Uptake and accumulation of K, P, Mg and Ca by cultivars of faba bean with different morphological features

Jerzy Księżak

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in the years 1993–1995 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Sadlowice near Pulawy. Cultivars of faba bean with different morphological features (Nadwislanski, Tibo, and Caspar) constituted the first rank factor in the experiment, whereas sowing rate in two variants: 50 and 70 seeds per 1 m² was the second rank factor. P, K, Ca, and Mg content was determined in leaves, stems and pods (once per week) in the period between flowering and full maturity. The objective of the study was to examine the rate at which potassium, phosphorus magnesium and calcium accumulated in the leaves, stems and pods of faba bean cultivar differing in growth and development rate over the period from the onset of blooming to full maturity. The faba bean cultivars Nadwislanski, Timos and Caspar differed for total potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium amounts accumulated during growth. The highest uptake rate of those macro-nutrients was shown by cv. Nadwislanski – a variety with conventional type of growth. In all faba bean cultivars, the maximum uptake of potassium and phosphorus by all plants occurred a few days prior to harvest. Instead, the maximum uptake of magnesium and calcium occurred much earlier – when the first pods were fully developed. The uptake of magnesium was slower and much more uniform than that of potassium. At blooming and pod setting the stems were highest in potassium and phosphorus and the leaves accumulated the most magnesium. Before harvest, those nutrients were mostly accumulated in pods. The leaves were the main sink for calcium throughout the growth period studied.