ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
Critical concentration
;
Plant analysis
;
Sulphate sulphur
;
Sulphate/total sulphur ratio
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary Several authors are advocating the use of the SO4−S/total S ratio in the plant as the best index of S status. We have traced the arguments put forward in support of this index, and we show that they are based either on unfair comparisons with other indices, such as SO4−S or total S alone, or inappropriate statistical treatment. The SO4−S/total S index has two fundamental disadvantages compared with SO4−S or total S alone: (1) the numerator (SO4−S) is the major variable in the denominator, so the ratio is likely to be less sensitive than either of the measurements alone; (2) its determination involves twice as much analytical work as either measurement alone. Examination of some of the source references indicates that SO4−S by itself is the most satisfactory S index. Whenever whole plants are analysed, any index which includes organic S is subject to variation due to tissue age.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02181819
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