
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Nambiar, EKS 
T1  - The uptake of zinc-65 by oats in relation to soil water content and root growth
JF  - Soil Research
JO  - Soil Res.
Y1  - 1976
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
SP  - 67
EP  - 74
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/SR9760067 
N2  - Effects of water content of the topsoil on root growth and 65Zn absorption by oats were measured. Seminal roots of oats grew through a labelled uptake layer that had been initially wetted to various water contents. The uptake layer was separated from adjacent layers of wet sand or soil by a thin layer of wax. When the uptake layer was wetted initially and allowed to dry during the uptake period, water content affected root growth and 65Zn uptake similarly. 65Zn absorption by unbranched seminal roots decreased linearly as soil water suction increased from 0.3 to 5 bar. Nevertheless significant amounts of 65Zn were absorbed (40% of that from wet soil) even when the soil water suction exceeded 15 bar, with negligible concomitant uptake of water. Provided the roots had access to water in a subjacent layer, rates of 65Zn absorption from dry soil increased with the age of the plants. The exudation of mucilage from the root was enhanced locally where the soil was dry. The mucilage may facilitate the transfer of zinc to the root in dry soil. 
ER  -

