The acquisition of phosphorus byLupinus albus L.

Abstract

The development of proteoid roots byLupinus albus was studied under glasshouse conditions in acid-washed sand with varying iron and phosphorus supply and in three contrasting soils (acid, neutral and alkaline) at a range of phosphorud levels. Aqueous extracts of soil from around the roots were compared with regard to their pH and their reducing and chelating activity. In both experiments, proteoid formation was predominantly affected by the phosphorus status of the plant. Manganese uptake in the second experiment was related to proteoid root development and decreased as phosphorus supply increased. The ability ofL. albus to utilise soil and added phosphorus decreased as pH of the soil increased.