Shoot and root biomass, phosphorus and nitrogen uptake of spring wheat grown in low phosphorus and moisture content conditions in a pot experiment

Abstract

A pot experiment was done in a greenhouse to investigate the effect of low phosphorus (P) and moisture content on growth and yield components of four spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. Days to emergence of seedlings were shortened, plant height, tiller number, and SPAD (Soil-Plant Analyses Development) index of the leaves were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by low P. Root and shoot biomass, nitrogen and P uptake decreased significantly with low moisture and P content in the potting mix. Moisture and P interactions had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on shoot and root biomass and P uptake and these variables were closely related to each other with regression (Coefficient of determination R²) values ranging from 0.72 to 0.90. The study underlines the strong relationship between moisture, P availability and uptake and provides more information on P nutrition during the vegetative stage of wheat in moisture and P deficient soils.

Keywords:

• low moisture
• phosphorus uptake
• shoot and root biomass
• spring wheat

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Montana State University, Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center, Conrad for the opportunity to carry out this study. We gratefully acknowledge Barry Jacobsen, Reddy Gadi, and staff of WTARC for their encouragement, most especially Phillip Hammermeister and Alysha Miller for their technical support. The critical suggestions of the reviewer(s) are appreciated.