Effects of Antitranspirant Spray and Potassium: Calcium: Magnesium Ratio on Photosynthesis,Nutrient and Water Uptake,Growth, and Yield of Sweet Pepper

Sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) were cultivated hydroponically under different nutrient cation ratios at both high potassium (K)/calcium (Ca) (12:2) or magnesium (Mg)/Ca (4:2) ratios, compared with half strength Hoagland's solution (K:Ca:Mg; 3.5:2:0.5). Additionally, antitranspirant (Pinolene) was sprayed every fortnight to the aerial part of the plant at 1% (v/v). The antitranspirant (AT) did not affect dry weight accumulation in the leaves, stems, roots, total plant leaf area, or leaf dry weight percentage. Net carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation was not impaired by the AT but the water uptake was reduced significantly independent of the nutrient solution used. The AT did not affect the cation uptake but high Mg significantly reduced Ca concentration in leaves, stems, and fruits, whilst high K had an effect only in old leaves and fruits. The AT reduced fructose and glucose concentration in the leaves but no effect was found in the fruits. Fruit yield was not affected by AT, but it was increased when plants were grown with high Mg/Ca. The percentage of blossom-end rot was reduced with the AT, whilst it was increased with the solutions having high K/Ca or high Mg/Ca. The AT significantly reduced fruit firmness in high Mg/Ca and control solution but no effect was found for fruit color, shape index, total soluble solids, or pericarp thickness.     

Relationship between cationic balance in the chicory root and internal browning of the chicon

During the vegetative period of the biennial chicory plant (Cichorium intybus L., witloof type) nutrient solutions with a constant cationic content but variable proportions of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were applied to the plants grown on perlite. This resulted in taproots varying in cation content: K and Mg decreased and Ca increased in the high‐Ca series compared with the control. A forcing experiment of the taproots in darkness with a standard nutrient solution resulted in a low percentage of brown axes (11%), a Ca‐deficiency symptoms in the chicons from high Ca‐treated roots as compared with 45% in the control. Analysis of the cations in chicons and roots after forcing showed a prevalence of K and Mg migration in comparison with sodium (Na) and Ca towards the chicon. During the first days of forcing, mineral nutrition of the chicon relied only on root reserves and competition between Ca and K‐Mg was reduced in the high Ca‐treated roots, therefore limiting brown axis initiation. Later on, the contribution of the external medium was greater in the high‐Ca series, notably for K, thus involving a higher water and Ca‐linked flux towards the chicon which kept it above the critical level of internal browning expression.     

Elemental and/or cation ratio efficiency of corn hybrids grown on an infertile soil inadequate in magnesium

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency in corn (Zea mays L.) is often attributed to the low levels of Mg in soils. This study was conducted to determine elemental and/or cation balance efficiency of corn hybrids grown on a soil low in available Mg, Among the 15 hybrids tested, no differential efficiency in ear leaf concentration of P was found at two planting dates. Leaf concentrations of Zn and Fe were influenced by planting date for all hybrids but interactions between hybrids and planting date were found only for K, Ca, Mg concentrations and the sum of the Meq Ca + Mg/100 g, the Meq K + Ca + Mg/100 g, and the K/Ca and K/Ca + Mg ratios. Planting dates did not Influence the K/Mg ratio among hybrids. Large differences in efficiency of K, Ca, and Mg were found but these cations were found to have large Interactions. Data show that Ca and Mg efficient hybrids are less efficient in K than Ca and Mg inefficient hybrids. It should be possible to breed corn hybrids for better cation balance efficiency for use on infertile soils low in avallable Mg.     

Boron fertilization of Mediterranean aridisols improves lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) yields and quality

Abstract

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is grown as a forage crop on many livestock farms. In calcareous soils in eastern Turkey, lucerne production requires boron (B) addition as the soils are naturally B deficient. Field experiments with four B-application rates (0, 1, 3, and 9 kg ha^?1 B) were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to determine the optimum economic B rate (OEBR), critical soil test and tissue B values for dry matter (DM) production for lucerne grown on B-deficient calcareous aridisols in eastern Turkey. Boron application increased yield at each site in both years of production. The OEBR and critical soil and tissue B content were not impacted by location. Averaged over the two years and three locations, the OEBR was 6.8 kg B ha^?1 with an average DM yield of 12.0 Mg ha^?1. The average soil B content at the OEBR was 0.89 mg kg^?1 while leaf and shoot tissue B content amounted to 51.8 and 35.5 mg kg^?1, respectively. Boron application decreased tissue calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), and increased tissue nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Tissue and soil B increased without impacting yield at B levels up to 9 kg ha^?1. We conclude that 7 kg ha^?1 B is sufficient to elevate soil test B levels from 0.11 to 0.89 mg kg^?1 and overcome B deficiency at each of the sites in the study. Similar studies with different soils and initial soil test B levels are needed to conclude if these critical soil and tissue values can be applied across the region.     

Effect of manganese on concentrations of Zn,K, Ca and Mg in two bush bean cultivars grown in solution culture

Two bush bean cultivars [Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. ‘Wonder Crop 2’ (WC‐2) and ‘Green Lord’ (GL)], differing in Mn toxicity, were grown in a growth chamber for 12 days in Hoagland No. 2 nutrient solution containing 0.05 to 1 ppm Mn as MnCl₂4H₂O with 1 ppm Fe as Fe‐EDTA, at an initial pH 5.00. Concentrations of Zn, K, Ca and Mg in the tissues of two bush bean cultivars were examined in relation to Mn toxicity.

The concentration of Zn in the leaves of Mn‐sensitive WC‐2 increased significantly with increasing Mn concentration in the solution, but such levels were not toxic to the plants.

The percent distribution of Zn and K in Mn‐sensitive WC‐2 plants (% of total uptake) significantly increased in the tops and decreased in the roots with increasing Mn concentration in the nutrient solution; however, Mn treatment had no effect on distribution of either Ca or Mg in WC‐2. External Mn concentration had little or no effect on the K, Ca, or Mg concentration in the tops of Mn‐tolerant GL.     

PISTACHIO RESPONSES TO SALT STRESS AT VARIED LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM

Crop production in many parts of the world is increasingly affected by soil salinization, especially in the irrigated fields of arid and semi-arid regions. The effects of four magnesium levels [0, 0.5, 1, and 22 millliMolar (mM) magnesium as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄.5H₂O)], and three salinity levels [0, 45 and 90 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] on growth and the chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami-e-Zarand’ was studied in sand culture under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. After 28 weeks the growth parameters of biomass, leaf number, leaf area and stem height were measured. The results demonstrated that salinity decreased biomass, leaf area and stem height; the application of 2 mM magnesium (Mg) significantly reduced biomass, leaf number, leaf area and stem height; salinity stress increased concentrations of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in shoot as well as Na concentration in root; however, it decreased Mg and calcium (Ca) concentrations in shoot, as well as Mg, Ca, and K concentrations in root. The application of 2 mM Mg reduced K and Ca concentrations in shoot and Na and K concentrations in root.     

Growth and Ca,Mg, K,and P uptake by triticale,wheat, and rye at four al levels

This study was conducted to determine relationships between Al toxicity and mineral uptake of triticale (X Triticosecale, Wittmack), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and rye (Secale cereale L.). Two culti‐vars of each species were grown in 1/5‐strength Steinberg solution with 0, 3, 6, or 12 ppm Al added. The solutions were adjusted to pH 4.8 at transplanting and were not adjusted thereafter. The plants were grown in a growth chamber for 19 days before harvesting to determine nutrient solution pH, dry weights, and Al, Ca, Mg, K, and P levels in plants. Increasing Al concentration reduced the final pH of solutions. The addition of 12 ppm Al severely reduced the growth and increased Al concentration of plant tops. The Al levels in roots generally increased with increments of added Al up to 6 ppm. Increasing Al decreased the uptake of Ca, Mg, and P by plant tops more than that of K. Regression analyses indicated that Al toxicity was associated with increasing K/Ca + Mg equivalent ratios and decreasing P concentration in plant tops. Differences between species were: higher Al concentration in rye than wheat with 6 and 12 ppm Al, higher translocation of Ca from roots to tops in wheat than in rye and Mg in triticale and wheat than rye; K/Ca + Mg equivalent ratios associated with 50% reduction in top growth followed the order: triticales > tolerant wheat > sensitive wheat > rye. Differences in mineral uptake associated with Al toxicity in wheat were more indicative of differential Al sensitivity in wheat than in triticale and rye which have higher internal Al tolerance.     

Calcium,magnesium, and potassium uptake by crested wheatgrass grown on calcareous soils

Abstract

Forage intake with potassium/(calcium + magnesium) [K/(Mg + Ca)] values in excess of 2.2 are associated with grass tetany and Mg deficiencies in ruminants. This study was conducted to determine the degree to which forage K and Mg concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios could be predicted from soil bicarbonate (HCO₃) extractable phosphate‐phosphorus (PO₄‐P), and saturation extract Ca, Mg, K, sodium (Na), and nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) concentrations. Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron spp) strains and cultivars representing four ploidy levels were grown in the greenhouse on eight calcareous soils with different saturation extract Ca, Mg, K and K/Mg ratios. The plants were harvested three times. Soil solution K/(Ca + Mg) and K/Mg ratios were the only measured soil parameters that showed a consistent correlation with plant K/(Ca + Mg) ratios. Bicarbonate extractable soil P was positively related to plant P and K uptake in the first harvest, but was not related in the second and third harvests nor was soil P related to plant Ca or Mg content. There was a tendency for the higher ploidy level entries to have higher plant K/(Ca + Mg) ratios. It was concluded that soil K/(Ca + Mg) ratios can be used to predict relative forage K/(Ca + Mg) ratios for grasses grown under similar conditions.     

Effects of pasture‐applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. I. macrominerals,crude protein,and in vitro digestibility

Abstract

The rationale for this experiment was to determine forage nutrient concentrations as affected by biosolids fertilization. We studied the effects of single applications of two exceptional quality biosolids to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pasture with regard to satisfying beef cattle nutrient requirements. Twenty‐five 0.8‐ha pastures were divided into five blocks. Two biosolids were applied as normal and double agronomic rates. The control plot received NH₄NO₃. Forages were analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), crude protein (CP), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and soils were analyzed for Mehlich I extractable Ca, P, Mg, and K. Single (agronomic or twice this) applications of biosolids to pastures had little effect on Ca, P, Na, and K forage concentrations, but forage Mg was elevated in several treatments late in the season. Crude protein concentrations were elevated above the control for all biosolids treatments late in the season, whereas only small differences were observed at early sampling times. Trends were similar for IVOMD. In general, all treatments were associated with soils with adequate Ca, P, and Mg concentrations, while soil K was uniformly low. In relation to grazing beef cattle requirements, all treatments resulted in generally adequate forage levels of Ca, P, Mg, K, CP, and IVOMD, however, Na (<0.06%) was deficient.     

Soil fertility effects on growth,yield, nodulation and nitrogenase activity of Austrian winter pea

Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum subspecies arvense (L.) Poir) is grown as a cool season annual to produce high protein seed and forage as well as for soil fertility improvement. This legume is grown on a wide range of soil types with many different cropping systems. The objective of these studies was to determine the influence of K levels, with and without P and Ca fertilization, for increased growth, yield, nodulation and nitrogenase activity. Results were from 3 years’ field and greenhouse experiments with a Psammentic Paleustalf (Eufaula series) utilizing Rhizobium leguminosarum (Frank), ATCC 10314 as inoculum. Soil fertility effects on composition and histology of field‐grown nodules are presented.

Available soil P was a limiting plant nutrient in field studies with significant response to K resulting with PK combinations for top growth, tillers, pods, seed yield, nodule mass, and nitrogenase activity levels (C₂H₂, red.). Multiple regression for nitrogenase (umol C₂H₄ h^‐1) = 1.09 tiller number + 3.37 nodule weight + 2.29 pod number, R² = 0.837, C.V. = 29.9%. Results from the greenhouse experiments indicated significant responses with increased K application levels when combined with P and Ca fertilization for top growth, nodule weight, number of nodules and nitro‐genase activity. Highly significant correlations resulted with nitrogenase x nodule weight (r=0.538) and nitrogenase x top growth (r=0.359) with multiple regression of treatment effects for nitrogenase (μmol C₂H₄ h^‐1) = 2.73 P + 1.04 K + 4.92 Ca, R² = 0.797 and C.V. = 48.8%. Soil addition of plant nutrients resulted in significantly increased concentrations of those elements within nodules. Magnesium content was not consistently influenced by P, Ca, and K amendments. Sodium decreased with increased K fertilization. Multiple regression of elemental composition (mg g^‐1 nodule) for nitrogenase (pmol C₂H₄ h^‐1) = 0.21 P + 0.86 K + 2.35 Ca ‐ 2.01 Na, R² = 0.772, C.V. = 55.6%. The proportion of plant nutrients in nodules contained within the nodule cytosol was highest for K (56.2%) and lowest for Ca (21.4%) with intermediate levels of Mg (50.2%), P (45.4%), and Na (37.2%).

Practical application from these data include the requirement of adequate available soil K for increased yield and nitrogen fixation with favorable P and Ca soil levels in Austrian winter pea production.     

Requirement of rice crop for phosphorus and potassium at varying sodicity levels

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sative L.) plants were grown in pots in soil at pH 8.0, 9.4 9.8, and 10.0 to study the response to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization at the rate of 60 kg/ha alone or in combination on growth, yield attributes, and chemical composition of the shoot. Increasing sodicity stress (pH 8.0, 9.4, 9.8, and 10.0 achieved by using sodium bicarbonate) adversely affected growth with delayed initiation of tillering and reduced the grain filling period. Total and filled grains per panicle, 1,000 grain weight, and grain yield were significantly lowered even at pH 9.4. Analyses of the shoot at 30 days after transplanting and at maturity showed a pronounced increase in Na concentration with a decrease in ? and calcium (Ca). Phosphorus and magnesium (Mg) were slightly higher in the shoot in response to sodicity stress. Fertilization with ? and ? at pH 10.0 helped plants to offset the ill effect of sodicity by early initiation of tillering and flowering and had a positive response on the yield attributes and grain yield. This also resulted in a decrease in Na and improvement in the ? and ? status of shoot. It was concluded that the amount of available ? and ? in the soil which was adequate for plant growth and development at lower sodicity levels, however became inadequate at higher sodicity.     

Yield response of corn to lime and urea application on an acidic tropical soil

Abstract

The effects of liming (7 500 kg CaCO₃/ha) and rate of urea application (0,50,100, and 200 kg N/ha) and its placement at the surface or at 5 cm depth on grain yield and nutrient uptake by corn grown on an acidic tropical soil (Fluventic Eutropept) were studied. Liming significantly increased grain yield, N uptake, and P and K uptake although Ca and Mg uptake, generally, were unaffected. Sub‐surface application of urea increased N uptake only. Yield response to applied N was observed up to 50 kg N/ha when limed but at all rates in the absence of liming. It therefore, reduced the fertilizer N requirement for optimum grain yield. Liming the acidic soil also reduced exchangeable Al but increased nitrification rate and available P in the soil profile (at least up to 0.6 m depth).     

Magnesium accumulation and mineral balance in sudangrass as influenced by potassium,calcium and sodium

Abstract

Sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense, ‘Piper’ Stapf) was grown in the greenhouse in a slightly calcareous sample of Shano silt loam. The purpose of the study was to evaluate plant response to Mg and to determine any changes in Mg nutrition following individual or composite application of Mg, Ca, K and Na as nitrate compounds. The concentration of Mg in plant tissue decreased following K application and increased with each increment of Mg applied irrespective of variations in the proportions of Ca and Na included in the treatments. A base treatment including Ca, Na, and K applied with or without Mg showed a significant yield response to Mg. The Mg response was attributed to a more favorable ionic balance in the growth medium with respect to Mg because the soil was not particularly Mg deficient. Application of Mg in this case lowered the plant K concentration significantly, increased the concentration of Mg, and gave a lower K/(Ca+Mg) ratio in the foliage than was obtained without Mg. Results suggest that high levels of other nutrient cations may adversely affect the Mg nutrition of crops growing on alkaline soils not abundantly supplied with available Mg.     

MODULATION OF MACRONUTRIENTS UPTAKE AND TRANSLOCATION IN Mn-TREATED RICE IN EARLY STAGES OF VEGETATIVE GROWTH

The effect of increasing manganese (Mn) concentrations on calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and phosphorus (P) absorption and translocation was studied in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Safari), before and after the end of mobilization of seed reserves. Rice plants were grown over a 15-, 21-, and 28-day period in nutrient solutions containing Mn concentrations varying between 0.125 and 32 mg L^?1. It was found that increasing Mn concentrations in the nutrient solution was coupled to an increasing net uptake, total shoot accumulation, and root and shoot contents of this metal during all the experimental periods. Concerning the translocation rates, in 15-day-old plants a decrease was found after the 2 mg L^?1 Mn treatment, but from the 21st day onward an increase was found until the highest treatment. The modulating action of Mn in macronutrient accumulation displayed different patterns among the experimental periods. In the root tissues of 15-day-old plants, Ca decreased significantly until the 2 mg L^?1 treatment and Na increased. In the shoots, the contents of P and Na decreased, but K and Mg showed significant increases. Until the 32 mg L^?1 Mn treatment, the ratio between root and shoot concentrations of K and Mg decreased in these plants. A similar pattern was also found for Ca until the 2 mg L^?1 Mn treatment. That ratio increased for Na. Plant total amount of Ca sharply decreased. Shoot total amount of Na and P also decreased, but the pattern of Ca increased until the 2 mg L^?1 Mn treatment. The concentrations of K increased in the root tissues 21 days after germination, but the levels of Ca, Mg, Na, and P decreased. In the shoots, the concentrations of Ca and Mg decreased significantly. Until the 32 mg L^?1 Mn treatment, the ratio between root and shoot concentration of Na and P increased, whereas those of Ca and Mg decreased. An increase was found for the plant and shoot total amount of Ca, K, and Mg until the last Mn treatment, but an opposite trend was found for Na and P. Additionally, until the 32 mg L^?1 Mn treatment, an increase was found for the proportions of Ca and Mg translocated to the shoot, but an opposite trend was detected for P. It was concluded that before and after the end of the mobilization of seed reserves, the net uptake rate of Ca is reversed, and, moreover, a similar trend is shown for the net translocation of Mg. A major implication of this process is the alteration of the related pattern for shoot accumulation. Eventually a different selectivity of the K⁺:Na⁺ ratio is also developed in the roots.     

Stimulative effects of elemental sulfur in the presence of ammonium on chile and broccoli growth in calcareous soils

The chile pepper plant seldom responds to N and P fertilizers on fertile soils. Surplus industrial H₂SO₄ and elemental S have created interest in “mining”; calcareous soils for additional supplies of P, Ca, Mg and micronutrients. The effect of variable S, on the growth of chile and broccoli was evaluated holding other nutrients constant. Growth of chile and broccoli plants was significantly increased in the greenhouse and chile yield increased in the field. Incremental S additions increased the water extractable and desorbable Ca + Mg and P contents of soil. The total N and K content of chile plant grown in the greenhouse increased, and then decreased, P decreased, as S rates increased. Yield of dry red chile with constant N peaked at 16.5 g S m^‐2 and then decreased with increasing S in the field. Rroccoli responded more to S application than to directly applied foliar micronutrient solutions (Fe and 7n), and responded much better to (NH₄)₂SO₄ + S than to Ca(NO₃)₂ at equivalent N rates. Increased soluble Ca + Mg content of the soil in the presence of S was thought to influence plant absorption of NH₄ and/or K.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND CALCIUM ON THE GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PISTACHIO SEEDLINGS

Poor quality of irrigation water (high salinity) has reduced the yields of pistachio over recent years, especially in Kerman. The effects of four salinity levels [0, 30, 60, and 90 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and three calcium (Ca) levels [0, 0.5, and 1 mM Ca as calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O)] on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings cv. ‘Badami’ were studied in sand culture under greenhouse conditions in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. After 170 days, leaf area, leaf number, shoot and root dry weights were determined. Also shoot and root sodium (Na), potassium (K), Ca, and magnesium (Mg) concentrations were measured. Results showed salinity decreased all growth parameters. Ca application increased shoot and root Ca concentrations and root K concentration, while Ca application decreased shoot K concentration and shoot and root Mg concentrations. Salinity decreased shoot Ca, root K, and root Mg concentrations, while salinity increased shoot and root total sodium uptake, and shoot and root Cl concentrations.     

Variation within sunflower cultivars and inbred lines in leaf chemical composition

Abstract

Plant species, as well as cultivars within species, have been shown to vary in response to soil nutrient levels due to variation in tissue requirements and variation in ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. In order to study this latter aspect in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.), two field trials were conducted in which nutrient concentrations in the topmost nature leaf were determined. At two growth stages, 16 cultivars differed significantly in leaf nutrient levels of N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B. Seed yields were highly significantly correlated with leaf nutrient levels, variation in nutrient concentrations accounting for 43% of the observed variation in seed yield. On this soil which was low in B, variation in B concentration alone accounted for 28% of the variation in seed yield in spite of 2 kg B/ha having been applied. Marked differences were observed in the leaf nutrient concentrations of 40 inbred lines tested.     

High Sodium in Irrigation Water Caused B Toxicity at Low Soil Solution and Shoot B Concentration in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) in brackish water differentially affects boron (B) nutrition of plants grown on calcareous and salt-affected soils. A glasshouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of brackish irrigation water with different sodium adsorption ratio (SAR_iw) [distilled-water control, 8, and 16 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2] on B nutrition of maize. Plants were grown for 40 days with 5 levels of B (0, 1.29, 2.30, 3.22, and 4.46 mg kg^?1 soil). Boron application significantly improved plant growth at lower rates. High B rates and application of high SAR_iw decreased plant growth independently, and the reduction in growth was further aggravated due to combined effect of both B and high SAR_iw. Decreased growth was attributed mainly to increased shoot B and Na concentration, while decreased Ca concentration. These ionic changes also altered internal and external B requirements. Yield decrease was observed at lower B concentration in soil solution B and plants shoot grown with high SAR_iw than in plants grown with distilled water and low B application rates.     

Tuber yield and allocation of nutrients and carbohydrates in potato plants as affected by limestone type and magnesium supply

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is a nutrient that affects the development of plants and is mainly supplied through liming performed to correct soil acidity. By acting on photosynthesis and influencing carbohydrate partitioning in the plant, supplementary Mg supplied through soil or foliar application can increase the yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental Mg fertilization by soil or foliar application on plant nutritional status, tuber yield, and carbohydrate partitioning in potato crops in soil corrected with calcitic and dolomitic limestones. The experiment was carried out in pots under greenhouse conditions with a randomized block design in a 2?×?3 factorial scheme with four replications. Dolomitic limestone application and supplemental Mg fertilization via soil increased the concentrations of this nutrient in potato leaves. Liming with dolomitic limestone reduced the uptake of Ca and K by plants, but supplemental Mg fertilization did not alter the uptake of Ca, Mg or K. Supplemental Mg fertilization did not increase plant growth and tuber yield, even when calcitic limestone was used to elevate the base saturation to 60%; the exchangeable Mg concentration in soil was 9?mmol_c dm^?3, and the Ca:Mg relationship was 3.7. Liming with dolomitic limestone or providing supplemental Mg fertilization did not increase sugar and starch partitioning to the tubers.     

Nitrogen,calcium, and magnesium fertilization affects growth and leaf elemental content of ‘dormanred’ raspberry

’Dormanred’ raspberry (Rubus species) plants grown in sand culture were subjected to varying concentrations of N, Ca, and Mg over a two‐year period. Increasing nitrogen fertilization resulted in linear reductions of leaf Ca, K, Zn, Fe, and Mn but did not affect leaf Mg. Leaf Ca and K increased linearly with Ca fertilization, but applied Ca had an antagonistic influence on leaf Mg. Magnesium fertilization had a positive influence on leaf Mg but negatively affected leaf K, Ca, and Mn. Plant growth was negatively correlated with leaf Ca and leaf K, but had a positive correlation with leaf Mg and Mn. Nitrogen fertilization increased plant growth up to the mid‐level of applied N, but additional N reduced plant growth.