TRANSPIRATION AND THE ABSORPTION OF MINERAL SALTS

Abstract

Plants of Phaseolus vulgaris were grown to the flowering stage in culture soln. Of several battery jars containing 6 plants each, 2 were selected that lost the same amt. of water over a 10-day period. One jar was placed in a high-humidity chamber, the other in a low-humidity chamber. After 96 hrs. the jars were refilled, and their position reversed for another 96-hr. run. Original and residual culture solns. were analyzed for P, Ca, NO3, and K. In all cases high transpiration was accompanied by an increased absorption of these ions.