Studies on the effects of manurial elements upon the growth of MURASAKIOMOTO (Rhoeo discolor HANCE) (Preliminary).

Abstract

Using the soil of the farm, the amount of the three manurial elements contained in the soil and the effects of them upon the growth of MURASAKIOMOTO (Rhoeo discolor HANCE), were investigated, by providing five plots, containing three elements (NPK), without nitrogen (PK), without phosphorus (NK), without potassium (NP) and no element (O). Results obtained are summarized as follows. 1. In NPK and NP, the growth of the plant resembles much to each other and hardly no difference was recognized; in PK and O, the growth of the plant also resembles to each other, but generally that in O is inferior somewhat to that in PK; in NK, the growth of the plant is worst among all plots. Consequently the soil used in this experiment seems to be short of nitrogen and phosphorus, and contains a tolerable amount of potassium. 2. In PK and O, the length of the leaves and the height of the plants are smaller than those in NPK and NP, but proportions of the breadth and the thickness of leaves, to the length of them are larger than those in NPK and NP; the development of water-tissues is remarkable, therefore the water content and the raw weight of leaves become larger comparatively, but the contents of dry matter and water-extract become much smaller than those in other plots; leaves are lighter in the colour of assimilation tissues and pigment tissues than in that of others; the development of reproductive organs and tillers is inferior to that in NPK and NP; the development ot roots is conspicuously better, namely the weight and the maximum length of roots are much larger than those in others. 3. In NK, the number of dead leaves is somewhat larger than that in other plots, and the number of live leaves and the length, breadth, and thickness of leaves are smallest among all plots, consequently the height of the plants and the weight of raw leaves become smallest, too; the colour of assimilation tissues and pigment tissues was recognized to be tinged slightly darker; a tendency of a very poor develepment of the main stem, reproductive organs and tillers was recognized ; the development of roots is worst, namely, the weight and the maximum length of roots are smallest.