Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Effect of Nitrogen Rates on Wheat Photosynthesis, Anatomical Parameters and Photoassimilate Partitioning in North China Plain

  • Research
  • Published:
International Journal of Plant Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Evaluating the effects of nitrogen (N) on photosynthesis characteristics and photoassimilate partitioning via vascular bundles (VB) under water-saving irrigation is crucial to maximum grain yield of environment-friendly wheat production in the North China Plain (NCP). Field experiments were conducted with four N application rates 0 (N0), 180 (N180), 240 (N240), and 300 (N300) kg N ha−1 under 70% and 65% relative soil water content (RSWC) at jointing and anthesis, respectively. Results showed that, compared with N0, N180 significantly improved the photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence of flag leaf after anthesis. N application improved the anatomical parameters both in the flag leaf and the stem. Total transverse area of VB in the flag leaf and in the stem internode below the ear under N180 was 17.95–23.70% and 37.91–43.90% larger than those of N0, respectively, due to the increased numbers and transverse area of VB. Furthermore, N180 had higher dry matter assimilation after anthesis (DMA) and its contribution to the grain. N180 increased grain yield by 14.23–23.24% compared with N0, and N supply exceeding 180 kg N ha−1 did not further increase yield. Moreover positively correlations were showed among photosynthesis characteristics after anthesis, total transverse area of VB in the flag leaf and in the stem internode below the ear, DMA and grain yield. In summary, the recommended N application rate was 180 kg N ha−1 under RSWC-based supplemental irrigation that can produce grain yield over 7500 kg ha−1 for at least 2 years in the NCP.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Availability of Data and Material

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

References

  • Agami, R. A., Alamri, S. A. M., El-Mageed, T. A. A., Abousekken, M. S. M., & Hashem, M. (2018). Role of exogenous nitrogen supply in alleviating the deficit irrigation stress in wheat plants. Agricultural Water Management, 210, 261–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Araya, A., Prasad, P. V. V., Gowda, P. H., Afewerk, A., Abadi, B., & Foster, A. J. (2019). Modeling irrigation and nitrogen management of wheat in northern Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management, 216, 264–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cui, Z. F., Zhang, F. S., Chen, X. P., Miao, Y. X., Li, J. L., Shi, L. W., et al. (2008). On-farm evaluation of an in-season nitrogen management strategy based on soil Nmin test. Field Crops Research, 105, 48–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deell, J. R., Kooten, O. V., Prange, R. K., & Murr, D. P. (2010). Applications of chlorophyll fluorescence techniques in postharvest physiology. Horticultural Reviews, 23, 69–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delgado, E., Mitchell, R. A. C., Parry, M. A. J., Driscoll, S. P., Mitchell, V. J., & Lawlor, D. W. (1994). Interacting effects of CO2 concentration, temperature and nitrogen supply on the photosynthesis and composition of winter wheat leaves. Plant Cell and Environment, 17, 1205–1213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dordas, C. (2012). Variation in dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in barley as affected by fertilization, cultivar, and source-sink relations. European Journal of Agronomy, 37, 31–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duan, J. Z., Shao, Y. H., He, L., Li, X., Hou, G. G., Li, S. N., et al. (2019). Optimizing nitrogen management to achieve high yield, high nitrogen efficiency and low nitrogen emission in winter wheat. Science of the Total Environment, 697, 134088.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ercoli, L., Lulli, L., Mariotti, M., Masoni, A., & Arduini, I. (2008). Post-anthesis dry matter and nitrogen dynamics in durum wheat as affected by nitrogen supply and soil water availability. European Journal of Agronomy, 28, 138–147.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feng, J. F., Zhang, B. J., Zhao, G. C., Chang, X. H., Wang, D. M., & Yang, Y. S. (2012). Effect of nitrogen phosphorus fertilizer application on grain yield and main stem vascular bundle of wheat. Journal of Triticeae Crops, 2012(32), 923–925. ((In Chinese)).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaju, O., DeSilva, J., Carvalho, P., Hawkesford, M. J., Griffiths, S., Greenland, A., et al. (2016). Leaf photosynthesis and associations with grain yield, biomass and nitrogen-use efficiency in landraces, synthetic-derived lines and cultivars in wheat. Field Crops Research, 193, 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, Z. J., Shi, Y., Zhang, Y. L., & Yu, Z. W. (2015). Supplemental irrigation affected flag leaves senescence post-anthesis and grain yield of winter wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China. Field Crops Research, 180, 100–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, T. J., Liu, S., Xu, Y. S., Feng, Z. Z., & Calatayud, V. (2020). Assessment of O3-induced yield and economic losses for wheat in the North China Plain from 2014 to 2017 China. Environmental Pollution, 258, 113828.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Iqbal, M. A., Shen, Y. J., Ruzica, S., Pei, H. W., Suna, H. Y., Amiri, E., et al. (2014). Evaluation of the FAO AquaCrop model for winter wheat on the North China Plain under deficit irrigation from field experiment to regional yield simulation. Agricultural Water Management, 135, 61–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, D. X., Zhang, D., Wang, H. G., Li, H. R., Fang, Q., Li, H. Y., et al. (2019). Optimized planting density maintains high wheat yield under limiting irrigation in North China Plain. International Journal of Plant Production, 14, 107–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, X. K., Hill, P. W., Li, Y. C., Wang, Y., Ren, T., Cong, R. H., et al. (2016b). Physiological processes associated with high yield traits in modern rice varieties. International Journal of Plant Production, 10, 221–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, X. H., Zhu, Z. L., Dong, H. Y., Yang, L. P., Zhang, X. J., & Guo, H. H. (2016a). Effects of reduced N fertilizer application on greenhouse gas emissions from wheat fields in Huang-Huai-Hai area. Soils and Crops, 5, 215–222. ((in Chinese)).

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z., Zhang, Q. P., Wei, W. R., Cui, S., Tang, W., & Li, Y. (2020). Determining effects of water and nitrogen inputs on wheat yield and water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in China: A quantitative synthesis. Agricultural Water Management, 242, 106397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, M., Ma, G. H., Zhu, X. K., Zhu, P. M., Chen, J. L., & Zhao, D. H. (2000). Effects of nitrogen application on wheat cultivar 95–8 with good quality. Jiangsu Agricultural Research, 2000(21), 16–19. ((In Chinese)).

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, E. K., Mei, X. R., Yan, C. R., Gong, D. Z., & Zhang, Y. Q. (2016). Effects of water stress on photosynthetic characteristics, dry matter translocation and WUE in two winter wheat genotypes. Agricultural Water Management, 167, 75–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, M., Wu, X. L., Li, C., Li, M., Xiong, T., & Tang, Y. L. (2020). Dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, partitioning, and translocation in synthetic-derived wheat cultivars under nitrogen deficiency at the post jointing stage. Field Crops Research, 248, 107720.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Z., Gao, J., Gao, F., Liu, P., Zhao, B., & Zhang, J. W. (2018). Photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of summer maize response to different nitrogen supplies. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 576.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, J., Bai, Z. H., Velthof, G. L., Wu, Z. G., Chadwick, D., & Ma, L. (2019). Accumulation and leaching of nitrate in soils in wheat-maize production in China. Agricultural Water Management, 212, 407–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mehrabi, F., & Sepaskhah, A. R. (2018). Interaction effects of planting method, irrigation regimes, and nitrogen application rates on yield, water and nitrogen use effciencies of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). International Journal of Plant Production, 12, 265–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mei, F. Z., & Zhou, G. S. (2001). Studies on the relation of the number of spikers and sections of vascular bundle of wheat varieties (strains). Journal of Huazhong Agricultural University, 20, 107–113. ((In Chinese)).

    Google Scholar 

  • Miranzadeh, H., Emam, Y., Pilesjö, P., & Seyyedi, H. (2011). Water use efficiency of four dryland wheat cultivars under different levels of nitrogen fertilization. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 13, 843–854.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mu, Q., Cai, H. J., Sun, S. K., Wen, S. S., Xu, J. T., Dong, M. Q., et al. (2021). The physiological response of winter wheat under short-term drought conditions and the sensitivity of different indices to soil water changes. Agricultural Water Management, 243, 106475.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olszewski, J., Makowska, M., Pszczółkowska, A., Okorski, A., & Bieniaszewski, T. (2014). The effect of nitrogen fertilization on flag leaf and ear photosynthesis and grain yield of spring wheat. Plant, Soil and Environment, 12, 531–536.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paolo, D. E., & Rinaldi, M. (2008). Yield response of corn to irrigation and nitrogen fertilization in a Mediterranean environment. Field Crops Research, 105, 202–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piao, L., Qi, H., Li, C. F., & Zhao, M. (2016). Optimized tillage practices and row spacing to improve grain yield and matter transport efficiency in intensive spring maize. Field Crops Research, 198, 258–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin, W. L., Zhang, X. Y., Chen, S. Y., Sun, H. Y., & Shao, L. W. (2018). Crop rotation and N application rate affecting the performance of winter wheat under deficit irrigation. Agricultural Water Management, 210, 330–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ren, J. Q., Chen, Z. X., Zhou, Q. B., & Tang, H. J. (2008). Regional yield estimation for winter wheat with MODIS-NDVI data in Shandong, China. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 10, 403–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sack, L., & Scoffoni, C. (2013). Leaf venation: structure, function, development, evolution, ecology and applications in the past, present and future. New Phytologist, 198, 983–1000.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Savage, J. A., Clearwater, M. J., Haines, D. F., Klein, T., Mencuccini, M., Sevanto, S., et al. (2016). Allocation, stress tolerance and carbon transport in plants: how does phloem physiology affect plant ecology? Plant Cell and Environment, 39, 709–725.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shane, M. W., Mccully, M. E., & Canny, M. J. (2000). The vascular system of maize stems revisited: implications for water transport and xylem safety. Annals of Botany, 86, 245–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Szmigiel, A., Kołodziejczyk, M., Oleksy, A., & Kulig, B. (2016). Efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in spring wheat. International Journal of Plant Production, 10, 447–456.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang, Y. L., Rosewarne, G. M., Li, C. S., Wu, X. L., Yang, W. Y., & Wu, C. (2015). Physiological factors underpinning grain yield improvements of synthetic-derived wheat in Southwestern China. Crop Science, 55, 98–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, D. (2017). Water use efficiency and optimal supplemental irrigation in a high yield wheat field. Field Crops Research, 213, 213–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Chen, A., Liu, H., Zhai, L., Lei, B., et al. (2017). An optimal regional nitrogen application threshold for wheat in the North China Plain considering yield and environmental effects. Field Crops Research, 207, 52–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X. B., Wang, L. F., & Shangguan, Z. P. (2016a). Leaf gas exchange and fluorescence of two winter wheat varieties in response to drought stress and nitrogen supply. PLoS ONE, 11, e0165733.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z. Q., Zhang, W. Y., Beebout, S. S., Zhang, H., Liu, L. J., Yang, J. C., et al. (2016b). Grain yield, water and nitrogen use efficiencies of rice as influenced by irrigation regimes and their interaction with nitrogen rates. Field Crops Research, 193, 54–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, X. L., & Bao, W. K. (2011). Leaf Growth, Gas Exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in response to different water deficits in wheat cultivars. Plant Production Science, 14, 254–259.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, C. L., Gao, Y. B., Tian, B. J., Ren, J. H., Meng, Q. F., & Wang, P. (2017a). Effects of EDAH, a novel plant growth regulator, on mechanical strength, stalk vascular bundles and grain yield of summer maize at high densities. Field Crops Research, 200, 71–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, J. K., Shi, Y., Yu, Z. W., & Zhao, J. Y. (2017b). Irrigation methods affect wheat flag leaf senescence and chlorophyll fluorescence in the North China Plain. International Journal of Plant Production, 11, 361–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye, Y. L., Wang, G. L., Huang, Y. F., Zhu, Y. J., Meng, Q. F., Chen, X. P., et al. (2011). Understanding physiological processes associated with yield–trait relationships in modern wheat varieties. Field Crops Research, 124, 316–322.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zadoks, J. C., Chang, T. T., & Konzak, C. F. (1974). A decimal code for the growth stages of cereals. Weed Research, 6, 415–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, K. K., Zhou, S. M., Zhang, M., Shi, S. S., & Yin, J. (2016). Effects of reduced nitrogen application and supplemental irrigation on photosynthetic characteristic and grain yield in high-yield populations of winter wheat. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 27, 863–872. ((in Chinese)).

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y. Q., Wang, J. D., Gong, S. H., Xu, D., & Sui, J. (2017). Nitrogen fertigation effect on photosynthesis, grain yield and water use efficiency of winter wheat. Agricultural Water Management, 179, 277–287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng, X. J., Yu, Z. W., Zhang, Y. L., & Shi, Y. (2020). Nitrogen supply modulates nitrogen remobilization and nitrogen use of wheat under supplemental irrigation in the North China Plain. Scientific Reports, 10, 3305.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Živčák, M., Olšovská, K., Slamka, P., Galambošová, J., Rataj, V., Shao, H. B., et al. (2014). Application of chlorophyll fluorescence performance indices to assess the wheat photosynthetic functions influenced by nitrogen deficiency. Plant Soil Environment, 60, 210–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31771717), the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2016CM34), and the Technology System in Modern Wheat Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, China (CARS-3-1-19).

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31771717), the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2016CM34), and the Technology System in Modern Wheat Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, China (CARS-3-1-19).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by XZ and YZ. The first draft of the manuscript was written by XZ and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yongli Zhang.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zheng, X., Yu, Z., Zhang, Y. et al. Effect of Nitrogen Rates on Wheat Photosynthesis, Anatomical Parameters and Photoassimilate Partitioning in North China Plain. Int. J. Plant Prod. 15, 161–172 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-020-00123-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-020-00123-3

Keywords

Navigation