THE EFFECT OF Ca AND Mg CONCENTRATIONS IN NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON THE DRY MATTER YIELD AND Ca, Mg AND K CONTENT OF BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

Dry matter production by barley grown in nutrient solution culture was reduced by concentrations of Ca or Mg greater than 8 mmol L−1. Johnston barley was somewhat more sensitive to high levels of Ca and Mg than Bonanza. High concentrations of Ca or Mg did not inhibit uptake of K by the plant. Therefore, the reduction in barley growth was directly caused by excessive levels of Ca and Mg, and not due to a K deficiency induced by excess Ca or Mg. Key words: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, nutrient solution, barley, Hordeum vulgare