Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the extent of ion accumulation around corn (Zea mays L.) roots of plants exposed to different transpiration conditions. Ion accumulation in the apparent free space of roots, the soil adhering to the roots, and the bulk soil was studied using a soil mixed with sodium chloride so that the electrical conductivity of saturation extract was 3.96 mmho/cm. Maximum ion accumulation occurred in the apparent free space of the roots, followed by the closely adhering soil. Under high transpiration, sodium concentration increased from 37.6 mg/100 g in the bulk soil to 90.3 mg/100 g in the soil close to the roots. After the same treatment, a threefold increase in the chloride content of the closely adhering soil was observed. A significant correlation existed between the rate of water loss per unit root length and the Na and Xl concentration of the closely adhering soil. Results indicate that under high transpiration, the salt concentration close to the roots may be much higher than that obtained from an analysis of the bulk soil.
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