Tracing N utilization and distribution during development of grape seedlings by applying different forms of 15N labeled fertilizer with fruit tree hole storage brick

Abstract

Background and aims Application of soil conditioner can promote the NUE in plants by increasing N retention in soil as an effective method to reduce chemical fertilizer consumption and environmental pollution. Methods We have prepared fruit tree hole storage brick (FTHSB) suitable for perennial fruit trees using natural nanomaterials, vermiculite and montmorillonite, and organic fertilizers, then recommended a new fertilization strategy combining N fertilizer and FTHSB based on subsurface drip irrigation. Results Application of FTHSB significantly increased the amount of dry matter in each organ of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seedlings, significantly promoted fine root growth of soil layer in the range of 15–30 cm, reduced the leaching loss of 15N to deep soil and significantly improved the use efficiency of 15N. In the treatment without FTHSB, NO3−-N is better than NH4+-N and CO(NH2)2-N in terms of plant growth index of soil layer in the range of 15–30 cm and 15N use efficiency in plants. After the application of FTHSB, CO(NH2)2-N is better than NO3−-N and NH4+-N according to the above indicators. Conclusions In general, compared with ammonium and nitrate N FTHSB had the strongest adsorption capacity for amide N, so the N content of the soil in the vicinity of the FTHSB with amide N was also the highest, which improved the dry matter of all organs, the growth of the fine roots and the efficiency of N utilization in the grape seedlings.