Alfalfa cultivar responses to phosphorus and potassium deficiency: Biomass

Soil phosphorus (P) fertility needs for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the intermountain western United States have been a concern since the inception of irrigation during the late 19th century. Soil potassium (K) fertility needs have received much less attention because K deficiencies, related to long term use of high quality, low‐K irrigation water, have developed only in recent years. The objectives of this research were to compare the responses of five commercial alfalfa cultivars (CVs) to phosphorus (P) and K deficiency and to examine the interactions between CVs and P and K soil fertility. An experiment was established on a highly calcareous Redfield silt loam soil (Fine‐silty carbonatic, mesic Xeric Torrifluvents) that was low in both P and K. The CVs, planted in 1988, were studied through 1993. A 3x3 complete factorial combination of P and K fertilizer rates was established in a split plot design where CV was the whole plot. There was a significant CV x year interaction in biomass production that was not related to diseases or insects. There was also a significant CV x P interaction within and among years. Response to K fertility, though significant, was not prominent in this trial. Alfalfa CV performance trials should segregate CVs best adapted to short term (2–3 year) rotations from those best adapted to long term (4–5 year) rotations. Fertilizer effects on low‐K calcareous soils are short lived; moderate rates of K fertilizer should be applied each spring. Soil P requirements of alfalfa can be met by applying small rates annually or by applying enough for a 4‐ to 5‐year rotation. Phosphorus‐use efficiency by alfalfa may be improved by plant breeding and selection for this trait.     

Alfalfa Responses to Combined Use of Lime and Limiting Nutrients on an Acidic Soil

An on-farm field experiment was conducted on an acidic soil to investigate the effects of combined use of lime and deficient nutrients on herbage yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Omitting lime and limiting nutrients led to elevated concentrations of aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in alfalfa leaves and stems and caused severe reductions in herbage yield of alfalfa. Combined use of lime (2 t ha^?1) and nutrients [phosphorus (P): 20 kg ha^?1, sulfur (S): 20 kg ha^?1, zinc (Zn): 4 kg ha^?1, and boron (B): 2 kg ha^?1] had the maximum increase in groundcover, root biomass, nodulation, leaf retention, leaf-to-stem ratio, herbage yield, crude protein, and nutrient composition of alfalfa. These beneficial effects were due to raised soil pH; improved calcium (Ca), P, S, Zn, and B nutrition; and reduced Al, Mn, and Fe toxicity. Aluminium and all the nutrients except copper (Cu) were more concentrated in alfalfa leaves than stems.

Aluminum concentration was about three times greater in the lower leaves than in upper leaves. Lower leaves also had much greater concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and B compared with upper leaves. In contrast, P and Zn concentrations were greater in the upper leaves than in lower leaves. Results suggest that the combined use of lime and all the limiting nutrients may realize potential beneficial effects of alfalfa on acidic soils where more than one essential nutrient is deficient. This may increase growth potential, nitrogen contributions, and groundcover by alfalfa and reduce soil erosion and runoff.     

基于GIS的碧流河上游农田土壤性状空间分布特征

探究碧流河上游农田土壤性状指标现状和空间分布特征,为研究区耕地资源的可持续利用提供科学依据和数据支持。沿碧流河上游采集农田表层(0~20cm)土壤样品40份,运用地统计学和Arcgis技术,对农田土壤性状:比重、粒径、电导率、含盐量、pH、有机质、土壤大量营养元素(N、P、K)含量和微量营养元素(Cr、Cu、Zn、Mn、Ba)含量的空间分布特征进行系统分析。(1)农田土壤性状均属于中等空间变异,其中Zn元素含量的空间变异性最强(CV=59.58%),比重的空间变异性最弱(CV=2.61%),受外界干扰较小。(2)农田土壤性状之间关联性紧密,其中电导率与含盐量之间、pH与Cu和Mn元素含量之间、有机质与N和P元素含量之间、K元素含量与Ba元素含量之间、Cu元素含量与Zn和Mn元素含量之间、Zn元素含量与Mn元素含量之间呈显著正相关(P<0.01)。(3)农田土壤粒径存在强烈的空间自相关性,Cr、Cu元素含量空间自相关性最弱,其他土壤性状属于中等空间自相关。研究区农田土壤性状表现出显著的空间分布差异性。     

Impacts of biochar and processed poultry manure,applied to a calcareous soil,on the growth of bean and maize

Direct use of poultry manure on agricultural lands may cause environmental concerns, so there is a need to establish the suitability of the application of biochar derived from poultry manure for calcareous soil chemical properties and plant growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of processed poultry manure (0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg) and its biochar (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg) on soil chemical properties of a calcareous soil and growth of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays) plants. In the incubation experiment, both processed poultry manure (PPM) and biochar decreased pH and the concentration of plant‐available Fe of soil but increased plant‐available P, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations. PPM and biochar increased the concentrations of exchangeable cations (K, Ca and Mg) in soil. PPM and biochar applications increased the growth of maize and bean plants. PPM and biochar resulted in increased concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in bean plants. In maize plants, PPM and biochar applications increased the N, P, K, Zn, Cu and Mn but decreased the Ca and Mg concentrations. Results of this study reveal that poultry manure biochar can be used effectively for agricultural purposes.     

Gehalte von Baumwurzeln an chemischen Elementen einschließlich Schwermetallen aus Luftverunreinigungen

Concentrations of chemical elements in tree roots including heavy metals from air pollution Total concentrations of P, S, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were measured in roots from beech, spruce, ash, maple and a forest herb (Mercurialis perennis). The root samples were taken from a site with an acid soil type (Saure Braunerde) and from a site with calcareous soil (Rendzina). All elements except Mn, Zn and Pb (on acid soils) and Ca (on calcareous soils) showed higher concentrations in finest roots (<1 mm diameter) compared to fine roots (1–2 mm). In the case of the toxic heavy metals, this is interpreted as a consequence of reduced root uptake due to physiological processes or to organic complexing, followed by an accumulation at the root surface. Compared with aboveground plant parts, roots show accumulation of Al, Pb, Cd and Zn, indicating reduced translocation from roots to shoots. Roots from acid soil show higher concentrations of P, Mn, and Pb than in calcareous soil. The concentrations of Al and heavy metals in the roots are considered to be a consequence of the contamination of the investigated forest sites by long-range transported air pollutants, i.e. acid precipitation and deposition of heavy metals.     

锰与硼喷施对紫花苜蓿产量和矿质元素含量的影响

采用叶面喷施的方法,研究不同水平锰与硼对紫花苜蓿草产量和矿质元素含量的影响.结果表明,喷施锰、硼促进了紫花苜蓿草产量的增加,适量则效果显著(P < 0.05),以施锰浓度200 mg·L-1(Mn2处理)和硼浓度600 mg·L-1(B3处理)效果最好,草产量比对照分别提高809.49和1 065.35 kg·hm-2;喷施锰肥能显著提高锌和锰的含量;适量则能显著提高紫花苜蓿磷、钴、硒、铁和钼的含量,喷施锰肥降低了钙和铜的含量,适量则影响显著;喷施锰肥,硼的含量略有降低;且锰含量与施锰量呈正相关,硒、铜含量与施锰量呈负相关;而铁、锌含量随施锰量增加呈先升后降趋势.喷施硼肥显著提高了锌和磷含量,显著降低了钙、钼、硒的含量,显著提高钴、铁、锰、硼的含量,喷施硼肥,铜的含量略有下降;且锌、硼含量与施硼量呈正相关,铁、钙、钼、铜、硒含量与施硼量呈负相关;而锰、磷含量随施硼量增加呈先升后降趋势.     

Cadmium and lead affect the status of mineral nutrients in alfalfa grown on a calcareous soil

ABSTRACT

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are toxic trace elements which are not essential for plants but can be easily taken up by roots and accumulated in various organs, and cause irreversible damages to plants. A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the individual and combined effects of Cd (0, 10, 20 mg kg^?1) and Pb (0, 500, 1000 mg kg^?1) level in a calcareous soil on the status of mineral nutrients, including K, P, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants. Soil Pb level considerably (P ≤ 0.05) affected the concentrations of more elements in plants than soil Cd level did, and there were combined effects of soil Cd level and Pb level on the concentrations of some nutrients (Ca, Mg, and Cu) in plants. The effects of soil Cd level and Pb level on plant nutrient concentrations varied among plant parts. Cd and Pb contamination did not considerably affect the exudation of carboxylates in the rhizosphere. An increase in rhizosphere pH and exudation of significant amounts of carboxylates (especially oxalate) in the rhizosphere might contribute to the exclusion and detoxification of Cd and Pb. Neither shoot dry mass nor root dry mass was significantly influenced by soil Cd level, but both of them were considerably reduced (by up to 25% and 45% on average for shoot dry mass and root dry mass, respectively) by increasing soil Pb level. The interaction between soil Cd level and Pb level was significant for root dry mass, but not significant for shoot dry mass. The results indicate that alfalfa is tolerant to Cd and Pb stress, and it is promising to grow alfalfa for phytostabilization of Cd and Pb on calcareous soils contaminated with Cd and Pb.     

锰、硼对紫花苜蓿草产量和矿质元素含量的影响

采用叶面喷施的方法,研究不同水平锰、硼对紫花苜蓿草产量和矿质元素含量的影响。结果表明,喷施锰、硼可增加紫花苜蓿产草量;施锰200 mg/kg（Mn2处理）和硼600 mg/kg（B3处理）效果最好,草产量比CK分别显著提高809.49和1065.35 kg/hm2。喷施锰肥能显著提高紫花苜蓿锌和锰的含量,适量喷施能显著提高磷、钴、硒、铁和钼的含量;但喷施锰肥降低了紫花苜蓿钙、铜和硼的含量,适量喷施能显著降低钙和铜的含量。紫花苜蓿锰含量与施锰量呈正相关,硒、铜含量与施锰量呈负相关,而铁、锌含量随施锰量增加呈先升后降趋势。喷施硼肥显著提高了紫花苜蓿锌和磷含量,显著降低了钙、钼、硒的含量,而适量喷施硼肥能显著提高钴、铁、锰、硼的含量,但喷施硼肥未显著降低紫花苜蓿铜的含量。紫花苜蓿锌、硼含量与施硼量呈正相关,铁、钙、钼、铜、硒含量与施硼量呈负相关,而锰、磷含量随施硼量增加呈先升后降趋势。     

Effect of High Humic Substance Levels on Growth and Nutrient Concentration of Corn under Calcareous Conditions

This study investigated the effect of high humic substance (HS) levels (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg HS kg^?1) on growth and nutrient concentrations of corn grown on calcareous soils. For these, soil samples were collected from the six different provinces of Turkey. According to the average values, HS levels had no significant effect alone on dry weight, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations. Soil differences significantly affected dry weight, N, Mg, and Cu concentrations (p ≤ 0.05). Looking at HSxsoil interactions on K, Ca, Fe, and Mn concentrations, it could be seen that there was no effect or that the effect was negative. Only plant Fe concentrations obtained from Konya and Urfa provinces were positively affected from HSxsoil interaction. It was concluded that high level of HS had no or negative effect on corn growth and some nutrient concentration under calcareous conditions.     

Changes in herbage chemical composition due to proportion of species in alfalfa‐orchardgrass mixtures

Abstract

Legumes and grasses are widely grown in mixtures throughout the United States and Canada. This study was conducted to determine the changes in chemical composition of herbage that occur as proportion of legume and grass change in the mixture. Composition of mixtures of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were studied after their herbage had been mixed by weight into seven different proportions: 100% alfalfa ‐ 0% orchardgrass, 80% ‐ 20%, 65% ‐ 35%, 50% ‐ 50%, 35% ‐ 65%, 20% ‐ 80%, and 0% ‐ 100%, respectively. The forages were grown in rows of pure alfalfa or pure orchardgrass spaced 45 cm apart on fertilized Dodge silt loam (Typic Hapludalf). Alfalfa was at late bud and orchardgrass was a few days from the appearance of the first anthers when harvested on May 29, 1975. Four replications of each of the mixtures were prepared, and the mixtures were made after tissues had been ground to 40‐mesh size.

No significant differences among mixtures were found for S, Cu, total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), or in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM). Concentrations of N, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, Ba, Fe, Sr, B, Zn, starch, and acid‐detergent lignin (ADL) were highest in pure alfalfa herbage and significantly decreased in concentration as amount of orchardgrass in the mixture increased. In direct contrast, concentrations of K, Mn, total sugars, fructosan, cell wall constituents (CWC), cellulose, hemicellulose, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lowest in pure alfalfa herbage and significantly increased in concentration as amount of orchardgrass in the mixture increased. These data show that an increase in amount of orchardgrass in a mixture with alfalfa reduced the concentrations of most herbage constituents important to animal nutrition and increased the fibrous constituents.     

Effect of potassium and boron upon yield and nutrient concentration of alfalfa

An alfalfa experiment was conducted to determine the effect of rates of K applied in the fall and rates of K applied, one‐half in the fall and one‐half after first harvest, upon yield and chemical composition. Three rates of B applied in the fall and also one‐half in the fall and one‐half after first harvest at the highest K rate (560 kg/ha) were also included. Herbage samples were taken from each plot at each harvest and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Significant effects of fertility upon yield and nutrient content were observed. Harvest x fertility interactions also affected many parameters. The Cu concentration of herbage was relatively uniform and not significantly affected by any factors studied.     

Iron‐manganese interactions among clones of Nilegrass

Tetraploid clones of Nilegrass (Acroceras macrum, Stapf.) develop a chlorosis resembling iron (Fe) deficiency on acid (pH 5.0) soils in the Midlands of KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa. Hexaploid and pentaploid clones appear more resistant to the disorder. Iron deficiency would not be expected in such acid soils, but foliar sprays of Fe sulfate reduce the symptoms within 24 hours. Aluminum (Al) toxiciry has been ruled out as a cause of this chlorosis on the basis of soil tests. Manganese (Mn)‐induced Fe deficiency has been postulated. Six Nilegrass clones, differing in ploidy levels, were grown under low Fe or high Mn levels in nutrient solutions, in Mn‐toxic soil, in calcareous soil and in a standard potting soil at pH 7.0. Differential chlorosis symptoms, similar to those observed in the field, were reproduced in plants grown in low Fe or high Mn solutions, in neutral potting soil and in calcareous soil at pH 7.8. Based on plant symptoms and dry weights, the tetraploids were generally more sensitive to these conditions than hexaploid or pentaploid clones. However, in Mn‐toxic soil, plants had leaf tip necrosis rather than the chlorosis typical of Fe deficiency. When grown in a standard potting soil at pH 7.0, plants showing chlorosis accumulated higher concentrations of phosphorus (P), Al, copper (Cu), Mn, Fe, and zinc (Zn) than non‐chlorotic plants. Differential susceptibility to chlorosis is apparently associated with interference of such elements in Fe metabolism, and not with differential Fe concentrations in plant shoots. Additional studies are needed to determine the chemical states of Fe and Mn in root zones and within plant shoots of these clones. Resolution of the differential chlorosis phenomenon would contribute to fundamental knowledge in mineral nutrition and could be helpful in tailoring plant genotypes to fit problem soils.     

Influence of nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium fertilization on the mineral concentrations of medicago sativa L. II. Diurnal and day to day fluctuations

Abstract

An established stand of alfalfa was fertilized with different combinations of N, P and K. The rate used per nutrient was constant for all combinations. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fertilizer application, diurnal change and period to period fluctuation on the mineral composition of alfalfa. Two experiments were conducted at different stages of morphological maturity. Experiment one (E‐1) was initiated when regrowth after an initial hay harvest was in the late‐vegetative to early‐bud stage. The second experiment (E‐2) was initiated when regrowth from E‐1 was approximately 20 cm tall.

Phosphorus application significantly increased the P concentrations in alfalfa, but decreased the Cu levels in both experiments. Potassium applications significantly decreased the levels of Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mo and Co.

Levels of all minerals analyzed in E‐1 were significantly different from period to period while only seven of the sixteen were significantly changed in E‐2. Period to period differences were partially explained by rainfall pattern.

Significant diurnal variations were found for K, Ca, Mn, B, Sr, and Zn in E‐1 and for Ca, SiO₂, and Sr in E‐2.

The N, P, and K applied and the P and K available in the soil were correlated with cation levels in alfalfa and the interrelationships were discussed.     

Correlations between soil ph and metal contents in needles of Norway spruce

The concentrations of 21 elements were determined in 1 yr old needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies) at 39 different sites: The following soil parameters were measured at 3 different depths: pH, loss on ignition, total and EDTA-extractable concentrations of 28 elements. Needle concentrations were tested for correlations with soil parameters. The following significant correlations were found with pH: Al, Co, Cs, Mn, and Rb in needles increased with decreasing soil pH, whereas Ba and Sr decreased. Needle concentrations of As, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mg, P, Sb, Sc, V, and Zn had no significant correlations with soil pH. AI and Ba in needles correlated also with A1 and Ba extracted from the soil. Needle concentrations of the pairs Co and Mn, Cs and Rb, and Ba and Sr showed significant positive interelement correlations, whereas concentrations of P and K had negative interelement correlations with Mn.     

Behaviour of Potassium and Trace Elements in Rhizosphere of Flue-Cured Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.)

The study on the behaviour of potassium,phosphate and trace elements,Fe,Mn,Cu and Zn,in the rhizosphere of different varieties of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)with high and low potassium application rate with rhizobag technique showed that soil available K,soil available P,and slow available K was in depletion status,whereas DTPA extractable Fe,Mn,Zn and Cu accumulated obviously in rhizosphere.The depletion and accumulation rates of mineral nutrients differed in degree with K application rate,soil type,and tobacco variety.The content of available K in both rhizosphere and bulk soil and K concentration in tobacco leaf increased significantly,and the available P in rhizosphere dropped with more K application.The DTPA-Fe content of red soil much lower in pH was higher than that of calcareous soil in bulk soil.But the DTPA-Fe content of calcareous soil was much higher than that of red soil in rhizosphere,which was considered perhaps to be mainly related to releasing of Fe phytosiderophore.Nitrate coule increase depletion of a vailable K in rhizosphere and also soil pH in comparision with ammonium.     

Erratum: Chemical composition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate soils

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of soil geochemistry on the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate (AS) soils in Western Finland. A total of 11 topsoil (0–20 cm) and corresponding cabbage samples and three whole‐soil profiles (≈ 0–260 cm) were collected on three agricultural fields. The concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were correlated with the NH₄Ac‐extractable (easily available) concentrations in the topsoil, indicating that the uptake of these elements in cabbage is largely governed by soil geochemistry. Yet, the concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were not in general elevated relative to that of Finnish average values, although some AS soils showed enriched concentrations of these metals in the soil and cabbage. Significant geochemical differences (e.g., oxidation depth, organic‐matter and S content, pH) were observed among the studied AS soils, while, on the other hand, the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage were relatively similar. The hydroxylamine‐extractable concentrations of these elements in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, suggesting that uptake is not governed by the oxide‐bound fraction of these elements in the soil. Similarly, the easily available concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, indicating that uptake is independent of the easily available concentrations in the soil. Hence, it is suggested that cabbage can regulate and thus optimize its concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Oxidation depth affected neither the easily available concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn in the topsoil nor the concentrations in cabbage. However, the subsoil with a lower oxidation depth, which is to a smaller extent affected by leaching, may partly be enriched in these metals. Nevertheless, these showed no increased concentrations in cabbage. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the large amounts of metals mobilized in AS soils are easily lost to drains, subsequently contaminating nearby waterways and estuaries whereas they are only partly enriched in cabbage and other previously studied crops (oat).     

Chemical composition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate soils

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of soil geochemistry on the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate (AS) soils in Western Finland. A total of 11 topsoil (0–20 cm) and corresponding cabbage samples and three whole‐soil profiles (≈ 0–260 cm) were collected on three agricultural fields. The concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were correlated with the NH₄Ac‐extractable (easily available) concentrations in the topsoil, indicating that the uptake of these elements in cabbage is largely governed by soil geochemistry. Yet, the concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were not in general elevated relative to that of Finnish average values, although some AS soils showed enriched concentrations of these metals in the soil and cabbage. Significant geochemical differences (e.g., oxidation depth, organic‐matter and S content, pH) were observed among the studied AS soils, while, on the other hand, the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage were relatively similar. The hydroxylamine‐extractable concentrations of these elements in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, suggesting that uptake is not governed by the oxide‐bound fraction of these elements in the soil. Similarly, the easily available concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, indicating that uptake is independent of the easily available concentrations in the soil. Hence, it is suggested that cabbage can regulate and thus optimize its concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Oxidation depth affected neither the easily available concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn in the topsoil nor the concentrations in cabbage. However, the subsoil with a lower oxidation depth, which is to a smaller extent affected by leaching, may partly be enriched in these metals. Nevertheless, these showed no increased concentrations in cabbage. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the large amounts of metals mobilized in AS soils are easily lost to drains, subsequently contaminating nearby waterways and estuaries whereas they are only partly enriched in cabbage and other previously studied crops (oat).     

Development of DRIS norms for potato in the calcareous soils of iran 1

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) has been proposed to determine nutrient balance in plants at different stages of growth. The DRIS index for each nutrient allows ranking of nutrients in order of their deficiency. Preliminary DRIS norms for potato (Solanwn tuberosum L.) were developed during the 1991 growing season in Damavand area located 70 km. northeast of Tehran. The soil and leaf samples at flowering stage (early tuber development stage) were collected from 50 different farms. Average concentrations of nutrients in both high‐ and low‐yielding populations were calculated. The following average foliar nutrient concentration were obtained from the high‐yielding populations: N = 5.22, P = 0.38, K = 4.20, Ca = 1.50, and Mg = 0.65 percent; and Fe = 150, Mn = 50, Zn = 40, Cu = 11, and B = 38 ppm. The average nutrient concentrations for the low‐yielding population were close to those in high‐yielding ones except for K which was 3.23 in contrast to 4.20‐percent. There was no significant relationship between different soil nutrient availability indices and yield except for K. The DRIS indices ranked K as the most limiting nutrient in the low yielding farms with only one exception. It seems high rates of N and P fertilization have created a lack of balance between these nutrients and K.

As a result of this study, the following appropriate norms for potato leaves are suggested for the calcareous soils of Iran: N = 4.5, P = 0.30, K= 5.00, Ca = 1.50, and Mg = 0.65 percent; and Fe = 150, Mn = 50, Zn = 40, Cu = 11, and B = 38 ppm. These results will be verified by field fertilizer experiments for N, P, K, Zn, and Fe which are some times deficient in potato soils.     

土壤-烤烟矿质营养元素相互关系的主组分分析

对云南五种植烟土壤上烤烟三个品种、六个生育期烟叶中钾、磷、硫、钙、镁、铁、锰、锌、铜、硼浓度和烟株根区土壤中ＡＢ／Ｄ联合提取的养分含量及土壤ｐＨ、有机质和碱解氮的测试数据，用主组分分析（ＰＣＡ）方法，讨论土壤─烤烟系统矿质营养元素的相互关系及交互作用。结果显示：①烟叶矿质营养元素浓度随烤烟生育期有规律的变化，受根区土壤化学性质影响的变异大于品种间的差异；②烟叶钾、磷、铜、硼表现明显的稀释效应，钙、镁表现积累效应；③烤烟钾、磷、铜、硼营养存在相互协同作用，钙对钾、磷、铜、硼营养有明显的拮抗作用。④增加土壤有机质，利用钾、磷、铜、硼的协同作用，减轻钙对钾、磷、硼的拮抗是改善烤烟营养，提高烤烟产量品质的关键之一。     

Combined Effect of Arsenic and Phosphorus on Mineral Element Concentrations of Sunflower

This study was undertaken to examine the combined effect of soil‐applied phosphorus (P) and arsenic (As) on P, As, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), lantanium (La), and cerium (Ce) concentrations of sunflower plants under glasshouse conditions determined by polarized‐energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (PEDXRF). Three levels of As (0, 30, and 60 mg kg^?1) and four levels of P (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg^?1) were applied to soil‐grown plants. Increasing levels of both As and P significantly increased As concentrations in the plants. Plant growth was significantly reduced with increased As supply regardless of applied P levels. Arsenic toxicity caused significant increases in the concentrations of Mn, La and Ce, but it decreased K, Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, Zn, Cu, Rb, and Sr concentrations. Applied P increased the concentrations of Ti, Sr, and Ba and decreased Zn and Cu. In conclusion, the use of P fertilizers in As‐contaminated soils should be carefully considered in respect to increased As, Ti, Sr, and Ba availability and reduced Zn and Cu availability.