Effects of different ratios of nitrogen–calcium fertilization on growth and photosynthetic characteristics in the endangered plant Excentrodendron hsienmu seedlings

Excentrodendron hsienmu, a karst-endemic tree species of high ecological and economic value, is classified as endangered and nationally protected in China. This study aimed to establish a theoretical basis for the propagation and conservation of E. hsienmu by evaluating the effects of nitrogen–calc...

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Main Authors: Xixian LIANG, Jie PANG, Yan HUANG, Xingyue HUANG
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AcademicPres 2025-06-01
Series:Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Online Access:https://www.notulaebotanicae.ro/index.php/nbha/article/view/14443
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Summary:Excentrodendron hsienmu, a karst-endemic tree species of high ecological and economic value, is classified as endangered and nationally protected in China. This study aimed to establish a theoretical basis for the propagation and conservation of E. hsienmu by evaluating the effects of nitrogen–calcium fertilization on seedling growth and photosynthetic performance. One-year-old seedlings were subjected to nine treatment combinations of pure nitrogen (1.0, 2.0, 3.0 g/plant) and pure calcium (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 g/plant). Results showed that all fertilization treatments significantly improved seedling growth and photosynthetic traits compared to the control. The N2Ca2 treatment (2.0 g N and 3.0 g Ca per plant) yielded the highest increases in height (26.20 cm), ground diameter (6.96 mm), total biomass (85.64 g), root system development, and chlorophyll content. Additionally, photosynthetic parameters such as net photosynthetic rate (13.96 µmol·m-²·s-¹) and transpiration rate (4.21 mmol·m-²·s-¹) were significantly enhanced under N2Ca2. All measured characteristics, except stomatal conductance, differed significantly from the control (p < 0.05). These findings provide a scientific foundation for the optimized cultivation, restoration, and conservation of E. hsienmu.
ISSN:0255-965X
1842-4309