Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2014, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (12): 1345-1355.DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1258.2014.00129

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Interactive effects of soil acidification and phosphorus deficiency on photosynthetic characteristics and growth in Juglans regia seedlings

ZHANG Cui-Ping1, MENG Ping2, LI Jian-Zhong3, WAN Xian-Chong1,*()   

  1. 1Institute of New Forestry Technology, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
    2Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, State Forestry Administration, Beijing 100091, China
    3Dagouhe National Forest Farm, Jiyuan, Henan 454650, China
  • Received:2014-04-03 Accepted:2014-08-18 Online:2014-04-03 Published:2015-04-16
  • Contact: WAN Xian-Chong

Abstract:

AimsOur main purposes were to explore effects of phosphorus deficiency and soil acidification on growth, water balance and phosphorus nutrition in Juglans regia seedlings and to investigate the hydraulic mechanism involved in reduced photosynthesis and growth.

Methods We measured growth, hydraulic characteristics, and gas exchanges in J. regia seedlings. The effects of phosphorus deficiency and soil acidification on xylem anatomic structure, water balance and photosynthetic characteristics were also analyzed.

Important findings Soil acidification inhibited the phosphorous uptake and utilization efficiency in J. regia seedlings. A combination of soil acidification and phosphorous deficiency interrupted water balance, and reduced photosynthesis and growth of J. regia seedlings. Under soil acidification and phosphorus deficiency, non-stomatal factors also played a role in inhibiting photosynthesis.

Key words: growth, hydraulic conductance, Juglans regia, pH value, phosphorus nutrition, photosynthetic characteristics