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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Movement of metal cations through the soil to the plant root membrane. Progress report, September 1, 1975--August 31, 1976

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7250893· OSTI ID:7250893
This project investigates principles and mechanisms governing flux of metal cations, K, Rb, and Cs into plant roots growing in soil. Three soil and seven plant factors have been combined in a mathematical model to test principles and mechanisms developed. Measurement of K and Rb influx into corn roots growing in solution culture showed that corn roots absorb K and Rb interchangeably over a wide range of K/Rb ratios and concentrations in solution. Equilibration of K and Rb with soil showed that K/Rb in the solution phase was 2 to 4 times the ratio on the exchange phase. Potassium and Rb uptake by corn growing in 4 different soils showed the K/Rb ratio of uptake corresponded with the K/Rb ratio on the exchange sites indicating they determined the K and Rb supply to the root. The data will be evaluated in a mathematical model to aid in determining the mechanisms. A new procedure was developed for measuring total length of roots in a sample and also the distribution of diameter size classes. A new procedure was also developed for analyzing curves of ion depletion with time from nutrient solutions to determine the factors characterizing influx of ions into intact plants.
Research Organization:
Purdue Univ., Lafayette, Ind. (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
AEC
OSTI ID:
7250893
Report Number(s):
COO-1495-28
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English