The stoichiometry of soil macro and microelements plays a critical role in regulating Camellia oleifera nutrient accumulation and production

Understanding the accumulation rule of nutrients is crucial to promote the production of Camellia oleifera. The stoichiometry of soil macro and microelements is more critical than their content in affecting the growth and yield of plants. However, research on C. oleifera in these aspects is limited.

In this study, we examined microelement content in soil and various parts of the C. oleifera plant and analyzed the relationship between the bioaccumulation, distribution, and production of plant macro and microelements with the stoichiometry of soil macro and microelements.

Our findings indicated that high-yield plants transported more Ca, Mg, and B to the shoot, while low-yield plants stored higher Fe, Zn, and Al in the root. The significantly lower bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor of B and Mg in the high-yield plants highlighted the importance of nutrient storage in promoting C. oleifera yield. Multiple regression analysis and the Mantel test demonstrated that plant yield and bioaccumulation and transportation of macro and microelements were more closely correlated with the stoichiometry of macro and microelements than their content. The significantly different stoichiometry of macro and microelements in soil of different yields revealed that the stoichiometry of macro and microelements was more sensitive and reliable in reflecting the balance in soil nutrients of C. oleifera and regulating its growth.

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the balance in soil macro and microelements and their relationship with the growth of C. oleifera and highlights the critical role of the stoichiometry of soil macro and microelements in promoting high and stable production of C. oleifera.