Nutrient inflows into apple roots. II. Nitrate uptake rates measured on intact roots of mature trees under field conditions

Abstract The rates of uptake of nitrate-N per unit length; surface area and volume of root were measured in solution depletion experiments conducted in a root laboratory, using intact roots of two 4.5-year-old apple trees (Discovery/M.9 and Worcester Pearmain/M.9) at two different depths in the soil profile. In Discovery/M.9, NO₃^? uptake rate per unit root was constant over the 20-200 mmol m^?3 range of solution concentration. In Worcester/M.9, the uptake rate per unit root over the 200-150 mmol m^?3 range (corresponding to a ‘lag’ phase) was lower than that over 150-20 mmol m^?3. The uptake rates after the lag phase at depths of 46 and 104 cm were ca. 1.3 and 5.0 times greater than those in Discovery/M.9 at the 46 and 110 cm depths, respectively. The concentration below which net uptake was zero was ca. 1 mmolm^?3. In Discovery/M.9, the uptake rate per unit root at the 46cm depth was about 2.8 times that at 110 cm whereas in Worcester/M.9, the uptake rates at 46cm depth were about 1.8 and 1.4 times lower than those at 104cm over the solution concentration ranges 200-150 and 150-20 mmol m^?3, respectively. Only small differences were observed in uptake rates per unit root between 1400-1700 h, 2400-0400 h, and 0700-1100 h. For successive 5°C-increments in root temperature between 5 and 25° C, the nitrate uptake rate per unit root increased by 130, 10, 30 and 5%, respectively. A major change in the activation energy for nitrate uptake was observed at a transition temperature located between 5°and 10°C.     

Ammonium uptake by field-grown Eriophorum vaginatum roots under laboratory and simulated field conditions

Nitrogen (N) deficiencies in tundra ecosystems could be caused, in part, by the kinetics of root N uptake. The objectives of this study were to quantify NH₄ uptake by field-grown excised roots of Eriophorum vaginatum I. under controlled NH₄ concentrations (0-250 μmol I^-1) and temperatures (5-20°C) and to evaluate this laboratory derived model as a means of estimating field NH₄ uptake. There was no consistent temperature effect on root NH₄ uptake which suggests a relative in-sensitivity of E. vaginatum roots to short-term temperature fluctuations. The Michaelis-Menten equation parameters for NH₄ uptake were V_max= 22.1 μmol h^-1 g^-1 and K_m= 191 μmol I^-1. Using field NH₄ concentrations, field E. vaginatum root biomass data, and the Michaelis-Menten equation, an estimate was made of NH₄ uptake over a 42 day period; this estimate of NH₄ uptake accounted for 28% of the net incorporation of N into leaves and roots which is a reasonable estimate for E. vaginatum which relies primarily on N retranslocation for supplying new leaves and roots. Major uncertainties in field N uptake rates, model parameterization, and site characterization preclude an accurate model validation and indicate research areas most in need of future study.     

Nutrient uptake by two cultivars of tomato plants

The highest shoot dry matter production by barley crop was recorded in the highest soil moisture level when no potassium was applied. But in lower soil moisture levels the potassium application showed response. In these soils the potassium use efficiency of the crop was found to increase with increasing soil moisture levels, but to decrease with the application of potassium. As these soils contain a lot of micaceous minearals a considerable amount of potassium is released during crop growth if sufficient soil moisture is provided. In addition to the released potassium, potassium applied through fertilizers reduces yield.     

Temporal variation in nutrient uptake capacity by intact roots of mature loblolly pine

Nutrient uptake is generally thought to exhibit a simple seasonal pattern, but few studies have measured temporal variation of nutrient uptake capacity in mature trees. We measured net uptake capacity of K, NH⁺₄, NO₃^–, Mg and Ca across a range of solution concentrations by roots of mature loblolly pine at Calhoun Experimental Forest in October 2001, July 2001, and April 2002. Uptake capacity was generally lowest in July; rates in October were similar to those in April. Across a range of concentrations, antecedent nutrient solution concentrations affected the temporal patterns in uptake in July but not in October or April. In July, uptake of NH⁺₄, Mg and Ca was positively correlated with concentration when roots were exposed to successively lower concentrations, but negatively correlated with concentration when exposed to successively higher concentrations. In contrast, uptake in October was constant across the range of concentrations, while uptake increased with concentration in April. As in studies of other species, we found greater uptake of NH⁺₄ than NO₃^–. Temporal patterns of uptake capacity are difficult to predict, and our results indicate that experimental conditions, such as experiment duration, antecedent root conditions and nutrient solution concentration, affect measured rates of nutrient uptake.     

Varietal differences in uptake and utilization of nitrogen and other macro-elements in seedlings of barley, Hordeum vulgare

Growth and uptake of N, P, S, K, Ca and Mg in barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) were studied in water culture using young plants of 17 cultivars. Large varietal differences were obtained in dry weight production and mineral accumulation. The differences were not the same for plants grown in high- and low-salt media. For plants grown under both conditions there was a good correlation between dry weight production and total N content. Total shoot contents of K and Ca were closely correlated with shoot dry weight. Utilization of P and S in high- and low-salt plants and Mg in low-salt plants was variable in relation to dry weight production in both types of nutrient conditions. The correlation between dry weight and total content of Mg in high-salt plants was good. These differences in mineral economy between young barley plants were partly caused by varietal differences in relative growth rate, and in high-salt seedlings also by differences in seed content of N. The significance of root size, and of uptake, root-shoot partitioning and use-efficiency of specific elements differed; all four factors were important for P and S, but had varying impact on K, Mg and Ca. For N, differences in root size and ion accumulation were the most important factors causing varietal variation in mineral nutrition. – In a special experiment seedlings of barley were transferred to N-free nutrient solution after six days of adequate N supply. There was no significant varietal differences in use-efficiency ratio of N. Root/shoot partitioning of N was unaffected.     

根系氮吸收过程及其主要调节因子

氮（N）是植物根系吸收最多的矿质元素之一．全球变化将使土壤中N的有效性发生改变,影响陆地生态系统碳分配格局与过程．研究根系N吸收及其调控对预测生态系统结构和功能具有重要理论意义．由于土壤中存在多种形态的N源,长期的生物进化和环境适应导致植物根系对不同形态N的吸收部位、机理及调控有较大差别．因此,植物长期生长在以某一形态N源为主的土壤上就形成了不同的N吸收机制和策略．本文简述了近年来在植物根系N吸收和调控方面的最新研究进展,重点评述了不同形态N在土壤中的生物有效性,根系N吸收部位,N在木质部中的装载和运输,不同形态N（NO3^-、NH4^＋和有机氮）的吸收机制,以及根系N吸收的自身信号调控和环境因子对根系N吸收的影响．在此基础上,提出了目前根系N吸收研究中存在的几个问题．     

Nutrient uptake and growth of barley as affected by soil compaction

A field experiment with different levels of compaction was carried out on a mouldboard ploughed silty clay, with the objective of studying the effects on plant nutrient uptake and growth. Soil from the field was also used in laboratory studies of carbon and nitrogen mineralization, and plant uptake of water and nutrients. In the field, low as well as high bulk densities reduced biomass production and nutrient uptake of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) compared to intermediate bulk densities, where grain yield was approximately 20% higher. In the beginning of the growing season, the concentration of phosphorus and potassium was lowest in plants grown in the loosest and in the most compacted soil, and suboptimal for plant growth. The uptake of nutrients transported by diffusion was more affected by compaction than for nutrients transported by mass flow. The reasons for lowered uptake in loose compared to moderately compacted soil could be reduced root-to-soil contact, a low diffusion coefficient for nutrients and/or reduced mass transport of water to seed and roots. Differences in plant nutrient concentrations between treatments gradually declined until harvest. Immediately after compaction there was probably oxygen deficiency in the compacted soil since the air-filled porosity was critically low, but as the soil dried out, mechanical resistance to root growth may have become a more important growth-limiting factor. In the laboratory study, severe compaction reduced carbon mineralization and uptake of water and nutrients by roots, and caused denitrification. There were only small differences between loose and moderately compacted soil in carbon mineralization, nitrogen concentration in the soil, uptake of water and nutrients and dry matter yield. The large yield increase due to recompaction in the field was not reproduced in the laboratory. Possible reasons are differences in soil temperature between the field and laboratory, in the sowing and fertilizing methods, the pretreatment of the soil and in the spatial variability of bulk density. It is possible that recompaction is needed only in the uppermost part of the soil, which is the loosest, dries out first, and is where the seed as well as the fertilizer are placed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Estimating nutrient uptake by mature tree roots under field conditions: challenges and opportunities

Nutrient uptake by roots of mature trees is difficult to measure accurately under field conditions using existing methods. In this review, we discuss current techniques for measuring uptake at the root surface including excised roots, isotopic tracers, autoradiography, depletion, and lysimeters. Although these methods have provided many insights, each has drawbacks. Estimates of uptake are affected by the sampling scheme, experimental conditions, whether roots are excised or not, concentrations of ions, and the rate of efflux of ions. Microbes and mycorrhizas can also affect estimates of uptake. A greater focus on methods development is critical to advancing our understanding of nutrient uptake of mature trees under conditions representative of those in the field.     

Nutrient uptake in eastern deciduous tree seedlings

Tree seedlings that colonize large treefall gaps are generally shade-intolerant species with high potential relative growth rates. Nutrient availability may be significantly elevated in disturbance-induced gaps, however, little is known about the role of differences in nutrient uptake capacities of different species in structuring the community response to gap openings in eastern North American deciduous forests. Seven tree species were grown from seed under both a high and a low nutrient regime, and uptake kinetics of phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate were studied. Yellow birch, a species with intermediate shade tolerance and relative growth rate, had the highest maximum rates of uptake of all ions, while tulip tree, a gap-colonizing species with high relative growth rate, had the lowest rate of phosphate uptake and intermediate rates of ammonium and nitrate uptake. Beech and hickory, which have low relative growth rates and are not gap-colonizing species, had intermediate levels of nutrient uptake. There was no evidence that species with the highest maximum uptake rates measured at high supply concentrations had relatively low uptake at low nutrient supply concentrations. Although birch increased phosphate absorption capacity when grown under a low nutrient regime, this pattern did not hold for nitrate or ammonium uptake, and other species showed no change in nutrient uptake capacity according to nutrient growth regime. Clearly, factors other than nutrient absorption capacity, such as nutrient use efficiency or allocation to root vs. shoot biomass, underlie differences in species' capacities to colonize and maintain a high relative growth rate in canopy gaps.     

Multiphasic uptake of potassium by barley roots of low and high potassium content: Separate sites for uptake and transitions

In the range 10^?6M - 5 × 10^?2M uptake of K⁺ in excised roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Herta) with low and high K content could in both cases be represented by an isotherm with four phases. Uptake, especially in the range of the lower phases, was reduced in high K roots through decreases in V_max and increases in K_m. Similar data for other plants are also shown to be consistent with multiphasic kinetics. The concentrations at which transitions occurred were not affected by the K status, indicating the existence of separate uptake and transition sites. Uptake was markedly reduced in the presence of 10^?5M 2,4-dinitrophenol, especially at low K⁺ concentrations, but the isotherms remained multiphasic. This contraindicates major contributions from a non-carrier-mediated, passive flux. A tentative hypothesis for multiphasic ion uptake envisions a structure which changes conformation as a result of all-or-none changes in a separate transition site. The structure is “tight” at low external ion concentrations (low V_max. low K_m. active uptake, allosteric regulation) and “loose” at high concentrations (high V_max- high K_m- facilitated diffusion, no regulation).     

Ammonium and nitrate uptake by barley genotypes in diurnally fluctuating root temperatures simulating till and no-till conditions

The morphological development and N uptake patterns of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes of Northern European (Nordic) and Pacific Northwest US (PNW) origin were compared under two diurnally fluctuating root temperature regimes in solution culture. The two regimes, 15/5°C and 9/5°C day maximum/night minimum temperatures, simulated soil temperature differences between tilled vs. heavy-residue, no-till conditions, respectively, observed during early spring in eastern Washington. Previous field experiments indicated that some of the Nordic genotypes accumulated more N and dry matter than the PNW cultivars during early spring under no-till conditions. The objective of this experiment was to determined whether these differences 1) are dependent on the temperature of the rooting environment, and 2) are correlated with genotypic differences in NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^– uptake. Overall, shoot N and dry matter accumulation was reduced by 40% due to lower root temperatures during illumination. Leaf emergence was slowed by 14 to 22%, and tiller production was also inhibited. All genotypes absorbed more ammonium than nitrate from equimolar solutions, and the proportion of total N absorbed as NH₄ ⁺ was slightly higher in the 9/5°C than the 15/5°C regime. A Finnish genotype, HJA80201, accumulated significantly more shoot N than the PNW cultivars, Clark and Steptoe, and also more than a Swedish cultivar, Pernilla, in the 9/5°C regime. In the 15/5°C regime Steptoe did not differ in shoot N from the Nordic genotypes, while Clark remained significantly lower. These differences were not correlated to relative propensity for N form. Root lengths of the Nordic genotypes were significantly greater than the PNW genotypes grown under the 9/5°C regime, while the root lengths in the warmer root temperture regime were not significantly different among genotypes. Higher root elongation rates under low soil temperature conditions may be an inherent adaptive mechanism of the Nordic genotypes. Overall, the data indicate that lower maximum daytime temperatures of the soil surface layer likely account for a significant portion of the growth reductions and lower N uptake observed in no-till systems.     

Inhibition of ion uptake to barley roots by cycloheximide

In Petunia pollen tubes growing in the style there appear to be two ways of callose deposition. The first one is callose deposition outside the plasma membrane as a distinct layer closely appressed to the cell wall. The second one is callose deposition within the cytoplasm as distinct callose grains, leading to the formation of callose plugs. This second way is accompanied by a characteristic ultrastructure of the cytoplasm, namely strong electron-density of the plasma matrix, partial absence of the plasma membrane and the absence of plastids and dictyosomes. For both ways of callose deposition a mechanism is proposed and the function of callose plugs is discussed.Abbreviation RER rough endoplasmic reticulum     

Effect of calcium on sulfate uptake by barley roots

Abstract Sulfate uptake by excised roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was maximal in the presence of about 3x10^-3M CaCl₂. Kinetic studies contraindicate a stoichiometric binding of calcium to the carrier for sulfate, in contrast to findings of Cuppoletti and Segel (Biochemistry 14: 471–4718, 1975) for the filamentous fungus Penicillium notatum. In barley, calcium affects the K_m but not the V_max for sulfate uptake, presumably by altering the conformation and, thereby, the affinity of the carrier. Calcium also affects the transition site for sulfate uptake.     

Localization of phytosiderophore release and of iron uptake along intact barley roots

Under iron deficiency the release of so-called phytosiderophores by roots of barley plants ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Europa) was greater by a factor of 10 to 50 compared to iron-sufficient plants. This enhanced release occurred particularly in apical zones of the seminal roots and in the lateral root zones. Under iron deficiency, uptake rates for iron, supplied as FeIII phytosiderophore, increased by a factor of ca 5 as compared to iron-sufficient plants. This enhanced uptake rate for iron was also much more pronounced in apical than in basal root zones. In contrast, with supply of the synthetic iron chelate, FelII EDDHA (ferric diaminoethane-N, N-di- o -hydroxyphenyl acetic acid), the Fe deficiency-enhanced uptake rates for iron were only small and similar along the roots, except for the lateral root zones. The high selectivity of barley roots for uptake and translocation of FeIII phytosiderophores compared with FeIII EDDHA is reflected by the fact that, at the same external concentration (2 μ M ), rates of uptake and translocation of iron from FeIII phytosiderophores were between 100 (Fe-sufficient) and 1 000 times higher (Fe-deficient plants) than from FeIII EDDHA. The relatively high rates of uptake and particularly of translocation of iron supplied as FeIII EDDHA in the zone of lateral root formation strongly suggest an apoplastic pathway of radial transport of the synthetic iron chelate into the stele in this root zone.
The results demonstrate that apical root zones are the main sites both for Fe deficiency-enhanced release of phytosiderophores and for uptake and translocation of iron supplied as FeIII phytosiderophores.     

模拟氮沉降对杉木幼苗细根化学计量学特征的影响

为了揭示全球氮(N)沉降对杉木人工林细根碳(C)、N、磷(P)元素组成的影响,在福建三明陈大国有林场开展杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)幼苗模拟N沉降试验,设置了对照(CK)、低N(LN,40 kg N hm~(-2)a~(-1))、高N(HN,80 kg N hm~(-2)a~(-1))3个处理,每个处理5个重复。采用内生长环法通过2年4次取样探讨N沉降对细根C、N、P化学计量学的影响。结果显示:(1) N添加在2015年降低细根C浓度,此后低N处理无影响,高N添加在2016年增加了细根C浓度;高N添加提高了细根(特别是0—1 mm细根) N浓度,但低N添加则无显著影响,甚至在2016年7月显著降低细根N浓度; N添加在2015年对细根P浓度无显著影响,但在2016年导致细根(特别是0—1 mm细根) P浓度降低。(2)低N添加在2016年显著提高细根的C∶N比,而高N添加则在2015年1月显著降低细根的C∶N比;低N添加对细根N∶P比没有显著影响,而高N添加则在大部分取样时间里显著增加了细根N∶P比。(3)不同处理细根C浓度、C∶N比均随着时间的增加呈增加趋势,而细根N浓度和N∶P比呈降低趋势。本研究表明,N添加对杉木细根化学计量学特征的影响因不同N添加水平而异,并受苗木生长的稀释效应所调节。     

Nutrient uptake in streams draining agricultural catchments of the midwestern United States

1. Agriculture is a major contributor of non‐point source pollution to surface waters in the midwestern United States, resulting in eutrophication of freshwater aquatic ecosystems and development of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Agriculturally influenced streams are diverse in morphology and have variable nutrient concentrations. Understanding how nutrients are transformed and retained within agricultural streams may aid in mitigating increased nutrient export to downstream ecosystems. 2. We studied six agriculturally influenced streams in Indiana and Michigan to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the factors controlling nutrient retention and export in agricultural streams using nutrient addition and isotopic tracer studies. 3. Metrics of nutrient uptake indicated that nitrate uptake was saturated in these streams whereas ammonium and phosphorus uptake increased with higher concentrations. Phosphorus uptake was likely approaching saturation as evidenced by decreasing uptake velocities with concentration; ammonium uptake velocity also declined with concentration, though not significantly. 4. Higher whole‐stream uptake rates of phosphorus and ammonium were associated with the observed presence of stream autotrophs (e.g. algae and macrophytes). However, there was no significant relationship between measures of nutrient uptake and stream metabolism. Water‐column nutrient concentrations were positively correlated with gross primary production but not community respiration. 5. Overall, nutrient uptake and metabolism were affected by nutrient concentrations in these agriculturally influenced streams. Biological uptake of ammonium and phosphorus was not saturated, although nitrate uptake did appear to be saturated in these ecosystems. Biological activity in agriculturally influenced streams is higher relative to more pristine streams and this increased biological activity likely influences nutrient retention and transport to downstream ecosystems.     

Nutrient flow rates in rice roots under varying drainage conditions

Summary The relative importance of massflow and diffusion in supplying nutrients to plant roots under various drainage conditions is tested. Rice (Oryza sativa L. variety Jaya) plants were grown in field lysimeters. Transpiration, nutrient content and root length were measured along with the soil solution composition at four stages of growth. The mean inflow, apparent massflow and root demand coefficients were calculated for different nutrients.The mean inflow values of N and P were highest in continuous drainage followed by no drainage and flooding followed by 2– and 4-day drainage conditions. Inflow values of K, Ca, Mg and Na, however, were lowest in no drainage. The apparent massflow of K was lower and that of Na, Ca as well as well as Mg was higher than the corresponding inflow values. Mean solution concentration of K at the root surface decreased, but that of Ca, Mg and Na increased slightly. Root demand coefficients of K, Ca, Mg and Na were highest in continuous drainage. Under different water management practices, the values of inflow rate can be used for judging the efficiency of root.Contribution of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263145, India.     

Inhibition of phosphate uptake in barley roots by hydroxy-benzoic acids

The influence of 15 hydroxy-benzoic acids upon active inorganic phosphate absorption by barley roots was examined. For each compound an inhibition constant (k_i) was determined, i.e. the concentration of compound required to bring about a 50% inhibition of absorption. The k_i values of the benzoic acids were strongly correlated with their octanol—water partition coefficients and their pK_a values. This suggests that the inhibition of normal membrane functions, brought about by benzoic acids, results from a generalized increase in cell membrane permeability. Salicylate derivatives were generally more inhibitory than would be predicted from their partition coefficients; their pronounced toxicity probably arises from structural impediments to their detoxication.