Cyanide formation in Sorghum almum in relation to nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition

Abstract

The effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on the cyanide content of Sorghum almum Parodi, grown in the glasshouse on a phosphorus deficient soil, were investigated. Both nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers increased the total cyanide content of plant tops; however, phosphorus dressings equivalent to 40 cwt superphosphate an acre depressed the percentage cyanide level. The effects of fertilization on cyanide production are discussed in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and plant yield.