Effect of aluminum on growth and mineral elements of al-tolerant and Al-intolerant corn

Summary Growth and P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and contents were determined in Al-tolerant and Al-intolerant corn (Zea mays L.) inbreds when grown at various levels of Al. B57 was more tolerant to Al than was Oh40B. Relatively low Al levels (up to 5 mg/l) enhanced B57 growth but inhibited Oh40B growth. With few exceptions, Oh40B root and leaf concentrations of the elements decreased with added Al. The decreases in element concentrations were not as large for B57 as they were for Oh40B. The Mg concentrations and contents decreased more than the other elements in all inbreds with added Al. Root Mg decreased more than leaf Mg. Total uptake of some elements were higher at low Al than with no Al. Inasmuch as Mg has a pronounced effect on root growth, low Mg may be an important response in plants sensitive to Al.Journal article No. 82-75 of Department of Agronomy, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio.Journal article No. 82-75 of Department of Agronomy, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio.