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Abstract
Experiments were conducted using different NO3 –/NH4 + ratios to determine the effects of these sources of N on mineral element uptake by sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] plants grown in nutrient solution. The NO3 –/NH4 + ratios in nutrient solution were 200/0, 195/5, 190/10, and 160/40 mg N L–1. Nutrient solutions were sampled daily and plants harvested every other day during the 12‐day treatment period.
Moderately severe Fe deficiencies were observed on leaves of plants grown with 200/0 NO3 –/NH4 + solutions, but not on the leaves of plants grown with the other NO3 –/NH4 + ratios. As plants aged, less Fe, Mn, and Cu were translocated from the roots to leaves and leaf/root ratios of these elements decreased dramatically in plants grown with 200/0 NO3 –/NH4 + solutions. Extensive amounts of Fe, Mn, and Cu accumulated in or on the roots of plants grown with 200/0 NO3 –/NH4 + solutions. Manganese and Cu may have interacted strongly with Fe to inhibit Fe translocation to leaves and to induce Fe deficiency. As the proportion of NH4 + in solution increased, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn concentrations decreased in the leaves, and Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu concentrations decreased in roots. Potassium and Zn tended to increase in roots as NH4 + in solution increased.
Notes
Published as Paper No. 7486, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, Lincoln, NE 68583.