The effect of nitrogen on plant water relations in tea (Camellia sinensis)

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen deficiency on the water relations of tea (Camellia sinensis). The plants were grown in sand and nitrogen deficiency induced by witholding the supply of nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency increased stomatal resistance and reduced transpiration. The capacity of the stomata to open fully in the morning was not impaired by nitrogen deficiency. Leaf water potential and probably root resistance were not affected by nitrogen deficiency. The sensitivity of transpiration and stomatal resistance to sand water stress was increased by nitrogen deficiency.