Nutrient shift in Parthenocissus tricuspidata seedling in response to soil water stress

A climate-controlled greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the influence of soil water stress on the nutrient status of a climbing plant, Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Sieb.et Zucc) Planch. The results showed that water stress constrained N uptake more than P and K uptake in P. tricuspidata. Soil water supply significantly affected N efficiency ratio, but had no effect on P and K efficiency ratios. P. tricuspidata had low K concentration (<10 mg g−1) in all its plant tissues, which allowed the plant to limit its stomatal opening and reduce its water loss. The study revealed that P. tricuspidata is able to adjust biomass distribution, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency in response to soil water stress and that nutrient management for this plant under water stress should focus on N more than on P and K.