Coffee seedlings growth under varied NO3−:NH4+ ratio: Consequences for nitrogen metabolism, amino acids profile, and regulation of plasma membrane H+-ATPase

Root plasma membrane H+-ATPase electrochemical equilibrium for optimum coffee plant growth can be modulated by specific ammonium:nitrate (NO3−:NH4+) ratio supply. This study aimed to evaluate the coffee seedlings responses to varying ammonium:nitrate (NO3−:NH4+) ratio and to depict how much NO3− and NH4+ plants can use in terms of growth, nitrogen metabolism, amino acids profile and regulation of root plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Coffee plants were grown in nutrient solution with the following NO3−:NH4+ ratios (%): 100:0; 87.5:12.5; 50:50; 0:100. Plants were grown in nutrient solution for 90 days and evaluated for growth, nitrate reductase activity as well as the modulation of H+-ATPase activity in the plasma membrane of the roots, amino acids profile, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and estimated cations and anions taken up by plants. The plants treated with the 87.5:12.5 and 50:50 NO3−:NH4+ ratio showed higher ability to absorb nutrients maintaining balanced uptake and as a consequence, 6% and 29%, the highest dry mass yield as compared to the 0:100 NO3−:NH4+ ratio. In addition, plants supplied with the 87.5:12.5 and 50:50 NO3−:NH4+ ratio had respectively, 58% and 94%, greater photosynthetic capability. Those data suggest that farmers and plant nurseries could implement the 50:50 NO3−:NH4+ ratio of nitrogen sources at coffee plantations and seedlings. •Exclusive NH4+ supply reduced pH of the solution and plants K- and Ca-tissue concentration.•Mixed N-forms have greater photosynthetic capability and nitrate reductase activity.•Mixed N-forms supplies affected amino acid profile, H+-ATPase activity and leaf nutrient concentrations.•50:50 of NO3−:NH4+ ratio lead higher plants biomass yield.