The effects of metal ions on the root surface phosphatase activity of grasses differing in tolerance to serpentine soil

Summary Six grass species which differed in ability to grow on serpentine soils were assayed for root surface acid phosphatase activity in solutions of Ca, Mg, Ni, Cr III, Cr VI, and Zn at various concentrations. The root surface phosphatases of relatively serpentine tolerant species (Festuca rubra, Festuca pratensis and Holcus lanatus) were unaffected by the external Ca concentration whereas Ca increased the activity of root surface phosphatase in species relatively intolerant to serpentine soil conditions (Phleum pratense vars Scots and S51 and Lolium perenne). There were no differences shown between a tolerant and an intolerant grass in their responses to Mg, Ni, Cr III, Cr VI or Zn. re]19760611