Summary
Patterns of distribution curves of concentrations of dry matter and of concentrations, based on dry and fresh matter, of N and sum cations in base-to-top leaves were investigated in two cultivars of tomato plants grown under widely different conditions.
The set of all three distribution curves reflected changes in contents of dry matter and water caused by processes underlying growth and development of the plants, and decisive for a true interpretation of the chemical plant analysis.
Symmetric patterns were obtained of distribution curves of N and sum cations in leaves from base to top, provided corrections were made for irrelevant contents of dry matter and water.
Positions and slopes of distribution curves of dry matter concentrations were governed by dry matter production and translocation and similar to those of nutrient concentrations by age of plants and by supplies of nutrients and water.
Increasing water supplies effected increasing dry matter production associated with increasing rates of translocation of dry matter in accordance with the source/sink hypothesis.
Results of the investigation demonstrate the possibility to control and regulate growth and development of plants by use of leaf dry matter concentration and leaf nutrient concentrations, the latter based on both dry and fresh matter, as important parameters, provided reference values are known.
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The term: distribution is in the present work used in connection with not only absolute values (contents) but also with relative values (concentrations).
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Friis-Nielsen, B. Growth, water and nutrient status of plants in relation to patterns of variations in concentrations of dry matter and nutrient elements in base-to-top leaves. Plant Soil 39, 675–686 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264183
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264183