Phosphorus, potassium and calcium concentration limits in bean plants grown under deficiency after a period of sufficiency

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Abstract
Bush bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Tacacarigua) were grown under deficient P, K or Ca nutrient solutions after seven days in sufficiency and relative growth rate, root weight ratio, specific leaf area, leaf area development and nutrient concentration profiles in the dry matter of succesive leaves, analyzed throughout ontogeny. Acute Deficiency Concentration Limits (ADCL) were defined for P (0.14%) and K (1.20%) as the concentration in the leaves able to sustain a state of marginal growth, and may indicate the physiological condition in which restoration of optimal supply may not be followed by a recovery of the plants. The continuation of growth, dry matter dilution and retranslocation within the plant are suggested as major determinants of ADCL.