Electron microbeam scanning of element distribution zones in soil rhizosphere and plant tissue

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Soil Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00010694-197904000-00006· OSTI ID:6314907

Tan, K H; Nopamornbodi, O

Elemental concentrations and gradients in soil--root interfaces were studied by electron microbeam analysis, used together with a scanning electron microscope. The objective was to observe movement and distribution zones of elements in soil rhizosphere and plant cells. Pine (Pinus taeda), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) were grown in the greenhouse, and roots with adhering soil were sampled and prepared by impregnation and fixation techniques. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the preparation procedures used did not distort the plant tissue and, at the same time, it reduced leaching of elements to a minimum. Cellular details were well preserved, and granular structures of adhering soil were displayed clearly. X-ray distribution images revealed higher concentrations of K, P, Ca, and S in pine-root tissue and the soil rhizosphere than in the soil at a distance 0.2 to 0.3 mm away from the root surface. On the other hand, the x-ray distribution images of Si appeared stronger in the bulk of the soil than in the plant tissue. Magnesium, Mn, and Zn appeared to be evenly distributed over soil and root zones. The highest concentration of K was detected in the cortex, not in the xylem. Calcium was also present, in highest concentrations, in peripheral cells of the root nodule of peanut plants. Phosphorus, Mg, Mn, and Zn were not observed to concentrate in specific cells of the root section investigated.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Georgia, Athens
• OSTI ID: 6314907
• Journal Information: Soil Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Sci.; (United States) Vol. 127:4; ISSN SOSCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKALI METALS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BEAMS
CALCIUM
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CONIFERS
COTTON PLANTS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELECTRON BEAMS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELECTRON SCANNING
ELEMENTS
FOOD
FRUITS
LEPTON BEAMS
MAGNESIUM
MANGANESE
METALS
MICROSCOPY
NONMETALS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PEANUTS
PHOSPHORUS
PINES
PLANT TISSUES
PLANTS
POTASSIUM
ROOTS
SOILS
SULFUR
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TREES
ZINC