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Effect of Soil Gas Composition and Flooding on Growth of Nicotiana tabacum L¹

The responses of Nicotiana tabacum L. to flooding and to soil treatments consisting of combinations of O₂, CO₂) and N, gases were determined from leaf area and plant height changes and from final root weights. Leaf area and plant height were measured before treatment and after a 5-day recovery period following treatment; root weights were obtained after the recovery period. The plants were grown in acrylic containers of soil located in an artificially lighted, controlled environment room.

Flooding and pure N₂ treatments for 24 hours almost prevented further growth. After 48-hour treatments with pure N₂ and flooding, roots and shoots were almost dead. Growth of plants treated with 1% O₂ or 1% O₂ + 20% CO₂ was significantly less than that of the control. The 1% O₂ + 20% CO₂ treatment reduced leaf growth significantly more than did 1% O₂. Although 1% O₂ and 1% O₂ + 20% CO₂ caused injury, plants treated with these gaseous mixtures exhibited near normal growth at the end of a 5-day recovery period. Permanent injury of tobacco by flooding is primarily due to lack of O₂ in the root zone and not to excess CO₂. Results obtained in the soil system were similar to those previously obtained in spray nutrient solution culture.

Key Words: Drainage • Aeration • Oxygen deficiency • Carbon dioxide

² Research Plant Physiologist, SWCRD, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607.

Received for publication June 26, 1969.