AbstractsChemistry

The main effects of lime, aluminium, iron and manganese were studied in field and greenhouse grown tobacco; relations between soil and plant measurements were examined. Ground limestone, ground mixed lime, ground dolomite and slaked lime at rates equivalent to 1,000 and 2,000 lb. CaC0₃/acre increased yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco both on Triassic and granite sands, whether applied early (February/March) or late (September); the highest rate and late application were often best. Yields increased with 4,000 and 6,000 lb. dolomite/acre applied late, but quality decreased when the pH was about 6.0. Lime did not affect leaf maturity as reflected by nitrogen and reducing sugars concentration . Where leaf discolouration (slate) occurred, the best quality and least discoloured leaf had the lowest manganese concentration and was grown on limed soil. On a very acid and probably nitrogen deficient soil, lime, borax and nitrogen (nitrate only tested) reduced the discolouration and improved the quality, but potassium sulphate increased discolouration and decreased quality. Calcium concentration in the leaf was increased by lime, particularly calcitic materials, and magnesium concentration was increased by dolomite. Lime also increased the filling value and petroleum ether extract, but decreased manganese, boron, chloride and sometimes potassium, and had no effect on phosphorus, nitrogen, aluminium, iron, crude fibre, nicotine, reducing sugars and equilibrium moisture. The inorganic composition of greenhouse plants was similar; generally gypsum increased calcium concentration more than calcium carbonate but it did not affect manganese concentration, which was decreased by calcium carbonate. In the stem and roots of field grown plants (dolomite only tested), the concentration of magnesium was increased but the concentrations of calcium, potassium, aluminium and iron were unaffected. Although the concentration of nitrogen was increased and that of phosphorus was decreased in the stem, these were unaffected in the roots. Aluminium and iron behaved differently to other nutrient ions, being more concentrated in the roots than aerial plant parts. Boron and magnesium deficiencies were observed in a dry and wet year, respectively, suggesting that variable mineral deficiencies can affect responses to lime. Initially soil pH was affected more by source of lime, but later mostly by rates. Slaked lime increased the soil pH more than did ground limestone, mixed lime or dolomite. In a glasshouse experiment, pH was more important than calcium supply and in the field, the largest yields were often associated with the highest pH. In pot experiments, aluminium drastically reduced yields in nutrient solution but not in soils, whereas iron was more severe in soils; manganese had little effect on yield. Manganese was readily taken up and translocated to the tops, but aluminium and iron were mainly concentrated in the roots, as was found in field grown plants. Iron decreased manganese concentration in all plant parts and aluminium decreased…