Leaf nitrogen does not explain changes in soybean radiation-use efficiency in vegetative and early reproductive stages

Ontogenic changes in soybean radiation-use efficiency (RUE) have been attributed to variation in specific leaf nitrogen (SLN) based only on data collected during seed filling. We evaluated this hypothesis using data on leaf area, absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), aboveground dry matter (ADM), and plant nitrogen (N) concentration collected during the entire crop season from seven field experiments conducted in a stress-free environment. Each experiment included a full N treatment that received ample N fertilizer and a zero N treatment that relied on N fixation and soil N mineralization. We estimated RUE based on changes in ADM between sampling times and associated APAR, accounting for changes in biomass composition. The SLN and RUE exhibited different seasonal patterns: a bell-shaped pattern with a peak around the beginning of seed filling, and a convex pattern followed by an abrupt decline during late seed filling, respectively. The level of N supply influenced SLN more than RUE via changes in leaf N concentration, with small changes in specific leaf weight. Changes in SLN explained the decline in RUE during seed filling but failed to predict changes in RUE in earlier stages. A simple approach based on phenological stages may give more realistic estimates of RUE before seed filling, improving crop growth and yield prediction via crop models and remote sensing.HighlightChanges in radiation-use efficiency during soybean vegetative and early reproductive stages are not related to specific leaf nitrogen.