Use of K/Rb ratio to characterize potassium uptake by plant roots growing in soil

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1978.03615995004200040008x· OSTI ID:5927691

Baligar, V C; Barber, S A

Interaction between the plant root and the soil on cation influx into the root is not well understood. Use of the ratio of K/Rb, two ions absorbed interchangeably by the root, enables measurement of the K ion medium influencing K flux into the root. In experiments with corn (Zea mays L.) grown in eight soil-K systems in a growth chamber, the K/Rb ratio of uptake was similar to the K/Rb ratio of the ions on the exchange sites, and not the K/Rb ratio of the solution cations. The data may be interpreted to indicate that K and Rb on the exchange sites had more influence on K and Rb flux into the root than K and Rb in solution. Diffusion of K and Rb from the soil to H-saturated exchange membranes was in the ratio of K/Rb in solution.

• Research Organization: Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN
• OSTI ID: 5927691
• Journal Information: Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States) Vol. 42:4; ISSN SSSJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALKALI METALS
CEREALS
ELEMENTS
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
ION EXCHANGE
MAIZE
METALS
PLANTS
POTASSIUM
ROOT ABSORPTION
ROOTS
RUBIDIUM
SOIL MECHANICS
SOILS
UPTAKE