Influence of ammonium uptake on bean nutrition

Abstract

A glasshouse experiment was carried out in order to study the effect of ammonium supply [0 and 1.5 mmol L^‐1 in the nutrient solution, whereas total nitrogen (N) concentration was 9.5 mmol L^‐1] on nutrient uptake, leaves, and xylem sap composition and growth of bean plants in sand culture. Ammonium supply caused higher nitrogen, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) uptake. However, K, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the plants (in xylem sap and leaves) were lower when ammonium was supplied. Plants vegetative growth was higher with ammonium supply than without it, specially after four weeks of cultivation.