Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition on water relation of spring wheat

A pot experiment to study the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition on water relation of spring wheat. The result showed that the osmotic adjustment ability of spring wheat leaf was enhanced under soil drought conditions with application of nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen fertilizer increased crop sensitivity to drought because of promoting the shoot growth; leaf water potential and relative water content were decreased, and cell membrane stability was reduced. Phosphorus nutrition, however, decreased crop sensitivity to drought due to promoting the root growth, water status of crop was improved, stomatal conductance and bound water content were increased, and cell membrance stability was enhanced. It is suggested, there are different effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on crop water relation.