ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Radial O2 loss
;
Nitrification
;
Waterlogging
;
Rumex thyrsiflorus
;
Rumex palustris
;
Nitrate reductase
;
Redox potential
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract The effects of radial O2 loss from roots on nitrification and NO inf3 sup- availability were studied. Plants of the flooding-resistant species Rumex palustris and the flooding-sensitive species Rumex thyrsiflorus were grown on drained and waterlogged soils with an initially high nitrifying capacity. Nitrate reductase activity in the plant leaves was used as an indicator of NO inf3 sup- availability to the plants. In a separate experiment these species were shown to have higher levels of nitrate reductase activity when NO inf3 sup- was added to the soils compared to when only NH inf4 sup+ was provided. In drained soils nitrification was maintained and both plant species showed relatively high nitrate reductase activities in their leaves. In the water-logged series planted with R. thyrsiflorus, nitrification was inhibited, NH inf4 sup+ accumulated, and the plants grew less well compared to those on drained soils. In contrast, waterlogged soils planted with R. palustris had a redox potential high enough for O2 to be continuously replenished. Furthermore, the nitrifying capacity of these latter soils was maintained at a high level. R. palustris grew well and NO inf3 sup- must have been available to the plant, since a high level of nitrate reductase activity was observed in the leaves.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00336084
