THE FOLIAR ABSORPTION OF POTASSIUM FROM ORGANIC AND INORGANIC POTASSIUM CARRIERS
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Using excised trifoliate leaves of 3 week-old Glycine max Bragg seedlings, a total of 31 organic and inorganic potassium compounds were tested for their efficacy of foliar potassium absorption at 10 mM K (using 86Rb as a tracer for K) and pH 6.3. Of the 14 inorganic K compounds screened, potassium bicarbonate, nitrite and several phosphate compounds yielded the highest % K absorption. Five of the inorganic K compounds caused slight leaf burn. Most of the 17 organic K compounds yielded higher % K absorption than the inorganic K compounds. Potassium acetate had the highest % K absorption without causing leaf burn. Monocarboxylic K compounds had greater % K absorption than the di-and tricarboxylic compounds. Chemical groups which increased polarity tended to decrease absorption. The absorption data for all K compounds tested could be partially explained by considering molecular weights and drying characteristics on the leaf surface. There was a positive correlation between total % K absorption and the degree of translocation away from the treated area for the inorganic K compounds, but not for the organic K compounds. 1986, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.