Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1952

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agronomy

Major Professor

Lloyd F. Seatz

Committee Members

J. K. Leasure, L. K. Skold

Abstract

Magnesium is one of the essential elements for the growth of all plants, since it is the key metallic ion in the chlorophyll molecule. Magnesium deficiency in the plant often results in interveinal chlorosis of the leaves but the symptoms caused by a deficiency will vary with the species. The chlorosis usually begins at the edges of the leaves and gradually spreads toward the center with increasing intensity of the deficiency. The older leaves are affected first and in severe cases, they may lose all of their green color, while the younger leaves develop some chlorosis.

Reports of magnesium deficiency symptoms have been received only in the past few years in Tennessee. Deficiency symptoms similar to those described for magnesium deficiency in com, tobacco, and vegetable crops have been observed on the Cumberland Plateau. Similar symptoms have been seen in corn on the Highland Bin, in the Central Basin, and in the southern portion of West Tennessee. Magnesium deficiency symptoms of cotton on the Highland Rin and in West Tennessee have been reported.

A study of a limited number of soils during 1948 and 1949 indicated that magnesium deficiency symptoms of com and tobacco were associated with either a low level of exchangeable magnesium in the soil, or wide calcium-magnesium ratio and/or a wide potassium-magnetism ratio. A general picture of tho magnetism status of the soils in the various regions of Tennessee would be helpful to research personnel in planning their fertility experimentation and to educational agencies in waking fertilization and liming recommendations.

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