Analysis of xylem exudate by ion chromatography: Influence of nitrogen and residue management on corn exudate composition

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Abstract
Ionic composition of xylem exudate provides valuable information in plant nutrition studies. However it is often difficult to collect a quantity of exudate from field grown plants sufficient for many conventional analytical techniques. This paper describes the use of ion chromatography in analyzing xylem exudate collected from field grown corn. Chloride, nitrate, phosphate, malate and sulfate were simultaneously determined from a single aliquot. The sensitivity of suppressed conductivity permitted a many‐fold dilution of a small volume of exudate. Samples were obtained from a nitrogen and residue management study following either corn or soybean in rotation. Effects of nitrogen and residue management on exudate composition are discussed.