Temperature and Oxygen Effects in Soil on Nutrient Uptake in Jojoba Seedlings¹

Abstract

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), a woody shrub, produces seeds which have several potential uses. The objectives of this experiment were to study the effects of soil temperature and soil oxygen supply on the nutrient uptake of the jojoba plant. Presently, there is little information on effect of soil physical factors on plant nutrients. The study was conducted in a greenhouse with constant temperature tanks to maintain root temperatures at 21, 27, and 33 C. Soil oxygen supply to the roots was controlled by controlling the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere above the soil columns. Plants grown at a 33 C soil temperature produced significantly more dry weight than plants at 21 or 27 C. Concentrations of N, P, K, Na, Mn, and Fe in the leaves of plants grown at 33 C were substantially higher than leaves grown at 21 or 27 C. In general, nutrient concentrations in roots and total amount in plants were higher in plants grown at 33 C than at 21 or 27 C. The two lowest levels of soil oxygen supply to the roots (1.5 and 6.5%) significantly reduced dry weight of leaves, stems, and roots compared to plants grown at oxygen levels of 12 and 21%. Decreased soil oxygen significantly reduced the concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and B in leaves while concentrations of N, Na, and Fe were increased. Concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, Na, B, and Fe in roots grown under low soil oxygen were less than plants grown with 21% oxygen. Low levels of soil oxygen significantly increased concentration of Na in leaves and stems and decreased the concentration in the roots. This study indicates that growth and nutrient uptake of jojoba is best at higher temperatures in well‐aerated soils.

Starter Fertilizer and Planting Date Effects on Corn Rotated with Cotton

“…The larger yield increase from starter fertilization at the late planting date compared with two earlier dates was unexpected. Previous research had indicated that cool soil temperatures, which generally occur early in the season, are associated with positive responses to starter fertilizer (Beauchamp and Lathwell, 1967;Reyes et al, 1977). Temperatures in 1991 were generally above the longterm average, but the higher than normal rainfall in April ( Table 1) may have affected the response to starter :j: Plants at harvest.…”

“…a P starter fertilizer. Others have shown that starter fertilizer responses are more likely under lowtemperature conditions (Beauchamp and Lathwell, 1967;Reyes et al, 1977). Highest ovemll yield occurred at the 15 March planting date, where starter fertilization increased yield 1.0 Mg ha-1 • The low yield and lack of starter response at the 1 April planting date• may have been related to a southern green stink bug [Nezara viridula (L.)] infestation.…”

“…The early planting dates of early March to mid-April required for optimal corn production in the southern USA often expose seedlings to lower than optimal soil temperatures, especially on coarse-textured soils. These low soil temperatures may result in slow root growth (Beauchamp and Lathwell, 1967) and reduced availability of soil P (Reyes et al, 1977), even though levels of soil P are considered adequate for plant growth. Placing small amounts of starter fertilizers in close proximity to the seed at planting could help alleviate the effects of cold weather on early corn growth (Rehm, 1986;Reeves et al, 1986;Mengel et al, 1988;Jokela, 1992).…”

Significance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and boron foliar spray on jojoba plants

“…In this direction, addition of 50 kg N and/or 50 kg P 2 O 5 kg ha −1 for three consecutive years induced no effect appeared in vegetative growth. Osman and AboHassan (1998), Reyes et al (1977), Feldman et al (1984), and Yermanos (1982) found that the root length of the jojoba plants enables it to draw nutrients from much deeper soil profiles, root type (fibrous or tap root), and soil condition. Element of nitrogen is very important in agriculture subject because it led to increase the crop yield.…”

Effects of NPK Fertilization on Flower Production, Seed Yield and Seed Components in Jojoba [Simmondsia Chinesis (Link) Schneider] Grown in Western Saudi Arabia*

“…Lovenstein (1985) estimated that about 58, 11, 22, 4 and 4-kg ha -1 of N, P, K, S and Mg are needed for the production of 3 t of seeds ha -1 from Jojoba plantations. Adams et al (1977) and Reyes et al (1977) indicated that response of Jojoba to fertilizer applications depends on the root type (tap vs. fibrous), soil temperature and season of growth. According to these workers rooted cuttings, having fibrous root system, unlike young seedlings with a tap root system, did not respond to fertilizer applications.…”