Functions of sodium (Na + ) and potassium (K + ) are closely associated. In some crops, Na + is able to prevent or reduce considerably the occurrence of K + deficiency. Sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) is a natrophilic crop, and positive effects of Na + applications on yield were observed when K + was sufficiently supplied. However, it is not known which specific function of K + can limit the growth of sugar beet when K + is substituted by an equivalent amount of Na + . Therefore, K + substitution by Na + was investigated for sugar beet in hydroponics. Surprisingly, no K + ‐deficiency symptoms were observed. However, calcium (Ca 2+ ) concentrations in the leaves were significantly decreased. Moreover, Ca 2+ uptake and translocation through xylem sap were reduced in Na + ‐treated plants. It is concluded that Ca 2+ uptake by roots and its translocation via xylem sap primarily limit the possibility of K + substitution by Na + in sugar beet nutrition.
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Wakeel et al. (2009) studied this question.