC283] colonized with the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi isolates Glomus intraradices UT143–2 (UT143) and Glomus etunicatum UT316A‐2 (UT316) and grown in sand (pH 4.8). Mycorrhizal (+VAM) plants had higher shoot and root dry matter (DM) than nonmycorrhizal (‐VAM) plants. The VAM treatment had significant effects on shoot concentrations of P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn; shoot contents of P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu; root concentrations of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Zn, and Cu; and root contents of Al, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. The VAM effects on nutrient concentrations and contents and DM generally followed the sequence of UT316 > UT143 > ‐VAM. The VAM isolate UT143 particularly enhanced Zn uptake, and both VAM isolates enhanced uptake of P and Cu in shoots and roots, and various other nutrients in shoots or roots.     

Growth and mineral nutrition of cattails inhabiting a thermally‐graded South Carolina reservoir: I. Growth and the macronutrients 1

Growth and macronutrient uptake in two species of cattail, Typha latifolia and T. domingensis, were determined during an annual growth cycle in Par Pond, a thermally‐graded nuclear reactor cooling reservoir in South Carolina. Shoots of the same age class were sampled periodically from the initiation of growth in early spring to senescence in late autumn. Although differences between thermal regimes were mostly statistically non‐significant, growth and macronutrient uptake, especially of N, P, and K, tended to be enhanced by elevated water temperatures. The pattern for growth and N, P, and K uptake in decreasing order were: “Warm”; > “Intermediate”; > “Ambient”; regimes. The non‐significant statistics were attributed to large between‐stand and between‐temperature regime variations. Both Typha species exhibited sharp declines in N, P, and K concentrations in the shoots, and some decline in the rhizomes, early in the growing season, followed by either a more gradual decline or leveling off of concentrations until senescence. Calcium in shoots of both species increased with season, whereas Mg remained fairly constant. Thermal effluents can alter the growth form of Typha, as confirmed by the elimination of T. domingensis in the “Warm”; regime, and can affect their mineral nutrition.