Effect of calcium on mineral nutrient uptake and growth of tobacco

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this work was to analyse the dynamics of the nutritional state and biomass production in tobacco plants resulting from the application of various calcium levels (Ca1, 1.25 mol m −3 CaCl 2 ; Ca2, 2.50 mol m −3 CaCl 2 ; Ca3, 5 mol m −3 CaCl 2 ) in the culture medium. Tobacco plants were grown under controlled conditions and submitted to regular fertilisation with macro‐ and micronutrients. The concentrations of Ca, organic N, P, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cl and B were determined in the roots and leaves. As expected, Ca accumulated progressively with increasing concentration of this element in the culture medium. There was a slight rise in the concentration of organic N but hardly any change in the concentrations of K and Na. In contrast, increasing Ca application caused a gradual decline in P and Mg concentrations. In terms of micronutrient concentrations, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cl and B were influenced positively by Ca treatment. A noteworthy synergetic relationship was found between Ca and B. In contrast, the Cu concentration in the roots declined significantly with increasing Ca application. The effect of Ca on biomass production depended on the organ analysed, since the dry matter content diminished in the roots but was augmented slightly in the leaves. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry