Work

Growth and Mineral Nutrient Status in Peanut and Sorghum in Response to Acid Precipitation and Aluminium

Year: 1985

Type: article

Abstract: Summary The potential effects of acid rain on the availability of soil nutrients were examined by growing sorghum and peanut seedlings in a loamy sand/perlite mixture such that nutrient availability limited growth. Seedlings were watered with simulated acid precipitation at pH 5.5 (control), 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 for 28 or 31 d. There was a significant increase in growth rate and plant dry weight for seedlings exposed to subambient (pH 2.5) watering regimes containing both SO42− and NO3− (6:1, mol/mol). When NO3− was omitted there was no enhancement of shoot growth, and root growth was approximately 50% of that in the control (pH 55) seedlings. Peanut and sorghum seedlings were also grown in soil amended with AlCl3 to simulate conditions where acid precipitation depresses soil pH to the Al neutralization range. Under these conditions there was a complete cessation of growth which was attributed primarily to inhibition of uptake and translocation of Ca rather than accumulation of Al in plant tissues. These experiments indicate that input of N but not S from acid precipitation may potentially benefit crop plants and forage grasses growing under low nutrient availability. Al mobilization in acidified soils may affect plant growth through the induction of Ca deficiency.

Source: New Phytologist

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1985.tb02839.x

Authors: JAMES D. OWNBY, LYNDON DEES

Institution: Oklahoma State University

Language: English

Topic: Aluminum toxicity and tolerance in plants and animals

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Water Resources Center, Oklahoma State University