Effect of Soil pH and Plant Genotype on Element Concentration and Uptake by Alfalfa1

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Abstract
Information on genetic variability for nutrient uptake by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is needed to determine the feasibility of selecting for improved mineral composition of the forage, resistance to soil mineral deficiencies or toxicities, or more efficient fertilizer utilization. Plant tissues of three selected clones grown at three soll pH levels in Tatum soil were analyzed for concentration of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, A1, Sr, and Na. Significant differences in element concentration in the plants were shown for these clones for 11 elements, for soil pH effects for seven elements, and for clone ✕ p.H effects for seven elements. Differences among clones mdicated that genetic variation exists, but success in selection for increased or decreased concentration of those elements in the forage depends on the heritability of uptake for each element. The significant clone ✕ pH interaction indicates that caution must be exercised to be sure that selection is carried out under conditions similar to those in which the crop is to be grown.
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