A regression model of the relationship between locust seedling growth and soil conditions

The relationship between locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) biomass and soil physico-chemical properties can be expressed by a multivariate regression equation. The best equation formed through a stepwise regression method indicated that acidity and available P were the main factors which influenced plant growth. The role of available P reflected its cooperative relationship with available Mo and available K separately. Available N, available N and CaCO₃ also played very important roles and the concerted effects of available Mo with CaCO₃, CO₂ and total N separately had obviously cooperative effects to promote plant growth. Greater locust growth occurred in neutral, low calcareous and weakly acid soils, poorer growth occurred in the strongly acid and the highly calcareous soils.