Nutritional disturbances of young Scots pines caused by pine bark bugs in a dry heath forest

This study deals with the effect of pine bark bugs (Aradus cinnamomeus Panzer) on the nutrition of young Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.). Soil and needle samples for analytical purposes were collected from a young pine stand growing on a dry barren mineral soil afflicted by pine bark bugs.The damage to vascular tissues caused by pine bark bugs disturbed the nutrition of the trees, especially in the top part of the crown. The foliar calcium, magnesium, manganese and sulphur concentrations were highly reduced. Scots pines suffered from a lack of calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus. These deficiencies were secondary by nature, because no differences were observed between the nutrient concentrations of the underlying soil of the healthy and affected trees. The symptoms of trees damaged by pine bark bugs resembled most of all calcium deficiency symptoms.     

The effect of air-borne ammonium sulphate onPinus nigra var.maritima in the Netherlands

Summary As a result of air pollution, considerable deposition of ammonium sulphate occurs on vegetation and soil in the vicinity of chicken farms and fields dressed with animal slurry. A clear relation exists between this ammonium sulphate deposition and the distance to certain agricultural activities. Field investigations and ecophysiological experiments both show that the needles ofPinus nigra var.maritima (Ait.) Melville take up ammonium and excrete potassium, magnesium and calcium. This often results in potassium and/or magnesium deficiencies and may lead to premature shedding of needles. The high levels of nitrogen in the needles are strongly correlated to fungal diseases.Whether the observed cation leaching will result in disturbed nutrient budgets depends mainly on soil conditions. Leaching of K, Mg and Ca from the soil, caused by ammonium sulphate, may further inhibit nutrient uptake.Field investigations show a clear correlation between increased ratios of NH₄ to K, Mg and Ca in the soil solution and the damage to pine forests.     

Foliar and twig macronutrients (N,P, K,Ca and Mg) in selected species ofEucalyptus used in rehabilitation: sources of variation

Summary The macronutrient variation within four 6 year oldEucalyptus saligna and four 5 year oldE. wandoo growing on rehabilitated bauxite pits was determined. Significant differences in mean nutrient concentrations were generally recorded between good soil condition sites and poor soil sites, between tree individuals, branch height, and plant organ type; but mean nutrient values were not different among canopy aspects. Fully expanded leaves of the current year provided the most uniform nutrient levels among the plant organs and showed major differences between sites with good soil nutrient conditions and those with poor conditions. Differences in foliar and branch levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, the variation between sites, canopy heights and plant organ types, and the use of foliar nutrient levels to indicate deficiencies are discussed.     

Tea waste as a supplement for the cultivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganoderma</Emphasis> <Emphasis Type="Italic">lucidum</Emphasis>

Tea waste (TW) was investigated as a new supplement for substrate mixtures in Ganoderma lucidum cultivation. The effects of sawdust (S) based substrates supplemented with TW at the various levels (75S:25TW, 80S:20TW, 85S:15TW, and 90S:10TW) and Ganoderma lucidum strains on yield, biological efficiency (BE) and the chemical composition of fruiting bodies were determined in solid-state fermentation. Significant differences were found among substrates regarding yield and BE, while yield and BE of the strains were not different. The substrate formulations producing highest yield and BE were 80S:20TW (87.98 g/kg substrate and 34.90%) and 75S:25TW (82.30 g/kg substrate and 31%). Yield and BE of substrates containing TW were generally higher than that of the control (80sawdust:18wheat bran:1sucrose:1 CaCO₃). Nitrogen, potassium, iron, and manganese contents and C:N ratios of substrates were strongly correlated with yield. BE showed positive and significant correlations with potassium, iron and manganese. Moisture content, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc contents of the fruiting bodies were affected by both strain and substrate. It was concluded that TW can be used as a supplement for substrate preparation in G. lucidum cultivation.     

Seasonal patterns of nutrient deposition in a Quercus douglasii woodland in central California

The monthly deposition of total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium via canopy throughfall, and various components of the litterfall was measured for 31 months under mature Quercus douglasii and in the bulk precipitation in the surrounding open grassland. Seasonal patterns of nutrient concentration in leaf litter, throughfall, and precipitation were also measured. Total annual subcanopy deposition exceeded open precipitation deposition by approximately 45–60x for nitrogen, 5–15x for phosphorus, 30–35x for potassium, 25–35x for calcium, and 5–10x for magnesium. Total annual subcanopy deposition was low in comparison to other oak woodland sites reported in the literature. Throughfall and leaf litter were the primary sources of nutrients and thus determined the seasonal peaks of nutrient deposition. The first autumn rains and leaf fall were associated with one peak in nutrient deposition, and throughfall during early spring leaf emergence was associated with a second peak in potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Non-leaf plant litter (excluding acorns) provided approximately 15–35% of most nutrients, with twigs and bark depositing over 12% of the annual calcium flux in 1987–1988, and flower litter depositing over 8% of the annual nitrogen flux in 1986–1987. Acorns had high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen and during the mast season of 1987–1988 they contained a large proportion of the total subcanopy annual flux of these elements. With acorns excluded, total annual nutrient deposition was similar between years, but timing of nutrient deposition differed. Late summer leaf fall associated with drought, variation in precipitation, and variation in deposition of non-leaf parts were associated with seasonal differences in nutrient deposition between years.     

Mineral nutrition of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Summary Two experiments on cacao seedlings grown in sand culture are described, the first of which was concerned with variations in the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur (the macronutrient experiment) and the second dealing with variations in the levels of iron, copper, zinc, boron, manganese, and molybdenum (the micronutrient experiment).Many of the deficiency symptoms obtained were similar to those reported in the literature and they have not been described again. However, additional information is provided for symptoms of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, and molybdenum deficiencies.The effects of all treatments on the dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots are presented. The effects of the macronutrient treatments on the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the leaves of eight month old plants and the effects of micronutrient treatments on the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, sodium, and aluminium in the leaves of eleven-month-old plants are presented and discussed.     

Mineral composition of Phragmites australis in Scottish lochs as related to eutrophication. I. Seasonal changes in organs

Monthly levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron in the organs (root, rhizome, stem, leaf and panicle) of Phragmites australis were determined from March to November, 1975 in Forfar Loch (polytrophic), Balgavies Loch (eutrophic) and Loch of the Lowes (mesotrophic), Scotland. Generally no consistent seasonal changes in the mineral levels were detected for the root, rhizome and panicle. For the stem and leaf, the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium rose to a peak before declining for the rest of the season. Consistently higher levels of tissue nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium were found in the Forfar plants over those of Balgavies and Lowes, reflecting the very eutrophic condition in Forfar Loch. The mineral compositions in the reeds in the present study were compared with similar studies in other areas.     

Performance of two Picea abies (L.) Karst. stands at different stages of decline

Summary A declining Picea abies (L.) Karst. stand produced as much foliage and branches as a healthy stand but less stemwood at a similar leaf area index and climate. Nutrient analyses revealed that most biomass components at the declining site had lower concentrations of calcium and magnesium, but similar nitrogen and potassium (except for lower potassium in younger needles) and higher phosphorus, manganese and aluminum than the respective components at the healthy site. Comparison of these data with the results from studies on the nutrition and growth of P. abies seedlings (Ingestad 1959) led to the conclusion that the healthy stand is in a balanced nutritional state, while trees at the declining stand have only 56% of the foliar magnesium concentration required to permit growth at a rate which could be achieved at their nitrogen status. It appears that acidic deposition, which involves an input of nitrogen and a leaching of cations from the soil, causes an imbalance in the availability of nitrogen and magnesium. Growth is eventually reduced as magnesium becomes limiting.     

The impact of red mud on growth of wetland vegetation and substrate fertility

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of red mud, the residue of the Bayer process for extracting alumina from bauxite, on wetland to investigate whether red mud can be used for wetland restoration. Two wetland species,Spartina alterniflora Loisel. andSagittaria lancifolia L., were used to test their response to the following substrate treatments: 100% marsh sediment, 100% red mud, a mixture of 50% marsh sediment and 50% red mud, a mixture of 50% red mud and 50% compost, and neutralized red mud. Each substrate treatment received two fertilization levels, fertilized (N–P–K) and unfertilized. Red mud could support the growth of the salt marsh species,Spartina alterniflora, but not the fresh marsh species.Sagittaria lancifolia. The high Na content and salinity of red mud, even when mixed with marsh sediment or compost, appeared to be the primary cause for the high mortality ofSagittaria in these substrates. Fertilization did not reduce the stress response ofSagittaria to red mud, but significantly increased the growth ofSpartina. Red mud is low in available N and P and required fertilizer or organic matter (e.g., compost) addition to increase fertility. In experiments with both fresh and salt marsh sediments, the concentrations of soluble heavy metals, with the exception of Mn, were not significantly greater for red mud than for marsh sediment. Thus, the release of heavy metals from red mud over the short-term may not pose an environmental concern. However, the mobilization of heavy metals over the long-term and the influence of plants in accumulating metals requires further investigation.     

Studies on chemical composition ofChenopodium album L.

Summary Field studies conducted at the Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India for two years revealed thatChenopodium album L. contained very high degree of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Its nutrient content declined with advancement in age of the plant.     

NUTRIENT AND WATER RELATIONS OF THE MISTLETOE PHORADENDRON LEUCARPUM (VISCACEAE): HOW TIGHTLY ARE THEY INTEGRATED?

Tissue mineral concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc, and long-term water-use efficiency (as estimated by δ¹³C±) were measured in the mistletoe Phoradendron leucarpum and its hosts to investigate the relationship between nutrient concentrations and water economies of the parasite and hosts. The mistletoe had mineral concentrations 0.97 to 2.88 times greater than the hosts. Mean long-term mistletoe water-use efficiency (-27.89±) was comparable to mean long-term host water-use efficiency (-27.69±) and generally greater than the water-use efficiency reported for most mistletoe species. Differences between mistletoe and host water-use efficiency ranged from +0.65 to -0.75± and were more similar to mistletoes found growing on nitrogen-fixing host species as reported in other studies. Mistletoe nutrient concentrations, in particular nitrogen, were not related to changes in mistletoe water-use efficiencies. Nutrient: calcium ratios indicated that mistletoes acquire nutrients in excess of that which can be delivered by the host xylem. These data are discussed relative to the passive vs. active theories of nutrient uptake.     

Seasonal and annual variations of phosphorus,calcium, potassium and manganese contents in different cross-sections of Picea abies (L.) Karst. needles and Quercus rubra L leaves exposed to elevated CO2

Norway spruce and red oak trees were planted directly into the soil and enclosed in open-top chambers. For 2 years the trees were exposed to both ambient and elevated CO₂ concentrations (700 mol mol^-1) and during this time variations in nutrient concentrations were studied. CO₂-treated plants had decreases in global leaf concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, calcium and manganese for both species. When different areas of the foliage were analysed however, the response showed much variability between the respective sites and between species. Furthermore the nutrient concentrations changed differently as the plant material aged and this change showed inter-treatment differences. These results show how it may be important to analyse plant material of different ages and at different cell sites when studying nutrient levels.     

Nutrient accumulation and translocation in maturing wheat plants grown on waterlogged soil

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Arina) growing in large pots (perforated at the bottom for controls, intact for flooding) were embedded in the field in spring. Waterlogging was initiated at anthesis and was maintained throughout the maturation period. Grain yield as well as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium contents in the shoot were decreased on flooded soil, while manganese and iron contents increased considerably. Total calcium and zinc contents per shoot remained comparable to those in controls. The reduction of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium contents by waterlogging was greatest in the grains, while manganese and iron accumulated mostly in the vegetative parts and the glumes. Zinc contents were also lowered in the grains during waterlogging due to an inhibited redistribution from the vegetative parts to the grains. Our results indicate that flooding caused not only an accumulation of manganese and iron in the shoot, but also affected the redistribution of macro- and micronutrients to the maturing gains.     

Effects of silicon on the chemical composition of rice plants

Summary Rice plants were grown in nutrient culture solutions. Silicon was supplied to these plants at different rates. The plant samples of early vegetative, vegetative and flowering stages were analysed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, silicon, protein and carbohydrate contents. The application of silicon generally decreased the nitrogen, protein and potassium content of rice plants. Its application also decreased the iron and manganese contents. The use of silicon resulted in an increase in phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, silicon and carbohydrate contents of rice plants.Reader and Head of the Department of Soil Science, University of Dacca, Dacca, East Pakistan.     

Influence of potassium and manganese on growth and uptake of magnesium by soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Bragg)

Summary Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr. cv. Bragg) seedlings were grown in nutrient solutions to evaluate the response to manganese nutrition as affected by potassium supply. In solutions containing 275 M manganese, increasing the solution concentration of potassium from 1 mM to 10 mM alleviated symptoms of manganese toxicity, decreased manganese concentrations in the leaves and increased dry matter yields of the plants. The reduction in manganese toxicity was brought about by a reduced rate of root absorption of manganese at high potassium supply levels.Increasing the supply of either potassium or manganese decreased the leaf concentration of magnesium although there were no apparent symptoms of magnesium deficiency in any treatment. The reduced concentration of magnesium in the leaves was due to effects of potassium and manganese on the rate of root absorption of magnesium.Under manganese deficiency conditions, growth was reduced and manganese concentrations in plant parts were very low; there was no effect of potassium supply when manganese was absent from the nutrient solution.     

Chemical composition and biochemical changes in needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands at different stages of decline in Bulgaria

Water content was decreased in the needles of Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) with moderate and slight levels of stress-induced decline. In pines with moderate decline a misbalance of foliar nutritional elements was observed. In 1-year-old needles of afflicted pines, the content of potassium and calcium was decreased, but the content of phosphorus, magnesium, iron, manganese and of the heavy metals cadmium and lead was increased. In 2-year-old needles of damaged pines, the content of calcium, iron and of the heavy metal cadmium was decreased, but the content of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and zinc was increased. Potassium deficiency and zinc levels above toxicity tolerance characterized the nutrient status of declined Scots pines. In the same pines chlorophyll a/b ratio was diminished in 2-year-old needles and the protein content was increased in 1-year-old needles but was decreased in 2-year-old needles.In the second phase of the study 25- and 40-year-old pines with slight decline were examined. An increase in the protein content of 2-year-old needles of 25-year-old declined pines and of both 1- and 2-year-old needles of older 40-year-old pines was observed. A 280% increase of peroxidase activity in 1-year-old and a 178% increase in 2-year-old needles of 25-year-old damaged pines were shown. In older 40-year-old damaged pines a slight increase only in 1-year-old needles was seen. The observed age-related decrease in peroxidase activity in older 40-year-old symptomatic pines might be responsible for the lower resistance to decline in older pines. Our results show that clear but complex chemical and biochemical changes are observed in the needles of Scots pines in Bulgaria and that these changes hold promise for use as indicators of stress.     

外源施钙对盐胁迫下花生营养元素吸收与分配的影响

为解决盐碱地花生养分吸收不畅及分配受阻等问题,研究外源施钙对盐胁迫下花生氮、磷、钾、钙、镁吸收积累、分配特性和产量的影响,为盐碱地花生生产合理、高效施肥提供理论依据.以‘花育25号’为材料,在0.3%盐胁迫浓度下,设置4个Ca浓度梯度[T₁(0)、T₂(75)、T₃(150)和T₄(225) kg·hm^-2 CaO]进行盆栽试验.结果表明: 花生植株内养分含量依次为氮>钾>钙>磷>镁,苗期植株对氮和钙素的吸收中心均在叶片,磷、钾、镁的吸收中心为茎,苗期近一半的营养积累分配在各元素相应的生长中心.成熟期氮、磷、钾吸收中心转移到荚果中,尤以氮、磷在籽仁中的积累量居多,达72.3%～78.9%;钙、镁的吸收中心仍为叶片和茎,其分配比例分别为49.8%、32.6%.盐胁迫明显抑制花生植株各器官对氮、磷、钾、钙和镁各元素的吸收积累与分配,尤以对叶片和籽仁中氮素积累的抑制较为显著,但盐胁迫对荚果中镁的积累有促进作用.外源钙对盐胁迫下花生植株各器官氮、磷、钙和镁的吸收累积有明显的促进作用,尤其对籽仁中磷素积累的调节最为显著,其在籽仁中的积累量提高50%以上.适宜的钙施用量可显著促进盐胁迫下花生养分吸收积累量,提高花生成熟期荚果中氮、磷、钾的分配比,最终提高产量.综合各养分吸收、积累分配和产量结果,在0.3%盐胁迫条件下钙肥适宜施用量为150 kg·hm^-2 CaO.     

Growth,chlorophyll and mineral nutrient studies on phalaris arundinaceae L. in three scottish lochs

Growth, chlorophyll and mineral nutrients studies were made in Phalaris arundinaceae L. in three Scottish lochs of varying nutrient status from March to November in 1975. The maximum shoot height and shoot dry weight attained by the plants were approximately 160 cm and 4 g respectively. Seasonal changes in the chlorophyll levels in the Phalaris leaf were studied and two peaks were found, one in April and the other in June–July. Maximum chlorophyll level attained was 9 mg g^–1 leaf dry weight. The changes in the mineral levels in the root, stem, leaf and inflorescence parts of the plants from the three lochs were also assayed throughout the growing season. A total of eight mineral elements were studied, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Variations in both the mineral concentrations and their pattern of changes during the study period among the plants from the lochs were observed and discussed.     

Two types of chemolithotrophic nitrification in acid heathland humus

Tree decline has been observed recently in 25–30 year old pine stands inCladina andCalluna-type heath forests in the Hämeenkangas and Pohjankangas areas of southwestern Finland. The trees had grown more or less normally for 15 years. During the following 7 to 8 years increased growth occurred. From 1982 to 1984, however, the trees revealed a sudden reduction in height increment. Additionally, some trees were marked by poor apical shoot dominance. Occasionally complete crown dieback was observed. The trees retained only one to three years' needles. These needles often were characterized by a brownish yellow discoloration.Chemical foliar and soil analysis indicate both a nitrogen deficiency and a deficiency in calcium and magnesium related to the relatively high aluminium levels in the soil. In the needles of affected trees phosphorus and especially potassium concentrations were higher than normally.The low content of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium in the soil is related to the acidic, nutrient-poor bedrock, and the low cation exchange capacity. Also the leaching of nutrients, the shallow and poor quality of the humus layer, and the removal of nutrients by tree harvesting may have effected on the nutritional disturbances.     

An Evaluation of Revegetation Success on Bauxite Residue

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the success of a revegetation program on three sites within the Bauxite Residue Disposal Area at the Aughinish Alumina Ltd. refinery. This was achieved by determining botanical diversity, substrate conditions, and plant uptake. Two sites revegetated in 1999, with and without the use of gypsum, were assessed and compared to a site revegetated in 1997. Compared to an initial 6 species used in seeding, a total of 47 species were recorded growing on the three sites with greatest diversity on the 1997 site. There was limited variation in the residue properties of the three treatments indicating that diversity was most influenced by succession and not substrate conditions. Limited available manganese was found in all treatments and significantly lower exchangeable magnesium in the gypsum-amended treatment. Exchangeable sodium, aluminum, and pH in the substrate were not at levels of concern. Appreciable nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were found as a result of a fertilizing program. Dominant species in the 1999 treatments, Holcus lanatus and Trifolium pratense , were analyzed for elemental composition. Compared to previous studies, foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium were adequate and sodium levels were low. Manganese and magnesium levels were low, and availability should be assessed as part of the monitoring program. Furthermore, the effect of a fertilizing regime on plant uptake and substrate conditions needs to be assessed.