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Preferential uptake of ammonium nitrogen from soil by ryegrass under simulated spring conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

Catherine J. Watson
Affiliation:
Agricultural and Food Chemistry Research Division, The Queen'sUniversity of Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX and Department of Agriculture, Northern Ireland

Summary

The 15N isotope was used to compare the uptake and recovery of NH4 + and NO3 – nitrogen by ryegrass growing in soil under controlled simulated spring conditions when the temperature of the root was appreciably lower than that of the shoot. A preference was shown for NH4 + N over N03 – N, particularly at low soil temperatures. The limited uptake of NO3 – does not appear to be due to an inhibitory effect of the NH4 + ion. Ryegrass not only absorbed less N from NO3 – but also translocated a lower percentage of the total nitrogen taken up, to the shoots, the difference being greatest at low soil temperatures.

The results give increasing support for the recommendation that early spring nitrogen should be applied in the NH4 + form. However, the preferential uptake and translocation of NH4 + ions would be of agricultural importance only if it led to an increase in dry-matter production.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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