Phosphate Uptake by Plants in Relation to the Phosphate Potential

Abstract

Phosphate uptake by young oat plants grown in nutrient solutions was studied in relation to the H₂PO₄-ion-activity and the P-potential in short-term experiments. The P-ion activity and the P-potential were of nearly the same significance to the P-uptake, with the major emphasis on P-ion activity, however. The importance of the P-ion activity is due to transport processes outside the plant, while the effect of the potential, which depends on both P and Ca ion activity, is explained by its effect on the carrier mechanism in the roots.