Early Growth Characterization and Antioxidant Responses of Phellodendron chinense Seedling in Response to Four Soil Types at Three Growth Stages

Abstract

Soil type is an important environmental factor that affects plant growth and development, especially during the early growth stage. In this study, P. chinense (Phellodendron chinense) seedlings were cultivated on red soil (RS), yellow soil (YS), acidic purple soil (ACPS), and alkaline purple soil (ALPS), and the influence of soil types on the growth parameters and physiological responses at three growth stages were investigated. The results show that soil types and growth stages can significantly influence seedling height, base diameter, and biomass in P. chinense seedlings. Moreover, the significant variations in chlorophyll, total polyphenols, soluble protein, soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, were recorded at three growth stages among four soil types. These results show that P. chinense seedlings can grow normally in four soil types, and ACPS may be more beneficial for the artificial cultivation of P. chinense seedlings than those of RS, ALPS, and YS. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals a strong correlation and clear differences in the test parameters between growth stage and organs in four soil types, and the cumulative contribution percentages of the total biplot range from 74.44% to 81.97%. This present information will be helpful for farmers in selecting soil type for the large-scale cultivation of P. chinense seedlings.

Changes in Growth Parameters, C:N:P Stoichiometry and Non-Structural Carbohydrate Contents of Zanthoxylum armatum Seedling in Response to Five Soil Types

“…Previous reports showed that plant height, base diameter, and biomass of Jatropha curcas plants are related to soil types, and the growth status of different species varies significantly in different types of soils [37]. Previous studies also suggested that Phellodendron chinense, Ricinus communis, and Firmiana simplex seedlings show significant differences in seedling height, basal diameter, and total biomass when they are cultured in RS, YS, ALPS, and ACPS [6,38,39]. These variations are due to different soil types with different physical, chemical, and microbial community structures.…”

“…Soil, as a basic condition for agricultural production, has a significant impact on plant growth, yield, and biochemical contents [6,8]. Growth parameters, like seedling height, ground diameter, and biomass, can reflect the growth status of plants in response to various environmental conditions, like soil [6,7].…”

“…Soil, as a basic condition for agricultural production, has a significant impact on plant growth, yield, and biochemical contents [6,8]. Growth parameters, like seedling height, ground diameter, and biomass, can reflect the growth status of plants in response to various environmental conditions, like soil [6,7]. Previous reports showed that plant height, base diameter, and biomass of Jatropha curcas plants are related to soil types, and the growth status of different species varies significantly in different types of soils [37].…”

“…Different types of soil represent different physical and chemical characteristics due to differences in their formation processes, nutritional conditions, etc., which will lead to differences in water absorption efficiency, nutrient absorption, and transportation efficiency during plant growth and development [3,4]. In plants, the responses of physiology and biochemicals, such as photosynthesis, mineral metabolism, etc., are closely related to the growth environment, especially soil types [1,5,6]. Variations in plant growth status and chemical composition content are evidence that plants could be affected by environmental conditions such as soil.…”

“…Although Z. armatum can grow on a variety of soil types, its production and quality vary significantly between different geographical locations. The seedling stage is the most critical life-history stage in plants, while the demands of different seedlings have diversified demands for a suitable soil environment [6,36]. The growth status of seedlings is important for large-scale cultivation of Z. armatum under different soil conditions, which directly and indirectly affects the growth cycle and the potential yield of Z. armatum.…”