Although it is generally recognized that Cl− may reduce nitrate uptake by plants, little is known about the effects of Cl− or cation‐anion balance on the various N fractions in plants. The effects of rates of N, K, and Cl fertilizers and N‐K‐Cl interactions on total N, nitrate N, and protein N in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants were studied in the greenhouse to provide a basis for evaluating by chemical analysis their influence on the N status of plants. Both the concentrations and the total amounts of N, nitrate N, and protein N were significantly increased by N rates up to 200 ppm. The total N uptake was increased by K fertilization but the concentrations of N, nitrate N, and protein N were decreased from the dilution effects of increased growth. Cloride application at 100 or 200 ppm significantly decreased the total amounts of N and nitrate N in the top but did not affect the total amount or the concentration of the protein N fraction. These findings support the conclusion that chloride may compete with nitrate uptake and with accumulation of NO3− but apparently does not interfere with conversion of N to protein. Through its influence on cation‐anion balance, high chloride may lead to plant tissues that are low in nitrate even though the plant is adequately supplied with N.
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Murarka et al. (1973) studied this question.