Synergistic effects of planting density and nitrogen fertilization on chlorophyll degradation and leaf senescence after silking in maize

Regulating planting density and nitrogen(N)fertilization could delay chlorophyll(Chl)degradation and leaf senescence in maize cultivars.This study measured changes in ear leaf green area(GLA_(ear)),Chl content,the activities of Chl a-degrading enzymes after silking,and the post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield under multiple planting densities and N fertilization rates.The dynamic change of GLA_(ear)after silking fitted to the logistic model,and the GLA_(ear) duration and the GLAearat 42 d after silking were affected mainly by the duration of the initial senescence period(T_(1))which was a key factor of the leaf senescence.The average chlorophyllase(CLH)activity was 8.3 times higher than pheophytinase activity and contributed most to the Chl content,indicating that CLH is a key enzyme for degrading Chl a in maize.Increasing density increased the CLH activity and decreased the Chl content,T1,GLAear,and GLA_(ear) duration.Under high density,appropriate N application reduced CLH activity,increased Chl content,prolonged T1,alleviated high-density-induced leaf senescence,and increased post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield.

Effects of Panicle Nitrogen Fertilization on Non-Structural Carbohydrate and Grain Filling in Indica Rice

Grain filling, a crucial stage of grain yield formation in rice, is usually affected by the panicle nitrogen （N） fertilization. Field and pot culture experiments were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of N effect. Two rice cultivars with high lodging resistance were grown in the field and pot. Four panicle N fertilization treatments were conducted in 2006 and repeated in 2007. The result showed that medium level of panicle N fertilization treatment （NM） enhanced the accumulation and translocation of non-structural carbohydrate （NSC） in the stem and sheath. Compared with non-nitrogen treatment （NO）, NM promoted the translocation of labeled ^13C from stem and sheath to grain. But, low level of panicle N fertilization treatment （NL） and high level of panicle N fertilization treatment （NH） showed the negative effect. The endosperm cell, grain length, and grain width of NM increased more quickly than that of NO from 4 to 10 d after anthesis. During the early period of grain filling, sucrose-phosphate synthase （EC 2.4.1.14, SPS） activity were significantly higher for the NM treatment than those of the NL and NH treatments. Sucrose synthase （EC 2.4.1.13, SuSase） activity in the grains was substantially enhanced by NM, with the duration of higher activity being longer than those of the other treatments. At maturing stage, NM significantly increased the filled grain number, the seed-setting rate, and the grain weight compared with NL and NH. The results suggest that NM have a positive effect on the activities of enzymes of physiological importance, thereby increasing the grain size and promoting grain filling.

A Dynamic Knowledge Model for Nitrogen Fertilizationin Wheat Management

By analyzing and extracting the research progress on nitrogen fertilization in wheat, a dynamic knowledge model for management decision-making on total nitrogen rate, ratios of organic to inorganic and of basal to dressing nitrogen under different environments and cultivars in wheat was developed with principle of nutrient balance and by integrating the quantitative effects of grain yield and quality targets, soil characters, variety traits and water management levels. Case studies on the nitrogen fertilization model with the data sets of different eco-sites, cultivars, soil fertility levels, grain yield and quality targets and water management levels indicate a good performance of the model system in decision-making and wide applicability.

Effects of Combined Organic-inorganic Fertilization on Quality and Water Use Efficiency of Spring Maize under Equal Nitrogen Fertilization

The experiment was conducted in the abandoned land of Liangjia Village,Huayin City,Shaanxi Province from April to September 2019.The experimental crop was spring maize.A total of six treatments were set up in a randomized block design.The moisture content of the top 0-60 cm soil was determined regularly,and the yield and quality indices of maize at maturity were checked.The results show that:(i)combined organic-inorganic fertilization increased the yield of spring maize by 3%-8%.(ii)Compared with CK,fertilization treatments significantly improved the water use efficiency of spring maize,with an increase of 59.2%.The average water use efficiency of three combined organic-inorganic fertilization treatments was 27.81 kg/(ha·mm).Compared with CON,combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly improved the water use efficiency of spring maize,with an increase of 12.5%.(iii)The combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased the moisture,total starch,crude protein and crude fat contents,and reduced crude fiber content of maize kernels.However,with the increase of the proportion of organic fertilizer,the crude protein content of maize kernels decreased.(iv)Yield of spring maize showed a significant parabolic relationship with soil water consumption.In summary,70%inorganic fertilizer+30%organic fertilizer is a scientific and reasonable way of fertilization.

Optimization of nitrogen fertilization improves rice quality by affecting the structure and physicochemical properties of starch at high yield levels

A major challenge in modern rice production is to achieve the dual goals of high yield and good quality with low environmental costs.This study was designed to determine whether optimized nitrogen(N)fertilization could fulfill these multiple goals.In two-year experiments,two high yielding‘super’rice cultivars were grown with different N fertilization management regimes,including zero N input,local farmers’practice(LFP)with heavy N inputs,and optimized N fertilization(ONF).In ONF,by reducing N input,increasing planting density,and optimizing the ratio of urea application at different stages,N use efficiency and the physicochemical and textural properties of milled rice were improved at higher yield levels.Compared with LFP,yield and partial factor productivity of applied N(PFP)under ONF were increased(on average)by 1.70 and 13.06%,respectively.ONF increased starch and amylose content,and significantly decreased protein content.The contents of the short chains of A chain(degree of polymerization(DP)6-12)and B1 chain(DP 13-25)of amylopectin were significantly increased under ONF,which resulted in a decrease in the stability of rice starch crystals.ONF increased viscosity values and improved the thermodynamic properties of starch,which resulted in better eating and cooking quality of the rice.Thus,ONF could substantially compensate the negative effects caused by N fertilizer and achieve the multiple goals of higher grain quality and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)at high yield levels.These results will be useful for applications of high quality rice production at high yield levels.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization and Genotype on Rice Grain Macronutrients and Micronutrients

High nitrogen （N） input features China＇s intensive rice production system. To elucidate N and genotype effects on accumulation of macronutrients and micronutrients in grains of japonica rice, and to discuss its significance in rice production, a three-year field experiment involving six japonica rice varieties and seven N treatments were performed. Macronutrients （Ca, Mg, K, and Na） and micronutrients （Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn） concentrations in brown and milled rice were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For macronutrients, no consistently significant effect of N was detected in both brown and milled rice. For micronutrients, N showed significant effect, especially in lowering Zn accumulation in brown and milled rice. In addition, N tended to increase Fe concentration in milled rice. Genotype showed larger effect on distribution of minerals in milled rice than N. The high-yielding variety, Wuyunjing 7, accumulated larger proportion of Mg, K, and Zn in the milled rice as compared with the other five varieties and could be of value for rice breeding programs aiming at high nutritional quality. The results demonstrated differences in response to N between macronutrients and micronutrients, and are of significance for coping with ＇hidden hunger＇ both in humans and crops through agronomical practices.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Leaf Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Field-Grown Winter Wheat Under Rainfed Conditions

The effect of nitrogen fertilization on leaf chlorophyll fluorescence was studied in field-grown winter wheat during grain filling underrainfed conditions in Loess Plateau. Results showed that the actual photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ reaction center (F PSⅡ)decreased significantly as leaf water stress progressed, however, the F PS was increased by nitrogen fertilization. The F PSⅡ of 0, 90 and180 kg ha-1 nitrogen treatments at noon were 0.197, 0.279 and 0.283, respectively, which decreased by 57.7, 56.4 and 40.2% as comparedto those in the morning. In the afternoon, the F PSⅡ partialy or completely recovered to the levels in the morning. The values of F PS Ⅱin 0 and 90kgha-1 treatments recovered to 87.3 and 81.5% of those in the morning. In 180kgha-1 treatment, the F PSⅡ in the afternoonwas even higher than that in the morning. Application of nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased maximum photochemical efficiency(Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (qNP). These results indicated thatapplication of nitrogen fertilizer could increase the light energy conversion efficiency, the potential activity of photosynthetic reactioncenter, and the non-photochemical dissipation of excess light energy, which can prevent leaf photosynthetic apparatus from damage ofenvironmental stress. However, there was no significant difference in the values of F PSⅡbetween 90 and 180kgha-1 nitrogentreatments, indicating that the excess nitrogen was unfavorable to photosynthesis.

Proton accumulation accelerated by heavy chemical nitrogen fertilization and its long-term impact on acidifying rate in a typical arable soil in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain

Cropland productivity has been significantly impacted by soil acidification resulted from nitrogen （N） fertilization, especially as a result of excess ammoniacal N input. With decades＇ intensive agricultural cultivation and heavy chemical N input in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, the impact extent of induced proton input on soil pH in the long term was not yet clear. In this study, acidification rates of different soil layers in the soil profile （0-120 cm） were calculated by pH buffer capacity （pHBC） and net input of protons due to chemical N incorporation. Topsoil （0-20 cm） pH changes of a long-term fertilization field （from 1989） were determined to validate the predicted values. The results showed that the acid and alkali buffer capacities varied significantly in the soil profile, averaged 692 and 39.8 mmolc kg-1 pH-1, respectively. A significant （P〈0.05） correlation was found between pHRC and the content of calcium carbonate. Based on the commonly used application rate of urea （500 kg N ha-1 yr-1）, the induced proton input in this region was predicted to be 16.1 kmol ha-1 yr-1, and nitrification and plant uptake of nitrate were the most important mechanisms for proton producing and consuming, respectively. The acidification rate of topsoil （0-20 cm） was estimated to be 0.01 unit pH yr-1 at the assumed N fertilization level. From 1989 to 2009, topsoil pH （0-20 cm） of the long-term fertilization field decreased from 8.65 to 8.50 for the PK （phosphorus, 150 kg P205 ha-1 yr-1; potassium, 300 kg K20 ha-1 yr-1; without N fertilization）, and 8.30 for NPK （nitrogen, 300 kg N ha-1 yr-1; phosphorus, 150 kg P2Os ha-1 yr-1; potassium, 300 kg K20 ha -1 yr-1）, respectively. Therefore, the apparent soil acidification rate induced by N fertilization equaled to 0.01 unit pH yr-1, which can be a reference to the estimated result, considering the effect of atmospheric N deposition, crop biomass, field management and plant uptake of other nutrients and cations. As protons could be consumed by some field practices, such as stubble return and coupled water and nutrient management, soil pH would maintain relatively stable if proper management practices can be adopted in this region.

Effects of Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield and Nitrogen Accumulation of Summer Maize in Shajiang Black Soil Area

[Objectives] This study was conducted to verify the field application effect of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on summer maize in Shajiang black soil area by simultaneous sowing and fertilization, and explore the application scope and nitrogen metabolism mechanism, so as to lay a foundation for fertilizer reduction and efficiency improvement. [Methods] With maize variety Beiqing 340 and sulfur-coated urea as experimental materials, five nitrogen application levels were set, namely, control (C0), slow-release nitrogen 70 kg/hm^(2) (C70), slow-release nitrogen 140 kg/hm^(2) (C140), slow-release nitrogen 210 kg/hm^(2) (C210) and slow-release nitrogen 280 kg/hm^(2) (C280). The phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were all in accordance with the unified standard. [Results] With the application rate of slow-release nitrogen increasing, the nitrogen accumulation in organs increased first and then decreased after tasseling stage of maize. In order to reduce the fertilizing amount and increase efficiency, 210 kg/hm^(2) of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was the best fertilizing amount for summer maize in Shajiang black soil area. [Conclusions] This study provides reference for fertilizer reduction, efficiency improvement and sustainable development of summer maize in Shajiang black soil area.

Species-specific Response of Photosynthesis to Burning and Nitrogen Fertilization

The present study was conducted to examine photosynthetic characteristics of three dominant grass species （Agropyron cristatum, Leymus chinensis, and Cleistogenes squarrosa） and their responses to burning and nitrogen fertilization in a semiarid grassland in northern China. Photosynthetic rate （Pn）, stomatal conductance （gs）, and water use efficiency （WUE） showed strong temporal variability over the growing season. C. squarrosa showed a significantly higher Pn and WUE than A. cristatum and L. chinensis. Burning stimulated Pn of A. cristatum and L. chinensis by 24-59% （P 〈 0.05） in the early growing season, but not during other time periods. Light-saturated photosynthetic rate （Pmax） in A. cristatum and the maximum apparent quantum yield （Фmax） in A. cristatum and L. chinensis were significantly enhanced by burning （16-67%） in both the fertilized and unfertilized plots. The main effect of burning on Pn, Pmax and Фmax was not significant in C. squarrosa. The burning-induced changes in soil moisture could explain 51% （P= 0.01） of the burning-induced changes in Pn of the three species. All three species showed positive responses to N fertilization in terms of Pn, Pmax, and Фmax. The stimulation of Pn under N fertilization was mainly observed in the early growing season when the soil extractable N content was significantly higher in the fertilized plots. The N fertilization-induced changes in soil extractable N content could explain 66% （P = 0.001） of the changes in Pn under N fertilization. The photosynthetic responses of the three species indicate that burning and N fertilization will potentially change the community structure and ecosystem productivity in the semiarid grasslands of northern China.

Ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from a subtropical wheat field under different nitrogen fertilization strategies

Minimizing soil ammonia（NH_3） and nitrous oxide（N_2O） emission factors（EFs） has significant implications in regional air quality and greenhouse gas（GHG） emissions besides nitrogen（N） nutrient loss.The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of different N fertilizer treatments of conventional urea,polymer-coated urea,ammonia sulfate,urease inhibitor（NBPT,N-（n-butyl） thiophosphoric triamide）-treated urea,and nitrification inhibitor（DCD,dicyandiamide）-treated urea on emissions of NH_3 and GHGs from subtropical wheat cultivation.A field study was established in a Cancienne silt loam soil.During growth season,NH_3 emission following N fertilization was characterized using active chamber method whereas GHG emissions of N_2O,carbon dioxide（CO_2）,and methane（CH_4） were by passive chamber method.The results showed that coated urea exhibited the largest reduction（49%） in the EF of NH_3-N followed by NBPT-treated urea（39%） and DCD-treated urea（24%） over conventional urea,whereas DCD-treated urea had the greatest suppression on N_2O-N（87%） followed by coated urea（76%） and NBPT-treated urea（69%）.Split fertilization of ammonium sulfate-urea significantly lowered both NH_3-N and N_2O-N EF values but split urea treatment had no impact over one-time application of urea.Both NBPT and DCD-treated urea treatments lowered CO_2-C flux but had no effect on CH_4-C flux.Overall,application of coated urea or urea with NPBT or DCD could be used as a mitigation strategy for reducing NH_3 and N_2O emissions in subtropical wheat production in Southern USA.

Nitrogen fertilization degrades soil aggregation by increasing ammonium ions and decreasing biological binding agents on a Vertisol after 12 years

Degraded soil aggregation arising from nitrogen(N)fertilization has been reported in many studies;however,the mechanisms have not yet been clarified.Elucidating the impact of N fertilization on soil aggregation would help to improve soil structure and sustain high crop production.The objective of this study was to determine the impact of long-term N fertilization on soil aggregation and its association with binding and dispersing agents.A 12-year(2008–2019)N fertilization field experiment on a Vertisol was performed,covering a wide range of N application rates(0,360,450,540,630,and 720 kg ha-1 year-1)and including straw management(straw return and straw removal)in a wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)-maize(Zea mays L.)cropping system.Soil samples of 0–20 cm depth were collected from 12 field treatments with 3 replications in 2019.Soil aggregate stability(mean weight diameter(MWD))and contents of soil organic carbon(SOC),glomalin-related soil protein(GRSP),microbial biomass carbon(MBC),and mineral N(NH4+and NO3-)were determined.Long-term N fertilization under straw removal conditions reduced soil MWD by 12%–18%at N rates from 0 to 720 kg ha-1 compared to that under straw return(P<0.05).Soil MWD was positively associated with pH(P<0.05)and MBC(P<0.05),but negatively correlated with NH4+(P<0.05)and NO3-(P<0.05).Compared with the straw removal treatment,the straw incorporation treatment significantly improved the contents of aggregating agents(SOC,GRSP,and MBC)(P<0.001),but did not affect that of the dispersing agent(NH4+)(P>0.05);consequently,it improved soil aggregation.Overall,our results indicate that long-term N fertilization may degrade soil aggregation because of the increases in monovalent ions(H+and NH4+)and the decrease in MBC during soil acidification,especially when the applied N dose exceeded 360 kg ha-1 year-1.Our finding can minimize the negative structural impacts on Vertisol.

Optimum nitrogen fertilization of Calophyllum inophyllum seedlings under greenhouse conditions

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of nitrogen fertilization on Calophyllum inophyllum seedlings grown with 0, 50, 100, 150,200, 300, 400 and 600 mg N per seedling according to exponential functions. Seedling height, root collar diameter, leaf area and total biomass increased with increasing fertilization from 0 to 200 mg N per seedling and decreased with further increase in fertilization from300 to 600 mg N per seedling. The net photosynthetic rate,stomatal conductance, intercellular CO_2 concentration and transpiration rate of C. inophyllum seedlings showed a unimodal parabolic trend, with peak values of7.29 mmol·m^(–2)·s^(–1), 0.071 mol·m^(–2)·s^(–1), 220 mmol·mol^(–1) and 1.34 mmol·m^(–2)·s^(–1), respectively, when the rate of fertilization was 200 mg N per seedling. Photosynthetic gas exchange parameters were significantly different among nitrogen treatments. Based on the critical values of leaf N and P concentration and N/P ratio, the optimum amount of nitrogen of C. inophyllum seedlings was 200–400 mg per seedling for leaf N and P concentration, and100–400 mg per seedling for N/P ratio. It was concluded that 200–400 mg N per seedling was the most suitable nitrogen range for C. inophyllum seedlings.

Response of seed yield and fatty acid compositions for some sunflower genotypes to plant spacing and nitrogen fertilization

A field experiment was conducted at the experiment Farm of Kafr-El-Hamam Research Station,Zagazig,Sharkia Governorate,Agricultural Research Center,Egypt during the two successive summer seasons of 2015 and 2016 to achieve the highest yield and good oil quality of three tested sunflower genotypes.In both seasons,the experiment was conducted using the split split plot design in randomized complete block design with three replicates arrangement keeping plant spaces(15,20 and 25 cm apart between hills)in main plots,nitrogen fertilization levels(15,30 and 45 N fad.^-1)in sub plots and sunflower genotypes(Giza 102,Sakha 53 and promising line of L120)in sub sub plots.Yield and quality traits were significantly influenced by plant spaces,nitrogen fertilization levels and genotypes as well as interactions in both seasons and their combined analysis.The wider plant spacing of 25 cm seems to be a good compromise between the highest seed yield fad.^-1 and good acid composition of oil.Gradually increasing of nitrogen fertilization level had a positive reflected on yield and desirable acid composition of oil.Sakha 53 was ranked in the first order in stem diameter,head diameter,100-seed weight,seed weight plant^-1,flowered late and hence seed yield fad.^-1 as well as seed oil content whereas,Giza 102 characterized with its contained the highest proportion of oleic and linoleic unsaturated fatty acids.The highest values of head diameter,100-seed weight,seed weight plant^-1 and hence seed yield fad.^-1 as well as the highest proportion of oleic and linoleic unsaturated fatty acids composition were obtained by grown sunflower cv.Sakha 53 at wider spacing of 25 cm with application of nitrogen fertilization levels of 45 N fad.^-1.Correlation and path analyses revealed that 100-seed weight and head diameter had the highest direct and indirect influence on seed weight plant
1,at the same time also,oleic acid content and linoleic acid content had the highest direct and indirect effect influence on seed oil content indicating their importance as selection criteria to improve yield and oil quality of sunflower.

Effects of biochar amendment and nitrogen fertilization on soil microbial biomass pools in an Alfisol under rain-fed rice cultivation

Field studies were conducted over 2 years to determine the response of soil microbial biomass pool to biochar and N fertilizer combinations in a rain-fed rice cropping system.Biochar was applied at four doses:0 t ha^(−1),3 t ha^(−1),6 t ha^(−1) and 12 t ha^(−1) in combination with N fertilizer at four rates:0 kg ha^(−1),30 kg ha^(−1),60 kg ha^(−1) and 90 kg ha^(−1) to a Typic Paleustalf Alfisol.Soil samples from two depths(0-10 and 10-20 cm)were collected to determine microbial biomass C(MBC),N(MBN),P(MBP),MBC/N ratio,MBC/P ratio,soil CO_(2) flux,microbial qCO_(2),cultivable bacterial and fungal abundance.Biochar and N fertilizer combination effects on MBC,MBN and MBP pools were dependent on biochar doses,N fertilizer rates and soil depth.MBC/N and MBC/P ratios were decreased after 2 years.Soil CO_(2) flux was maximum at post-seeding stage of rice plant,while decreasing trends occurred at active tillering and harvest stage.Increasing doses of biochar irrespective of its combination with N fertilizer rates decreased CO_(2) flux and microbial qCO_(2).Combinations of biochar and N fertilizer increased fungal/bacterial ratio and induced a shift to a more fungal-dominated population after 2 years.Our results sug-gest that combination of biochar doses(3-12 t ha^(−1))with N fertilizer rates had stimulatory effects on microbial biomass pools and activity with positive implications for organic carbon accumulation,nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)retention in tropical soils.

Increased nitrogen fertilization inhibits the biocontrol activity promoted by the intercropping partner plant

The examination of the compatibility between agricultural practices and biocontrol activities is crucial for establishing an efficient,eco-friendly,and sustainable pest management program.In this study,we examined the population dynamics of two specialist aphids,the English grain aphid(Sitobion avenae)on potted wheat and the pea aphid(Acyrthosiphon pisum)on potted alfalfa,as well as the biocontrol activity of a generalist predator,the harlequin ladybird beetle(Harmonia axyridis).We investigated their responses to the presence of the intercropping partner plant species(alfalfa and wheat,respectively)through plant volatiles or visual cues at three nitrogen fertilizer levels in a greenhouse.In the absence of the predator,the English grain aphid population growth rate increased significantly with increasing nitrogen levels,whereas the pea aphid population increased significantly more slowly in response to high nitrogen levels.The English grain aphid and pea aphid population dynamics were unaffected by the presence of the intercropping partner.However,the presence of the intercropping partner enhanced the control of both aphid populations by the harlequin ladybird beetle.Increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels decreased the predation rates,which were otherwise increased by the intercropping partner.The beneficial effects of the intercropping partner were eventually non-existent at the highest nitrogen level tested.These results imply that the interaction between the presence of intercropping partner and the nitrogen fertilizer application affects the biocontrol activity of the natural enemies of insect pests.Thus,the compatibility between agricultural intensification and biocontrol strategies in integrated pest management programs need to be investigated.

Modified fertilization management of summer maize(Zea mays L.) in northern China improves grain yield and efficiency of nitrogen use

Improving the yield of maize grain per unit area is needed to meet the growing demand for it in China, where the availability of fertile land is very limited.Modified fertilization management and planting density are efficient methods for increasing crop yield.Field experiments were designed to investigate the influence of modified fertilization management and planting density on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of the popular maize variety Zhengdan 958, in four treatments including local farmer＇s practice（FP）, high-yielding and high efficiency cultivation（HH）, super high-yielding cultivation（SH）, and the control（CK）.Trials were conducted in three locations of the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in northern China.Compared with FP, SH was clearly able to promote N absorption and dry matter accumulation in post-anthesis, and achieve high yield and N use efficiency by increasing planting density and postponing the supplementary application of fertilizers.However, with an increase in planting density, the demand of N increased along with grain yield.Due to the input of too much N fertilizer, the efficiency of N use in SH was low.Applying less total N, ameliorating cultivation and cropping management practices should be considered as priority strategies to augment production potential and finally achieve synchronization between high yield and high N efficiency in fertile soils.However, in situations where soil fertility is low, achieving high yield and high N use efficiency in maize will likely depend on increased planting density and appropriate application of supplementary fertilizers postpone to the grain-filling stage.

N-Exponential Fertilization Could Affect the Growth and Nitrogen Accumulation of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Seedling in a Greenhouse Environment

Metasequoia glyptostroboides(M.glyptostroboides)is a unique plant species related to relic flora in China.It plays a positive role in afforestation and its long-term protection with high paleoclimate research value.However,due to the nutrients-supply deficiency,it is a big challenge to cultivate the high-quality seedlings of M.glyptostroboides.In this study,a pot experiment in a greenhouse environment was carried out to identify the effect of N-exponential fertilization on the growth and nutrient distribution of M.glyptostroboides seedling.The M.glyptostroboides rooted seedlings with 12-month growth were chosen.Different N fertilizer levels with conventional fertilization(CF:5.0 g seedling^(−1)),exponential fertilization including EF1,EF2,EF3 and EF4 were determined.The relevant growth indexes were measured after 210-day growth.The results indicated that non-significant differences in seedlings’height and ground diameter were found among the above treatments(P>0.05);At the same time,N-exponential fertilization promoted the M.glyptostroboides’s biomass in different organs(P<0.05),with the maximum total biomass under EF3 treatment.The N accumulation in root and stem of the N-exponential fertilization treatments were increased in to some extent(P<0.05).The maximum N accumulation was also found under EF3 treatment.Therefore,steady-state nutrition and superior growth performance of M.glyptostroboides could be obtained by N-exponential fertilization of 5.0 g cutting^(−1).

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer on protein synthesis, accumulation, and physicochemical properties in common buckwheat

Nitrogen(N)fertilization affects grain quality in common buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum Moench).But the effects of N fertilizer on various buckwheat protein parameters are not fully understood.This study aimed to investigate the synthesis,accumulation,and quality of buckwheat protein under four N application rates in the Loess Plateau,China.Optimal N application(180 kg N ha-1)improved yield,agronomic traits,and N transport and increased protein yield and protein component accumulation.Prolamin and glutelin accumulation first increased and then decreased with increasing N application.The relationships between the contents of protein components and the amount of applied N generally followed quadratic functions.Nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities first increased and then decreased with increasing N levels.Optimal N fertilizer increased the waterholding capacity and thermal stability of buckwheat protein and reduced its emulsification capacity,but negligibly changed its oil-absorption capacity.Hydrophobic amino acids and glutelin content were the main factors affecting protein quality.

Yield of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) as Influenced by Manure and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Field experiments were carried out on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons at the CSIR-SARI Research Station at Manga in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The aim of the experiment was to study the response of roselle to cowdung, nitrogen fertilizer and their interaction on the growth and yield of roselle. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of five rates of cowdung (0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 t/ha) and five levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kgN/ha) laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Data were collected on days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves per plant and dry calyx yield. The results indicated that differences in dry calyx yield due to the manure and nitrogen fertilizer effects were highly significant (P 0.01). Application rate of 2.5 t/ha manure recorded the highest yield of 340 kg/ha and 308.1 kg/ha in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Increasing manure rate from 2.5 - 3.5 t/ha did not result in significant increases in dry calyx yield. The four rates differed significantly from the control which had the least calyx yield of 190.3 kg/ha and 180 kg/ha in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Nitrogen rate of 60 kg/ha recorded the highest dry calyx yield of 510.5 kg/ha and 370.4 kg/ha in 2019 and 2020 respectively which were significantly different from calyx yields recorded by other treatments. The trend on partial budget analysis was consistent in both seasons with the highest yielding treatments (2.5 t/ha cowdung manure and 60 kg/ha) recording the highest net benefit while the control (0 kg/ha) ranked last. The application rate of 2.5 t/ha of cowdung and 60 kg/ha of Nitrogen is thus recommended for optimum roselle production and productivity in the study area.