HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rios, M. A. Articles by Pearson, R. W. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rios, M. A. Articles by Pearson, R. W. Agricola Articles by Rios, M. A. Articles by Pearson, R. W.

The Effect of Some Chemical Environmental Factors on Cotton Root Behavior¹

ABSTRACT

A vertical split-root technique is described that permitted the measurement of effects of various ions in the subsurface zone on root development. The surface zone consisted of an adequately limed and fertilized sandy loam soil. Cotton roots failed to develop in the lower zone in the absence of Ca, showing that cotton was unable to translocate Ca downward at a rate that would sustain root growth. Development of cotton roots was not prevented by the absence of P in the rooting medium, showing that the translocation rate of P was adequate to supply these roots from surface soil sources. Concentrations of soluble Al as low as 1 ppm. prevented root growth of cotton seedlings and concentrations of 0.5 ppm. greatly reduced root development and caused severe symptoms of toxicity. Even when roots were severely damaged no effects were observed in the tops. Damage to the subsurface roots by Al was not prevented either by liming and fertilization of the surface soil, or by the presence of adequate Ca in the rooting medium itself. High concentrations of Mn did not affect root growth directly.

¹ Joint contribution from the Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University Agr. Exp. Sta. and the Soil and Water Conserv. Res. Div., ARS, USDA. Part of a thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Presented before of Div. IV, Soil Science Society of America, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., Aug. 22, 1962.

² Formerly FAO Fellow, and Research Soil Scientist, ARS, USDA, Auburn University. The senior author is now Director, Estacion Experimental de Colonia Benitez, Argentina.

Received for publication June 6, 1963. Accepted for publication July 1, 1963.