scholarly journals Improving maize’s N uptake and N use efficiency by strengthening roots’ absorption capacity when intercropped with legumes

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11658
Author(s):  
Benchuan Zheng ◽  
Xiaona Zhang ◽  
Ping Chen ◽  
Qing Du ◽  
Ying Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Root Uptake ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Uptake Capacity ◽  
Root Senescence ◽  
Strip Intercropping ◽  
Uptake Mechanisms

Maize’s nitrogen (N) uptake can be improved through maize-legume intercropping. N uptake mechanisms require further study to better understand how legumes affect root growth and to determine maize’s absorptive capacity in maize-legume intercropping. We conducted a two-year field experiment with two N treatments (zero N (N0) and conventional N (N1)) and three planting patterns (monoculture maize (Zea mays L.) (MM), maize-soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) strip intercropping (IMS), and maize-peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) strip intercropping (IMP)). We sought to understand maize’s N uptake mechanisms by investigating root growth and distribution, root uptake capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the antioxidant content in different maize-legume strip intercropping systems. Our results showed that on average, the N uptake of maize was significantly greater by 52.5% in IMS and by 62.4% in IMP than that in MM. The average agronomic efficiency (AE) of maize was increased by 110.5 % in IMS and by 163.4 % in IMP, compared to MM. The apparent recovery efficiency (RE) of maize was increased by 22.3% in IMS. The roots of intercropped maize were extended into soybean and peanut stands underneath the space and even between the inter-rows of legume, resulting in significantly increased root surface area density (RSAD) and total root biomass. The root-bleeding sap intensity of maize was significantly increased by 22.7–49.3% in IMS and 37.9–66.7% in IMP, compared with the MM. The nitrate-N content of maize bleeding sap was significantly greater in IMS and IMP than in MM during the 2018 crop season. The glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the root significantly increased in IMS and IMP compared to MM. Strip intercropping using legumes increases maize’s aboveground N uptake by promoting root growth and spatial distribution, delaying root senescence, and strengthening root uptake capacity.

Evaluation of Maize Inbreds for Vegetative Nitrate Uptake and Assimilation

1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
RT Weiland
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Uptake ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Uptake Rates ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Maize Inbreds ◽  
Hydroponic Conditions

Twelve maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines were cultured under hydroponic conditions in a controlled environment room for evaluation of NO3--N uptake, subsequent translocation patterns and utilisation. Prior to harvest (8-10-leaf stage), inbred roots were exposed to 24 h of 10 atom % 15NO3--N. Differences for N contents and biomass were determined. Root dry weight (RDW) was significantly correlated (r = 0.93) with root surface area. Significant inbred differences were found when N content in the plant was based on RDW. When based on 15N during the 24 h, the amount of N absorbed varied between 30 and 71 mg per plant for the inbreds. Uptake rates ranged between 8.7 and 14.4 mg g-1 day-1 RDW. Nitrogen uptake over the 24 h based on RDW and total plant-N contents based on RDW were significantly (P< 0.001) correlated, implying that uptake rates were constant up to mid-vegetative stages for these genotypes. Of the 15N absorbed, between 30 and 61% was reduced by the inbreds and the amount reduced varied with plant tissue. The total amount reduced ranged between 0.72 and 1.25 mg g-1 dry weight.

scholarly journals Effect of Nutrient Solution Flow Rate on Hydroponic Plant Growth and Root Morphology

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bateer Baiyin ◽  
Kotaro Tagawa ◽  
Mina Yamada ◽  
Xinyan Wang ◽  
Satoshi Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Root Growth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Root Morphology ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Solution Flow Rate ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Solution Flow ◽  
Flow Rates

Crop production under hydroponic environments has many advantages, yet the effects of solution flow rate on plant growth remain unclear. We conducted a hydroponic cultivation study using different flow rates under light-emitting diode lighting to investigate plant growth, nutrient uptake, and root morphology under different flow rates. Swiss chard plants were grown hydroponically under four nutrient solution flow rates (2 L/min, 4 L/min, 6 L/min, and 8 L/min). After 21 days, harvested plants were analyzed for root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight, root morphology, and root cellulose and hemicellulose content. We found that suitable flow rates, acting as a eustress, gave the roots appropriate mechanical stimulation to promote root growth, absorb more nutrients, and increase overall plant growth. Conversely, excess flow rates acted as a distress that caused the roots to become compact and inhibited root surface area and root growth. Excess flow rate thereby resulted in a lower root surface area that translated to reduced nutrient ion absorption and poorer plant growth compared with plans cultured under a suitable flow rate. Our results indicate that regulating flow rate can regulate plant thigmomorphogenesis and nutrient uptake, ultimately affecting hydroponic crop quality.

scholarly journals Trinexapac-ethyl Affects Kentucky Bluegrass Root Architecture

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 1539-1542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S. Beasley ◽  
Bruce E. Branham ◽  
Loretta M. Ortiz-Ribbing
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Root Architecture ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Tiller Number ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Total Root Length ◽  
Root And Shoot Growth

Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) [4-(cyclopropyl-a-hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester] effects on turfgrass root architecture are not known. It has been postulated that PGR application could cause photoassimilate that is normally used for shoot growth to be funneled to root growth. This study evaluated the effects of a single TE application on kentucky bluegrass (KBG) root and shoot growth for seven weeks. Individual KBG plants were grown in a hydroponic system and harvested weekly. At each harvest, tiller height, tiller number, and color ratings were recorded. Estimates of total root length (TRL), root surface area (SA), and average root diameter were measured using the WinRhizo system. Trinexapac-ethyl reduced plant height for 4 weeks followed by a period of postinhibition growth enhancement. Trinexapac-ethyl increased tiller number over the course of the study and slightly enhanced plant color. Trinexapac-ethyl reduced TRL and SA 48% and 46% at 1 week after treatment (WAT) followed by an accelerated growth rate 1 to 4 WAT. Trinexapac-ethyl had no effect on root diameter. On a tiller basis, TE initially reduced TRL and SA 30% and 31%, respectively. Total root length per tiller and root surface area per tiller were reduced by TE treatment, but by 7 WAT, those differences were no longer significant. Initial reductions in TRL and SA per tiller may reduce tiller competitiveness for water and nutrients. Based on data for TRL and SA per tiller, shoot and root growth must be considered in total to fully understand TE effects on plant growth. Field research is needed to corroborate results from hydroponic-studies and examine the effect of various TE rates and multiple applications on turfgrass root and shoot growth.

scholarly journals Effects of Soil Decompaction and Amendment on Root Growth and Architecture in Red Maple ( Acer rubrum)

2007 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 428-432
Author(s):  
William Hascher ◽  
Christina Wells
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Root Parameters

The Terravent TMsoil injection device (Pinnacle Concepts, Ltd., Cornwall, UK) uses compressed nitrogen gas to fracture compacted soil and permits the subsequent injection of liquid amendments. In the current study, we measured fine root growth and architecture in soil that had received one of four treatments: 1) Terravent injections, 2) Terravent injections followed by liquid amendment (MycorTree® Injectable; PHC, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.), 3) addition of amendment only, and 4) an untreated control. The experiment was conducted on ten red maples (Acer rubrum) growing on a moderately compacted urban clay soil next to a busy road on the Clemson University campus. Treatments were applied in April 2002. Seven weeks later, soil cores were pulled from locations adjacent to the injection sites, and fine roots (less than 2 mm [0.08 in] in diameter) from each core were washed free of soil. A variety of root parameters were measured, including length, surface area, diameter distribution, and mass. Terravent treatment had no effect on any root parameters measured. Application of MycorTree was associated with small, statistically significant reductions in root diameter, root mass density (mg root/cm 3soil), and root surface area density (cm 2root/cm 3soil).

scholarly journals Physiological and root morphological responses in different combinations of rootstock-scion of cacao to water deficit

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 631-651
Author(s):  
Ramón Jaimez ◽  
Gregorio Vásconez ◽  
Ignacio Sotomayor ◽  
Grisnel Quijano ◽  
Jaime Morante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Water Uptake ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Uptake Capacity ◽  
Basal Diameter ◽  
Continuous Irrigation ◽  
Water Deficits ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Water Uptake Capacity ◽  
Leaf N Content

Grafting is a common practice in cacao cultivation, but it has not been reported whether rootstock-scion combinations respond differently in terms of water transport, growth, or nutrient uptake under varying soil water availability conditions. The effects of water deficits on water potential (Ψf), basal diameter (db), root growth, chlorophyll and leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N) were evaluated in 16 rootstock-scion combinations that resulted from four rootstocks and four scion clones. Grafted seedlings were subjected to two water regimes: 21 days without irrigation (WD) and continuous irrigation (I). Under WD conditions, Ψf tended to be lower when using the EETP800 clone with the four rootstocks, indicating that this clone may have a higher rate of transpiration. The greater Ψf (p <0.05) obtained with the EET400 and EET399 rootstocks-scion combinations indicate higher water uptake capacity by the root systems of these rootstocks, which permits the maintenance of adequate transpiration rates and higher Ψf. The higher db, chlorophyll content and leaf N content obtained in the combinations of scions with the EET400 rootstock under WD impart on this rootstock a more favorable degree of adaptability for tolerating water deficits. However, this tolerance is not associated with increased root growth, which indicates that higher efficiency of water uptake is related to metabolic and physiological processes rather than a larger root surface.

scholarly journals Benzyladenine Increases Branching but Reduces Root Growth of Herbaceous Perennial Liners

HortScience ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Grossman ◽  
John Freeborn ◽  
Holly Scoggins ◽  
Joyce Latimer
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Root Volume ◽  
Rooted Cuttings ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Herbaceous Perennial

The objective of this study is to evaluate the branching effect of benzyladenine (BA) on herbaceous perennial plants during the production of rooted cuttings (liners) and to examine and quantify the root growth of these liners using multiple methods of root evaluation. Five crops were studied: Agastache Clayt. Ex Gronov. ‘Purple Haze’, Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. & A. Gray ‘Siskiyou Pink’, Lavandula ×intermedia Emeric ex Loisel. ‘Provence’, Leucanthemum ×superbum (Bergmans ex J.W. Ingram) Bergmans ex Kent. ‘Snowcap’, and Salvia ×sylvestris L. (pro sp.) ‘May Night’. After rooting but before transplant, BA was applied to rooted cuttings as four treatments: controls (0 mg·L−1), one application of 300 mg·L−1, two applications of 300 mg·L−1, or one application of 600 mg·L−1. Results varied by crop; all crops except Salvia had increased branching as measured as either increased lateral or basal branches and/or increased leaders at 3 to 4 weeks after initial treatment. Four crops showed reduced root growth, whereas Gaura was unaffected. Root dry weight was found to be highly correlated with root surface area and root volume. After transplant and growing out, branching of the finished plants was increased in Gaura and Lavandula, unaffected in Salvia and Leucanthemum, and decreased in Agastache. Treating rooted cuttings with BA before transplant increased branching but the effects were not long lasting, which suggests that additional applications at or after transplant may improve finished plant quality. Reductions in root growth noted in rooted cuttings did not affect the growth of finished plants. Chemical names: N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purine-6-amine (benzyladenine, BA).

Dry matter production of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) with special reference to the root system

1994 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Kjellström ◽  
H. Kirchmann
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Root Growth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Root Radius

SUMMARYAt the research farm of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, above- and belowground production and changes with time in root length, mean root radius and root surface area of spring oilseed rape were studied during the growing seasons 1987 and 1990. In both years, the highest root growth rate was recorded during the stem elongation phase, and the highest shoot growth rate during flowering. The root: shoot ratio decreased throughout the whole period of root sampling, from 0·64 to 0·16, during the cool and wet first year. In the warmer and drier second year, the ratio increased to a maximum of 0·72 when flowering started, and thereafter decreased. More than 80% of the root dry matter was found in the topsoil. Roots were longer and thinner in the dry and warm 1990 than in the wet and cool 1987. Maximum root length was c. 4·9 km/m2 in 1990, and mean root radius varied between 01 and 0·7 mm. Increases in root surface area during periods of root growth were due to increased root length rather than to increased mean root radius.

scholarly journals Growth Characteristics of Bahiagrass Roots Treated with Micronutrients, Rare Earth Elements, and Plant Hormones

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-184
Author(s):  
Ying Liu ◽  
Huawei Song ◽  
Juming Zhang ◽  
Michael D. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Root Tip ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Scanning System ◽  
Cerium Chloride

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is widely used for slope protection and water and soil conservation in southern China. The plants develop an extensive root system that plays a crucial role in the protection of both soil and water. However, little is currently known about the factors that influence early root growth in bahiagrass. Here, the effects of boron (B), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), salicylic acid (SA), and melatonin (MLT) on root growth characteristics were examined. Bahiagrass seedlings were grown in 1/25 strength modified Hoagland nutrient solution supplemented with boric acid, calcium chloride, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA), lanthanum chloride, cerium chloride, SA, or MLT. Root lengths, root surface areas, and the number of root tips were analyzed using a root scanning system after 2, 4, and 6 days of treatment. We found significant effects on root growth after some treatments. Thus, 0.270 or 0.360 mm B for 2 days enhanced root tip number, whereas 0.15 mm Fe for 6 days increased root surface area. Although 3 or 5 mm Ca caused an increase in root tip numbers, the root length was reduced. The addition of La to the nutrient solution significantly increased root length and surface area, and addition of Ce increased root surface area and root tip numbers. Root growth characteristics were optimal after 0.3 μm La for 6 days or 1.0 μm La for 4 days. For Ce treatment, optimal root characteristics were observed at 0.5 μm Ce for 6 days. Root tip numbers increased after 0.1 or 1.0 μm MLT for 6 days, whereas SA treatment reduced the root length, surface area, and root tip numbers. Overall, the analyses indicate that treatment with B, Fe, La, Ce, and MLT benefited root growth in bahiagrass seedlings.

scholarly journals Corn root growth and nutrient accumulation improved by five years of repeated cattle manure addition to eroded Chinese Mollisols

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keqin Zhou ◽  
Xiaobing Liu ◽  
Xingyi Zhang ◽  
Yueyu Sui ◽  
S. J. Herbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Chemical Fertilizer ◽  
Cattle Manure ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Corn Yield ◽  
Leaf Stage

Zhou, K., Liu, X., Zhang, X., Sui, Y., Herbert, S. J. and Xia, Y. 2012. Corn root growth and nutrient accumulation improved by five years of repeated cattle manure addition to eroded Chinese Mollisols. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 521–527. The use of fertilizers with additional cattle manure application on eroded soil has been reported to improve cereal yields. Limited research exists on the long-term effect of cattle manure on root growth and nutrient uptake by corn (Zea mays L.) grown on eroded soils. A field experiment was established in Hailun city, Northeast China to determine the impact of long-term cattle manure addition on corn production in eroded Mollisols. There were five levels of simulated-erosion, which removed 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 cm of topsoil. Two soil amendments were: (1) chemical fertilizer at the rate normally used by farmers in the region and (2) chemical fertilizer plus 15 000 kg ha−1 (dry weight basis) of cattle manure. Root growth (length, surface area and dry weight) was assessed at the three-leaf stage. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake and accumulation by corn were evaluated at the three-leaf stage and at harvest. Compared with chemical fertilizer alone, 5 yr of repeated cattle manure addition significantly increased root surface area by 18–35%, and root dry weight by 45–129% in soil with simulated-erosion. The improvement of root growth by manure application was mainly correlated with the changes in larger size aggregate. N content increased by 12–59%, P by 31–129%, and K by 297–494% in corn at the three-leaf stage, and the same trend was found at harvest. Long-term cattle manure addition increased corn yield by 7% in soils with 5 cm topsoil removal, and gave similar yields in soils with 10 and 20 cm topsoil removal as non-eroded plots receiving chemical fertilizer only. Our results suggest that the increased corn yield in manure-amended soils was related to greater N, P and K accumulation due to larger root surface area and biomass. Addition of cattle manure with chemical fertilizer would be a practical and effective approach to restore soil productivity and improve corn yields in eroded Chinese Mollisols.

scholarly journals Effects of Ridge Tillage and Straw Mulching on Cultivation the Fresh Faba Beans

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1054
Author(s):  
Bo Li ◽  
Xinyu Chen ◽  
Xiaoxu Shi ◽  
Jian Liu ◽  
Yafeng Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rice Straw ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Straw Mulching ◽  
Faba Beans ◽  
Ridge Tillage

Ridge tillage is an effective agronomic practice and a miniature precision agriculture; however, its effects on the growth of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effect of ridge tillage and straw mulching on the root growth, nutrient accumulation and yield of faba beans. Field experiments were conducted during 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons and comprised four treatments: ridge tillage without any mulching (RT), flat tillage without any mulch (FT), flat tillage with rice straw mulched on the ridge tillage (FTRSM) and ridge tillage with rice straw mulched on the ridge tillage (RTRSM). The RT and RTRSM increased soil temperature and decreased soil humidity and improved soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available potassium and organic matter. RT and RTRSM increased the root length density, root surface area, root diameter and root activity of faba beans at flowering and harvest periods. The RT and RTRSM also increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium absorption and the yield of faba beans. These results indicated that ridge tillage and straw mulching affect faba bean growth by improving soil moisture conditions and providing good air permeability and effective soil nutrition supply. This study provides a theoretical basis for the high yield cultivation improvement of faba beans.

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