SOME REACTIONS OF SEEDLINGS TO WEAK CONCENTRATIONS OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID AND CALCIUM

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Abstract
With Agrostis alba var. in balanced nutrient solutions, growth is independent of Ph within the limits 3.7-6.0. Distilled water is more toxic to Phaseolus sp. than to Lupinus albus. In single salt solution, L. albus responds markedly to traces of Ca, deriving no additional benefit when the concentration exceeds 3.0 p.p.m., while Phaseolus does not respond significantly to concentrations of less than 5.0 p.p.m. of the same element; benefit is derived by increasing the concentration. Phaseolus will not survive a ph with HC1 lower than 4.5, whereas a PH of 4.1 has little effect on lupines. The antagonism of Ca for HC1 is demonstrated. Evidence suggests that some soils of low ph are toxic to Phaseolus, not because of the toxicity of the H ion, but because of the absence of ions in the soil solution. The data support the opinion that free acid in the soil as determined by PH measurements is not an ecologic factor only because of the toxicity of the H ion.

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