Author
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Sinclair, Thomas |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2002 Publication Date: 2/1/2004 Citation: Sinclair, T.R. 2004. Improved carbon and nitrogen assimilation for increased yield. In:H.R. Boerma and J.E. specht (eds), Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses. American Society of Agronomy, Madison WI. 537-568. Interpretive Summary: The challenge to understand the factors influencing potential yield in soybean has been the topic of considerable research over the past 15 years. An ARS-USDA scientist located at Gainesville, FL was asked to prepare a chapter to summarize and evaluate the research done on carbon and nitrogen accumulation because these two processes are fundamental in generating yield increase. A primary focus of this chapter was to illustrate that these two processes are very much mutually dependent and that it is not possible to understand one of these processes without considering the other. In addition to leaf nitrogen content, carbon accumulation was shown to be closely linked to the amount of light intercepted during the growing season. Nitrogen accumulation was shown to be highly dependent on photosynthate directly when soil nitrate is accumulated and indirectly when symbiotic nitrogen fixation is the nitrogen source and nitrogenous products must be metabolized. Yield estimates were calculated based on the limitations of carbon and nitrogen accumulation. It was concluded that additional increases in soybean yield potential might be possible, but no large increases seem likely considering the carbon and nitrogen limitations. Technical Abstract: None. |
