Forage Chicory: A Plant Resource for Nutrient-Rich Sites

Grazing livestock create localized nutrient patches that increase soil ionic strength (IS) and influence plant productivity. The ability of plant root systems to control ion absorption and flux to xylem, and to sequester ions reaching leaf tissue in bound, nontoxic forms are means of minimizing IS. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the growth and mineral acquisition responses of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L. cv. Grasslands Puna) to increasing (0.9, 4, 8, and 12 dS m) IS in the rhizosphere obtained by additions of NaCl ⁄CaCl2 (1 : 1 m ratio). Plants were harvested four times after planting (20, 27, 34 and 41 d) to identify responses as a function of time. Increased accumulation and localization of Na in roots in comparison to shoots suggested that chicory restricted Na transport to shoots, and that insoluble Na in tissues increased with increasing IS. Soluble cations in shoots were about 50 % of total cations, irrespective of rhizosphere IS and Na uptake. Differences in the cation:anion ratio could not be accounted for by organic acid concentrations in chicory, but substantial accumulation of nonstructural carbohydrates as fructans in roots could contribute to charge balance. Our results demonstrate that forage chicory has moderate tolerance to IS, suggesting that it might be a useful species for sites with potential for IS. Chicory growth would probably be sustained under IS conditions, and the resultant vigorous growth and accumulation of mineral nutrients in shoots would contribute to acceptable nutritive value for grazing livestock. Plants capable of growing in and acquiring nutrients from nutrient-laden patches in the sward would help minimize erosion and nutrient transport, with positive benefits for water and soil quality.