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Importance of Carbon Dioxide in Uptake of Calcium by Plants Receiving Only a Nitrate Source of Nitrogen¹

ABSTRACT

Calcium deficiency was induced in maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) growing with roots in contact with limestone gravel or CaCO₃ in suspension. This was done by supplying N in the nitrate form and by extreme aeration to prevent CO₂ accumulation. The probable cause of the deficiency was the tendency of nitrate nutrition to maintain the pH of the alkaline medium, preventing solubilization of CaCO₃.

When CO₂ was allowed to build up in the suspension or limestone gravel culture, pH was lowered during growth, Ca became more soluble and deficiency of Ca in plants receiving nitrate nitrogen was corrected.

Substitution of ammonium for nitrate in CaCO₃ suspension similarly corrected Ca deficiency. This resulted as ammonium uptake lowered pH and solubilized Ca.

Though unappreciated in this role because of their universal presence in the soil, both CO₂ and ammonium N may be important in increasing the availability of Ca.

¹ Vermont Agr. Exp. Sta. J. Article no. 159. Presented before Div. S-4, Soil Science Society of America, Kansas City, Nov. 16, 1964.

² Assoc. Prof., Agronomy Dept., Univ. of Vermont.

Received for publication December 28, 1964. Accepted for publication May 11, 1964.