The effect of CaCO3 on the uptake of phosphorous by two desert shrub species <i>Larrea tridentata</i> (D. C.) Cov. and <i>Parthenium incanum</i> H.B.K.

TitleThe effect of CaCO3 on the uptake of phosphorous by two desert shrub species Larrea tridentata (D. C.) Cov. and Parthenium incanum H.B.K.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1988
AuthorsLajtha K, Schlesinger W.H
JournalBotany Gazette
Volume149
Pagination328-334
Date Published1988
Call Number00170
Keywordsarticle, articles, calcium carbonate, germination, Larrea, journal, journals, Larrea, phosphorous, nutrient cycling, phosphorous, Larrea, Parthenium, phosphorous, phosphorous, seed, also SEE germination
AbstractIn a phytotron growth study, the effects of soil CaCO3 on the uptake of P by two desert shrub species were species specific. Larrea tridentata seedlings responded to soil CaCO3 with increased root:shoot ratios, increased N:P ratios in tissues, and decreased specific absorption rates of P, indicating that CaCO3 directly inhibited the uptake or the availability of P to roots. Parthenium incanum seedlings responded negatively to CaCO3, but this response was not specific to P uptake and did not appear to be caused by a reduction in P availability. Pedogenic carbonates, present in many arid-land soils of the world, might greatly affect both P availability and the biogeochemical cycle of P in desert ecosystems.