Dynamic aspects of nutrient requirements by intact plants

Abstract

Abstract When plant tissues are analyzed, the interpretation of the mineral composition depends on all the dynamic factors of mineral uptake, distribution, redistribution, and interactions. Each of these factors must be viewed in the proper perspective to insure a valid interpretation of the nutrient requirements of plants. Since plant growth is dynamic, the factor which must be considered is the rate of nutrient supply to the rate of nutrient demand for growth. These rates vary throughout the life cycle of the plant. In tissue analysis, the critical concentrations may vary throughout the plant depending on the plant part and nutrient element under consideration. Here, also, the dynamic factors should be considered to insure the proper applications of these critical concentrations.