Lentils can absorb amino acids as a nitrogen source supporting early growth

Abstract

Background: Lentils ( Lens culinaris Medik.) are a valuable crop due to their high nutritional content, low environmental impact, and nitrogen‐fixing ability via rhizobacteria. Early in development, before this symbiosis is established, lentils require external nitrogen, typically supplied through fertilizers or already present in soils. Aim: This study explores whether lentils can utilize amino acids as a nitrogen source and how amino acid supplementation affects growth and nitrate uptake. Results: The findings show that lentils can absorb amino acids from soil, with no adverse effects on growth compared to mineral N fertilizers. The amino acid patterns show only slight changes in individual amino acids. NPF/NRT1, NRT2, AMT2, and DUR3 were expressed in all treatments in root tissue. LHT1 plays a minor role in the distribution of N in the shoots of lentil plants. Conclusion: Although amino acid uptake is less efficient than that of nitrate, it may still benefit young plants in organic farming until rhizobacterial symbiosis is established.