Varietal differences in phosphorus content on soils with low pH

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient required by plants for normal growth and development. P deficiency has been identified as one of major limiting factors of crop production in various soils throughout the world. P deficiency in acid soils is related to their more acid reaction, relatively heavier texture and more intensive P fixation capacity.

This paper presents results of an investigation on the content of phosphorus in cereal grains and straw as dependent on genotype and mineral nutrition. Fifty different varieties and lines of wheat, barley and oat were tested under different mineral nutrition treatments. The investigation was carried out in a vegetation trial in pots containing soil with highly acid reaction and a high content of mobile aluminium. The phosphorus content in grain and straw of different cereals varied considerably, being dependent on the investigated species and genotypes, as well as on mineral nutrition. A considerably higher P content was found in cereal varieties tolerant of low pH of soil, in the control (slightly acid soil), as well as under treatments with superphosphate and CaCO₃. The lowest P content in grains and straw was found under the treatment without P.