Sorption and desorption of Zn on Ca-Kaolinite

Experiments on Zn²⁺ sorption-desorption by Ca-kaolinite using a wide range of Zn²⁺ concentrations and two acid pH values allowed us to reach the following conclusions: (1) For Zn²⁺ surface coverages below the kaolinite C.E.C., Zn²⁺ was sorbed mainly via ion exchange; (2) At Zn^2? sorption values above the C.E.C., Zn²⁺ was sorbed with higher affinity by a mechanism stronger than ion exchange, involving a strong association of Zn ions with silicate solid phases; and (3) Use of C.E.C. values and/or Langmuir's calculated maxima would greatly underestimate Zn²⁺ sorption capacity by kaolinite, even at acid pH values.     

水稻锌高效营养特性的遗传分析

本试验以耐低锌能力不同的6个水稻基因型为材料,采用双列杂交,在不同锌离子活度下研究了水稻锌高效营养的遗传特性。结果表明,水稻秧苗含锌量和单位锌营养效率虽然存在不同程度的遗传变异,但主要受基因型与环境互作效应的影响,显性与环境互作效应方差在总方差中占57.50%～68.35%,加性与环境互作效应方差在总方差中占10.49%～24.44%。水稻的耐低锌能力与干物质分配(冠/根比)、锌运输能力和锌利用效率有关,它们主要受基因的显性效应控制,其次受基因的加性效应控制。     

水稻耐低锌基因型的生长发育和若干生理特性研究

在不同Zn2+活度（pZn2+9.7,pZn2+11.0和pZn2+＞11.5）的溶液培养条件下,研究了水稻耐低锌基因型的生长发育和若干生理特性。结果表明:水稻锌营养存在明显的基因型差异,降低锌离子活度会增加地下部于物质的积累,当Zn2+活度从pZn2+9.7下降到pZn2+11.0时,耐低锌品种的地上部干重虽下降,但因地下部干重显著增加,故总干重相近;锌敏感品种则地上部干重显著下降,而地下部干重增加不明显,总干重显著下降。当严重缺锌（pZn2+＞11.5）时,所有基因型水稻的干重构极显著地下降,但锌敏感品种比耐低锌品种下降得更多。降低Zn2+活度使水稻秧苗的出叶速度减慢,在极度缺锌条件下,敏感品种只能生长到3.5叶,而耐低锌品种能生长到4.5叶左右。对叶绿素和根系氧化力的测定结果表明,轻度缺锌或缺锌初期会使叶绿素含量上升和根系氧化力下降,但严重缺锌时,则使叶绿素含量显著降低,而使根系氧化力明显增加。锌敏感品种比耐缺锌品种的变化更为明显。锌离子活度对秧苗的含水量也有明显的影响。因此,耐低锌基因型在低Zn2+活度条件通过保持较低的根氧化作用,促进根系生长以维持地上部新叶生长,达到低锌适应稳态。     

Effects of zinc activity in nutrient solution on uptake,translocation, and root export of cadmium and zinc in three wheat genotypes with different zinc efficiencies

The interactions of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in uptake and translocation are common but not consistent. We hypothesized that Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ activity in the apoplasmic solution bathing root-cells could affect Zn accumulation in plants dependent on the wheat genotype. This hypothesis was tested using seedlings of two bread wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Rushan and Cross) and one durum wheat genotype (Triticum durum L. cv. Arya) with different Zn efficiencies grown in chelate-buffered nutrient solutions with three Zn²⁺ (10^?11.11, 10^?9.11, and 10^?8.81?µM) and two Cd²⁺ (10^?11.21 and 10^?10.2?µM) activity levels. Increasing Zn²⁺ activity in the nutrient solution significantly increased Zn concentration in root and shoots of all three wheat genotypes, although the magnitude of this increase was dependent on the genotype. Cadmium decreased Zn concentration in roots of “Cross” while it had no significant effect on root Zn concentration in “Rushan.” At Zn^2+?=?10^?11.11?µM, Cd decreased shoot Zn concentration in “Arya” whereas it increased shoot Zn concentration at Zn^2+?=?10^?8.81?µM. Cadmium increased shoot Zn concentration of “Rushan” and “Cross” at Zn^2+?=?10^?8.81?µM but it had no significant effect on shoot Zn concentration of these genotypes at Zn^2+?=?10^?11.11?µM. The zinc-inefficient genotype “Arya” accumulated significantly more Cd in its root in comparison with “Cross” and “Rushan.” Cadmium concentration in roots of “Arya” was decreased significantly with increasing Zn activity. The effect of Zn on accumulation of Cd in roots of “Cross” and “Rushan” was dependent on the dose provided, and therefore, both synergistic (at Zn^2+?=?10^?9.11?µM) and antagonistic (at Zn^2+?=?10^?8.81?µM) interactive effects were found in these genotypes. Zinc supply increased the Zn concentration of xylem sap in “Cross” and “Rushan” whereas Zn content in xylem sap of “Arya” was decreased at Zn^2+?=?10^?9.11?µM and thereafter increased at Zn^2+?=?10^?8.81?µM. Cadmium treatment reduced Zn concentration in xylem sap of “Arya,” while it tended to increase Zn content in xylem sap of “Cross.” At Zn-deficient conditions, greater retention of Zn in root cell walls of Zn-inefficient “Arya” resulted in lower root-to-shoot transport of Zn in this genotype. Results revealed that the effect of Cd on the root-to-shoot translocation of Zn via the xylem is dependent on wheat genotype and Zn activity in the nutrient solution.     

Heavy Metal Uptake by Rape

Abstract

In pot experiments, the effect of single and combined pollution of soil by lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) and uptake of heavy metals in Brassica napus L. were investigated. There were two main factors that affected the assimilation of Pb, Cd, and Zn by rape: (i) level of soil pollution by the particular element and (ii) the combined influence of Pb, Cd, and Zn. In general, with the increase of the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the soil, there were increases in the concentrations of those elements in the roots, stems, and seeds. The main part of the Pb and Zn amounts taken up by the roots from the soil are fixed and accumulated in the roots, and small amounts of them move through the conductive system to the seeds. Cadmium moves relatively easily from root to stem and is accumulated in higher concentrations in the top of the plant.

There is a well‐expressed synergistic interaction between Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺, as well as of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺. Zinc has a highly depressing effect on the assimilation of Cd²⁺, as does Pb²⁺ on the assimilation of Zn²⁺. The combined pollution by Pb, Cd, and Zn stimulated the assimilation of these elements by the roots and foliage and eliminated the effect of Zn²⁺ on Cd²⁺ and of Pb²⁺ on Zn²⁺.     

非损伤微测Zn2+选择性微电极的研发及应用

非损伤微测技术(Non-invasive Micro-test Technology, NMT)是一种通过微电极实时测定进出活体材料离子和小分子流速的技术,已广泛应用于植物的生长发育和逆境胁迫等研究领域中。目前该技术专用的重金属微电极种类非常少,因此其在重金属胁迫研究中的应用也受到了限制。本文在前期工作的基础上开发了一种基于非损伤微测技术的Zn~(2+)选择性微电极,首次实现了活体条件下植物根际Zn~(2+)离子流的实时、动态检测。研发的微电极在去离子水中对Zn~(2+)的线性响应范围为10–6～10~(–1) mol/L,能斯特斜率为30.2mV/decade(浓度每增加或减少10倍电位值的变化),响应时间t_(95%)≤1s,正常工作pH范围为3.5～7.0;在简易模拟土壤溶液(0.1mmol/L Ca(NO_3)_2、0.1 mmol/L KNO_3、0.1 mmol/L Mg(NO_3)_2和1 mmol/L NaNO_3)中,其线性响应范围变为5×10~(-5)～10~(-1) mol/L,能斯特斜率为28.1mV/decade,对土壤溶液中的共存阳离子具有较好的抗干扰性。利用构建的非损伤微测Zn~(2+)选择性微电极对Zn/Cd超积累植物伴矿景天(Sedum plumbizincicola)根际不同微区的Zn~(2+)离子流进行了实时检测。该技术的成功研发为活体条件下深入认识Zn~(2+)在植物根际的微界面过程与机制提供了一种强有力的研究手段。     

Zinc,copper, and nickel availabilities as determined by soil solution and DTPA extraction of a sludge‐amended soil

Abstract

Extracting sludge‐amended soil with DTPA does not always give a reliable measure of plant‐available heavy metals. The major purpose of this greenhouse pot study was to help explain why. Two anaerobically digested sludges from sewages treated with either Ca(OH)₂or FeCl₃were applied to 3‐kg samples of a Mollic Albaqualf previously limed with Ca(OH)₂rates of 0, 2.5, and 10g/pot that resulted in pHs in the check pots of 5.4, 6.2, or 7.7 after the first harvest. Sludge rates provided 0, 200, 40, 800, and 1600 mg Zn kg^‐1of soil. Two consecutive crops of soybeans (Glycine MaxL.) were grown for 42 d each in the greenhouse. DTPA‐extractable, soil‐solution, and plant concentrations of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Zn²⁺were measured.

Dry matter yields were depressed due to salt toxicity, while DTPA‐extracted Cu²⁺correlated with plant uptake of Cu²⁺for both sludges. DTPA‐extracted Ni²⁺also correlated with plant Ni²⁺from the Ca(OH)₂‐sludge‐amended soil, although DTPA‐extracted Ni²⁺did not correlate with plant uptake of Ni²⁺from the FeCl₃‐sludge‐amended soil, DTPA‐extracted Zn did not correlate with plant uptake of Zn²⁺from any sludge‐amended soil. Soil‐solution composition correlated with plant uptake of Cu²⁺and Ni²⁺in both sludges; it also correlated with plant uptake of Zn²⁺from FeCl₃‐sludge‐amended soil but not from Ca(OH)₂‐sludge‐amended soil. DTPA extraction probably failed with Ni²⁺and Zn²⁺because of (i) its ineffectiveness at low pH, (ii) the inability of DTPA to buffer each soil extract near pH 7.3, and (iii) increased amounts of soluble chelated micronutrients at higher sludge rates and higher soil pHs. Soil‐solution composition seemed to fail only where micronutrient cations in solution probably were present largely as organic chelates     

Removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions by Penicillium biomass: Kinetic and uptake parameters

The uptake and binding of Ni, Zn, Cd, and Pb by the mycelium of Penicillium digitatum are highly pH-sensitive, being severely inhibited below pH 3. In the case of Ni, Zn, and Cd, H⁺ inhibits competitively. The Cu-ion, like UO₂ ²⁺ studied previously, is nearly pH-insensitive. All of these cations except Pb are taken up to a greater extent by mycelial preparations preheated at 100° C for 5 min. Other activators include alkali and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) pretreatment, but formaldehyde inhibits, Combining current and previous data, the ion-selective character of uptake is reflected, on a molar basis by the rank order Fe³⁺, Ni²⁺ Zn²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Pb²⁺ UO₂ ²⁺ ? MoO₄ ^2?. P. digitatum appears to act like a mixture of neutral and acidic glycans with no real evidence for cationic amino-functional sites. In addition to the technological applications in water treatment, we suggest that fungal biosorption may be of natural geochemical importance in the concentration of metals and formation of minerals.     

羟基磷灰石对铅锌矿区土壤吸附Zn2+、Cd2+的影响

为探究羟基磷灰石(HAP)对矿区土壤重金属的固化效果,采用吸附试验,研究施加HAP的铅锌矿区土壤对Cd~(2+)、Zn~(2+)的动力学吸附和等温吸附效果。结果表明:土壤对Cd~(2+)、Zn~(2+)的吸附量随Cd~(2+)、Zn~(2+)初始浓度的增加而增加;在酸性条件下,其吸附量随pH上升而上升;准二级动力学方程能很好地描述两者的吸附过程,土壤吸附能力随HAP的添加量增大而增强;在Zn—Cd共存体系中,当初始浓度为20mg/L时,土壤对Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)的吸附无明显差异,2种金属离子竞争力度小,随着初始浓度上升,竞争明显,对Zn~(2+)的最大吸附量能达到单一体系中的79%～87%,而Cd~(2+)的最大吸附量只有单一体系中的57%～72%,Zn~(2+)的竞争力优于Cd~(2+),Zn~(2+)对Cd~(2+)吸附产生严重的抑制。综上可知,HAP能提高矿区土壤的吸附性能,在Zn、Cd污染土壤中,更能提升土壤对Zn~(2+)的吸附固持能力。     

Zinc exposure has differential effects on uptake and metabolism of sulfur and nitrogen in Chinese cabbage

Zinc (Zn) is a plant nutrient; however, at elevated levels it rapidly becomes phytotoxic. In order to obtain insight into the physiological background of its toxicity, the impact of elevated Zn²⁺ concentrations (1 to 10 μM) in the root environment on physiological functioning of Chinese cabbage was studied. Exposure of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) to elevated Zn²⁺ concentrations (≥ 5 μM) in the root environment resulted in leaf chlorosis and decreased biomass production. The Zn concentrations of the root and shoot increased with the Zn²⁺ concentration up to 68‐fold and 14‐fold, respectively, at 10 μM compared to the control. The concentrations of the other mineral nutrients of the shoot were hardly affected by elevated Zn²⁺ exposure, although in the root both the Cu and Fe concentrations were increased at ≥ 5 µM, whereas the Mn concentration was decreased and the Ca concentration strongly decreased at 10 µM Zn²⁺. The uptake and metabolism of sulfur and nitrogen were differentially affected at ≥ 5 µM Zn²⁺. Zn²⁺ exposure resulted in an increase of sulfate uptake and the activity of the sulfate transporters in the root, and in enhanced total sulfur concentration of the shoot, which could be ascribed partially to an accumulation of sulfate. Moreover, Zn²⁺ exposure resulted in an up to 6.5‐fold increase in water‐soluble non‐protein thiol (and cysteine) concentration of the root. However, nitrate uptake by the root and the nitrate and total nitrogen concentrations of the shoot were decreased upon Zn²⁺ exposure, demonstrating the absence of a mutual regulation of the uptake and metabolism of sulfur and nitrogen at toxic Zn levels. Evidently, elevated Zn²⁺ concentrations in the root environment did not only disturb the uptake, distribution and assimilation of sulfate, it also affected the uptake and metabolism of nitrate in Chinese cabbage.     

Effect of source–sink manipulation on accumulation of micronutrients and protein in wheat grains

The effect of source and sink manipulation on accumulation of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) and protein in wheat grains was studied in a field experiment and ear culture. The source and sink manipulation was obtained by reducing assimilate source (through defoliation and spike shading) or sink (through 50% spikelets removal) after anthesis in the field and by changing sucrose or NH₄NO₃ levels of the culture media in ear culture. In the field experiment, reducing source and sink generally increased Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and protein concentrations except defoliation which decreased Mn concentration. Grain yield as well as micronutrient and protein contents in grains were all reduced by reducing source and sink sizes, suggesting that the accumulation of micronutrients and protein in grains was restricted by source supply and sink capacity. In ear culture, the supply of 20 to 80 g L^–1 sucrose increased grain weight and yield, but decreased grain Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and protein concentrations. The supply of 0.57 to 2.28 g L^–1 NH₄NO₃ increased grain yield and the concentrations and contents of micronutrients and protein. All these results show that micronutrient and protein accumulation in grains can be affected by the source–sink relationship of carbohydrate and nitrogen. Adequate N supply can simultaneously increase grain yield and the accumulation of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and protein.     

Stability constants of complexes of metals with humic and fulvic acids under non-acid-conditions

Stability constants of complexes of four divalent metal ions viz. Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ with humic (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) at pH values of 7 and 8 were determined. The log K (logarithm of the stability constant) ranged from 3.09 to 7.77 and from 2.22 to 5.98 for metal-humic and metal fulvic acid complexes, respectively. Sequentially, the order of stability constants were as follows: Cu> Ca> Mn> Zn and Cu> Ca> Zn> Mn for metal -HA and metal-FA complexes, respectively, indicating a higher degree of complexation with Cu metal ion.     

Zinc uptake kinetics in the low and high‐affinity systems of two contrasting rice genotypes

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differ widely in their susceptibility to zinc (Zn) deficiency. The physiological basis of Zn efficiency (ZE) is not clearly understood. In this study, the effects of Zn‐sufficient and Zn‐deficient pretreatments on the time and concentration‐dependent uptake kinetics of Zn were examined at low (0–160 nM) and high Zn supply levels (0–80 μM) in two contrasting rice genotypes (Zn‐efficient IR36 and Zn‐inefficient IR26). The results show that ⁶⁵Zn²⁺ influx rate was over 10 times greater for the Zn‐deficient pretreatment plants than for the Zn‐sufficient pretreatment plants. At low Zn supply, significant higher ⁶⁵Zn²⁺ influx rates were found for the Zn‐efficient genotype than for the inefficient genotype, with a greater difference (over three‐fold) at Zn supply > 80 nM in the Zn‐deficient pretreatments. At high Zn supply levels, however, a difference (2.5‐fold) in ⁶⁵Zn²⁺ influx rate between the two genotypes was only noted in the Zn‐deficient pretreatments. Similarly, the ⁶⁵Zn²⁺ accumulation in the roots and shoots of Zn‐efficient IR36 pretreated with Zn‐deficiency were sharply increased with time and higher than that in the Zn‐inefficient IR26 with an over four‐fold difference at 2 h absorption time. However, with Zn‐deficient pretreatments, the Zn‐efficient genotype showed a higher shoot : root ⁶⁵Zn ratio at higher Zn supply. Remarkable differences in root and shoot ⁶⁵Zn²⁺ accumulation were noted between the two genotypes in the Zn‐deficiency pretreatment, especially at low Zn level (0.05 μM), with 2–3 times higher values for IR36 than for IR26 at an uptake time of 120 min. There appear to be two separate Zn transport systems mediating the low and high‐affinity Zn influx in the efficient genotype. The low‐affinity system showed apparent Michaelis–Menten rate constant (K_m) values ranging from 10 to 20 nM, while the high‐affinity uptake system showed apparent K_m values ranging from 6 to 20 μM. The V_max value was significantly elevated in IR36 and was 3–4‐fold greater for IR36 than for IR26 at low Zn levels, indicating that the number of root plasma membrane transporters in low‐affinity uptake systems play an important role for the Zn efficiency of rice.     

Maize Yield Response to Zinc Sources and Effectiveness of Diagnostic Indicators

Maize yield is often limited by zinc (Zn) deficiency. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate maize yield response to Zn applied at four different rates, (ii) evaluate the yield response and agronomic efficiency of maize to the application of a complex fertilizer, MicroEssentials SZ (12N–40P–0K–10S–1Zn), compared to different rates of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) + ammonium sulfate (AS) + zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and (iii) evaluate the association between tissue Zn concentration and soil-test Zn with the maize response to Zn fertilizer. Eleven experiments were carried out during the 2010, 2011, and 2012 growing seasons throughout eight states in the USA. Treatments consisted of four Zn rates of a physical blend of MAP + AS + ZnSO₄ (0, 2.24, 4.48, 6.72, and 11.2 kg/ha Zn) and MicroEssentials SZ at a Zn rate of 2.24 kg/ha Zn. Nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) rates were balanced across treatments (40 kg/ha P, 22 kg/ha S) and fertilizers were broadcast and incorporated immediately prior to planting. Treatment and location main effects were significant (P < 0.001) on corn yields, whereas the interaction treatment × location was not (P = 0.33). Maize responded positively to Zn fertilization; average yields across locations increased from 10,540 kg ha^?1 without Zn to 11,530 kg ha^?1 with 11.21 kg Zn ha^?1 applied as a physical blend. The yield response and Zn agronomic efficiency of maize with the application of the complex fertilizer at a rate of 2.24 kg Zn ha^?1 averaged 1004 kg ha^?1 and 448 kg maize kg Zn^?1, respectively, significantly higher (P < 0.1) than the yield response and Zn agronomic efficiency with the application of a physical blend with the same Zn rate, which averaged 293 kg ha^?1 and 131 kg maize kg Zn^?1, respectively. The Zn concentration in plant tissue of unfertilized plots varied greatly and was not related to the maize response to Zn fertilizer (r = 0.01; P = 0.98). With respect to soil Zn, a negative but nonsignificant relationship was found between maize response to Zn fertilizer and soil-test Zn (r = ?0.51; P = 0.16).     

ROOT ZONE TEMPERATURE INFLUENCES ZINC REQUIREMENT OF MAIZE CULTIVARS ON A CALCAREOUS LOAM SOIL

The zinc (Zn) requirement of a maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid (‘FHY-396’) and an indigenous variety (‘EV-7004’) was measured at low (22.4 ± 5°C) and high (28.8 ± 5°C) root-zone temperatures (RZT). Four Zn rates (0, 3, 9 and 27 mg kg^?1 soil) were applied to a calcareous loam soil in pots for the glasshouse study. Shoot and root dry matter yields were significantly more at the higher RZT. Regardless the RZT, maximum relative shoot dry matter yield in hybrid and variety was produced, respectively, at 9 and 3 mg Zn kg^?1 soil. Zinc concentration in roots and shoots of both the cultivars increased with Zn rates and it was significantly more at the higher RZT. Cultivars differed in critical Zn concentration (C_ZnC) required for maximum shoot dry matter yield. The C_ZnC ranged from 25 to 39 μg Zn g^?1 plant tissue for optimum growth of both the cultivars at low and high RZT.     

Effect of extractable zinc,phosphorus, and soil ph on zinc concentrations in leaves of field‐grown corn

Abstract

The variability in corn yield responses to applications of Zn fertilizer appears to be associated with several complex soil and climatic factors that affect the availability of endogenous soil Zn to the crop under specific conditions. Among the soil chemical properties that influence availability of endogenous Zn are soil pH, organic matter content, and extractable P. Over a period of several years, soil and plant analysis data were collected from 54 field experiments, field trials, and diagnostic visits to producer's fields. These data were subjected to multiple regression analysis, resulting in an equation: Zn_leaf = 37.14 + 1.513 Zn_st ‐4.04 pH_st ‐ 1.791 ln(P_st/100) where Zn_st, pH_st, and P_st were 0.1N HC1 extractable soil Zn (kg/ha), 1:1 soil‐water pH, and Bray's 1 extractable soil P (kg/ha), respectively. These factors accounted for 67% of variation in leaf Zn, which was a large portion of the variability in Zn_leaf considering that climatic conditions, management levels, and varietal differences were uncontrolled in most instances. Using the previously published critical level in the leaf opposite and below the ear as 17 μg Zn/g, these data can be used to set required soil test levels of Zn at different levels of extractable P and soil pH. Inadequate levels of extractable Zn would range from 2.5 (at pH 6.0, P = 70 kg/ha) to, 9.5 kg/ha (at pH 7.5, P = 420 kg/ha).     

Speciation of cadmium,copper, lead,and zinc in contaminated soils

Abstract

To investigate the activity of free cadmium (Cd²⁺), copper (Cu²⁺), lead (Pb²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) ions and analyze their dependence on pH and other soil properties, ten contaminated soils were sampled and analyzed for total contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (Cd_T, Cu_T, Pb_T, and Zn_T, respectively), 0.43 MHNO₃‐extractable Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (Cd_N, Cu_N, Pb_N, and Zn_N, respectively), pH, dissolved organic matter (DOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), ammonium oxalate extractable aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe), and dissolved calcium [Ca²⁺]. The activity of free Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions in soil solutions was determined using Donnan equilibrium/graphite furnace atomic absorption (DE/GFAA). The solubility of Cd in soils varied from 0.16 to 0.94 μg L^‐1, Cu from 3.43 to 7.42 μg L^‐1, Pb from 1.23 to 5.8 μg L^‐1, and Zn from 24.5 to 34.3 μg L^‐. In saturation soil extracts, the activity of free Cd²⁺ ions constituted 42 to 82% of the dissolved fraction, for Cu²⁺the range was 0.1 to 7.8%, for Pb²⁺ 0.1 to 5.1% and for Zn²⁺2 to 72%. The principal species of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soil solution is free metal ions and hydrolyzed ions. Soil pH displayed a pronounced effect on the activity of free Cd²⁺, Cu^2t, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions.     

Zinc Application Effects on Yield and Seed Oil Content of Sunflower Grown on a Saline Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

Two field experiments (2000–2001 and 2001–2002) were conducted at two nearby fields in the Qanavat region of Qom province, central Iran, to investigate the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilization on production of sunflower. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with six treatments in three replicates. Treatments were: Zn₀ (non-Zn fertilized), Zn₁₀, Zn₂₀, Zn₃₀, and Zn₆₀ (soil application of 10, 20, 30, and 60 kg Zn ha^?1, respectively), and Zn_Spray (foliar spraying of 0.5 kg Zn ha^?1 using ZnSO₄). Seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv. ‘Record’) were planted on June 20, 2000 and June 15, 2001. At harvest, shoot and seed yields as well as concentration of Zn, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) in leaves of sunflower were determined. Addition of 20 kg Zn ha^?1 significantly increased seed production and shoot dry-matter yield of sunflower, while other Zn treatments had no significant effect on shoot dry-matter yield, or decreased it. The thousand-seed weight was the yield component most affected by Zn fertilization, while plant height and head diameter did not change. The maximum content of seed oil was achieved under the Zn₁₀ treatment, then decreased at higher rates of soil-applied Zn such that oil content of seed under the Zn₃₀ and Zn₆₀, treatments was significantly lower than that of the control. Seed oil content was unaffected by foliar spraying of Zn. The concentration of Zn in sunflower leaves was increased with an increase in soil-added Zn of from 0 to 60 kg Zn ha^?1. The highest leaf concentrations of Zn (162 and 175 mg kg^?1 day matter (DM) in the first and second year, respectively) were achieved by foliar application of ZnSO₄. Leaf concentration of Fe was significantly increased in the Zn₂₀ treatment compared with the control but decreased at the higher rates of soil-added ZnSO₄. Soil addition of different levels of ZnSO₄ decreased concentration of Na and Cl in leaves. The lowest concentration of Na and Cl in leaves was observed under Zn₂₀. The results of this study suggest that soil application of a suitable amount of Zn has a positive effect on both quantitative and qualitative yield of sunflower in saline, calcareous soils.     

Crop Residue Effects on Total and Dissolved Losses of Fe,Mn, Cu,and Zn by Runoff

Runoff may cause losses of micronutrients from soils. This can result in environmental problems such as contaminant transfers to water or a decrease in soil fertility. Appropriate soil management may reduce these micronutrient losses. This study examined the effect of applying crop residues to the soil surface on iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) losses by runoff. Runoff and sediment yield were measured on 1-m² plots using a rainfall simulator with constant 65 mm h^?1 intensity. Eight successive rainfall applications were performed at 65 mm each. Corn (Zea mays L.) straw was applied to plots at rates ranging from 0 to 8 t ha^?1. Both total and dissolved concentrations of the micronutrients studied were decreased by corn straw applications. After 520 mm cumulative rainfall, total soil losses ranged from 150 to 15354 kg ha^?1 depending on the amount of corn straw applied. Total micronutrient concentrations in runoff were as follows: Fe from 14.98 to 611.12 mg L^?1, Mn from 0.03 to 0.61 mg L^?1, Cu from 0.10 to 1.43 mg L^?1, and Zn from 0.21 to 5.45 mg L^?1. The relative contribution of the dissolved fraction to the total micronutrient content loss was low, but varied depending on the nutrient, being less than 1 percent for Fe and Mn and almost 10 percent for Zn. Total and dissolved concentrations in runoff of the studied elements decreased exponentially as the rate of applied corn straw increased. In conclusion, the addition of corn straw to soil reduced micronutrient losses.     

Responses of Canola Morphological and Agronomic Characteristics to Zeolite and Zinc Fertilization under Drought Stress

Research was performed during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons to investigate the effect of zeolite and zinc (Zn) foliar application on the qualitative characteristics and oil yield of canola cultivars at different moisture regimes. A factorial split-plot experiment was performed on the basis of the randomized complete block design with three replications in the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. The treatments were as follows: (1) irrigation (I), complete (I₁), and restricted (I₂) at the pod formation stage, (2) zeolite (Z), 0 (Z₁), and 15 t ha^?1 (Z₂), and (3) Zn, zinc sulfate concentrations of 0%, 0.1%, and 0.2 % (Zn₁, Zn₂, and Zn₃) at the pod formation stage. These treatments were applied on Licord, RGS003, and Opera cultivars. The results show that the simple effect of treatments were statistically significant for all assessed traits at P < 0; as well as the interaction effects of Z and Zn (P < 0.01) and the interaction effects of I and cultivar (P < 0.01). The greatest rates of all studied traits were obtained by applying Z₂Zn₂ (15 ton ha^?1 zeolite and 0.1% Zn sulfate) in both irrigation regimes. The rates of grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index improved by 43.82%, 73.99%, and 30.04%, respectively, using a combined application of Z and Zn. Therefore, based on the low cost of natural Z and a low Zn intake, these treatments could be used to enhance the performance of canola, especially in regions that are exposed to water stress.