| Abstract: | In greenhouse studies, corn (Zea mays L.) growth increased with Zn fertilization of two alkaline calcareous soils. Zinc concentration and total uptake increased with Zn application. Very high correlations were recorded between plant tissue Zn concentration, total Zn uptake and soil Zn levels determined by DTPA and AB-DTPA soil tests. Correlation between Zn concentration in plants and relative yield was poor. However, close relationships were revealed between extractable soil Zn and relative yield. Near maximum dry matter yield of corn was associated with a fertilizer rate of 2 mg Zn/kg soil. Plant tissue Zn-requirement was 27 mg/kg in 15 days old plants and 32 mg/kg in corn shoots of 40 day age. Critical soil test Zn level was 1.2 mg/kg by DTPA and 1.7 mg/kg by AB-DTPA method. Use of AB-DTPA soil test is suggested for evaluating Zn status of calcareous soils. |
