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Photosynthetic Performance and Urea Metabolism After Foliar Fertilization with Nickel and Urea in Cotton Plants

Author

Listed:
  • Jailson Vieira Aguilar

    (School of Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Allan de Marcos Lapaz

    (School of Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Nayane Cristina Pires Bomfim

    (School of Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Thalita Fischer Santini Mendes

    (School of Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Lucas Anjos Souza

    (Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, Rio Verde 75906-750, GO, Brazil)

  • Enes Furlani Júnior

    (School of Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Liliane Santos Camargos

    (School of Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil)

Abstract

The use of nickel (Ni) as a fertilizer remains a topic of debate, particularly in non-legume species, as Ni is required only in trace amounts for optimal plant function. Urea application in plants, whether foliar or root-based, relies on the urease enzyme to convert urea into NH 4 + and CO 2 , with Ni serving as an essential cofactor. In this study, we conducted an experiment using a 2 × 2 factorial design, combining two urea concentrations [4% and 8% ( w / v )] with the absence or presence of Ni (0.3 g L −1 supplied as NiSO 4 ·6H 2 O). Gas exchange parameters were measured two days after fertilization. We quantified urease enzyme activity, urea content, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, and other nitrogenous metabolites. The presence of Ni during foliar urea fertilization significantly increased the photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic pigments, which we attributed to improved urea assimilation. The combination of urea and Ni enhanced urease activity, leading to higher levels of various nitrogenous metabolites. Ni positively influenced foliar urea assimilation, promoting its conversion into organic compounds, such as proteins, while mitigating the toxic effects associated with urea accumulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jailson Vieira Aguilar & Allan de Marcos Lapaz & Nayane Cristina Pires Bomfim & Thalita Fischer Santini Mendes & Lucas Anjos Souza & Enes Furlani Júnior & Liliane Santos Camargos, 2025. "Photosynthetic Performance and Urea Metabolism After Foliar Fertilization with Nickel and Urea in Cotton Plants," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:699-:d:1620668
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shareef, Muhammad & Gui, Dongwei & Zeng, Fanjiang & Waqas, Muhammad & Ahmed, Zeeshan & Zhang, Bo & Iqbal, Hassan & Xue, Jie, 2019. "Nitrogen leaching, recovery efficiency, and cotton productivity assessments on desert-sandy soil under various application methods," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 223(C), pages 1-1.
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