High irradiance increases NH(4)(+) tolerance in Pisum sativum: Higher carbon and energy availability improve ion balance but not N assimilation.

The widespread use of NO(3)(-) fertilization has had a major ecological impact. NH(4)(+) nutrition may help to reduce this impact, although high NH(4)(+) concentrations are toxic for most plants. The underlying tolerance mechanisms are not yet fully understood, although they are thought to include the limitation of C, the disruption of ion homeostasis, and a wasteful NH(4)(+) influx/efflux cycle that carries an extra energetic cost for root cells.

High irradiance induces photoprotective mechanisms and a positive effect on NH4+ stress in Pisum sativum L.

Photosynthesis provides plant metabolism with reduced carbon (C) but is also the main source of oxidative stress in plants. Likewise, high doses of NH(4)(+) as sole N source have been reported to be toxic for most plants, resulting in reduced plant growth and restricting C availability. The combination of high photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) and NH(4)(+) nutrition may provide higher C availability but could also have a detrimental effect on the plants, therefore the objective of this study is to evaluate whether NH(4)(+) induces photo-oxidative stress that is exacerbated under high light conditions.