Temperature and Oxygen Effects in Soil on Nutrient Uptake in Jojoba Seedlings
1977
Reyes, D. M. | Stolzy, L. H. | Labanauskas, C. K.
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.
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