Leaf analysis as a guide to the nutrition of fruit crops. II.—distribution of total N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the laminae and petioles of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) as influenced soil treatments

Abstract

AbstractA study has been made of the concentrations of the major nutrient elements in the leaves and petioles from non‐fruiting raspberry canes, in relation to position on the cane and to manurial treatment. Laminae have a higher nitrogen concentration, and are more sensitive to nitrogen supply, than petioles; the lower‐third position best reflects soil nitrogen treatment. Laminae and petioles, from any position on the cane, reflect soil potassium treatment. The petiole is more sensitive to changes in potassium supply than is the lamina, but the values are more variable. Phosphorus concentration in the lamina is significantly greater than that in the petiole for all treatments, but in the absence of any response to soil phosphate it is not possible to decide which organ best reflects phosphorus supply. Calcium and magnesium increase basipetally.