Uptake and accumulation of selenium and sulfur by plants as related to soil factors in Poland

Plant and soil samples were collected from lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) plantations in the fourth year of cultivation, from the Kujawy and Pomorze regions of Poland. Total selenium content of plants and soils was determined spectrofluorometrically with the method of Watkinson and total sulfur content was assayed nephelometrically using the Bardsley and Lancaster method. Total selenium content in soils ranged from 0.204-0.238 mg(.)kg(-1). Total sulfur content in black earths fluctuated from 0.40-0.67 g(.)kg(-1) (mean 0.55 g(.)kg(-1)). Mean values (0.27 g(.)kg(-1)) for total sulfur content in brown and lessive soils are lower compared to black earths. Selenium absorption by plants was not dependent on its total concentration in soils. Plant total sulfur concentrations ranged from 2.18-2.26 g(.)kg(-1). Total selenium content in black earths and brown soils was negatively correlated with total sulfur content in lucerne. Statistical analysis showed a significant negative correlation between total selenium content in lessive soils and total sulfur content in leaves, stems and roots of lucerne. In the present study the sulfur concentration in aerial parts and roots of dandelion was related to the total sulfur content of soils.