RESPONSE OF WHEAT AND MAIZE TO DIFFERENT NITROGEN-SOURCES .1. PLANT-GROWTH AND BIOMASS ACCUMULATION

Maize (Zea mays L., hyhrid Pioneer 3737) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cultivar Jantar) were grown hydroponically in nutrient solutions c ontaining 10 mM nitrogen (N) as either the nitrate (NO3) anion or the ammonium (NH4) cation or in a 1:1 combination of both. Maize and wheat plants had different responses to the N sources. Maize growth and bio mass accumulation were greatest with the equal combination of NO3 and NH4, while NO3 only was more favourable for wheat. The effects of the different N sources were detected on the 14th and 21st day for maize a nd wheat plants, respectively.