Differential responses of alfalfa clones to aluminum-toxic acid soil
1993
Baligar, V.C. | Campbell, T.A. | Wright, R.J.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) clones were selected by growing synthetic populations of AT-4,B13-AL4,AS-4,and Williamsburg in Tatum soil (pH 4.5) and solution culture (pH 4.5, 111 micromoles Al/L). Two-month-old clones were grown in a controlled growth room (28 degrees C, 60% RH, 530 micromoles/m2/s light for 14 h) at three levels of soil Al saturation (59%, 38%, and 0.3%) in a Porters soil (Umbric Dystrochrept) to evaluate differences in growth, nutrient uptake, and nutrient efficiency ratios (ER = shoot dry weight produced per unit of element in shoot). Shoot growth nutrient uptake and ER were significantly different with respect to soil Al saturation, clones, and their interactions. Overall shoot nutrient content showed significant (P<0.01) positive correlations with shoot weight and significant inverse relationships with shoot Al concentration and soil Al saturation. In general, ER values were inversely related to shoot Al concentration. Depending on the clement involved, the correlations between ER and shoot dry weight and soil Al saturation were either positive or negative. The soil and solution culture methods used in this investigation to induce a range of soil acidity tolerance have helped to demonstrate interspecific diversity in alfalfa for growth and nutrient uptake parameters.
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