The development of waterlogging damage in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Decreases in the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, in the shoots of wheat seedlings soon after the start of waterlogging were mainly attributed to an inhibition of ion uptake and transport by roots in the oxygen deficient soil. There was a small net accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by the aerial tissues, principally the tillers rather than the main shoot. By contrast, calcium and magnesium accumulated in both tillers and main shoot. With waterlogging, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were translocated from the older leaves to the younger growing leaves, and in the case of nitrogen this was associated with the onset of premature senescence. Calcium and magnesium were not translocated from the older leaves, the younger leaves acquiring these cations from the waterlogged soil. The promotion of leaf senescence by waterlogging was counteracted by applications of nitrate or ammonium to the soil surface, or by spraying the shoots with solutions of urea, but the beneficial effects on shoot growth were small.The role of mineral nutrition in relation to waterlogging damage to young cereal plants is discussed.