Assessment of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake capacity and root growth in mature alternate-bearing pistachio (Pistacia vera) trees

Abstract

We examined interrelationships between crop load, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake, and root growth in mature, alternate-bearing pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) trees. Pistachio trees bear heavy (on-year) and light (off-year) fruit crops in alternate years. Uptake and partitioning of N, P, and K among tree parts were determined during (a) spring flush (mid-March to late May), (b) nut fill (late May to early September), and (c) postharvest-leaf senescence (late September to early December). Nutrient uptake occurred primarily during nut fill in both on- year and off-year trees. In on-year trees, N and K uptake increased by 35 and 112%, respectively, during nut fill compared with off-year trees. During this period, nutrients were allocated largely to embryo development in on-year trees and to storage in perennial tissues in off-year trees. Nutrient uptake was negligible between harvest and leaf senescence. Although root growth was reduced during nut fill in on-year trees compared with off-year trees, there was no relationship between root growth and the uptake of N, P or K from the soil. Our data support the hypothesis that sink demand regulates the uptake and distribution of N, P, and K in pistachio trees.