An examination of the effects of water stress on leaf growth of crops of field beans (<i>Vicia faba</i> L.):2. Mineral content

Abstract

SUMMARY The mineral content of N, P and K in leaves, stems, roots and seed of field beans, subjected to four watering regimes were compared in 1976 and 1977, and of a foliar nutrient spray in the latter year. N, P and K content increased in all treatments with the increase in plant size and then declined at about the time of podding and death of the leaves. Water shortage reduced the amounts of N, P and K throughout the growth period and for the seed at final harvest; the decrease was more pronounced in 1976 than in 1977. The plants under stress conditions benefited from the foliar nutrient spray more than the unstressed plants.