Studies in the Diagnosis of Mineral Deficiency

Material from four fertilizer trials on barley in Hampshire was analysed with the principal purpose of comparing the extent to which the potassium content of different plant organs was diagnostic of potassium deficiency. Samples of older leaf blades and sheaths, young leaves, stems and ears were gathered at the time of ear emergence from each of the 108 plots, and analysed spectrographically for calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and sodium.
Differences in composition between plants from the different sites were proportionately greater in the older leaf blades than in the other organs for calcium, the young leaves for manganese and sodium, and the older leaf blades and sheaths for potassium. Differences in sodium and manganese content at the different sites appeared to be related to the differences in potassium status.
Applications of muriate of potash increased the potassium content of all organs except the ears, and decreased the content of magnesium, manganese and sodium, and of iron at one site. The effect of potassium supply on manganese and sodium content was most marked in the young leaves. The proportional increases observed in potassium content as a result of application of muriate of potash were similar at all four sites, in spite of the fact that responses in growth and yield differed greatly.
As between the four sites, the responses to muriate of potash observed in the yields of grain are significantly correlated with the potassium content of the older leaf blades and the stems, and the following tentative limiting values are put forward, above which no increase in grain yield as a result of potassic manuring may be expected:
(a) in the older leaf blades at the time of ear emergence 0.92% potassium in dry matter, (b) in the stems at the time of ear emergence 1–01 % potassium in dry matter.     

Mineral nutrition of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Summary Two experiments on cacao seedlings grown in sand culture are described, the first of which was concerned with variations in the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur (the macronutrient experiment) and the second dealing with variations in the levels of iron, copper, zinc, boron, manganese, and molybdenum (the micronutrient experiment).Many of the deficiency symptoms obtained were similar to those reported in the literature and they have not been described again. However, additional information is provided for symptoms of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, and molybdenum deficiencies.The effects of all treatments on the dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots are presented. The effects of the macronutrient treatments on the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the leaves of eight month old plants and the effects of micronutrient treatments on the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, sodium, and aluminium in the leaves of eleven-month-old plants are presented and discussed.     

ELECTRON PROBE ANALYSIS OF SILICON AND OTHER ELEMENTS IN LEAF EPIDERMAL CELLS OF THE RICE PLANT (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

By means of electron probe analysis, the effects of significant amounts of accumulation of silicon on the accumulation of calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, iron, and sodium in the silica cells of rice leaves are described. The silica cells of both the surfaces of the leaf blade and leaf sheath were studied. Silicon accumulation in the silica cells appears to decrease the amount of accumulation of potassium on both the surfaces of the leaf blade and sheath. The effect of significant amounts of silicon accumulation on the accumulation of other elements in a particular cell varies in different organs or on different surfaces of the organ of the same plant. Magnesium, manganese, iron, and phosphorus could not be detected in the adaxial epidermis of the leaf sheath and magnesium and iron in the adaxial epidermis of the leaf blade. Manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus were not detected in the abaxial epidermis of the leaf blade nor iron in the abaxial epidermis of the leaf sheath. Sodium was not revealed in either surface of the leaf blade and leaf sheath. Possible mechanisms for the effects of silicon accumulation on the accumulation of these elements in rice leaf epidermal cells are discussed.     

Influence of potassium and manganese on growth and uptake of magnesium by soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Bragg)

Summary Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr. cv. Bragg) seedlings were grown in nutrient solutions to evaluate the response to manganese nutrition as affected by potassium supply. In solutions containing 275 M manganese, increasing the solution concentration of potassium from 1 mM to 10 mM alleviated symptoms of manganese toxicity, decreased manganese concentrations in the leaves and increased dry matter yields of the plants. The reduction in manganese toxicity was brought about by a reduced rate of root absorption of manganese at high potassium supply levels.Increasing the supply of either potassium or manganese decreased the leaf concentration of magnesium although there were no apparent symptoms of magnesium deficiency in any treatment. The reduced concentration of magnesium in the leaves was due to effects of potassium and manganese on the rate of root absorption of magnesium.Under manganese deficiency conditions, growth was reduced and manganese concentrations in plant parts were very low; there was no effect of potassium supply when manganese was absent from the nutrient solution.     

Mineral and phytochemical influences on foliage selection by the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

Primate diets may be influenced by the phytochemical composition of potential food resources. This study examined the protein, fiber, and mineral content of leaves from plant species used as food resources by the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. In addition, leaf samples were collected from nonfood resources based upon relative density in previously established vegetation plots. Higher concentrations of crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc were found in young leaves. Mature leaves had higher levels of magnesium, manganese and calcium compared to young leaves. Leaves from species used as food resources were significantly higher in protein (9.9% vs. 8.5%) and lower in fiber (30.5% vs. 40.0% acid detergent fiber) than the leaves from species not used as food sources. Food resources also contained higher concentrations of phosphorus and potassium; nonfood resources contained higher concentrations of calcium and manganese. Proboscis monkeys appear to follow the typical colobine trend: a diet relatively high in protein and low in digestion inhibitors (fiber). Little previous work has examined mineral content as a selection factor in primate food choices. Leaves from species used as food resources contained less calcium (0.35%), iron (34 mg/kg) and phosphorus (0.15%) than dietary standards established for captive nonhuman primates, but values were similar to those established for ruminant herbivores. Other mineral concentrations (potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc) met or exceeded recommended levels for both primates and ruminants. Comparison of diverse nutrients in native diets may provide insight into suitability of domestic animals models for providing adequate diets in captive feeding situations, as well as help define resource limitations in natural environments. Am. J. Primatol. 41:117–128, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of Ca,Fe, K,Mg, Mn and Na in eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in the Limfjord,Denmark

The seasonal changes in concentrations of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and sodium in above- and below-ground parts of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) were studied at three locations in the Limfjord, Denmark.The concentrations of calcium, iron and manganese in eelgrass differed significantly at the three stations. Above-ground parts of eelgrass contained significantly higher concentrations of potassium and manganese than below-ground parts, whereas the concentrations of iron and sodium were highest in the below-ground parts. Calcium and mangnesium concentrations in the two fractions were not significantly different.Significant seasonal variations were observed in the concentrations of calcium, potassium, manganese and sodium in above-ground parts of eelgrass and in the concentrations of iron, magnesium and sodium in below-ground parts. Iron, potassium, manganese and, to an extent, sodium showed a similar seasonal pattern with maximum concentrations in the summer and minimum concentrations in the spring or fall, whereas calcium concentrations in the above-ground parts showed the opposite pattern.The observed seasonal variation patterns are discussed in relation to the respective metals and changes in environmental factors.     

干热河谷区不同林龄赤桉叶中养分含量和再吸收率的比较及其线性回归分析

以种植于干热河谷区的赤桉(Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.)幼龄林、中龄林和成熟林为研究对象,分析了赤桉鲜叶和凋落叶中养分(包括N、P、K、Ca、Mg和Na)的含量和化学计量比,并计算各养分的再吸收率;在此基础上,对鲜叶和凋落叶中各养分的含量与再吸收率进行线性回归分析.结果表明:成熟林赤桉鲜叶和凋落叶的有机碳、全氮、全磷、全钾和全钠含量总体上高于幼龄林,而全钙和全镁含量则低于幼龄林;且鲜叶中的全氮、全磷、全钾、全钠和全镁含量总体上高于凋落叶,而有机碳和全钙含量则低于凋落叶.成熟林赤桉鲜叶和凋落叶的C:N比、鲜叶的N:P比和N:K比以及凋落叶的K:P比和Ca:Mg比均低于幼龄林,但其鲜叶的K:P比和Ca:Mg比及凋落叶的N:P比和N:K比则高于幼龄林;且不同林龄鲜叶的C:N比、K:P比和Ca:Mg比均低于凋落叶.各林龄赤桉叶的Ca再吸收率及幼龄林和中龄林叶的Na再吸收率均为负值,而其余养分的再吸收率均为正值;随林龄增长,N、K和Mg的再吸收率先升高后降低,而P、Ca和Na的再吸收率却先降低后升高;总体上看,赤桉叶中各养分的再吸收率从高到低依次为P、N、K、Mg、Na、Ca.线性回归分析结果表明:赤桉鲜叶的全钾和全钠含量分别与K和Na再吸收率呈极显著正相关(P<001),全钙含量与Ca再吸收率呈显著正相关(P<005);而凋落叶的全氮含量与N再吸收率呈极显著负相关,全镁含量与Mg再吸收率呈显著负相关.综合分析结果显示:林龄对赤桉叶的养分含量和再吸收率有明显影响,其保存养分的能力随林龄增长呈现先增强后减弱的趋势.     

Nutrient Concentrations in Foliage of Species Within a New South Wales Sub-Tropical Rainforest

Sub-tropical rainforests in New South Wales are complex, oftenwith more than 30 tree species ha^–1. Estimation of nutrientcontents involves obtaining information on the range of nutrientconcentrations both in different species and in different foreststrata. The foliage from the tree and shrub components of an undisturbedforest were analyzed chemically together with the small treeand shrub component of an area logged two years previously.The site had high nutrient availability. All nutrients analyzed(nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese,aluminium, sodium, zinc, iron, boron and chloride) varied betweenspecies. Some individuals accumulated high concentrations ofspecific nutrients, but an accumulator of one nutrient was notnecessarily an accumulator of any other. Assessment of nutrient concentrations on the basis of foreststrata showed major differences. Nutrients were accumulatedin higher concentrations on a disturbed site than on an undisturbedsite. This has been discussed in relation to nutrient conservationmechanisms after disturbance. Within the undisturbed stand,the large shrub stratum had the highest concentrations of nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium and boron. Mean concentrations of aluminium,sodium and chloride were highest in the small shrub stratum,mainly because several species accumulate these elements. Sub-tropical rainforest, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, aluminium, sodium, zinc, iron, boron, chloride     

Cations in Hemolymph and Alimentary Tract Tissues of Healthy and Milky Diseased European Chafer (Amphimallon majalis) Larvae

A study was made of certain cations present in hemolymph and alimentary tract tissues of healthy and diseased European chafer larvae and the spores of Bacillus popilliae collected from diseased hemolymph. The major ions found in the hemolymph, in order of decreasing abundance, were potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium. Hemolymph of diseased larvae contained relatively higher concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc than hemolymph of healthy larvae. Concomitantly, the concentrations of ions were lower in the mid-gut and anterior intestinal tissues of diseased larvae. Only sodium decreased slightly in the diseased tissues of the rectum and rectal sac; other ions remained unchanged or increased. Little or no manganese or copper was detected in the hemolymph or tissues. The major cations of spores of B. popilliae were sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Small amounts of potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc were detected in the spores. Based on calcium and dipicolinic acid determinations of the spores, sufficient calcium was found to allow for the formation of calcium dipicolinate in the expected concentrations.     

Studies in the diagnosis of mineral deficiency; the composition of weed leaves in relation to potassium deficiency in barley

Leaves of five weed species (Brassica sinapis, Cirsium arvense, Polygonum aviculare, P. convolvulus and Potentilla reptans) from fertilizer trials on barley at four sites in Hampshire were analysed with a view to using their composition in forecasting the response of barley to fertilizers. The samples were gathered from as many of the 108 plots as possible, and were analysed spectrographically for calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and sodium.
Marked differences in composition between the five species were recorded, the most noteworthy being the high sodium content of Brassica sinapis and Cirsium arvense and the high manganese content of Potentilla reptans. There were also marked differences between the four sites, but these were not uniform as between the different species, and often failed to agree with those observed for barley.
Superphosphate applications decreased the manganese content of the weeds in many cases, and increased their calcium content. Muriate of potash increased their potassium content, but tended to decrease that of magnesium and sodium. The only general effect of sulphate of ammonia on the composition of the weeds was a decrease in iron content.
Except in Cirsium arvense , the potassium content of weed leaves was correlated with that of barley on the same plot if differences within a site only were considered. Differences between sites were not correlated in this way. The correlation between potassium content of weed leaves and the response of barley to muriate of potash application was worthy of note only in Polygonum convolvulus , and even in this case the correlation of site differences did not reach significance. It is tentatively suggested that increases in the grain yield of barley as a result of muriate of potash application are likely to occur only where the leaves of P. convolvulus contain less than 1.83% potassium.     

Nutrient accumulation and translocation in maturing wheat plants grown on waterlogged soil

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Arina) growing in large pots (perforated at the bottom for controls, intact for flooding) were embedded in the field in spring. Waterlogging was initiated at anthesis and was maintained throughout the maturation period. Grain yield as well as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium contents in the shoot were decreased on flooded soil, while manganese and iron contents increased considerably. Total calcium and zinc contents per shoot remained comparable to those in controls. The reduction of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium contents by waterlogging was greatest in the grains, while manganese and iron accumulated mostly in the vegetative parts and the glumes. Zinc contents were also lowered in the grains during waterlogging due to an inhibited redistribution from the vegetative parts to the grains. Our results indicate that flooding caused not only an accumulation of manganese and iron in the shoot, but also affected the redistribution of macro- and micronutrients to the maturing gains.     

北京地区耕地碳酸盐褐土不同农作物氮及灰分元素生物循环的比较研究

京郊耕地碳酸盐褐土小麦、大麦、玉米、高梁、花生五种农作物氮及灰分元素生物循环的研究结果表明：1．不同作物存留、归还、吸收不同元素数量的差别很大。豆科作物花生以对钙、镁吸收量大为其显著特征;禾本科作物吸收较高数量硅、铁、铝、锰、钠。在四种禾本科作物中,高梁吸收较高数量氮、磷,钾、钙、镁、硅,大麦吸收较高数量钠、硫和锰。2．不同作物以根、茬形式对11种元素和灰分向土壤中的归还有三种情况：1)低度归还类型：氮磷钾,归还比例一般低于10%;2)中度归还类型：镁钙硫硅钠和灰分,归还比例介于10—30%;3)高度归还类型：铁铝和锰,归还比例一般为30%。 3．不同农作物生物循环特点对研究农田生态系统元素平衡、耕地土壤肥力变化和形成过程以及施肥、耕作制度改革,都有重要意义。     

A comparison of the mineral composition of milk of domestic and captive wild equids (Equus przewalski, E. zebra, E. burchelli, E. caballus, E. assinus)

Milk samples were obtained in early and/or late lactation from Przewalski horses, Hartmann's zebras, Grant's zebras, domestic horses, ponies and a mule mare made pregnant by embryo transfer. Samples were compared for their content of total solids, ash, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc and iron. Milk from the Przewalski horses, Hartmann's zebra and the domestic horse had similar mineral composition and the content of minerals was higher in early than in late lactation. Milk from the domestic mule contained the lowest concentration of calcium, phosphorus and zinc but the highest concentration of magnesium, sodium and potassium. Milk from the Grant's zebras contained more sodium than potassium, unlike milk from Przewalski horses, Hartmann's zebras or domestic horses in which there was more potassium than sodium.     

Effect of various chloride salts on the utilization of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium

Only part of the effect of dietary protein on urinary calcium excretion can be ascribed to sulfur amino acids. We hypothesized that chloride, another factor often associated with isolated proteins, and another amino acid, lysine, affect utilization of calcium. The effects of supplemental dietary chloride, inorganic or organic, on calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium utilization were studied in two rat studies. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semi-purified diets that contained moderate (1.8 mg Cl/g diet) or supplemental (15.5 mg Cl/g diet) chloride as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or lysine monohydrochloride with or without calcium carbonate for 56 or 119 days. Rats fed supplemental sodium chloride or potassium chloride had higher urinary phosphorus excretion, more efficient phosphorus absorption, but unchanged tissue phosphorus levels after 7 and 16 weeks of dietary treatment as compared to rats fed moderate chloride. Rats fed supplemental sodium chloride or potassium chloride excreted more calcium in urine at 7 weeks and absorbed calcium less efficiently at 16 weeks. Tissue calcium concentrations were unaffected, but total tibia magnesium and plasma magnesium concentrations were lower in rats fed supplemental sodium chloride or potassium chloride than those fed moderate chloride. Lysine chloride with or without additional calcium elevated urinary calcium excretion even more than sodium chloride and potassium chloride ingestion. Rats fed lysine chloride with supplemental calcium had smaller apparent absorption and urinary losses of phosphorus and magnesium after 16 weeks and lower tibia and plasma magnesium concentrations than rats fed lysine chloride.     

Effect of low dietary rubidium on plasma biochemical parameters and mineral levels in rats

The effects of low dietary rubidium on plasma biochemical parameters and mineral levels in tissues in rats were studied. Eighteen male Wistar rats, weighing about 40 g, were divided into two groups and fed the diets with or without supplemental rubidium (0.54 vs 8.12 mg/kg diet) for 11 wk. Compared to the rats fed the diet with supplemental rubidium, the animals fed the diet without rubidium supplementation had higher urea nitrogen in plasma; lower rubidium concentration in tissues; lower sodium in muscle; higher potassium in plasma, kidney and tibia, and lower potassium in testis; lower phosphorus in heart and spleen; lower calcium in spleen; higher magnesium in muscle and tibia; higher iron in muscle; lower zinc in plasma and testis; and lower copper in heart, liver, and spleen, and higher copper in kidney. These results suggest that rubidium concentration in tissues reflects rubidium intake, and that rubidium depletion affects mineral (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper) status.     

Macro and micro-elements concentrations in Calligonum comosum wild grazing plant through its growth period

In this study, the change in the content of the macro and micro elements in the growing wild grazing plant of Calligonum comosum was tracked at the Research and Training Station of King Faisal University in Al-Hassa Governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mineral elements were estimated in aerial parts (plant as a whole, leaves and stem) from January-April 2020. The results showed that the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plant as a whole plant > leaves > roots, while the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper elements in the leaves was higher than other parts whereas the concentrations of these elements of whole plant were higher than the concentrations in roots. The results showed that the plant contents of nitrogen, potassium and zinc were the highest in March, while the concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, iron and copper were in February. The concentrations of magnesium, manganese and copper was the highest in January and April respectively. The values ​​of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper ranged from 11.1 to 18.4 g kg⁻¹, 4.17–2.33 g kg⁻¹, 13.73–18.97 g kg⁻¹, 24.50–28.90 g kg⁻¹, 10.40–12.30 gkg⁻¹, 1500–1677 mg kg⁻¹, 45.45–49.29 mg kg⁻¹, 70.70–177.23 mg kg⁻¹, 16.78–73.46 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, the results exhibited that the lowest values of the elements appeared in the plant roots in April. As well as, the distribution of the elements followed the normal life curve from January to April. Besides that, the evaluated elements satisfy the needs of the grazing animals' life in which this type of plant grows.     

Spent medium analysis for liquid culture micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemerocallis</Emphasis> on Murashige and Skoog medium

Residual nutrients from Murashige and Skoog medium were analyzed following a 5-wk multifactor experiment. Plant density, sugar concentration, and plant growth regulators (benzyladenine and ancymidol) were examined using four genotypes of daylily (Hemerocallis) to determine which factors most influenced nutrient use. Active nutrient uptake was observed for 11 nutrients (potassium, sodium, copper, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, boron, sulfur, and zinc) with lower concentrations in spent medium than in the tissue water volume (fresh-dry mass expressed as mL H₂O). Two patterns of nutrient use were visualized by correlative analysis of nutrient uptake. Greatest growth lowered plant nutrient concentrations of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, and copper in all genotypes, and luxuriant uptake was indicated with least growth. Potassium, sodium, iron, and copper concentrations in plant dry matter were equal to or exceeded what is observed in vigorously growing nursery plants. However, phosphorus concentration in plant dry matter was low enough to be considered deficient when compared to Hemerocallis plants in nursery production. With a second group of nutrients (calcium, magnesium, manganese, and boron), the genotype, “Barbara Mitchell” lacked active uptake and was deficient. Calcium concentration was low in all plants compared to Hemerocallis grown under nursery conditions (“Barbara Mitchell” was the lowest concentration) despite active uptake by the other three genotypes—“Brocaded Gown,” “Mary’s Gold,” and “Heart of a Missionary.” Magnesium concentration in these three genotypes was low enough in vessels with greatest growth to question its adequacy at high densities. Increased sucrose in medium reduced the dry matter concentrations of all tested nutrients. Plant growth regulators had less impact on nutrient use than genotype and plant density. Nutrient uptake may be an important physiological component of genotypic variation.     

Some minerals as well as trace and toxic elements in livers of fallow deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama dama</Emphasis>) in Slovenia

Minerals were determined in the livers of 69 fallow deer, which were shot during routine culls in Slovenian enclosures, in the winter of 2001/2002. Analysis of minerals and trace elements was done by atomic absorption spectroscopy and analysis of phosphorus was done by spectrophotometry. Mean values recorded for liver were 0.11±0.07 g/kg for calcium, 6.38±1.10 g/kg for phosphorus, 0.65±0.24 g/kg for sodium, 1.91±0.66 g/kg for potassium, 0.14±0.03 g/kg for magnesium, 31.0±21.9 mg/kg for copper, 31.3±10.8 mg/kg for zinc, 3.8±1.7 mg/kg for manganese, and 141±65 mg/kg for iron. Lead was present in high concentrations in the liver of almost all animals (1.48±0.92 mg/kg), while cadmium occurred in relatively low concentrations (0.27±0.14 mg/kg). There were significant differences in liver sodium, copper and iron concentrations between sexes and significant differences in liver phosphorus concentration between old and young animals.     

Three-year study on trace mineral concentration in the blood plasma of Shetland pony mares

Changes in some trace minerals concentrations (calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, sodium and potassium) in blood plasma were investigated during a three-year period in Shetland pony mares. Blood plasma mineral concentrations were determined by the atomic absorption method and colorimetric method. The three-year averages were in micrograms/ml; Na 4630 +/- 168; K 277 +/- 3.8; Ca 171 +/- 3.8; P 31.5 +/- 0.74; Fe 1.92 +/- 0.14; Zn 1.07 +/- 0.04 and Cu 1.06 +/- 0.02. Two trace minerals (magnesium in inorganic phosphorus) showed only long-term tendency changes--upward or downward trends were not connected with the season. Most of the investigated minerals showed both a long-term change tendency and more or less marked seasonally related concentration changes, being higher during autumn or winter (zinc, sodium), or during spring and summer (calcium, copper, iron and potassium). Some interrelationships between particular trace mineral concentrations in blood plasma were also observed.     

Biogeography and variability of eleven mineral elements in plant leaves across gradients of climate, soil and plant functional type in China

Understanding variation of plant nutrients is largely limited to nitrogen and to a lesser extent phosphorus. Here we analyse patterns of variation in 11 elements (nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium/calcium/magnesium/sulphur/silicon/iron/sodium/manganese/aluminium) in leaves of 1900 plant species across China. The concentrations of these elements show significant latitudinal and longitudinal trends, driven by significant influences of climate, soil and plant functional type. Precipitation explains more variation than temperature for all elements except phosphorus and aluminium, and the 11 elements differentiate in relation to climate, soil and functional type. Variability (assessed as the coefficient of variation) and environmental sensitivity (slope of responses to environmental gradients) are lowest for elements that are required in the highest concentrations, most abundant and most often limiting in nature (the Stability of Limiting Elements Hypothesis). Our findings can help initiate a more holistic approach to ecological plant nutrition and lay the groundwork for the eventual development of multiple element biogeochemical models.