A comparison of foliar and soil uptake of nutrients in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Horticultural Science in Soil Science, Massey University

Abstract

An aspect of each of three factors relating to efficiency of fertilizer use were studied in glasshouse experiments using beans Phaseolus vulgaris var. Gallatin 50. These three factors were: the quantities that can be applied; physiological aspects of nutrient utilization following foliar uptake; and interactions with other sources of nutrient supply. Distribution patterns of S35, P32 and Zn65 were examined following application to soil and foliage of beans. It was found that a greater proportion of P32 and Zn 65 was present in the fruit following foliar uptake than was the case following root uptake. This difference was not evident for S35. Retention of a commercial nutrient spray on the foliage of bean plants was measured and found to correlate well with both leaf area and leaf fresh weight. The effect of sprays on leaf chlorophyll was also examined. Environmental effects were found to have more influence on leaf chlorophyll than nutrient sprays. Root uptake of 32 was increased by spraying the foliage with either nutrient solution or water. It was concluded that the effect was water related and not connected with nutrient application. The implications of the above findings were discussed in the context of efficiency of fertilizer use.