Carbon and nutrient dynamics in relation to growth rhythm in the giant bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens

The carbon and nutrient dynamics in relation to growth rhythm in the giant bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens on Mount Jinyun, Chongqing, China, was studied during 1993–1996. Concentrations of TNC (total non-structural carbohydrates), N, P, and K all showed the same distribution pattern among organs: leaves > branches rhizomes stems roots. The rapid spring growth of new shoots noticeably reduced the concentration of TNC in the rhizomes, in which a large amount of carbohydrates was stored. The N concentration of the rhizomes did not decrease, however. Nutrient concentration of new (1st-year) leaves was significantly higher than that of old (2nd-year) leaves. Although the density of adult shoots was almost the same during 1994–1996, the low ratio of the number of adult shoots with new to that with old leaves from June 1994 to April 1995 resulted in a low TNC concentration in the rhizomes in early spring (April) 1995. This led to a low production of new shoots in the spring of 1995, their number being only ca. 10% of that in 1994 and 1996. Before old leaves were shed, a large amount of nutrients was remobilized and translocated to other plant parts to support further growth. Fertilization with NPK significantly increased the concentrations of N and P in leaves and subsequently increased the number of emerging new shoots.     

Use of stable isotopes to quantify nitrogen, potassium and magnesium dynamics in young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Two-yr-old Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) seedlings were grown in sand culture for 1 yr with a generous supply of a balanced nutrient solution. Trees were repotted into clean sand in February 1998 and given either a reduced or adequate nutrient supply containing enriched ¹⁵N, ⁴¹K and ²⁶Mg to label nutrient uptake during spring 1998. Trees doubled their biomass during the experiment. Whole-tree net photosynthesis was reduced by 43% after 95 d in trees that received the lower nutrient supply ( P < 0.001), although differences in biomass between the two treatments were less pronounced. Remobilization contributed 83, 82 and 52% of the N, K and Mg, respectively, used to support growth of new tissues in trees that received reduced nutrient supply. Those receiving the higher nutrient supply still obtained 44–59% of nutrients used for spring growth of new tissues from remobilization. Current nutrient supply had no significant effect on the amount of N or Mg remobilized to new tissues but K remobilization was less in trees that received the lower nutrient supply ( P = 0.025). The importance of remobilization in young trees and problems associated with quantifying internal cycling of nutrients are discussed.     

加拿大一枝黄花对土壤营养元素吸收与转运特征

选择临海沿江镇加拿大一枝黄花重度入侵区域,分别收集植物与土壤样品,研究加拿大一枝黄花对土壤中7种营养元素的吸收、转运特征。研究结果表明：7种营养元素在植物组织中的平均含量排序为：Zn〉K〉Ca〉N〉Mg〉P〉Mn。而且不同器官对同一种元素的积累存在显著差异,总体规律表现为叶和花蕾积累元素最多,其次是枝条和根状茎,根和茎则积累最少。地上器官对各元素的转移能力表现出明显差异,但各器官均对氮素有较强的转运能力,转运因子均明显高于1。地下器官（根和根状茎）对氮素有较高的富集能力,富集因子同样明显高于1。7种元素在加拿大一枝黄花不同器官的吸收转运存在着一定的促进或者拮抗作用。在花蕾、枝条和根中,磷吸收分别与Mg、Mn和Zn吸收呈现显著负相关;在花蕾中,氮的吸收和Mn的吸收呈现显著正相关;在不同器官里,K、Ca、Mg、Zn和Mn吸收之间多呈现正相关。     

Possible interference of fertilization in the natural recovery of a declining sugar maple stand in southern Quebec

A five year study was conducted in a 100–120 year old even-aged sugar maple stand in southern Quebec (46°07N 73° 56W; 305 m altitude) to explore the effect of different fertilization formulations aimed at 1) correcting the most common nutrient deficiencies observed in declining maple stands (K and Mg), 2) decreasing soil acidity, and 3) simulating enrichment with atmospheric N. Seven fertilizer mixtures were applied in the spring of 1987: 400 kg ha^-1 of K₂SO₄, CaCO₃, CaMg(CO₃)₂, (NH₄)₂SO₄, complete fertilizer (Maplegro) and 800 kg ha^-1 of an equal mixture of K₂SO₄+CaCO₃ or K₂SO₄+CaMg(CO₃)₂. The site was divided into twenty-four 25×25 m plots and treatments including control were replicated three times. Leaves and soils (organic and mineral) were sampled in 1987, 1988 and 1991. Trees were cored at 1.2 m to measure their response in diameter growth. The application of K₂SO₄+CaMg(CO₃)₂ was the only treatment that significantly increased (+13%) the average growth rate over the five year period after fertilization. The application of (NH₄)₂SO₄, Maplegro, CaMg(CO₃)₂ and K₂SO₄ reduced growth relative to the control for the five year period by 29, 24, 20 and 12 %, respectively. Positive and negative effects on growth can be explained mainly in terms of changes in leaf K. Both the application of Maplegro and (NH₄)₂SO₄ increased soil P availability. Overall, the rate of growth showed a cubic pattern of change over the 5 year period with peaks in 1988 and 1991. Trees in control plots went from a limiting foliar status of Ca and Mg, and surplus N in 1987 to a surplus of Ca and Mg, and lower N concentration in 1991. Our results suggest that nutrient deficiencies observed at our site were associated with a disturbance of the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients rather than soil nutrient depletion.Abbreviations BS base saturation - CEC cation exchange capacity - DRIS diagnosis and recommendation integrated system     

DRIS evaluation of persimmon (Diospyrus kaki L.)

The leaf macroelement profile of fruiting shoots of persimmon was characterized by a modified diagnostic and recommendation integrated system (DRIS), using SLW as a primary determinant of leaf mineral content. Leaf N, P, Ca, and Mg content was positively and linearly correlated with SLW when expressed on leaf area basis (g mm^–2). Potassium had a negative and higher correlation to SLW when expressed on %DW basis. Mineral ratios relevant for the DRIS analysis were calculated using all four possible combinations of Area (A) and Weight (W) expressions (A/A, A/W, W/A and W/W) and correlated with leaf SLW. The particular expressions chosen for the DRIS analysis were based on their highest correlation to SLW and included N/K, P/K and Ca/Mg, based on the A/W expression of the respective nutrients and the reciprocal expression (W/A) for all other ratios. Derivation of DRIS norms were based on the mineral profile of highly exposed shoots (SLW of 15.0±0.3 mg cm^–2). Calculated indices of gradually less exposed shoots (SLW of 3.8–18.9 mg cm^–2) revealed a strong exponential imbalance of N, K and P (increasingly positive) vs Ca and Mg (increasingly negative). The calculated Nutritional Imbalance Index (NII) value of leaves decreased exponentially as shoot leaf SLW decreased. The modified DRIS analysis detected successfully a distinct mineral profile of highly vigorous fruiting water shoots, as compared to regular fruiting shoots of comparable SLW.     

A new medium formulation for <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> rooting of carob tree based on leaf macronutrients concentrations

Experiments were performed to optimize the macronutrients concentrations for in vitro rooting of Ceratonia siliqua micropropagated shoots. Several dilutions of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium were tested: full-strength MS, half-strength MS ( MS), and MS + full N. The frequency of in vitro rooting was enhanced when the MS was used (50 % rooted shoots). Mature leaves from 20 – 30 year-old carob trees and from 2 year-old micropropagated plants were collected and the concentrations of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) assessed. Based on the mineral composition of the leaves a new medium was formulated and compared with the previous ones showing an increment of the rooting frequency to 80 %. Moreover, shoots rooted in the new medium did not show symptoms of apical necrosis that occurred in the other tested media.     

盐胁迫下木麻黄幼树营养元素的分配规律

利用盆栽试验,研究了盐胁迫下木麻黄幼树营养元素含量和分布规律。结果表明,不同施盐量处理的木麻黄幼树生长、营养元素含量及分布发生明显的变化。低浓度(5g/kg)NaCl处理促进了木麻黄的生长,而高浓度(20、25g/kg)则抑制木麻黄的生长。随着盐浓度的增加,木麻黄根中N、P、K,茎中N、P,小枝中N含量随之增加,并与盐浓度之间呈显著正相关,而茎和小枝中的K以及小枝中的Ca含量则与盐浓度之间呈显著负相关,说明盐胁迫下木麻黄营养元素的比例失调是导致盐害的主要原因之一。盐浓度对Mg元素影响较小。     

Distribution,Accumulation, and Cycling of Several Mineral Elements of the Lower Subtropical Evergreen Broad-Leaved Forest in Heishiding Nature Reserve

The distribution, accumulation, and cycling of N, P, K, Na, Ca, and Mg in terms of their concentration in the biomass was quite different from those in soil in Heishiding Nature Reserve (111°53′ E, 23°27′ N). The concentrations of N, Ca and P were higher in plant, and much lower in soil. The average content of the elements in different organs was in the order as: leaf>branch>bark>root>wood, although this was not true for all the elements. Trunk and leaf had the most and the least accumulation of the elements, respectively, and branch and root were comparable. In the forest, most of the elements (97 %) were concen- trated in the tree layer. The total amount of elements in the ecosystem was 3324.2 kg· ha-1 among which N amounted 1470.5, P 51.0, K 1097.7, Na 22.6, Ca 566.2, and Mg 116.2. Yearly absorption of the elements was 432.2 kg · ha-1 among which N amounted 207.1, P 6.5, K 144.9, Na 6.9, Ca 52.6, and Mg 14. 1; and element absorption among different organs accounted as 35.0 kg · ha-1 · a-1 in wood, 14.8, in bark, 66.1 in branch, 143.2 in leaf, 25.3 in root, and 147.7 in fine root (D<3 mm). Total return of the elements from litterfall, death and fallen trees was 311.8 kg · ha-1 · a-1, among which N accounted for 154.3, P 4.7, K 102.1, Na 6.2, Ca 34.5, and Mg 10.0. Return from different organs was: wood 10.2, bark 4.3, branch 17.0, leaf 123.0, root (not in- cluding fine root) 9.4, and fine root 147.7. Total retention was 120.4 kg · ha-1 · a-1 among which N accounted for 52.8, P 1.8, K 42.8, Na 0. 7, Ca 18. 1, and Mg 4.1; retention in different organs was: wood 24.8, bark 10.5, branch 49.1, leaf 20. 2, and root 15.9. Ca, Mg and P have higher cycling and utilization efficiencies.     

银杏年周期内N、P、K需求动态研究

对不同树龄银杏植株体内矿质养分动态进行监测的结果表明 ,银杏叶中 N、P、K等元素的含量随季节变化而呈规律性变化 ;银杏地上部各器官对养分的积累 ,未挂果树为叶 >新枝 ,丰产银杏 N的积累为叶 =果实>新枝 ,P、K的积累为果实 >叶 >新枝 ;展叶期叶片中积累的养分量较大 ;对不同养分的需求比例 (N∶ P2 O5∶K2 O)分别为三年生幼树 2～ 3∶ 1∶ 2～ 3、五年生树 4～ 5∶ 1∶ 6～ 8、丰产银杏 2∶ 1∶ 4;每 kg果实含 N 3 .80 g、P2 O54 .42 g、K2 O1 2 .99g,其比例为 1∶ 1∶ 3。     

Nutrient accumulation and distribution of wheat genotypes in response to waterlogging and nutrient supply

The effect of soil waterlogging and nutrient supply on plant nutrient accumulation and distribution was investigated for two genotypes of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differing in waterlogging resistance, Bayles and Savannah. Plants were grown in waterlogged or drained sand and fertilized with half-strength or full-strength Hoagland's solution.Waterlogging reduced the concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, and Zn in leaves and stems and increased the concentrations of those elements in the root system. The effects were greater for waterlogging-sensitive Bayles than for waterlogging-resistant Savannah. Higher concentrations of Fe and Mn were found in waterlogged plants compared to the control plants for sensitive Bayles. Waterlogging increased the proportion of N and Zn in the root system and decreased that of K in stems for Bayles. The proportion of Fe increased in leaves and stems for Bayles and Savannah under waterlogged conditions, but to a greater extent for Bayles. Doubling the concentrations of all major and minor nutrient elements supplied to the waterlogged rooting medium improved plant nutrient status and enhanced plant dry matter production.     

Mineral content of leaves from trees growing on serpentine soils under contrasting rainfall regimes in Puerto Rico

The interactions between water and soil nutrient availability in determining leaf nutritional composition and structural features were investigated in forests on serpentine in Maricao and Susua (Puerto Rico). These forests grow under contrasting rainfall regimes: Maricao is a wet forest located at altitudes above 500 m and receiving more than 2500 mm rainfall, while Susua is a humid forest located well below 500 m, with less than 1500 mm rainfall and a well defined dry season. Dominant tree species and soils were analysed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Ni. Soils can be differentiated according to their K content (higher in Maricao) and P contents (higher in Susua). Mature leaves of both forests have sclerophyllous characteristics as judged from the Specific Leaf Areas (<80 cm² g^-1) and low P contents. Leaf area development is strongly correlated with leaf N and P contents in both forests, but Maricao samples appear to be more limited by P availability. In concordance with soil values, the Susua leaf sample set has significantly higher contents of P, but lower contents of K when compared with the Maricao sample set. Analyses of soluble K, Ca, and Mg reveal strong physiological selectivity in the absorption of these cations. K/Ca and Ca/Mg ratios are markedly higher in the soluble leaf extracts than in the soil extracts. It seems that restriction to vegetation development in the serpentine areas investigated are more related to nutritional deficiencies and not to high contents of either Mg or Ni in the upper soil layers. Only two strong Ni accumulators were found, Cassine xylocarpa (1.2 mol Ni g^-1 dry mass or 70 g g^-1) from Susua, and Chionanthus domingensis (12.2 mol g^-1, or about 700 g g^-1) from Maricao. These species are not restricted to serpentine areas in Puerto Rico.     

Effects of nitrogen fertilization of grapefruit trees on soil acidification and nutrient availability in a Riviera fine sand

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied in the NH4+ form results in some degree of soil acidification, which could influence nutrient availability to plants and nutrient losses through leaching. Effects of various N rates (0 – 168 kg N ha-1 yr-1) on soil acidification and nutrient availability were investigated in a Riviera fine sand with 26-year-old white Marsh grapefruit (Citrus paradisi MacFadyen) trees. Soil pH significantly decreased with increasing NH4–N rates. Application of 112 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for four years decreased the pH by 0.7 to 1.7 unit. Soil acidification was greater when the NH4+ form of N fertilizer was applied as dry soluble granular material compared to fertigation or controlled release forms. The marked effect of NH4–N fertilization on the pH of the Riviera fine sand was due to its low buffering capacity. Soil acidification increased the concentration of extractable Fe and P but decreased that of K, Zn and Mn. Soil pH was positively correlated with concentration of Ca, but negatively with concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn in six-month-old spring flush leaves of the grapefruit trees. Leaf P concentrations, however, were poorly correlated with soil pH. This study also demonstrated an increase in leaching of P and K below the grapefruit trees rootzone with a decrease in soil pH.     

Effect of seaweed concentrate on the growth and mineral nutrition of nutrient-stressed lettuce

The effects of the seaweed concentrate Kelpak on the growth and mineral nutrition of lettuce plants grown under conditions of varying nutrient supply were investigated. Kelpak significantly increased the yield and the concentration and amounts of Ca, K and Mg in the leaves of lettuce receiving an adequate supply of nutrients, but had little effect on nutrient stressed plants. Results are discussed in relation to the physiological mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of seaweed concentrate on plants.author for correspondence     

Concentrations and resorption patterns of 13 nutrients in different plant functional types in the karst region of south-western China

Background and Aims

Elucidating the stoichiometry and resorption patterns of multiple nutrients is an essential requirement for a holistic understanding of plant nutrition and biogeochemical cycling. However, most studies have focused on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and largely ignored other nutrients. The current study aimed to determine relationships between resorption patterns and leaf nutrient status for 13 nutrient elements in a karst vegetation region.

Methods

Plant and soil samples were collected from four vegetation types in the karst region of south-western China and divided into eight plant functional types. Samples of newly expanded and recently senesced leaves were analysed to determine concentrations of boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), N, sodium (Na), P, sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn).

Key Results

Nutrient concentrations of the karst plants were lower than those normally found in other regions of China and the rest of the world, and plant growth was mainly limited by P. Overall, four nutrients revealed resorption [N (resorption efficiency 34·6 %), P (48·4 %), K (63·2 %) and Mg (13·2 %)], seven nutrients [B (–16·1 %), Ca (–44·0 %), Cu (–14·5 %), Fe (–205·5 %), Mn (–72·5 %), Mo (–35·6 %) and Zn (–184·3 %)] showed accumulation in senesced leaves and two nutrients (Na and S) showed no resorption or accumulation. Resorption efficiencies of K and Mg and accumulation of B, Ca, Fe and Mn differed among plant functional types, and this strongly affected litter quality. Resorption efficiencies of N, P and K and accumulation of Ca and Zn increased with decreasing concentrations of these nutrients in green leaves. The N:P, N:K and N:Mg ratios in green leaves predicted resorption proficiency for N, K and Mg, respectively.

Conclusions

The results emphasize the fact that nutrient resorption patterns strongly depend on element and plant functional type, which provides new insights into plant nutrient use strategies and nutrient cycling in karst ecosystems.     

滨海沙地木麻黄(Casuarina equisetifolia)人工林细根养分与能量动态

2005年1月到2005年11月对福建省惠安县赤湖林场不同林龄木麻黄人工林细根养分和能量的季节动态进行了观测,结果表明:(1)6种元素的含量在不同林龄木麻黄细根中都具有明显的季节变化。各林龄细根的N含量一般在冬夏季节较高,且死细根的N浓度高于相同林龄的活细根,除12林龄活细根P浓度在7月份有最大值外,其他各林龄活、死细根在一年中呈波动性下降,K含量在冬季较高,而在其他季节变化幅度不大,除5林龄活细根和18林龄死细根在3月份和7月份有两个峰值外,其他林龄细根Ca含量随季节变化较小,Mg含量随季节变化总体呈下降趋势,而在11月份上升;各林龄C则呈波浪形变化;(2)随着林龄的增大,细根N、P、Mg含量的变化模式相似,都呈先增加,后降低,再增加的趋势,K和Ca含量变化趋势相似,但变动幅度存在差别,C则呈波浪形变化;(3)随着季节的变化,灰分、干重热值和去灰分热值呈"V"形变动,一年中都存在两个峰值,分别在3月份和7月份或9月份;(4)灰分、干重热值和去灰分热值随林龄的增大表现为波浪形增加。由此可见,不同森林类型的细根养分和能量动态具有季节和林龄的特殊性,在进行整个地区森林生态系统物质循环和能量流动研究时,应考虑不同森林类型的特性。     

Biomass production and nutrient dynamics in three clones of Populus deltoides planted on Indogangetic plains

Three clones of Populus deltoides were raised on the degraded soils of Gangetic alluvium in north India (26°45 N; 80°53E). The soil was compact, sodic and impervious to water associated with nutrient deficiency or toxicity. Clones G3 and G48 produced nearly similar biomass of 49 t ha_-1 at 10 yr, whereas, clone D121 did not perform well. All the clones depicted a polynomial growth pattern of net productions during 5–10 yr culminating on 8–9 yr. Clone G48 outscored in net production and its nutrient demand particularly for N was relatively less than other two clones. A high nitrogen requirement of clone G3 was accomplished by adopting a tight cycling through greater retranslocations from the senescising leaf and lesser return by litter fall. Whereas, the process for P and K contents did not vary between the clones G3 and G48. In contrast, a lose cycling of nutrient by clone G48, increased its nutrient use efficiency based on net production per unit of nutrient uptake or requirement except to K and Ca elements. Grass communities contributed significantly in efficient nutrient recycling and soil amelioration. Symptoms of nutrient depletion in the soil have not been yet distinguished during the five years and rather soil was ameliorated to some extent through the elevated levels of total N, exchangeable Ca and Mg contents. A marked reduction of exchangeable Na content in the soil, particularly by G48 clone, would be in favour of plant productivity to next rotation as the Na toxicity in sodic soils limits the plant growth. Clone G3 dominated in nutrient removal from the site during wood extraction. This study infers that clone G48 has a modest potential of cropping at a short rotation of 9 yr, preferably under an agroforestry land use system on such degraded soils.     

Fine root growth phenology,production, and turnover in a northern hardwood forest ecosystem

A large part of the nutrient flux in deciduous forests is through fine root turnover, yet this process is seldom measured. As part of a nutrient cycling study, fine root dynamics were studied for two years at Huntington Forest in the Adirondack Mountain region of New York, USA. Root growth phenology was characterized using field rhizotrons, three methods were used to estimate fine root production, two methods were used to estimate fine root mortality, and decomposition was estimated using the buried bag technique. During both 1986 and 1987, fine root elongation began in early April, peaked during July and August, and nearly ceased by mid-October. Mean fine root ( 3 mm diameter) biomass in the surface 28-cm was 2.5 t ha^–1 and necromass was 2.9 t ha^–1. Annual decomposition rates ranged from 17 to 30% beneath the litter and 27 to 52% at a depth of 10 cm. Depending on the method used for estimation, fine root production ranged from 2.0 to 2.9 t ha^–1, mortality ranged from 1.8 to 3.7 t ha^–1 yr^–1, and decomposition was 0.9 t ha^–1 yr^–1. Thus, turnover ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 yr^–1. The nutrients that cycled through fine roots annually were 4.5–6.1 kg Ca, 1.1–1.4 kg Mg, 0.3–0.4 kg K, 1.2–1.7 kg P, 20.3–27.3 kg N, and 1.8–2.4 kg S ha^–1. Fine root turnover was less important than leaf litterfall in the cycling of Ca and Mg and was similar to leaf litterfall in the amount of N, P, K and S cycled.     

褐飞虱侵害后不同水稻品种根及地上部氮、磷、钾含量的变化

利用浓硫酸-过氧化氢消煮法,研究了不同耐、感虫品种水稻分蘖期在褐飞虱侵害胁迫后根及地上部间营养成分含量的变化情况。结果表明：褐飞虱侵害协优963后3天,根及地上部N、P、K含量、6天根及地上部N含量、9天地上部N含量在60、120头/株侵害后变化不明显;6天根及地上部P含量、6天根K含量、9天地上部P含量、9天根及地上部K含量在120头/株侵害后显著下降,60头/株侵害后变化不明显;6天地上部K含量、9天根N含量在60、120头/株侵害后均显著下降。对于协优63,3天地上部N含量、3天根及地上部P含量、6天及9天地上部N、P含量在60、120头/株侵害后变化不明显;6天根N、P含量、根及地上部K含量、9天根N含量在120头/株侵害后显著下降,60头/株侵害后下降不明显;3天、9天根及地上部K含量、9天根部P含量在60、120头/株侵害后均显著下降。表明不同水稻品种体内不同营养物质含量在褐飞虱侵害后变化不同,协优63较协优963敏感;K含量变化最明显,其次为P,最后为N;而且根比地上部对褐飞虱的反应敏感。     

Natural Variation for Nutrient Use and Remobilization Efficiencies in Switchgrass

Nutrient management in biomass production systems serves to maximize yield and minimize production costs and environmental impact. Loss of soil nutrients with harvested biomass can be reduced by the judicious choice of genotype and harvest time. Sustainable production of switchgrass for biofuel will depend, in part, on breeding of varieties that are conservative in their use of soil nutrients to produce biomass. To aid such breeding programs, we assessed the natural variation in nutrient-use and remobilization efficiencies of 31 accessions of Panicum virgatum by measuring the concentration of 20 elements (N, P, K, Li, B, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, and Cd) in shoots of field-grown plants harvested at two different stages of development. Significant differences between accessions were found for elemental composition at maturity and after senescence. The concentration of several elements (N, P, K, and Rb) decreased in the shoots of all accessions during senescence, although the efficiency of remobilization ranged from 20% to 61% for N, 31% to 65% for P, 25% for 84% for K, and 33% to 84% for Rb. The accessions/cultivars with the greatest nutrient-use efficiency (smallest loss of nutrient per unit biomass) were BN-14668-65, Kanlow, Caddo from the point of view of N content, and Kanlow, Cave-in-Rock, and Blackwell from the point of view of P content in senescent shoots. Finally, differences in elemental composition between upland and lowland ecotypes were also found. The information presented here will help to guide future breeding programs and nutrient management practices.