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Studies in manurial values of seaweeds

I. Effects ofPachymenia himantophora andDurvillea antarctica meals on plant growth

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Summary

Investigations have been undertaken into the manurial values of two New Zealand seaweed species,Pachymenia himantophora (Rhodophyceae) andDurvillea antarctica (Phaeophyceae). Chemical analyses have shown thatDurvillea is richer thanPachymenia in cations and chloride but poorer in nitrogen and sulphur. When applied to soil in the form of dry mealPachymenia was found to stimulate the growth of tomato seedlings on some soils and depress it on others;Durvillea, on the other hand, depressed growth on all the soil types used. Experiments indicated that the salts contained in the seaweeds were not harmful to plant growth.

Pachymenia may be inhibitory to plant growth on some soils through causing a greatly increased manganese uptake and there was an indication that in treated soils the level of available phosphate was lowered, at least initially.Durvillea is thought to induce nitrogen deficiency in soils by virtue of its high C/N ratio; this is, however, unlikely to be the sole factor responsible.

Effects of seaweeds on soil conditions are complex and can involve many factors: the manurial values of a species cannot be judged solely on its mineral analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, University of Auckland, New Zealand

    R. I. B. Francki

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  1. R. I. B. Francki
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Francki, R.I.B. Studies in manurial values of seaweeds. Plant Soil 12, 297–310 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232987

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232987

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