Mineral Content and Root Respiration of In Vitro Grown Kiwifruit Plantlets Treated with Two Humic Fractions

In vitro grown kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa, Liang and Ferguson) plantlets were treated with two humic fractions distinguished by two different relative molecular mass and characterized through their elemental composition and 13Carbon (C) nuclear magnetic resonance. The effects exerted on plant growth, root morphology, and nutrition were evidenced by means of leaves and roots mineral content, root respiration, and nitrate reductase activity. The two humic substances differentially influenced the studied parameters. The lower molecular fraction humic substance, endowed with a higher content of phenolic and carboxylic groups, caused an enhanced content of micro- and macro-elements, together with a higher root respiration at lower concentrations (0.5–1 mg C L−1). The high molecular fraction humic substance, needed higher concentrations (>5 mg C L−1) in order to achieve similar effects. This fraction also caused major changes on root morphology. The ability to improve micronutrient assimilation, in particular iron, confirmed the agronomic importance of humic substances on soil fertility.