Effect of nitrogen form and root-zone pH on growth and nitrogen uptake of tea (Camellia sinensis) plants.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is considered to be acid tolerant and prefers ammonium nutrition, but the interaction between root zone acidity and N form is not properly understood. The present study was performed to characterize their interaction with respect to growth and mineral nutrition.

Methods

Tea plants were hydroponically cultured with NH4+, NO3- and NH(4+) + NO3-, at pH 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0, which were maintained by pH stat systems.

Key results

Plants supplied with NO3- showed yellowish leaves resembling nitrogen deficiency and grew much slower than those receiving NH4+ or NH(4+) + NO3- irrespective of root-zone pH. Absorption of NH4+ was 2- to 3.4-fold faster than NO3- when supplied separately, and 6- to 16-fold faster when supplied simultaneously.

SUBMITTER: Ruan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2802997 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature