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Begonia (Begonia semperflorens Link et Otto) belongs to a group of annual plants that are commonly grown in city parks, mainly due to their wide colour options and adaptability to grow either in full sun or semi-shade. Good quality of begonia transplants for early planting outdoors can sometimes be hard to achieve, due to unfavourable conditions early in the season, such as low temperatures leading to insufficient nutrient uptake and plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of biostimulants for improving the conditions for raising transplants for early outdoor planting. The experiments were conducted in a non-heated glasshouse and were set up as a split plot design with treated and untreated plants in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In each year, the treatment with biostimulant Radifarm®, in a concentration of 0.25% (Valagro SpA, Italy) was applied weekly for two months, while control plants were treated with water. At the end of experiment, the following parameters were recorded: fresh and dry weights of roots and above-ground plant parts, plant height, numbers of leaves and flowers as well as concentrations of total N, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and free proline in roots and above-ground parts. Plants treated with biostimulant had significantly higher values for all morphological parameters investigated. At the same time, higher concentrations of K+ were recorded in begonia roots, while significantly higher concentrations of total N, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were recorded in above-ground parts of biostimulant-treated plants. Biostimulant application affected proline accumulation positively.

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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analyse prevailing dietary patterns among German adolescents and their associations with biomarkers of nutrient status and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Analyses were based on data from the nationwide, representative Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents in Germany, conducted between 2003 and 2006 (KiGGS baseline). Dietary habits of 12 to 17 year olds (2646 boys and 2551 girls) were determined using 34 food groups assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was applied to determine the major dietary patterns. The associations between dietary patterns and biomarkers were analysed using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: We identified three major dietary patterns among boys and two among girls. Higher scores of the ‘healthy’ patterns (fruits, salad vegetables, wholemeal bread) were associated with higher levels of serum folate and lower levels of homocysteine among both sexes and higher levels of serum vitamin B12 among girls. Conversely, higher scores of the ‘western’ pattern among boys (salty snacks, burger, French fries) were associated with a lower ferritin level and lower diastolic blood pressure. The ‘traditional’ pattern among boys (white bread, processed meat, meat) was associated with a lower folate level and the ‘western and traditional’ pattern among girls (salty snacks, burger, French fries) with lower folate and higher homocysteine levels. No associations between dietary patterns and blood lipids, HbA1c and uric acid were found. The mean age of boys with higher scores in the ‘western’ pattern was higher, whereas the mean age of girls with higher scores in the ‘western and traditional’ dietary patterns was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with higher scores in the ‘healthy’ dietary patterns had a better nutrient profile. Therefore, healthy dietary patterns should be promoted early in life, with a special focus on the sex differences.

Three salts (NaCl; KCl; Na2SO4) were supplied to pomegranate cv. Wonderful plants, in order to investigate their effects on growth, nutrient status, chlorophyll, total carbohydrate content and antioxidant defense system. In general, high salt supply led to a significant decline in total N and K content of plants. Also, all salt treatments decreased Ca and Mg concentration of leaves. Both NaCl and KCl treatments increased leaf Cl concentration by up to 418%. Salt excess resulted in a significant decline of chlorophyll and carbohydrate concentration of leaves and/or roots. Finally, concerning antioxidants, diamine oxidase activity increased in the treatment of 120 mM Na2SO4. In conclusion, salinity impaired mineral nutrition of pomegranate cv. Wonderful. On the other hand, that cultivar presented mechanisms that alleviated the detrimental effects of salinity. Therefore, the studied plants, even under high saline treatments, managed to maintain water content, chlorophyll fluorescence and enzyme activity in normal levels. These results suggest that ,Wonderful, may be cultivated under saline conditions provided that a suitable fertilization program is used.

В статті приведені дані впливу строків сівби та фонів мінерального живлення на врожайність та енергетичну ефективність вирощування сортів проса посівного в умовах Миколаївської області. Встановлено, що найбільший приріст сукупної енергії спостерігали у варіанті першого, раннього строку сівби (ІІІ декада квітня – І декада травня, після стійкого прогрівання ґрунту на глибині 10 см до 10–12° С) при вирощуванні сорту Таврійське. За внесення добрив N40Р30 внаслідок порівняно низького приросту врожайності зерна енергетичний коефіцієнт знижується, цей показник у середньому має однаковий рівень із неудобреним фоном. За сівби у перший строк коефіцієнт енергетичної ефективності був найбільшим за використання розрахункової дози мінерального добрива та складав по сорту Константинівське – 3,3, Східне – 3,0 та по сорту Таврійське – 4,2. Ці показники свідчать про енергетичну виправданість пропонованих елементів агротехніки вирощування сортів проса для отримання зерна., The article presents data of influence of sowing dates and mineral nutrient status on productivity and power efficiency of growing varieties of millet under Mykolaiv region. It was found that the greatest total power increase was observed in first embodiment, the period of sowing early (III decade of April to the I decade of May, after a steady warming of soil at a depth of 10 cm to 10-12 °C) when growing varieties Tavriyskoe. When making N40R30 fertilizer due to relatively low growth rate of grain yield power decreases, rate on average has same level with unfertilized background. It was found that when sown in first term power efficiency ratio was highest when using calculated dose of fertilizer and was on sort of Konstantinovskoe – 3,3, Vostochnoe – 3,0 Tavriyskoe – 4,2. These figures testify to power of expediency of proposed elements of farming cultivation of millet varieties for grain., В статье приведены данные влияния сроков сева и фонов минерального питания на урожайность и энергетическую эффективность выращивания сортов проса посевного в условиях Николаевской области. Установлено, что наибольший прирост совокупной энергии наблюдали в варианте первого, раннего срока сева (ІІІ декада апреля – І декада мая, после устойчивого прогревания почвы на глубине 10 см до 10–12° С) при выращивании сорта Таврийское. При внесении удобрений N40Р30 вследствие сравнительно низкого прироста урожайности зерна энергетический коэффициент снижается, этот показатель в среднем имеет одинаковый уровень с неудобренным фоном. При посеве в первый срок коэффициент энергетической эффективности был наивысшим при использовании расчетной дозы минерального удобрения и составлял по сорту Константиновское – 3,3, Восточное – 3,0, Таврийское – 4,2. Эти показатели свидетельствуют об энергетической целесообразности предлагаемых элементов агротехники выращивания сортов проса для получения зерна.

An increased prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) related complications such as impaired bone health and diabetes has accompanied increased survival of patients with CF. This review was conducted to determine the extent to which adults with CF are meeting current nutrition recommendations for micronutrients in association with CF-related complications management. Although dietary intake and nutritional status in CF has improved significantly in recent decades, micronutrient status seems to have diverged. While vitamin A and E intakes appear adequate, frequent vitamin D and K deficiency/insufficiency and compromised bone health in CF, occurs despite supplementation. Although deficiency of water-soluble vitamins and minerals is uncommon, ongoing surveillance will enhance overall health outcomes, particularly in cases of CF-related liver disease and deteriorated lung function and bone health. Salt and fluid status in CF may also need attention due to diminished thirst sensation and voluntary rehydration. Further investigation in micronutrient status optimisation in CF will inform the development of more effective and targeted nutrition therapies to enable integration of more refined recommendations for micronutrient intakes in CF based on individual needs and disease progression.

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) has worldwide economic and ecological importance and cultivated widely at the rate ofthree million hectare globally. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to investigate the role of seed provenance in growth and nutrient status of Robinia. Seeds from different geographicallocations were planted in the same ecological conditions. After six months, all Robinia trees were harvested and separated into leaves, sterns and roots. Element concentrations of P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Mn and Kin organic materials (leaves, sterns and roots sampIes) were measured by ICP-AES. A significant difference was detected among seeds provenances of Robinia. regarding height (160-240 cm) and diameter (4.2-6.8 mm). Different Robinia seed provenances showed significant different concentrations of potassium (K) in leaves and calcium (Ca) in sterns while no significant differences was observed in terms of other investigated nutrients. peerReviewed

Several reports have indicated fertilizer application is not required for increased gum yield in Acacia senegal. This study investigated the relationships between soil properties and gum yield under plantation and savanna woodland conditions. Multi-stage sampling was used to demarcate a 900 ha plantation into 20 blocks of 45 ha, and a 300 ha savanna woodland into 10 blocks of 30 ha. Twenty sub-plots per site were randomly selected for yield assessment by tapping for gum collection, weighing, and recording yield figures in grams. Twelve soil pits were established for soil analysis. Data were analyzed using log-log correlation, and linear regressions. Plantation results showed nitrogen (r = 0.72) and Cation Exchange Capacity (r = 0.67) were positively correlated with yield, and calcium and yield were negatively correlated (r = -0.73). The plantation results indicated the coefficient of determination (R2) and standard error (SE) were respectively 0.99 and 0.005 for nitrogen,0.79 and 0.024 for calcium, and 0.53 and 0.036 for CEC. Ninety-nine percent, 79%, and 53% of the variation in yield were explained by nitrogen, calcium and CEC, respectively. Under savanna woodland conditions, only nitrogen was positively correlated with yield (r = 0.65), and R2 and SE were respectively 0.70 and 0.014, with 70% of the variation in yield explained by nitrogen. Regression equations were subsequently developed to predict gum yield. Gum yield was correlated with soil chemical properties, and could be predicted based on nitrogen, calcium, and CEC values.

Under global climate change it is expected that many arid regions in the world will experience enhanced desertification in the next decades. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a one commonly used species for afforestation projects in arid regions of Iran due to its soil rehabilitation capabilities. This study aims to characterize how Robinia growth parameters and nutrient status interacted and were influenced soil properties. The experiment was conducted at three Robinia plantations in Iran, across a water and nutrient availability and salinity gradient. Sample plots (20x20 m) were set up at each Robinia study site in order to measure growth rate and to take leaf, stem and soil samples. Total concentration of macro and micro nutrients in soil and organic samples and also soil exchangeable cations were measured using ICP-OES. Robinia growth showed a positive correlation with soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and a negative relationship with soil inorganic carbon. In the study site with higher Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) Robinia absorb more exchangeable potassium than sodium as an adaptation mechanism against soil salinity. The concentration of nitrogen (N), sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) of leaves was fairly good reflecting the variation in soil element concentrations under Robinia plantations. Consequently, mentioned soil properties can be applied practically as indicators for understanding the success or failure of Robinia afforestation projects in Iran and similar regions in the world. peerReviewed

The coordination of animal growth and development requires adequate nutrients. During times of insufficient food, developmental progression is slowed and stored energy is utilized to ensure that cell and tissue survival are maintained. Here, we report our finding that the Gbb/BMP signaling pathway, known to play an important role in many developmental processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates, is critical in the Drosophila larval fat body for regulating energy homeostasis. Animals with mutations in the Drosophila BMP-5,7 orthologue, glass bottom boat (gbb), or in its signaling components, display phenotypes similar to nutrient-deprived and Tor mutant larvae. These phenotypes include a developmental delay with reduced overall growth, a transparent appearance, and altered total lipid, glucose and trehalose levels. We find that Gbb/BMP signaling is required in the larval fat body for maintaining proper metabolism, yet interestingly, following nutrient deprivation larvae in turn show a loss of BMP signaling in fat body cells indicating that Gbb/BMP signaling is a central player in homeostasis. Finally, despite strong phenotypic similarities between nutrient-compromised animals and gbb mutants, distinct differences are observed in the expression of a group of starvation responsive genes. Overall, our results implicate Gbb/BMP signaling as a new pathway critical for positive regulation of nutrient storage and energy homeostasis during development.

The nutritive values of three dominant hydrophytes along the water courses in Nile Delta, Egypt (Echinochloa stagnina, Eichhornia crassipes and Ceratophyllum demersum) were evaluated in terms of estimating their phytomass, organic and inorganic chemical compositions. Shoots were collected seasonally from 25 permanent stands representing the distribution of the three species along 15 canals and 10 drains distributed in 5 localities within the Nile Delta. Living and dead parts and total phytomass were estimated. Their inorganic (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Mn and Pb) and organic (carbohydrates, total nitrogen, total protein, ether extract, digestible nutrient, digestible energy, metabolized energy and net energy) contents were estimated. The vegetative phase of E. stagnina extended during winter, spring and summer ; while flowering and fruiting during autumn (Figure 2). On the other hand, E. crassipes and C. demersum attained their maximum flowering during spring and maximum fruiting during summer, while maximum vegetative phase during autumn and winter. E. stagnina had the highest mean annual phytomass, while C. demersum had the lowest. The living parts of C. demersum had the highest concentrations of Na, Ca and Mg ; while the living parts of E. crassipes had the highest of K and N. C. demersum had the ability to accumulate more concentrations of heavy metals than the other studied species. E. crassipes had the highest values of total carbohydrate and total proteins, while E. stagnina had the highest of crude fibers and C. demersum had the highst of ether extraxt and ash contents. The living parts of E. crassipes and C. demersum were considered as excellent forages, while the dead parts of all species and the living parts of E. stagnina were evaluated as poor forage., Shaltout Kamel H., Galal Tarek M., El-Komi Thanaa M. Evaluation of the nutrient status of some hydrophytes in the water courses of Nile Delta, Egypt. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 36 n°1, 2010. pp. 77-87.

Submitted by repositorio ufvjm (repositorio@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2017-01-09T16:32:43Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S0100-06832009000400021.pdf: 1447594 bytes, checksum: 25771cea5cbd9d8af647be40abe474e3 (MD5) license.txt: 2109 bytes, checksum: aa477231e840f304454a16eb85a9235f (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2017-01-21T13:21:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 S0100-06832009000400021.pdf: 1447594 bytes, checksum: 25771cea5cbd9d8af647be40abe474e3 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-21T13:21:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S0100-06832009000400021.pdf: 1447594 bytes, checksum: 25771cea5cbd9d8af647be40abe474e3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-08-01 Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecu?ria de Minas Gerais (EPAMIG) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico (CNPq) Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior (CAPES) As normas do Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomenda??o (DRIS) ainda n?o foram estabelecidas para a cultura do caf? do Alto Jequitinhonha, MG, o que impede que o DRIS seja aplicado nos cafeeiros da regi?o. A diagnose foliar, mediante o uso do DRIS e de faixas cr?ticas de refer?ncia, destaca-se entre as ferramentas potenciais que permitem usar eficientemente os fertilizantes. Desse modo, este trabalho objetiva estabelecer as normas DRIS, bem como estimar os valores das faixas cr?ticas dos nutrientes de refer?ncia para a diagnose nutricional de cafeeiros da regi?o do Alto Jequitinhonha, por meio do DRIS. Determinaram-se os teores foliares de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn em 52 lavouras cafeeiras, em duas safras (2005 e 2006). Foram selecionadas, para estabelecer as normas DRIS, 23 lavouras em cada safra com produtividade maior e igual a 30 sacas de gr?os de caf? por hectare. As faixas cr?ticas obtidas do DRIS, determinando-se a frequ?ncia com que o teor de cada nutriente das lavouras nas duas safras foi deficiente, adequado ou excessivo em rela??o aos padr?es mencionados e teores considerados adequados pela literatura. As normas DRIS foram estabelecidas para cafeeiros da regi?o do Alto Jequitinhonha e utilizadas para propor faixas cr?ticas adequadas. Para isso, foram estabelecidos os valores para N (2,25-2,79 dag kg-1), P (0,18-0,22 dag kg-1), K (1,72-2,10 dag kg-1), Ca (1,26-1,51 dag kg-1), Mg (0,29-0,35 dag kg-1), S (0,13-0,32 dag kg-1), B (83,8-96,3 mg kg-1), Cu (5,7-9,3 mg kg-1), Fe (67,5-116,2 mg kg-1), Mn (219-422 mg kg-1) e Zn (17,4-30,0 mg kg-1), e faixas cr?ticas adequadas para diagnose nutricional de cafeeiros da regi?o do Alto Jequitinhonha, no Estado de Minas Gerais. Os cafezais da regi?o em desequil?brio apresentaram defici?ncia em P, K, S, B, Cu, Mn e Zn e excesso de Ca, Mg e Fe. In the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), norms for coffee in the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil, have not been established yet. The lack of these norms hinders the application of the DRIS to the coffee plantations in the region. The foliar diagnosis, based on the DRIS and on critical reference ranges, stands out among the tools that allow an efficient use of fertilizers. This study aimed to determine DRIS norms as well as to establish values of the critical nutrient ranges of reference for the nutritional diagnosis of coffee in the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley, by the DRIS. The foliar concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in 52 coffee plantations were determined in two cropping years (2005 and 2006). To establish DRIS norms 23 plantations were chosen, with yields higher than or equal to 30 sacks of coffee grain per hectare in each harvest. The critical nutrient ranges for the DRIS were obtaind by determinig the frequency with which each nutrient content of the plantations in two harvests was deficient, adequate or excessive according to the cited standards and sufficiency ranges reported in the literature. The DRIS norms were established for coffee in the region of the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley and used to propose appropriate critical ranges. For this purpose, the following values were proposed: for N (2.25-2.79 kg dag-1), P (0.18-0.22 kg dag-1), K (1.72-2.10 kg dag-1), Ca (1.26-1.51 kg dag-1), Mg (0.29-0.35 kg dag-1), S (0.13-0.32 kg dag-1), B (83.8-96.3 mg kg-1), Cu (5.7-9.3 mg kg-1), Fe (67.5 - 116.2 mg kg-1), Mn (219-422 mg kg-1), and for Zn (17.4-30.0 mg kg-1). In regional coffee plantations with inadequate nutrition deficiencies of P, K, S, B, Cu, Mn, and Zn were observed as well as excessive contents of Ca, Mg and Fe.

26 pages, figures, and tables statistics, The potential of Nostoc 9v for improving the nitrogen (N)2–fixing capacity and nutrient status of semi-arid soils from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa was studied in a laboratory experiment. Nostoc 9v was inoculated on nonsterilized and sterilized soils. Inoculum rates were 2.5 mg dry biomass g21 soil and 5mg dry biomass g21 soil. The soils were incubated for 3 months at 27 uC under 22Wm2 illumination with a photoperiod of 16 h light and 8 h dark. The moisture was maintained at 60% of field capacity. In all soils, Nostoc 9v proliferated and colonized the soil surfaces very quickly and was tolerant to acidity and low nutrient availability. Cyanobacteria promoted soil N2 fixation and had a pronounced effect on total soil organic carbon (SOC), which increased by 30–100%. Total N also increased, but the enrichment was, in most soils, comparatively lower than for carbon (C). Nitrate and ammonium concentrations, in contrast, decreased in all the soils studied. Increases in the concentration of available macronutrients were produced in most soils and treatments, ranging from 3 to 20mg phosphorus (P) kg21 soil, from 5 to 58mg potassium (K) kg21 soil, from 4 to 285mg calcium (Ca) kg21, and from 12 to 90 mg magnesium (Mg) kg21 soil. Positive effects on the levels of available manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also observed

Combined archaeological and ecological investigations in a large ancient oak forest in Central France have revealed a dense network of ancient human settlements dating from the Roman period. We demonstrate a strong correlation between present-day forest plant diversity patterns and the location of Roman farm buildings. Plant species richness strongly increases toward the center of the settlements, and the frequency of neutrophilous and nitrogen-demanding species is higher. This pattern is paralleled by an increase in soil pH, available P, and delta(15)N, indicating the long-term impact of former agricultural practices on forest biogeochemical cycles. These extensive observations in a forested region on acid soils complement and confirm previous results from a single Roman settlement on limestone. Ancient Roman agricultural systems are increasingly being identified in contemporary French forests; the broad extent and long-lasting effects of previous cultivation shown in this study require that land-use history be considered as a primary control over biodiversity variations in many forest landscapes, even after millennia of abandonment.

University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Leaf dimensions and pigments are the important traits in plants that play a key role in estimating light interception, absorption and food production. In predictive research, these parameters are a useful data source for devising crop management techniques such as cultivation, pruning and fertilisation. Destructive and non-destructive techniques are commonly used for estimating crop growth and nutrient status. Although, destructive methods are more accurate, these are expensive, laborious and impracticable for large fields. In contrast, various non-destructive techniques have been developed for predicting crop N requirements that are relatively fast and less expensive. However, lack of consistency in accurately predicting the true N levels of different crop species under variable environments require further exploration of this area. In the present study, a new and relatively more efficient technique has been proposed for measuring leaf dimensions, chlorophyll, and N and phosphorus (P) content. In the initial study, leaf images from a range of plant species were collected using a handheld portable digital scanner (Pico Life). Edge detection and filtering algorithms were applied to identify the leaf section of the image against the background. Data of forty leaves that vary in shape and size (from grasses to broad leaf plant species) were collected and processed using a new algorithm as well as the Li-Cor 3100. Data indicated high accuracy of the proposed algorithm for estimating leaf area, length, width and perimeter. It was verified by a strong correlation (R²=0.999) between leaf area measured by Li-Cor 3100 and by digital scanner. After successful application of the digital scanner for estimating leaf size and dimensions, the images collected by this scanner were used for predicting chlorophyll, P and N content of tomato, broccoli and lettuce leaves. The plants were grown under controlled conditions using nutrient solution and at early reproductive growth (after 8 weeks of growth) these were exposed to various N levels for seven weeks. Data on leaf chlorophyll and N content were collected through biochemical assays (LabChl). In addition, data were collected by the SPAD-502 and portable scanner. Images collected by the portable scanner were processed by averaging the R (red), G (green) and B (blue) values of all the leaf pixels. Based on the RGB values, a new algorithm was developed that estimates leaf chlorophyll content (ChlRGB). Despite slight variations in response to applied N levels in the three crops, the leaf chlorophyll and N content significantly increased with increasing N levels in nutrient solution in the studied crop species. Under N deficient conditions (N0), tomato and broccoli plants showed significantly lower leaf N content just 2 weeks after treatment (WAT), compared with N-treated plants (any N level) suggesting a rapid response of these crops to N deficiency. However, response to various N levels in lettuce was slower and the difference in N concentrations in the leaves of N-deficient (0 and 0.2 N) and N-treated plants became significant at 5 WAT. Compared with leaf N, reduction in leaf chlorophyll levels in response to N deficiency was slow, and the difference in leaf chlorophyll content of N-deficient and N-sufficient plants was significant at 5 WAT in all the studied crops. The chlorophyll values calculated by SPAD and by the modified RGB technique were plotted against LabChl and N content. The correlation coefficient (R²) between SPAD values and LabChl was 0.90, 0.73 and 0.81 for tomato, lettuce and broccoli, respectively. In contrast, the relationship between ChlRGB and LabChl was relatively stronger and more consistent for all three crop species that is 0.97, 0.90 and 0.91 for tomato, lettuce and broccoli, respectively. Similarly, highly significant relationships (R² values) were recorded between the leaf N content and ChlRGB such as 0.94, 0.93 and 0.72 for broccoli, tomato and lettuce, respectively. The high accuracy of the modified RGB technique for measuring the crop N and chlorophyll content was further confirmed by field-based studies. This technique again outperformed the SPAD-502 in estimating leaf chlorophyll content. For example, R² values for SPAD readings and LabChl were 0.90, 0.92 and 0.84 for broccoli, tomato and lettuce, respectively. The efficiency of this modified RGB technique was also tested against dark green colour index (DGCI), a commonly used algorithm for estimating leaf chlorophyll and N. The result indicated that the modified RGB technique outperformed DGCI in the precision of predicting leaf Chl levels. A separate study was conducted to estimate N requirements of field-grown cotton using the modified RGB technique, where the efficiency of this technique was compared with other non-destructive methods. The crop was grown under various N levels, and leaf N concentrations were measured at different growth stages; late vegetative, peak reproductive and late reproductive growth phase. The data showed that the modified RGB technique was more effective and accurate in estimating cotton leaf N status compared with the SPAD-502 as well as other handheld crop sensor. In the final experiment, the leaf P and anthocyanin levels of different crops such as cotton, tomato and lettuce was estimated using the modified RGB technique. The plants were grown under on different P concentrations. Leaf chlorophyll anthocyanin and P content were measured using laboratory techniques, while leaf images were collected by the handheld crop sensor. Using RGB values of the collected images, leaf area, leaf perimeter and chlorophyll content were calculated. These data were further used to train a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier for estimating leaf anthocyanin and P content. In addition, a decision tree model was used to classify cotton plants into different groups containing variable P levels. Both LDA and decision tree models successfully classified these plants on the basis of leaf P content, indicating that P deficiency in crop plants can be predicted using morphological data. It also suggested that the modified RGB technique is highly efficient in estimating P requirements in different crop species.

Fruit tree nutrition requirements change during the growing season as buds form, shoots grow, fruit sets, and internal reserves are filled. Nutrient concentrations in plant tissues are directly correlated with the nutritional status and productivity of fruit trees. Plant tissue testing is used to effectively and accurately determine the nutritional status of perennial plants. Tissue test analyses were performed on tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) and peach (Prunus persica) leaves to validate tissue sufficiency levels used in Utah and to determine optimal timing of tissue sampling for prediction of harvest nutrient status, focusing on phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Sufficiency limits that are currently used in Utah were developed in the 1960s from research data accumulated from the primary fruit growing regions in the United States. Limited research has been conducted under Utah growing conditions to validate nutrient sufficiency levels. Nutrient concentrations from tart cherry and peach leaves were compared against currently used sufficiency limits. Tissue nutrient concentrations over time correlated well with current sufficiency limits and observed nutrient deficiencies in the field. Tissue concentrations of P, K, Fe, and Zn were found to be chronically low in Utah orchards. Growers can have confidence that sufficiency limits being used to apply fertilizer management practices are valid. Three sampling dates were selected to look at nutrient content over time at bloom, mid-season, and pre-harvest. Plant tissue data establishes that sampling in the middle of the growing season can predict nutrient status at harvest. Mid-season sampling also allows time for growers to correct deficient or excess nutrients found in the plants to maintain sufficiency levels and reach maximum fruit production. Nutrient management practices are generally applied annually to increase yield, fruit quality, and overall health of an orchard. Yield was measured on previously treated tart cherry orchards to determine fertilizer carryover in perennial plants. Orchards were treated 2 to 3 years prior with formulations of P and K to maximize yield and fruit quality; one has been using recommended fertilizer rates for Utah since then and the other continued with their less aggressive management applications. The less aggressively managed orchard showed trends across treatments, but differences were not significant. Annual fertilizer applications may not immediately show effect during year of application, but long term management is essential for overall productivity of orchards.

Lake Uluabat (Apolyont), a protected wetland area, the shorelines of which host urban and industrial sites, is influenced by a high human impact. The lake has eutrophic hardwater characteristics. Temperature, pH value, total dissolved substance, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total hardness, carbonate and bicarbonate alkalinity, nitrate, soluble reactive phosphate, sulphate, soluble reactive silica, secchi disc depth, water depth, water volume, and chlorophyll a values were measured. Physical and chemical variables were determined from samples taken monthly at 10 stations from July 1998 to June 1999 to assess the present status of the lake. Significant correlations between physical and chemical variables were observed, and these relationships reflected the interactions among internal nutrient loadings. Two-way ANOVA test results also showed spatial and temporal variations. Internal nutrient loadings have been stimulated by a combination of different factors. Principal-component analyses showed that pH and alkalinity were the major factors that influenced the internal nutrient loadings in the lake. Results also indicated that nitrate, sulphate, and soluble reactive silica concentrations significantly induced the soluble reactive phosphorus loading. Direct or indirect interactions among primary nutrients were important in the nutrient loading in Lake Uluabat. Mustafakemalpa, sa stream and its two branches Orhaneli and Emet, which drain into the lake, receive sewage water from households and industry. For this reason, soluble reactive phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, boron, and suspended solids were determined in samples collected bi-monthly from the Ayazkoy station located on the Mustafakemalpa, sa stream during the same study period to determine the effects of the main streams on the lake. Results indicated that the pollution load of Lake Uluabat is highly affected by Mustafakemalpa, sa stream inflow. In addition, the present nutrient status, compared with previous years' data (1986 - 1990), collected only during summer months, showed that the physical and chemical characteristics of the lake have changed according to former years. The former and recent years' data also showed that the fluctuation of the water depth also influenced the chemical composition of the lake water. According to qualitative and quantitative observations, the effects of human impact and current status of the lake were determined. The physical and chemical characteristics of the lake water have changed according to human activities and nutrient loadings. Although external nutrient loadings are important because of the inflow of pollutants, internal nutrient loadings are the major factors that determined the trophic status of the lake. In the light of all findings, the lake balance is going to be disturbed, and some measures must be taken to prevent these circumstances.

11 páginas, 2 figuras, 3 tablas., The resorption of nutrients from senescing leaves is a key component of the nutrient conservation strategy of plants. Despite its relevance, the regulation of the efficiency of this process is poorly understood. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that species that shed leaves gradually along the year are less efficient reabsorbing nutrients from senescing leaves than species that shed leaves in a short period. N-, P-, and K-resorption-efficiencies were measured in 11 Mediterranean species and regressed against an index of the gradualness of leaf shedding. Additionally, the bivariate relations among leaf nutrient content before senescence, nutrient content in senesced leaves, pool of nutrients reabsorbed during senescence, and nutrient resorption efficiency, were examined. K-resorption-efficiency was markedly lower in species with protracted leaf-shedding, in agreement with the initial hypothesis. This pattern was less significant for N- and P-resorption-efficiencies. When leaf nutrient content before senescence was high, the amount of nutrients reabsorbed and the amount of nutrients in senesced leaves were high. Consequently, nutrient resorption efficiency was unaffected by the leaf nutrient status before senescence. It is concluded that the leaf shedding pattern per se influences nutrient resorption in Mediterranean perennials, irrespective of additional environmental controls. Furthermore, it is suggested that plants differing in nutrient status do not exhibit different nutrient resorption efficiencies because the nutrient content of leaves before senescence affects the components of resorption efficiency in countervailing ways., This study was supported by the Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología (Spanish government) project REN 2000-0163-P4-05, REN2002-02635/GLO, by the Thematic Network GLOBIMED (REN 2001- 4841-E/GLO), and by the Gobierno de Aragón project P-024/2001.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar a hipótese de usar escores diferenciados para nutrientes irresponsivos (I), medianamente responsivos (M) e responsivos (R), como forma de reduzir os efeitos da interdependência no cálculo dos índices do DRIS (Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação) e seus efeitos na diagnose nutricional do cafeeiro. O trabalho foi desenvolvido usando os resultados do monitoramento nutricional, pela análise foliar, de talhões de cafeeiros em empresas produtoras situadas nos municípios de Matão e Franca (SP). Os dados foram coletados durante os anos de 1999 a 2001. Os cálculos dos índices do DRIS foram feitos usando-se a fórmula proposta em 1981 por Jones, em sua forma original com uma constante de sensibilidade k = 30 para todas as relações entre nutrientes, ou atribuindo diferentes valores para a constante de sensibilidade em função da resposta do cafeeiro aos nutrientes. Os resultados, quando avaliados pela relação entre o índice de balanço nutricional médio (IBNm) e a produtividade, mostraram que a atribuição de escores diferenciados na ordem IThe objective of this study was to test the use of standard scores to reduce the dependence among nutrients on DRIS indices. Different scores were attributed to nutrients with common (R), intermediate (M) and rare (I) response to coffee crop. The study was conducted using data of leaf analysis from plantation farms at Matão and Franca, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Leaves were taken from bearing branches during the summer, from 1999 to 2001. DRIS indices were calculated using the original formula defined in 1981 by Jones with a sensitivity constant k = 30 for all nutrient relations. The tested method attributed different values for the constant k, depending on the type of response of coffee-tree to each nutrient. When the methods were evaluated by comparison of the relations between the nutrient balance index (NBI) and yield, the use of scores in the order I

International audience; Eutrophication remains a major stress for freshwater biodiversity. Its deleterious consequences on biodiversity are well documented for large waterbodies. However, the impact of eutrophication may differ in smaller waterbodies, such as ponds and small lakes, which generally support naturally high levels of nutrients in lowlands. Furthermore, this response could depend on the scale considered, from local (individual waterbody, alpha diversity) to regional (the network of waterbodies, gamma diversity). It is also unclear whether the richness of threatened species responds in the same way as the richness of the whole assemblage. The present study investigates local- and regional-scale consequences of eutrophication on taxonomic richness (all taxa) and conservation value (threatened taxa) in temperate lowland small waterbodies. Five taxonomic groups were investigated: macrophytes, gastropods, water beetles, adult dragonflies and amphibians, in a set of natural waterbodies and a set of enriched waterbodies covering a large nutrient gradient from mesotrophic to hypertrophic conditions. Globally, our study did not reveal consistent, systematic responses to eutrophication. For macrophytes, the richness and conservation value suffered from eutrophication at both local and regional scales. In contrast, for amphibians and gastropods, eutrophication did not impair biodiversity at the local nor the regional scale. Dragonflies and water beetles showed intermediate situations, with an impairment by eutrophication varying according to the type of waterbodies considered. At the regional scale, each trophic status, even the nutrient richest, brought an original contribution to biodiversity. Synthesis and applications. The management of eutrophication for small lowland waterbodies has to be considered differently than for lakes. For an individual waterbody (the local scale), nutrient enrichment is not necessarily a major impairment and its impact depends on the taxonomic group considered. Conversely, at the landscape scale, eutrophication is a major pressure on small waterbody biodiversity, especially because nutrient-rich small waterbodies are dominant in the landscape. Therefore, conservation efforts should integrate the notion of pond regional networks or ‘pondscapes’, where the regional biodiversity is supported by a mosaic of trophic conditions, and promote the presence of less rich waterbodies.

A study on grapevine cv. Sibera was carried out in a vineyard located near Krakow (Poland) in 2010 and 2011. The plants were treated with three nitrogen application rates (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha -1 ), administered as ammonium nitrate in a single application three weeks before flowering. Samples of leaf petioles and blades, as well as grapes, were taken. After wet microwave digestion in HNO 3 , the nutrient elements boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and sodium (Na), and the trace elements aluminium (Al), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti) and vanadium (V), were measured using the ICP-OES technique. Environmental factors such as temperature and available water had a significant effect on the nutrient concentration in the grapes. In the wet and warm 2010 vintage, higher amounts of B, Cu, Cd, Ti and V were measured in the leaves, and of Mn, Al, Ba and Ti in the grape juice. The dry season of 2011 increased the leaf Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, Na, Ba, Cr, Li and Ni content, which was associated with a higher Zn, Mo, Na, Sr, Cd and Ni concentration in the grape must. The study showed that, in slightly acid soils, mineral N fertilisers containing ammonium can augment the uptake and accumulation of microelements such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Al and Ti by the grape must. In contrast, nitrogen fertilisation depressed the concentrations of some elements, such as B, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Ni and Ti in the leaves. Correlations between the mineral content of the analysed plant tissues are also discussed.

Sphagnum bogs play an important role when considering the impacts of global change on global carbon and nitrogen cycles. Sphagnum recurvum P. Beauv. var. mucronatum (Russ.) was grown at 360 (ambient) and 700 mu L L-1 (elevated) atmospheric [CO2] in combination with different nitrogen deposition rates (6, 15, 23 g N m(-2) y(-1)), in a short- and long-term growth chamber experiment.After 6 months, elevated atmospheric [CO2] in combination with the lowest nitrogen deposition rate, increased plant dry mass by 17%. In combination with a high nitrogen deposition rate, biomass production was not significantly stimulated.At the start of the experiment, photosynthesis was stimulated by elevated atmospheric [CO2], but it was downregulated to control levels after three days of exposure. Elevated [CO2] substantially reduced dark respiration, which resulted in a continuous increase in soluble sugar content in capitula. Differences in growth response among different nitrogen and CO2 treatments could not be related to measured carbon exchange rates, which was mainly due to interference of microbial respiration.Doubling atmospheric [CO2] reduced total nitrogen content in capitula but not in stems at all nitrogen deposition rates. Reduction in total nitrogen content coincided with a decrease in amino acids, but soluble protein levels remained unaffected. Thus, elevated [CO2] induced a substantial shift in the partitioning of nitrogen compounds in capitula. Soluble sugar concentration was negatively correlated with total nitrogen content, which implies that the reduction in amino acid content in capitula, exposed to elevated [CO2], might be caused by the accumulation of soluble sugars.Growth was not stimulated by increased nitrogen deposition. High nitrogen deposition, resulting in a capitulum nitrogen content in excess of 15 mg g(-1) dw, was detrimental to photosynthesis, reduced water content and induced necrosis. We propose a capitulum nitrogen content of 15 mg g(-1) dw as a possible bioindicator for the detection of nitrogen pollution stress in oligo-mesotrophic peat bog ecosystems.At the lowest nitrogen deposition level, nitrogen recovery was higher than 100%, which indicates substantial dry deposition and/or gaseous nitrogen fixation by bacteria, associated with Sphagnum. Increasing nitrogen deposition rates decreased nitrogen recovery percentages, which indicates reduced efficiency of nitrogen fixation.

The effect of atmospheric ammonia on frost hardening of needles from 3- and 5-year-old Scots pine trees was investigated. Trees were exposed to various concentrations of NH(3) during different hardening stages under laboratory conditions and in experiments with open-top chambers under a natural hardening regime during winter. Under laboratory conditions, exposure to 250 nL.L(-1) NH(3) did nor affect frost tolerance, whereas hardening was increased in needles of trees exposed to 500 nL.L(-1) NH(3). In trees that were hardened in open-top chambers, frost hardiness was not influenced by exposure to atmospheric ammonia up to 106 nL.L(-1) Needle nitrogen concentrations in the open-top chambers increased with atmospheric NH(3) concentration. Needle concentrations of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were not affected by NH(3) and were within a normal range. The role of the nutrient status of the needles on the response of frost hardening of Scots pine needles towards exposure to atmospheric ammonia is discussed.

The use of fossil fuel is predicted to cause an increase of the atmospheric CO2 concentration, which will affect the global pattern of temperature and precipitation. It is therefore essential to incorporate effects of temperature and water supply on the carbon requirement for root respiration of plants to predict effects of elevated [CO2] on the carbon budget of natural and managed systems. There is insufficient information to support the contentention that an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere will enhance the CO2 concentration in the soil to an extent that is likely to affect root respiration. Moreover, there is no convincing evidence for a direct effect of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on the rate of root respiration per unit root mass or the fraction of carbon required for root respiration. However, there are likely to be indirect effects of elevated [CO2] on the carbon requirement of plants in natural systems. Firstly, it is very likely that the carbon requirement of root respiration relative to that fixed in photosynthesis will increase when elevated [CO2] induces a decrease in nutrient status of the plants. Although earlier papers have emphasized that elevated [CO2] favours investment of biomass in roots relative to that in leaves, these are in fact indirect effects. The increase in root weight ratio is due to the more rapid depletion of nutrients in the root environment as a consequence of enhanced growth. This will decrease the specific rate of root respiration, but increase the carbon requirement as a fraction of the carbon fixed in photosynthesis. It is likely that these effects will be minor in systems where the nutrient supply is very high, e.g, in many managed arable systems, and increase with decreasing soil fertility, i.e. in many natural systems. Secondly, a decrease in rainfall in some parts of the world may cause a shortage in water supply which favours the carbon partitioning to roots. Water stress is likely to reduce rates of root respiration per unit root mass, but enhance the fraction of total assimilates required for root respiration, due to greater allocation of biomass to roots. Increased temperatures are unlikely to affect the specific rate of root respiration in all species. Broadly generalized, the effect of temperature on biomass allocation is that the relative investment of biomass in roots is lowest at a certain optimum temperature and increases at both higher and lower temperatures. The root respiration of some species acclimates to growth temperature, so that the effect of global temperature rise is entirely accounted for by the effect of temperature on biomass allocation. The specific rate of root respiration of other species will increase with global warming. In response to global warming the carbon requirement of roots is likely to decrease in temperate regions, when temperatures are suboptimal for the roots' capacity to acquire water. Here global warming will induce a smaller biomass allocation to the roots. Conversely, the carbon requirements are more likely to increase in mediterranean environments, where temperatures are often supraoptimal and a rise in temperature will induce greater allocation of biomass to the roots.