Cation selectivity and cation-anion balance as factors governing the mineral composition of pasture herbage
1959
Said, I.M.
The ability was investigated of two grasses Dactylis glomerata and Lolium perenne to take up K, Na, Mg, Ca, F, S and N from solutions, from soil and from fertilizers. The ratio of the cations and anions in the herbage was estimated. The difference in cation composition of grass species was related to the difference in selectivity between K, Na, Mg and Ca.Total uptake of cation equivalents in herbage was shown to be determined by the total uptake of anion equivalents and by an internal factor, related to metabolism which determined the cation-anion balance.The proportions of K, Na, Mg and Ca in total cations depended on availability as well as on the selectivity of the grass species.If availability and selectivity did not give rise to internal deficiencies of some elements, growth and assimilation could proceed.Mineral composition resulting from these processes could vary within limits. It was determined both by availibility of various elements and by plant species.
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