The sodium and potassium content of some grass genera, species and varieties

Abstract

Data from one field and three glasshouse experiments are presented on the sodium and potassium contents of a number of grasses and on the effect of nitrogen, potassium, and sodium supply on these.Large and consistent differences in sodium content exist between different genera of grasses. Potassium content may also show such differences.Environmental factors which affect sodium content are the supply of nitrogen and potassium. Increasing nitrogen in the growth medium raises the sodium content, increasing potassium lowers it.A grass with a potentially high sodium content will show a wide range in this element depending on the environment. One with a low sodium potential will remain always low, not unaffected by environment but affected within a more restricted range.