Relationship in Adsorption and Absorption of Cations by Plant Roots from Salt Solutions

Abstract

Drake et al. (1961) have explained differential cation uptake by plant species on the basis of variable root cation-exchange capacities. Elgabaly and Wiklander (1949). emphasized that both root colloids and soil colloids. compete for ions. Cation uptake by plants depends on the relative cation-- exchange capacities of root and soil colloids. But no one has yet explained how cation-exchange of roots plays a direct role in differential uptake of cations by plants. In this study, an attempt was made to establish relationships between cations adsorbed and absorbed by roots.