EFFECT OF CERTAIN IONS, USED SINGLY AND IN COMBINATION, ON THE GROWTH AND POTASSIUM, CALCIUM, AND MAGNESIUM ABSORPTION OF THE BEAN PLANT

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Abstract
K+ stimulated K absorption by bean plants to a greater extent than the addition of Ca++ or Mg++ stimulated their respective absorptions. K when associated with Mg materially retarded Ca absorption and when combined with Ca markedly reduced Mg absorption. Other cations did not materially affect K absorption and the K cation did not increase the absorption of any of the other cations studied. Addition of Ca++ resulted in a large absorption of Ca and Mg. Absorption of Mg was the most difficult to control, because the addition of the Mg cation to the soil had less influence than any of the other cations on Mg absorption. Na+ improved Ca absorption but in most cases was detrimental to K and Mg absorption. By rapid chemical plant sap analyses it was possible to partially determine whether the deficiency of a cation was due to a lack of absorption or to a lack of utilization by the plant.