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Title: The effect of CaCO sub 3 on the uptake of phosphorus by two desert shrub species, Larrea tridentata (DC. ) Cov. and Parthenium incanum H. B. K

Journal Article · · Botanical Gazette (Chicago); (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/337723· OSTI ID:5039629

In a phytotron growth study, the effects of soil CaCO{sub 3} on the uptake of P by two desert shrub species were species specific. Larrea tridentata seedlings responded to soil CaCO{sub 3} with increased root: shoot ratios, increased N:P ratios in tissues, and decreased specific absorption rates of P, indicating that CaCO{sub 3} directly inhibited the uptake or the availability of P to roots. Parthenium incanum seedlings responded negatively to CaCO{sub 3}, but this response was not specific to P uptake and did not appear to be caused by a reduction in P availability. Pedogenic carbonates, present in many arid-land soils of the world, might greatly affect both P availability and the biogeochemical cycle of P in desert ecosystems.

OSTI ID:
5039629
Journal Information:
Botanical Gazette (Chicago); (USA), Vol. 149:3; ISSN 0006-8071
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English