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The effect of nitrate concentration in a flowing solution system on growth and nitrate uptake of twoPlantago species

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Summary

Juvenile plants ofPlantago lanceolata andP. major ssp.major were grown in a flowing solution system at 7.5 mM or 9.5 μM NO3. The parameters investigated were: RGR, shoot weight percentage, leaf length, length of main root axis, shoot concentrations of major ions and organic N, and the specific uptake rate for NO3. At 9.5 μM NO3 growth ofP. major was not hampered, whereas shoot growth and leaf length ofP. lanceolata were reduced. The NO3 concentration ofP. lanceolata decreased more than that ofP. major. The different performances of the species at 9.5 μM NO3 were associated with different specific uptake rates. In both treatments the root system ofP. major was shorter than that ofP. lanceolata. P. lanceolata accumulated more NO3 in the leaves. The performance of thePlantago species is discussed in relation to the availability of nutrients in their habitats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dune Research, Institute for Ecological Research, 3233 EG, Oostvoorne, The Netherlands

    A. H. J. Freijsen & H. Otten

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  1. A. H. J. Freijsen
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  2. H. Otten
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Grassland Species Research Group. Publication no. 37.

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Freijsen, A.H.J., Otten, H. The effect of nitrate concentration in a flowing solution system on growth and nitrate uptake of twoPlantago species. Plant Soil 77, 159–169 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182920

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182920

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