Effects of localized supply of H2PO4, NO3, SO4, Ca and K on the production and distribution of dry matter in young maize plants.

Authors

  • A. de Jager

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18174/njas.v30i3.16978

Abstract

Roots of treated maize cv. 535 plants were divided between 2 compartments and (a) one root received a complete nutrient sol. and (b) the other 3 a sol. lacking one nutrient. In control plants, all roots received either (c) a complete sol. or (d) a sol. lacking one nutrient. Localizing the supply of a nutrient did not affect DM production rate or the shoot:root ratio. The treatment however did cause a shift in DM distribution within the root system in favour of (a). Except for Ca, this effect was only temporary. The wt. ratio (a):(b) after the period of adaption was highest for nitrate and decreased in the order K > H2PO4 > sulphate, whereas for Ca, (a):(b) still rose at the end of the experiment. Possible explanations for the differences in response are discussed in terms of differences in demand of the roots that are dependent on internal supply and differences in phloem mobility of the nutrient concerned. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

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Published

1982-08-01

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Papers