Ionic interactions in rice plants from dilute solutions

Ionic interactions may occur as cation-cation interactions, anion-anion interactions, or cation-anion interactions. Greater knowledge of this subject is warranted, due to the intensification of agriculture, in devising efficient fertilization systems. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the interaction among P, K, Ca and Mg absorption by the intact rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants from dilute solutions. The uptake of P was independent of Ca concentrations up-to 250 μM Ca but-there was a small decrease at the higher concentrations. Absorption of K and Mg was stimulated in the presence of Ca ions at low concentrations. But K and Mg absorption was decreased at higher Ca concentrations. Increasing concentrations of K in the nutrient solution depressed P and Ca uptake. Magnesium uptake was stimulated at lower concentrations of K, but at higher concentrations it was also decreased. Similarly, absorption of K and Ca was also decreased with increasing concentrations of Mg. Magnesium at lower concentrations stimulated P uptake but at higher concentraions it was decreased. In the present study maximum growth of rice plants was achieved at about 250μM Ca, 260 μM K, and 33μM Mg in the nutrient solution.