Nutrient Use Efficiency (N and P) in <I>Azadirachta indica</I> Seedlings Grown under Diffused and Complete Light Conditions

Abstract

Growth and nutrient use efficiency were determined for Neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) seedlings grown at various levels of light, nitrogen and phosphorus. Seedlings were given light (diffused and complete) and nutrient (N and P) treatments comprising of either high N.high P, high N-low P, low N-high P, or low N-low P. Seedlings grown in complete light (800μ mol/m²/s) had four times more biomass than those grown in diffused light (200μ mol/m²/s). Significant increase in seedling biomass was evident due to nitrogen application while phosphorus had no effect on biomass. Leaves contributed maximum biomass, followed by roots and stem. Nutrient use efficiency studies revealed that it decreased with an increase in supply of nutrients. The results of this study suggest that neem seedlings can adjust their nutrient use efficiency and can grow even under limited available resources. It is also inferred that the species can tolerate soil resource depletion caused by competitor species.