Potassium nitrution and nitrogen fixation by nodulated legumes

Abstract

Seeds ofPisum arvense L.w. Weitor were grown in nitrogen-free nutrient solution for one week and then in the same medium but at a different potassium concentrations (0.0, 0.1 and 10mM) for one month. At the end of the experiment the plants were dried and analysed for total nitrogen, organic carbon, and nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P). The number of nodules were counted, and their spatial distribution was studied. The nutrient solution was changed twice a week and analysed for total exuded nitrogen.

No positive correlation was found between the total number of nodules and the total nitrogen fixed although nitrogen fixed per one hundred nodules was higher in potassiumrich than in potassium-limited conditions.

Plants accumulated higher magnesium concentrations in potassium-limited than in potassium-rich conditions. Roots were relatively more rich in nitrogen (dry weight basis) in potassium-rich conditions. At low supply of potassium a significant amount of the nitrogen fixed was exuded.

Increasing the potassium supply increased the total dry weight and total nitrogen fixed by plants but decreased the efficiency of energy (nitrogen fixed per dry weight of green leaves) and potassium utilization for both dry weight production and nitrogen fixation (potassium accumulated per dry weight produced or nitrogen fixed).