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How Does Water-Stressed Corn Respond to Potassium Nutrition? A Shoot-Root Scale Approach Study under Controlled Conditions

Author

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  • Lionel Jordan-Meille

    (ISPA, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1391, INRA, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France)

  • Elsa Martineau

    (ISPA, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1391, INRA, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France)

  • Yoran Bornot

    (INRA UMR 1137 Ecologie et Ecophysiologie Forestières, 54280 Champenoux, France)

  • José Lavres

    (USP-CENA, Plant Nutrition Laboratory, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13416-000, Brazil)

  • Cassio Hamilton Abreu-Junior

    (USP-CENA, Plant Nutrition Laboratory, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13416-000, Brazil)

  • Jean-Christophe Domec

    (ISPA, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1391, INRA, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France)

Abstract

Potassium (K) is generally considered as being closely linked to plant water dynamics. Consequently, reinforcing K nutrition, which theoretically favors root growth and specific surface, extends leaf lifespan, and regulates stomatal functioning, is often used to tackle water stress. We designed a greenhouse pot-scale device to test these interactions on corn ( Zea mays L.), and to analyze their links to plant transpiration. Three levels of K nutrition were combined with two water-supply treatments. Shoot and root development and growth were continuously measured during a 60-day-long experiment. Individual plant transpiration was measured by weighing pots and by calculating water mass balances. The results showed that, although K deficiency symptoms resembled those caused by water shortage, there was no advantage to over-fertilizing water-stressed plants. K failed to decrease either the transpiration per unit leaf surface or to improve water use efficiency. The link between K nutrition and plant transpiration appears solely attributable to the effect of K on leaf area. We conclude that K over-fertilization could ultimately jeopardize crops by enhancing early-stage water transpiration to the detriment of later developmental stages.

Suggested Citation

  • Lionel Jordan-Meille & Elsa Martineau & Yoran Bornot & José Lavres & Cassio Hamilton Abreu-Junior & Jean-Christophe Domec, 2018. "How Does Water-Stressed Corn Respond to Potassium Nutrition? A Shoot-Root Scale Approach Study under Controlled Conditions," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:8:y:2018:i:11:p:180-:d:183396
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ma, L. & Ahuja, L.R. & Islam, A. & Trout, T.J. & Saseendran, S.A. & Malone, R.W., 2017. "Modeling yield and biomass responses of maize cultivars to climate change under full and deficit irrigation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 180(PA), pages 88-98.
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