Effect of sodium on the chemical content of oats and wheat

Abstract

Studies were conducted on oats in the greenhouse and on wheat in the field to determine the effects of varying amounts of sodium and potassium upon the yield of grain and straw and upon the concentrations in the grain and straw of the following elements: K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, N, and Mn. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and the data were analyzed statistically for significant variations. Results of this investigation may be summarised thus: 1. The straw of oats and wheat contained higher concentrations of Na and Ca than the grain, while the grain or oats and wheat contained more P and N than the straw. 2. Sodium decreased the Ca content of oat grain and straw, and decreased the P content of oat straw. 3. The concentrations of the elements were more variable in the straw than in the grain or oats and wheat. 4. Potassium depressed Na, Ca and P in oat straw. 5. Potassium decreased the Mg content of oat straw, and increased the Mg content of oat grain. 6. Oats contained more Na, Ca, and Mg than wheat. 7. Manganese was not significantly affected by Na or K fertilization.