Concentrations of nutrient elements in parts of siratro as affected by phosphorus supply and plant age

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Abstract
The distribution of some nutrient elements in various parts of ''Siratro'' [Macroptilium atropurpureum] plants of different age and P status was examined in order to assess which plant parts were best to sample for chemical analysis of nutrient status and to estimate the relative mobility of these elements within the shoot. With increasing physiological age of leaves, concentrations of N, P, S and K decreased, concentrations of Ca, Al, Mn and B increased and concentrations of Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu were little affected. Concentrations of N, P, S, Ca, Al, B, Zn, and Cu in plant parts between the tip and the 3rd youngest (expanded leaf changed little with plant age) suggested that analysis of this portion of the shoot would be a suitable guide to the sufficiency, or otherwise, of these elements in ''Siratro'' plants. By contrast, K concentration in all plant parts was markedly depressed by increasing plant age, suggesting that a standardized sampling time would be necessary for interpretation of plant K status. Concentrations of Mg, Fe and Mn in all plant parts also decreased with plant age, but to a lesser extent than K. Concentrations of all elements, except N and P, decreased slightly with increasing P supply. This decrease could best be attributed to a dilution of these elements with increased plant growth, induced by P. K and possibly Fe and Mg, were redistributed in ''Siratro'' shoots with time; other elements were relatively immobile.

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