Title | The 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 Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1988 |
Authors | Lajtha K, Schlesinger W.H |
Journal | Botany Gazette |
Volume | 149 |
Pagination | 328-334 |
Date Published | 1988 |
Call Number | 00170 |
Keywords | article, articles, calcium carbonate, germination, Larrea, journal, journals, Larrea, phosphorous, nutrient cycling, phosphorous, Larrea, Parthenium, phosphorous, phosphorous, seed, also SEE germination |
Abstract | In 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. |