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Blanca M. Plaza
Department of Agronomy, School of Engineering, University of Almería, CIAIMBITAL, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain

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Journal article
Published: 27 February 2021 in Agronomy
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The rapid development of greenhouse horticulture has brought about a dramatic increase in the nitrate pollution of aquifers. The optimization of nitrogen application is an important tool to minimize nitrogen losses. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of different fertigation strategies, based on the reduction of the nitrogen applied and the use of a percentage of NH4 + as a nitrogen source, on the decrease in the environmental impact caused by the traditional system, as well as to evaluate if this is compatible with a high fruit yield (considering quantity and quality). Lycopersicum esculentum Mill cv. Forteza plants were grown in a polyethylene greenhouse. Tomato yield and quality were evaluated, along with leachates, which were collected by means of rigid plastic lysimeters. The proposed strategies did not reduce fruit yield. However, the reduction in the nitrate applied caused firmness and °Brix decrease, together with a diminution in titratable acidity until 124 days after transplanting. Nevertheless, these effects were not observed with the replacement of some of the NO3 − by NH4 +. The reduction in fertilizer inputs significantly improved water and nutrient (N, P and K) use efficiency. The treatment with NH4 + improved K use efficiency, compared to the conventional treatment, but P decreased. The highest NO3 − and K leaching was detected in the traditional treatment.

ACS Style

Blanca Plaza; María Lao; Silvia Jiménez-Becker. Fertigation Strategies to Alleviate Fertilizer Contamination Generated by Tomato Crops under Plastic Greenhouses. Agronomy 2021, 11, 444 .

AMA Style

Blanca Plaza, María Lao, Silvia Jiménez-Becker. Fertigation Strategies to Alleviate Fertilizer Contamination Generated by Tomato Crops under Plastic Greenhouses. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (3):444.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca Plaza; María Lao; Silvia Jiménez-Becker. 2021. "Fertigation Strategies to Alleviate Fertilizer Contamination Generated by Tomato Crops under Plastic Greenhouses." Agronomy 11, no. 3: 444.

Journal article
Published: 19 January 2021 in Agronomy
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Landfill leachate can release pollutants into the environment. Nevertheless, it can be treated using a phytodepuration system via constructed wetlands to reduce contaminants. Moreover, this leachate can also increase the availability of macro and micronutrients in soil and water. In this trial, the reuse of untreated and treated wastewater from municipal solid waste (MSW) for fertigation was assessed. Plantlets of Viola × wittrockiana (pansy) were grown in a greenhouse and five fertigation treatments were applied: W9.0 (pure wastewater, EC 9.0 dS m−1), W4.5 (diluted wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), DW4.5 (depurated wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), PW4.5 (phytodepurated wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), and T (tap water, control, EC 1.5 dS m−1). The treatment with untreated wastewater had a negative effect on plant dry weight, leaf size, specific leaf area, water content, and the number of closed and open flowers, due to the high concentration of SO42− in the fertigation water. It also reduced the content of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn with respect to the control, because of the dry biomass diminution. Conversely, fertigation with phytodepurated wastewater enhanced root and shoot dry weight, water content, and the number of closed and open flowers. Cu and Mn contents in flowers surpassed the content detected in plants fertigated with untreated leachates. These findings demonstrate that phytodepurated wastewater obtained from MSW can be employed for the fertigation of this species.

ACS Style

Blanca María Plaza; Giulia Carmassi; Cecilia Diara; Alberto Pardossi; María Teresa Lao; Silvia Jiménez-Becker. Effects of Fertigation with Untreated and Treated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste on the Microelement Status and Biometric Parameters of Viola × wittrockiana. Agronomy 2021, 11, 186 .

AMA Style

Blanca María Plaza, Giulia Carmassi, Cecilia Diara, Alberto Pardossi, María Teresa Lao, Silvia Jiménez-Becker. Effects of Fertigation with Untreated and Treated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste on the Microelement Status and Biometric Parameters of Viola × wittrockiana. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (1):186.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca María Plaza; Giulia Carmassi; Cecilia Diara; Alberto Pardossi; María Teresa Lao; Silvia Jiménez-Becker. 2021. "Effects of Fertigation with Untreated and Treated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste on the Microelement Status and Biometric Parameters of Viola × wittrockiana." Agronomy 11, no. 1: 186.

Journal article
Published: 03 December 2020 in Agronomy
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The disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills might result in serious environmental pollution. The goal of the present assay was to assess if MSW wastewater (pure or treated) can be used as a potential source for fertilizers, studying its effects on plant biometric parameters as well as on anion concentrations and anion partitioning of the bedding plant Viola × wittrockiana Gams. (pansy), to detect possible harmful impacts on plants. The treatments tested were: W9.0 (pure wastewater, EC 9.0 dS m−1), W4.5 (diluted wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), DW4.5 (depurated wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), PW4.5 (phytodepurated wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), and T (tap water, the control, EC 1.5 dS m−1). The treatment with pure wastewater negatively affected plant fresh weight, water content (on a fresh weight basis), leaf area, plant height and width, and the number of leaves and flowers due to an accumulation of SO42− in plant tissues. Phytodepurated wastewater improved plant fresh weight, water content, plant height and width, the number of leaves and flowers, and reduced the leaf area because this treatment decreased SO42− concentrations in wastewater by half. Pansy plants also showed high levels of nutrients (N, P, and Mg) when compared with fertigation with pure and diluted landfill leachate. These results show that phytodepurated wastewater from MSW can be used for the fertigation of pansy plants.

ACS Style

Blanca María Plaza; Rita Maggini; Eva Borghesi; Alberto Pardossi; María Teresa Lao; Silvia Jiménez-Becker. Nutrient Extraction in Pansy Fertigated with Pure, Diluted, Depurated and Phytodepurated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1911 .

AMA Style

Blanca María Plaza, Rita Maggini, Eva Borghesi, Alberto Pardossi, María Teresa Lao, Silvia Jiménez-Becker. Nutrient Extraction in Pansy Fertigated with Pure, Diluted, Depurated and Phytodepurated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (12):1911.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca María Plaza; Rita Maggini; Eva Borghesi; Alberto Pardossi; María Teresa Lao; Silvia Jiménez-Becker. 2020. "Nutrient Extraction in Pansy Fertigated with Pure, Diluted, Depurated and Phytodepurated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste." Agronomy 10, no. 12: 1911.

Journal article
Published: 09 July 2019 in Sustainability
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The aim of this work was to analyze the influence of the salinity of the nutrient solution on the transpiration and growth of Cordyline fruticosa var. “Red Edge” plants. A specific irrigation management model was calibrated with the experimental data. An experiment was performed with four treatments. These treatments consisted of the application of four nutrient solutions with different electrical conductivity (ECw) levels ranging from 1.5 dS m−1 (control treatment) to 4.5 dS m−1. The results showed that day-time transpiration decreases when salt concentration in the nutrient solution increases. The transpiration of the plant in the control treatment was modelled by applying a combination method while the effect of the salinity of the nutrient solution was modelled by deriving a saline stress coefficient from the experimental data. The results showed that significant reductions in plant transpiration were observed for increasing values of ECw. The crop development and yield were also affected by the increasing salinity of the nutrient solution. A relationship between the ECw and the relative crop yield was derived.

ACS Style

Blanca M. Plaza; Juan Reca; Juan Martínez; Francisco Alex; Maria Teresa Lao. Sustainable Irrigation Management of Ornamental Cordyline Fruticosa “Red Edge” Plants with Saline Water. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3751 .

AMA Style

Blanca M. Plaza, Juan Reca, Juan Martínez, Francisco Alex, Maria Teresa Lao. Sustainable Irrigation Management of Ornamental Cordyline Fruticosa “Red Edge” Plants with Saline Water. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (13):3751.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca M. Plaza; Juan Reca; Juan Martínez; Francisco Alex; Maria Teresa Lao. 2019. "Sustainable Irrigation Management of Ornamental Cordyline Fruticosa “Red Edge” Plants with Saline Water." Sustainability 11, no. 13: 3751.

Article
Published: 09 March 2018 in Environmental Biology of Fishes
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In horticultural practice accelerated plant development and particularly earlier flowering, has been reported with microalgae applications. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the effects of foliar spraying with Scenedesmus sp. and Arthrospira platensis hydrolysates on Petunia x hybrida plant development and leaf nutrient status. Three treatments were tested: T1 (foliar application with water, the control), T2 (foliar application with Arthrospira), and T3 (foliar application with Scenedesmus). Foliar spraying was applied five times (0, 14, 28, 35, and 42 days after transplanting). The concentration of both microalgae was 10 g L−1. At the end of the trial biometric parameters and nutrient concentration in photosynthetic organs (the leaves) were measured. The results of this assay show that foliar application of Scenedesmus accelerated plant development in terms of higher rates of root growth, leaf and shoot development, and earliness of flowering. Arthrospira enhanced the root dry matter, the number of flowers per plant, and the water content. Nevertheless, a reduction was found in the conductive tissue (stem + petiole) dry weight with Arthrospira compared with Scenedesmus and the control. The results also show that microalgae hydrolysate supply can improve the plant nutrient status. Based on these results, it is advisable to use Scenedesmus hydrolysates in foliar applications to increase the blooming of Petunia x hybrida.

ACS Style

Blanca María Plaza; Cintia Gómez-Serrano; F. Gabriel Acien Fernandez; Silvia Jimenez-Becker. Effect of microalgae hydrolysate foliar application (Arthrospira platensis and Scenedesmus sp.) on Petunia x hybrida growth. Environmental Biology of Fishes 2018, 30, 2359 -2365.

AMA Style

Blanca María Plaza, Cintia Gómez-Serrano, F. Gabriel Acien Fernandez, Silvia Jimenez-Becker. Effect of microalgae hydrolysate foliar application (Arthrospira platensis and Scenedesmus sp.) on Petunia x hybrida growth. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 2018; 30 (4):2359-2365.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca María Plaza; Cintia Gómez-Serrano; F. Gabriel Acien Fernandez; Silvia Jimenez-Becker. 2018. "Effect of microalgae hydrolysate foliar application (Arthrospira platensis and Scenedesmus sp.) on Petunia x hybrida growth." Environmental Biology of Fishes 30, no. 4: 2359-2365.

Original articles
Published: 28 October 2017 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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Ammonium (NH4+) is an important nitrogen (N) source for plant growth. Nevertheless, NH4+–N can be oxidized to nitrate (NO3−) by nitrification and then nitrate and nitrite can be leached into groundwater. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of the water bicarbonate concentration, pH, and the presence, or not, of a nitrification inhibitor, on the nitrification process. Six treatments were established, changing the pH and the bicarbonate concentration, with or without the nitrification inhibitor. The results showed that an active nitrification process occurred in treatments with high pHs (8 and 7) and with no nitrification inhibitors. This causes an increase in the nitrate and nitrite concentration in the substrate. The use of N–NH4+ fertilizers joint to a nitrification inhibitor, especially in nutritive solutions with a high concentration of bicarbonate and a pH of 8 and 7, decreases nitrate and nitrite accumulation in substrate which can prevent nitrate and nitrite leaching.

ACS Style

L. Ramos; A. Bettin; B. M. Plaza; S. Jiménez-Becker. Effect of Water Bicarbonate Concentration, pH and the Presence, or Not, of a Nitrification Inhibitor in the Nitrification Process. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2017, 48, 2280 -2287.

AMA Style

L. Ramos, A. Bettin, B. M. Plaza, S. Jiménez-Becker. Effect of Water Bicarbonate Concentration, pH and the Presence, or Not, of a Nitrification Inhibitor in the Nitrification Process. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2017; 48 (19):2280-2287.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L. Ramos; A. Bettin; B. M. Plaza; S. Jiménez-Becker. 2017. "Effect of Water Bicarbonate Concentration, pH and the Presence, or Not, of a Nitrification Inhibitor in the Nitrification Process." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 48, no. 19: 2280-2287.

Journal article
Published: 02 October 2017 in Journal of Plant Nutrition
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ACS Style

Silvia Jiménez-Becker; Blanca Maria Plaza; María Teresa Lao. Empirical models of calcium and magnesium uptake in Dieffenbachia amoena. Journal of Plant Nutrition 2017, 40, 2365 -2372.

AMA Style

Silvia Jiménez-Becker, Blanca Maria Plaza, María Teresa Lao. Empirical models of calcium and magnesium uptake in Dieffenbachia amoena. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2017; 40 (16):2365-2372.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Jiménez-Becker; Blanca Maria Plaza; María Teresa Lao. 2017. "Empirical models of calcium and magnesium uptake in Dieffenbachia amoena." Journal of Plant Nutrition 40, no. 16: 2365-2372.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2017 in Acta Horticulturae
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ACS Style

E.M. Almansa; R.M. Chica; B.M. Plaza; M.T. Lao-Arenas. Proline test to evaluate light stress in tomato seedlings under artificial light. Acta Horticulturae 2017, 1019 -1026.

AMA Style

E.M. Almansa, R.M. Chica, B.M. Plaza, M.T. Lao-Arenas. Proline test to evaluate light stress in tomato seedlings under artificial light. Acta Horticulturae. 2017; (1170):1019-1026.

Chicago/Turabian Style

E.M. Almansa; R.M. Chica; B.M. Plaza; M.T. Lao-Arenas. 2017. "Proline test to evaluate light stress in tomato seedlings under artificial light." Acta Horticulturae , no. 1170: 1019-1026.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2017 in Scientia Horticulturae
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ACS Style

Blanca Maria Plaza; Fernando Paniagua; Miguel Rafael Ruiz; Silvia Jiménez-Becker; María Teresa Lao. Nutritional responses of Cordyline fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge’ to fertigation with leachates vs. conventional fertigation: Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Scientia Horticulturae 2017, 215, 157 -163.

AMA Style

Blanca Maria Plaza, Fernando Paniagua, Miguel Rafael Ruiz, Silvia Jiménez-Becker, María Teresa Lao. Nutritional responses of Cordyline fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge’ to fertigation with leachates vs. conventional fertigation: Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Scientia Horticulturae. 2017; 215 ():157-163.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca Maria Plaza; Fernando Paniagua; Miguel Rafael Ruiz; Silvia Jiménez-Becker; María Teresa Lao. 2017. "Nutritional responses of Cordyline fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge’ to fertigation with leachates vs. conventional fertigation: Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium." Scientia Horticulturae 215, no. : 157-163.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2016 in Agricultural Water Management
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ACS Style

Blanca María Plaza; Francisco Soriano; Silvia Jiménez-Becker; María Teresa Lao. Nutritional responses of Cordyline fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge’ to fertigation with leachates vs. conventional fertigation: Chloride, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphate. Agricultural Water Management 2016, 173, 61 -66.

AMA Style

Blanca María Plaza, Francisco Soriano, Silvia Jiménez-Becker, María Teresa Lao. Nutritional responses of Cordyline fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge’ to fertigation with leachates vs. conventional fertigation: Chloride, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphate. Agricultural Water Management. 2016; 173 ():61-66.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca María Plaza; Francisco Soriano; Silvia Jiménez-Becker; María Teresa Lao. 2016. "Nutritional responses of Cordyline fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge’ to fertigation with leachates vs. conventional fertigation: Chloride, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphate." Agricultural Water Management 173, no. : 61-66.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2015 in Acta Horticulturae
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ACS Style

B.M. Plaza; S. Jimenez-Becker; P. García-Caparrós; M. Del M. Verdejo; L.A. Chaves; M.T. Lao. INFLUENCE OF SALINITY ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF SIX NATIVE MEDITERRANEAN SPECIES. Acta Horticulturae 2015, 755 -760.

AMA Style

B.M. Plaza, S. Jimenez-Becker, P. García-Caparrós, M. Del M. Verdejo, L.A. Chaves, M.T. Lao. INFLUENCE OF SALINITY ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF SIX NATIVE MEDITERRANEAN SPECIES. Acta Horticulturae. 2015; (1099):755-760.

Chicago/Turabian Style

B.M. Plaza; S. Jimenez-Becker; P. García-Caparrós; M. Del M. Verdejo; L.A. Chaves; M.T. Lao. 2015. "INFLUENCE OF SALINITY ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF SIX NATIVE MEDITERRANEAN SPECIES." Acta Horticulturae , no. 1099: 755-760.

Original articles
Published: 29 January 2013 in Journal of Plant Nutrition
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This trial was carried out to study the influence of the nutrient solution on the microelements concentration and distribution in C. fruticosa var. ‘Red Edge' plants. Four treatments were tested: T1 [control, 1.5 dS m−1, 14.3 mmol L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl)], T2 (2.5 dS m−1, 22.2 mmol L−1 NaCl), T3 (3.5 dS m−1, 32.7 mmol L−1 NaCl) and T4 (4.5 dS m−1, 38.2 mmol L−1 NaCl). In roots and stems, iron (Fe) concentrations were lower in the no saline treatment. Stems accumulated more Fe with treatments T3 and T4. Copper concentration and extraction were not affected by salinity. The highest manganese (Mn) concentration in roots was observed in T2, while in petioles was higher in T3 and T4. Manganese extraction reached higher levels in the saline treatments in roots and stems, while in petioles it was lower in T1, T2 and T3. In roots, zinc (Zn) concentration was lower with the extreme treatments. Micronutrients concentration in leaves was unaffected by salinity, because an exclusion mechanism that consists on accumulation in roots and stems was developed.

ACS Style

María Teresa Lao; Blanca María Plaza; Silvia Jiménez. IMPACT OF SALT STRESS ON MICRONUTRIENTS IN CORDYLINE FRUTICOSA VAR. ‘RED EDGE'. Journal of Plant Nutrition 2013, 36, 990 -1000.

AMA Style

María Teresa Lao, Blanca María Plaza, Silvia Jiménez. IMPACT OF SALT STRESS ON MICRONUTRIENTS IN CORDYLINE FRUTICOSA VAR. ‘RED EDGE'. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2013; 36 (6):990-1000.

Chicago/Turabian Style

María Teresa Lao; Blanca María Plaza; Silvia Jiménez. 2013. "IMPACT OF SALT STRESS ON MICRONUTRIENTS IN CORDYLINE FRUTICOSA VAR. ‘RED EDGE'." Journal of Plant Nutrition 36, no. 6: 990-1000.

Original articles
Published: 01 January 2013 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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The scarcity of water for different uses has created a need for using nonconventional water resources, such as wastewater and saline water. Their use could contribute to reduced water resource consumption in arid areas and biosphere contamination. Wastewaters are normally unbalanced solutions rich in sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sulfate (SO42−), and chloride (Cl−), which can cause damages to crops, but if they are treated, their quality can increase. The aim of this trial was to study the effects of pure, diluted, sand-filter depurated, and phytodepurated wastewater from municipal solid waste (MSW) leachates, compared with groundwater on the nutritional state of the ornamental plant Viola spp. The experimental design was unifactorial (type of irrigation water). Five treatments were tested: R9.0 [wastewater, electrical conductivity (EC) 9.0 dS m−1], R4.5 (wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), D4.5 (depurated water, EC 4.5 dS m−1), FD4.5 (phytodepurated water, EC 4.5 dS m−1), and P (groundwater, EC 1.5 dS m−1). Nutrient (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) concentrations and partitioning per fraction (flowers, aerial vegetative fraction, including stems and leaves [called AVF], and roots) were studied. Similar total Na+ extractions were found in the 4.5 dS m−1 treatments, being greater than in the 9.0 dS m−1 treatment, all of the surpassing the control. Nevertheless, there were Na+ partitioning per fraction differences depending on Na+ concentration. Total K+ extraction was the greatest in FD4.5, related with its greater root concentration. Potassium was mainly located in AVF, followed by flowers. Calcium and Mg2+ extractions showed a similar behavior. The greatest Ca2+ extraction was noticed in control plants, which is related with Ca2+ accumulation in roots.

ACS Style

Blanca M. Plaza; Francesco Fusai; Giulia Carmassi; Silvia Jiménez; Alberto Pardossi; Maria T. Lao. Effects of Treated and Untreated Wastewater from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Leachates on the Nutritional State ofViolaspp.: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2013, 44, 480 -491.

AMA Style

Blanca M. Plaza, Francesco Fusai, Giulia Carmassi, Silvia Jiménez, Alberto Pardossi, Maria T. Lao. Effects of Treated and Untreated Wastewater from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Leachates on the Nutritional State ofViolaspp.: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2013; 44 (1-4):480-491.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Blanca M. Plaza; Francesco Fusai; Giulia Carmassi; Silvia Jiménez; Alberto Pardossi; Maria T. Lao. 2013. "Effects of Treated and Untreated Wastewater from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Leachates on the Nutritional State ofViolaspp.: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 44, no. 1-4: 480-491.

Original articles
Published: 01 January 2013 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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Composition and concentration of soluble salts in the root-zone medium solution have an influence on plant growth, both by creating osmotic imbalance and via specific physiological toxicity of ions. Osmotic potential is related to electrical conductivity (EC) by mathematical models. The knowledge of the contribution of ions to the EC by means of theoretical estimations or regression models could link both effects of salts on nutrient uptake by plants and the development of new strategies for managing fertility and irrigation of horticultural crops. Solutions were obtained from nine commercial greenhouses (G), during the cultivation cycle of tomato plants var. Daniela. There were 273 samples, including irrigation water (IW), nutrient solutions (NS), and soil solutions (SS) obtained by suction cup. Solutions showed a wide range of EC and nutrient concentrations. Attending to nutrient concentration [nitrate (NO3−), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), and sulfate (SO42−)], the individual contribution of EC (Ω−1 cm2 mol−1) was estimated by means of the theoretical Debye–Hückel–Onsager equation reference, obtaining the ion molar conductivities (IMC) of 0.071 NO3−, 0.073 K+, 0.119 Ca2+, 0.106 Mg2+, 0.050 Na+, 0.076 Cl−, and 0.160 SO42−. On the other hand, the contribution coefficient for each parameter of EC (dS m−1) was estimated by means of multilinear regression, presenting the following coefficients: 0.033 NO3−, 0.072 K+, 0.124 Ca2+, 0.068 Mg2+, 0.038 Na+, 0.046 Cl−, and 0.026 SO42−. The determination coefficient of the model was 0.93. To validate both models 194 samples of solutions (IW, NS, and SS) obtained from different horticultural crops cultivated in greenhouses under fertigation in the Mediterranean area were used. The determination coefficients of the validated simple regressions were 0.83 and 0.89 for the theoretical and the multilinear models.

ACS Style

S. Jimenez; B. M. Plaza; M. L. Segura; J. I. Contreras; María Teresa Lao. Modeling the Contribution of Salts to the Electrical Conductivity of Fertigation Solutions Used in Greenhouses in the Mediterranean Area. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2013, 44, 440 -446.

AMA Style

S. Jimenez, B. M. Plaza, M. L. Segura, J. I. Contreras, María Teresa Lao. Modeling the Contribution of Salts to the Electrical Conductivity of Fertigation Solutions Used in Greenhouses in the Mediterranean Area. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2013; 44 (1-4):440-446.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Jimenez; B. M. Plaza; M. L. Segura; J. I. Contreras; María Teresa Lao. 2013. "Modeling the Contribution of Salts to the Electrical Conductivity of Fertigation Solutions Used in Greenhouses in the Mediterranean Area." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 44, no. 1-4: 440-446.

Original articles
Published: 01 January 2013 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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Techniques to evaluate the nutritional state of the crop include techniques for determination of nutrient parameters in the soil solution. A nondestructive method that allows taking of samples along the crop and obtaining the real soil solution without dilution is the suction cup, although some problems exist, including the limited sample size and possible contamination. In this work the porous cup was characterized from the chemical point of view, identifying the crystalline structures that constitute it, with x-ray fluorescence, dispersion of the wavelengths, use of certified reference patterns that guarantee the traceability of the measurements, and (from the physical point of view) determination of the total porosity and the pore-size distribution by means of the mercury intrusion technique. The design of the suction cups were also studied to obtain a robust sampler that is easy to handle, affordably priced, and able to obtain an adequate size of sample for use in commercial horticultural greenhouses. This method of measuring water and salt content of the root environment has potential applications in the greenhouse production of potted plants. Measurements obtained with this method may lead to new information on nutrient uptake by plants and the development of new strategies for managing fertility and irrigation of horticultural crops.

ACS Style

S. Jimenez; B. M. Plaza; M. L. Segura; J. I. Contreras; María Teresa Lao. Characterization of Porous Cups and Modified Suction Probes for the Extraction of the Soil Solution. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2013, 44, 447 -455.

AMA Style

S. Jimenez, B. M. Plaza, M. L. Segura, J. I. Contreras, María Teresa Lao. Characterization of Porous Cups and Modified Suction Probes for the Extraction of the Soil Solution. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2013; 44 (1-4):447-455.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Jimenez; B. M. Plaza; M. L. Segura; J. I. Contreras; María Teresa Lao. 2013. "Characterization of Porous Cups and Modified Suction Probes for the Extraction of the Soil Solution." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 44, no. 1-4: 447-455.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2012 in Acta Horticulturae
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ACS Style

S. Jimenez; M. Moreno; A. Ebrahim-Zadeh; B.M. Plaza; M.M. Verdejo; M.T. Lao. EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF TWO CARNATION CULTIVARS. Acta Horticulturae 2012, 449 -453.

AMA Style

S. Jimenez, M. Moreno, A. Ebrahim-Zadeh, B.M. Plaza, M.M. Verdejo, M.T. Lao. EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF TWO CARNATION CULTIVARS. Acta Horticulturae. 2012; (934):449-453.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Jimenez; M. Moreno; A. Ebrahim-Zadeh; B.M. Plaza; M.M. Verdejo; M.T. Lao. 2012. "EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF TWO CARNATION CULTIVARS." Acta Horticulturae , no. 934: 449-453.

Original articles
Published: 30 January 2012 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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The aim of this trial was to study the nutritional behavior generated by modifications in the salt concentration in the nutrient solution used for the fertigation of Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge plants. Four treatments were tested: T1 [control, 1.5 dS m−1, 14.3 mmol L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl)]; T2 (2.5 dS m−1, 22.2 mmol L−1 NaCl); T3 (3.5 dS m−1, 32.7 mmol L−1 NaCl); and T4 (4.5 dS m−1, 38.2 mmol L−1 NaCl). There is an accumulation of sodium (Na+) in roots, stem, and petiole when salinity increases, which avoid leaf damages. Potassium (K) concentration increases with the intermediate saline treatments in stems and leaves but decreases when plants are fertigated with T4. Calcium (Ca) accumulates in roots with T3 and T4, in stems with T4, and in petioles and leaves with T3. Magnesium (Mg) concentration is greater in stems, petioles, and leaves of T4, but is greater in roots of T3. Plants fertigated with the three saline treatments extract 1.4 times more Na+ than T1 plants. The greatest K+ extraction is observed in T2, followed by T3, and T4. T2, T3, and T4 plants extracted more Ca2+ than T1 plants. Finally, Mg2+ extractions in T3 are twice as much as they are in T1, while in T4 and T2 are much greater.

ACS Style

B. M. Plaza; S. Jimenez; María Teresa Lao. Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State ofCordyline fruticosavar. Red Edge, 2: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2012, 43, 234 -242.

AMA Style

B. M. Plaza, S. Jimenez, María Teresa Lao. Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State ofCordyline fruticosavar. Red Edge, 2: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2012; 43 (1-2):234-242.

Chicago/Turabian Style

B. M. Plaza; S. Jimenez; María Teresa Lao. 2012. "Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State ofCordyline fruticosavar. Red Edge, 2: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 43, no. 1-2: 234-242.

Original articles
Published: 30 January 2012 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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The improvement of water and nutrient efficiency leads to a production model that is more sustainable with less water, fewer fertilizer inputs, and less environmental damages. High-technology fertigation equipment permits high precision in the nutrient solution application. Besides, the field measurement of soil water content by tensiometers and the extraction of soil solutions by suction cups allow a dynamic methodology management in agreement with real crop requirements. This trial was carried out to compare this dynamic fertigation management method (using tensiometers and suction cups) for tomato crops (Lycopersicum sculentum Mill. Forteza) under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions with other methods: the local traditional model, based only on technical consulting, and the classical model, by means of estimation of Kc and nutrient extractions references. The parameters studied were tomato yield, water, and fertilizer amounts applied during the cultivation as well as water- and fertilizer-use efficiency. The water used to prepare the nutrient solution was classified as C4-S3 following the Riverside classification system. Plants were grown from 15 August to 20 April. The results show that the supply of fertilizers during the cultivation has been significantly lower with classical and dynamic models. Dynamic method shows greater efficiencies for all the elements, except for potassium, and also decreases the water consumption, not affecting total yield.

ACS Style

S. Jimenez; B. M. Plaza; M. L. Segura; María Teresa Lao. Improve Water and Nutrient Efficiency in Tomato Crop by a Dynamic Fertigation Management under Saline Conditions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2012, 43, 258 -264.

AMA Style

S. Jimenez, B. M. Plaza, M. L. Segura, María Teresa Lao. Improve Water and Nutrient Efficiency in Tomato Crop by a Dynamic Fertigation Management under Saline Conditions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2012; 43 (1-2):258-264.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Jimenez; B. M. Plaza; M. L. Segura; María Teresa Lao. 2012. "Improve Water and Nutrient Efficiency in Tomato Crop by a Dynamic Fertigation Management under Saline Conditions." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 43, no. 1-2: 258-264.

Original articles
Published: 30 January 2012 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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The Mediterranean area has been experiencing an extensive development of intensive horticulture, with a majority of that located in arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources and poor water quality. One of the most important greenhouse vegetable crops is melon. This article studies the effects of different nitrogen–potassium (N–K) fertilizers applications and two types of irrigation water on yield and nutritional behavior of melon crop Cucumis melo L. (var. cantalupensis Naud. Alpes). The trial was conducted during two cycles under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions, on sandy mulching soil. The experimental design was bifactorial: NK fertigation and water quality, with three nutrition levels and two water qualities [MS with electrical conductivity (EC) = 0.6 dS m−1 and HS with EC = 2.3 dS m−1]. During the first cycle, the fertigation levels were F1 (50% NK), F2 (100% NK), and F3 (125% NK). In the second cycle, the fertigation levels were F2, F4 (125% N and 150% K) and F5 (180% N and 220% K). Treatment F2 was the recommended total doses (220 kg N ha−1 and 355 kg K ha−1). The increase in the NK concentration of the nutritive solution produced a rise in commercial production. The salinity of irrigation water did not affect marketable yield but had an effect on the fruit size, which was compensated for by an increase in the amount of fruit produced. Dry-matter production, N, and K uptake by plant (g m−2) were evaluated in the first and second trials. Salinity and NK nutrition levels significantly affected (P < 0.05) dry matter and N and K uptake by melon plant. Nitrogen and K uptake present interesting correlations with production and with each other, as established by mean regression analysis.

ACS Style

J. I. Contreras; B. M. Plaza; María Teresa Lao; M. L. Segura. Growth and Nutritional Response of Melon to Water Quality and Nitrogen Potassium Fertigation Levels under Greenhouse Mediterranean Conditions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2012, 43, 434 -444.

AMA Style

J. I. Contreras, B. M. Plaza, María Teresa Lao, M. L. Segura. Growth and Nutritional Response of Melon to Water Quality and Nitrogen Potassium Fertigation Levels under Greenhouse Mediterranean Conditions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2012; 43 (1-2):434-444.

Chicago/Turabian Style

J. I. Contreras; B. M. Plaza; María Teresa Lao; M. L. Segura. 2012. "Growth and Nutritional Response of Melon to Water Quality and Nitrogen Potassium Fertigation Levels under Greenhouse Mediterranean Conditions." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 43, no. 1-2: 434-444.

Original articles
Published: 30 January 2012 in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
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This trial was carried out to study the nutritional and productive behavior generated by modifications in the salt concentration in the nutrient solution for Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge plants. The anions studied were chloride (Cl), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Four treatments were tested: T1 [control, 1.5 dS m−1, 14.3 mmol L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl)], T2 (2.5 dS m−1, 22.2 mmol L−1 NaCl), T3 (3.5 dS m−1, 32.7 mmol L−1 NaCl), and T4 (4.5 dS m−1, 38.2 mmol L−1 NaCl). At the end of the cultivation, leaf, petiole, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, elemental extractions, and elemental concentrations were determined. Nutrient concentrations and total plant uptake (extraction) were calculated from the dry matter. The treatment T2 induces a blade protection mechanism, which consists on the accumulation of chloride (Cl−) in root and vessels; so, leaf storage is reduced, avoiding damages. Petiole also contributes to this protection, acting as a salt pool. As NaCl concentration in the nutritive solution arises, N plant concentration increases significantly although there are no significant differences between T1 and T2. With high salinity levels, P in vessels is reduced, whereas root extraction and concentration increases. The greatest N and P extractions are observed in T2, which is due to its higher dry matter. Chloride extractions are lower in T1 than in the other treatments.

ACS Style

B. M. Plaza; S. Jimenez; María Teresa Lao. Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State ofCordyline fruticosavar. Red Edge: Chloride, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 2012, 43, 226 -233.

AMA Style

B. M. Plaza, S. Jimenez, María Teresa Lao. Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State ofCordyline fruticosavar. Red Edge: Chloride, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2012; 43 (1-2):226-233.

Chicago/Turabian Style

B. M. Plaza; S. Jimenez; María Teresa Lao. 2012. "Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State ofCordyline fruticosavar. Red Edge: Chloride, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 43, no. 1-2: 226-233.