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Using the Williams Equation to Evaluate Nutrient Uptake Rate by Intact Plants
Author(s) -
Silberbush Moshe,
Gbur Edward E.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1994.00021962008600010020x
Subject(s) - sorghum , nutrient , radius , constant (computer programming) , rate equation , agronomy , growth rate , characteristic equation , mathematics , chemistry , zoology , mathematical analysis , biology , physics , kinetics , differential equation , geometry , computer science , computer security , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , programming language
Abstract The Williams equation uses root growth and nutrient accumulation data to evaluate nutrient uptake by plants. Accuracy of this equation depends on basic assumptions of constant uptake rate with time and space. The validity of the Williams equation and the assumptions underlying it were tested with sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] plants grown in solution culture and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake. Only N and Ca influx were independent of time, as required by the equation. Influx of P, K, and Mg decreased linearly during the entire growth period. Mean root radius, which is assumed constant, decreased linearly with time. Consequently, a cautious and selective use of the equation is recommended.