Mineral element concentrations in acid soil tolerant and susceptible sorghum genotypes

Abstract

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine mineral element concentrations in leaves of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes that were tolerant and susceptible to acid soil conditions, and to assess imbalances and changes in mineral elements in these genotypes grown at 60 (relatively severe Al stress, pH 4.1) and 40% (less severe Al stress, pH 4.6) Al saturation on an acid ultisol in Colombia, South America. Leaf concentrations of S, K, Al, Mn, and Fe were lower and concentrations of Ca and Si were higher in tolerant genotypes when plants were grown at 40 compared to 60% Al saturation. Susceptible genotypes had higher dry matter yield and leaf concentrations of Ca and Si, and lower concentrations of Mg, Al, Mn, Fe, and Zn when plants were grown at 40 compared to 60% Al saturation. At 60% Al saturation tolerant genotypes had higher dry matter yields and concentrations of Ca and Si and lower concentrations of P, S, Al, and Fe than susceptible genotypes. At 40% Al saturation, tolerant genotypes h...