Root Environment Acidity as a Regulatory Factor in Ammonium Assimilation by the Bean Plant

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Abstract
Previous experiments have revealed a much greater efficiency of ammonium utilization by bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) when the acidity of the ambient medium was maintained at near-neutral conditions with carbonates or hydroxides. The present investigation, in which 15N-labeled ammonium was used, permitted an assessment of the origin of nitrogen in tissue nitrogen pools with and without acidity control (CaCO3 treated and untreated, respectively) in the root environment. Control of acidity resulted in greater ammonium uptake and greater incorporation into the amino fraction, amide, and ethanol-insoluble nitrogen by the root tissue. These differences were clearly evident by the fifth day after ammonium nitrogen had been applied.