Silicon-Mediated Adjustments in C:N:P Ratios for Improved Beetroot Yield under Ammonium-Induced Stress.

Nitrogen (N) holds a prominent position in the metabolic system of plants, as it is a main constituent of amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins and enzymes. Plants primarily absorb N in the form of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻). However, most plants exhibit severe toxicity symptoms when exposed to NH₄⁺ as the sole N source. Addressing NH₄⁺ stress requires effective strategies, and the use of silicon (Si) has shown promising results. However, there is a lack of underlying studies on the impact of NH₄⁺ toxicity on C:N:P stoichiometric balance and the role of Si in these ratios. In this study, we explored the effects of varying NH₄⁺ concentrations (1, 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mmol L⁻¹) on the C:N:P stoichiometry and yield of beetroot in hydroponic conditions. Additionally, we investigated whether the application of Si (2 mmol L⁻¹) could mitigate the detrimental effects caused by toxic NH₄⁺ levels. The experiment followed a randomized block design based on a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replicates. Results revealed that in the presence of Si, both [N] and [P] significantly increased in shoots and roots, peaking at 15 mmol L⁻¹ of NH₄⁺ in the nutrient solution. While shoot [C] remained stable, root [C] increased with NH₄⁺ concentrations of 22.5 and 30 mmol L⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, shoot and root [Si] increased with higher NH₄⁺ levels in the nutrient solution. The findings underscored homeostatic instability under the highest NH₄⁺ levels, particularly in plants cultivated without Si in the nutritive solution, leading to a reduction in both shoot and root dry matter production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]