Physiological and mineralogical properties of arsenic-induced chlorosis in rice seedlings grown hydroponically

Abstract

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to observe the effect of arsenic (As) on a number of physiological and mineralogical properties of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Akihikari) seedlings. Seedlings were treated with 0, 6.7, 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg As L^?1) for 14 days in a greenhouse. Shoot dry matter yield decreased by 23, 56 and 64%; however, the values for roots were 15, 35 and 42% for the 6.7, 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatments, respectively. Shoot height decreased by 11, 35 and 43%, while that of the roots decreased by 6, 11 and 33%, respectively. These results indicated that the shoot was more sensitive to As than the root in rice. Leaf number and width of leaf blade also decreased with As toxicity. Arsenic toxicity induced chlorosis symptoms in the youngest leaves of rice seedlings by decreasing chlorophyll content. Concentrations and accumulations of K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu decreased significantly in shoots in the 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatment. However, the concentration of P increased in shoots at 6.7 and 13.4 µmol L^?1 As levels, indicating a cooperative rather than antagonistic relationship. Arsenic and Fe concentration increased in roots at higher As treatments. Arsenic translocation (%) decreased in the 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatments compared with the 6.7 µmol L^?1 As treatment. Arsenic and Fe were mostly concentrated in the roots of rice seedlings, assuming co-existence of these two elements. Roots contained an almost 8–16-fold higher As concentration than shoots in plants in the As treatments. Considering the concentration of Mn, Zn and Cu, it was suggested that chlorosis resulted from Fe deficiency induced by As and not heavy-metal-induced Fe deficiency.     

Yield and Zinc,Copper, Manganese and Iron Concentration in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Vertisol as Influenced by Zinc Application from Various Zinc Fertilizers

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils and field crops is widespread across the world, including India, resulting in severe reduction in yield. Hence, soil application of Zn fertilizers is recommended for ameliorating Zn deficiency in soil and for obtaining higher crop yield and better crop quality. Zinc sulfate is commonly used Zn fertilizer in India because of its solubility and less cost. However, good quality and adequate quantity of zinc sulfate is not available in the market round the year for farmers' use. Field experiments were therefore conducted during rainy season of 2010 and 2011 at research farm of Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India to assess the influence of Zn application through zinc sulfate monohydrate (33% Zn), zinc polyphosphate (21% Zn) and Zn ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) (12% Zn) on yield and micronutrient concentration and uptake by maize (Zea mays L.). In both the years, grain and vegetative tissue (stover) yield of maize increased significantly with successive application of Zn up to 1 kg ha^?1 added through zinc sulfate monohydrate and zinc polyphosphate. Addition of 2.5 kg Zn ha^?1 did not increase yield further but resulted in highest stover Zn concentration. Zinc, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) concentration in maize grain varied from 22.2 to 27.6, 1.6 to 2.5, 3.5 to 4.7 and 19.9 to 24.5 mg kg^?1 respectively in both the years. Maize stover had 25.9 to 36.2, 7.9 to 9.8, 36.7 to 44.9 and 174 to 212 mg kg^?1 Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, respectively. Zinc application did not influence Cu, Mn and Fe concentration in both grain and stover of maize. Transfer coefficients (TCs) of micronutrients varied from 0.72 to 0.95, 0.18 to 0.30, 0.08 to 0.13 and 0.10 to 0.15 for Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe respectively. Total Zn uptake significantly increased with Zn application from 0.5 to 2.5 kg ha^?1 supplied through zinc sulfate monohydrate and zinc polyphosphate. Recovery efficiency of Zn declined with increased Zn rates.     

Optimal Level of Iron and Zinc in Relation to Its Influence on Herb Yield and Production of Essential Oil in Menthol Mint

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted under glasshouse conditions during 2004 at the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow. The study presented here was aimed at evaluating the response of Mentha arvensis (cv. Kushal), an essential oil–bearing plant, to different concentrations of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) supply with respect to their influence on biomass, oil yield, and oil quality. Suckers of Japanese mint were grown with four graded levels each of Fe and Zn (viz. 0, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0 mg Fe kg^?1 and 0, 2.5, 5.0, 15.0 mg Zn kg^?1) and a combination of both the elements. The results indicated that the fresh weight, oil content, and chlorophyll content increased significantly with increase in Fe supply; the optimum level was recorded as 10 mg Fe kg^?1. Iron uptake increased significantly with increases in its supply. Zinc, when applied singly, showed enhancement in growth parameters, but the effects were nonsignificant. The optimal levels of supply for Zn and Fe in M. arvensis was evaluated to be 5 mg Zn kg^?1 and 10 mg Fe kg^?1, respectively.     

Boron fertilization improves seed yield and harvest index of Camelina sativa L. by affecting source-sink

The impact of soil (1, 2 kg ha^?1) and foliar (100, 200 mg L^?1) boron (B) with control (no B) was evaluated on phenology and yield formation of Camelina each applied at stem elongation and flowering stages. Foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil B (2 kg ha^?1) resulted in earlier flowering and maturity, increased fruit bearing branches (19.68%), number of siliqua, seeds per siliqua (4.6%), biological yield (15%), seed yield (24%), harvest index (11.4%) and oil contents (23%) than no B. Increased fruit bearing branches, seed filled siliqua or seed numbers, harvest index and oil quality can be attributed to changes in dry matter accumulated of stem with simultaneous increase in siliqua dry weight with foliar or soil applied B. In crux, foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil applied (2 kg ha^?1) B seems promising to improve seed and oil yield, harvest index of Camelina sativa under B deficient condition.     

Enhanced Heavy Metal Phytoextraction from Marine Dredged Sediments Comparing Conventional Chelating Agents (Citric Acid and EDTA) with Humic Substances

Metal (Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Fe) concentrations in marine sediment and zooplankton were investigated in Izmir Bay of the Eastern Aegean Sea, Turkey. The study aimed to assess the levels of metal in different environmental compartments of the Izmir Bay. Metal concentrations in the sediment (dry weight) ranged between 4.26–70.8 μg g^?1 for Cu, 233–923 μg g^?1 for Mn, 14.9–127 μg g^?1 for Ni, 25.6–295 μg g^?1 for Zn, 12,404–76,899 μg g^?1 for Fe and 38,226–91,532 μg g^?1 for Al in the Izmir Bay. Maximum metal concentrations in zooplankton were observed during summer season in the inner bay. Significant relationships existed between the concentrations of certain metals (Al, Fe, Mn and Ni) in sediment, suggesting similar sources and/or similar geochemical processes controlling such metals. Higher concentrations of Cu, Zn and percent organic matter contents were found in the middle-inner bays sediments. Based on the correlation matrix obtained for metal data, organic matter was found to be the dominant factor controlling Cu and Zn distributions in the sediment. In general, mean Cu and Zn levels in the bay were above background concentrations in Mediterranean sediments. Zooplankton metal concentrations were similar to sediment distributions.     

Influence of Integrated Supply of Vermicompost and Zinc‐Eniched Compost with Two Graded Levels of Iron and Zinc on the Productivity of Geranium

Abstract

Two pot experiments under greenhouse condition were carried out to study the influence of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost with two levels of iron and zinc on the productivity of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Joint application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost was effective in increasing the herb and oil yield over sole application of iron and zinc. Combined application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost gave better herb and oil yield in both the experiments. With application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost with two graded levels of iron, higher N, P, and K concentrations were observed with application of vermicompost (5 g kg^?1), vermicompost (5 g kg^?1), and Fe 12.5 ppm+Zn‐enriched compost 2.5 g kg^?1 soil, respectively, over control. Highest reduction in soil pH was observed with an application of vermicompost at 5 g kg^?1 soil; maximum soil organic carbon content was also recorded in the same treatment. In experiment II, joint application of vermicompost, zinc‐enriched compost, and graded levels of zinc recorded highest N, P, and K concentration with treatments of Zn (15 ppm)+vermicompost (2.5 g kg^?1), vermicompost (5 g kg^?1), and Zn (15 ppm)+vermicompost (2.5 g kg^?1 soil), respectively. Nitrogen, P, and K content increased by 36, 125, and 305%, respectively, with these treatments over the control.

Chemical constituents of geranium oil such as cis‐rose oxide, isomenthone, linalool, citronellyl, geranylformate, geranyl, and epi‐γ‐eudesmol were significantly improved by combined application of Zn with vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost as compared to sole application of Zn. Similar effects were observed with Fe in combination with vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost on most of the chemical constituents of geranium oil. Physicochemical properties of the soil were also improved as macro‐ and micronutrient availability markedly increased in both the experiments because of combined application of vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost with two levels of Zn and Fe.     

Increased yield of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) by foliar fertilization through multi-component fertilizers

Foliar application of fertilizers can guarantee the availability of nutrients to rice for obtaining higher yield. Rice responds favorably to macro- and micronutrients and the tolerance to salinity hazards improves by decreasing the N/S ratio. In this study, results showed that nutrient concentrations (g L^?1) for rice are: nitrogen (N) 108.0, phosphorous (P₂O₅) 6, potassium (K₂O) 81.0, calcium (CaO) 15.0, and magnesium (MgO) 6 g L^?1; and for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and silicon (Si) the recommended concentrations are 0.6, 0.45, 0.21, 0.06, 0.09, 0.0002 and 0.004 g L^?1, respectively. A significant increase was recorded in number of panicles m^?2, 1000 grain weight, biological yield and grain yield with foliar application of nutrients. Five foliar applications of nutrients resulted in maximum number of panicles m^?2, grains panicle^?1, 1000 grain weight and biological yield. It is concluded that five foliar applications of balanced amounts of fertilizers at the seedling stage (two sprays), tillering (single spray) and at panicle initiation and panicle differentiation (two sprays) helped in enhancing yield and yield components of rice. In this research, five foliar applications produced the smallest damaging effects of blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in rice.     

Effects of Iron and Zinc Fertilizers on the Accumulation of Fe And Zn Ions in Potato Tubers

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the methods to increase the yield of potato and the accumulation of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in response to iron and zinc fertilizers. In these studies, ‘Marfona’ potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivar was used in a statistical factorial design experiment with three factors: methods of fertilizer application (2 levels of spray and one level by irrigation), kind of fertilizers (iron and zinc) and levels of fertilizer, (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg L^?1). Results showed that iron and zinc fertilizers increased the tubers weight and the tubers number weight^?1 ratio (P < 0.01). Also, results showed that the effects of Fe and Zn fertilizers application in irrigation water was more significant (P < 0.01) than by spray application. In addition, application of Fe and Zn fertilizers resulted in higher concentrations of these ions in the harvested tubers improving their nutritional values.     

Boron Foliar Application in Nutrition and Yield of Beet and Tomato

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of boron (B) by foliar spraying for the yield of beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops. An experiment for each crop was done in a greenhouse at the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal campus, in Brazil. The experiments evaluated the B concentrations of 0, 0.085, 0.170, 0.255, and 0.340 g L^?1; applied in the 20, 35, and 50 days after the transplant (DAT) of beet cv. ‘Tall Top Early Wonder’, and in the 20, 40, and 60 DAT for the tomato cv. ‘Raisa N’. The plants were cultivated in pots with washed sand with 5 dm³ for the beet crop and 10 dm³ for the tomato crop. The beet and tomato crops were harvested 58 and 154 DAT, respectively. The leaves and fruits numbers; the foliar area; the dry matter of leaves, bark and roots; the fresh and dry matter of the fruits and the tuberous root; the dry matter of the total plant and the B foliar content were evaluated. The total dry matter of beet and tomato the plant were influenced by the concentration of the foliar B spray. The highest yield of the tuberous root and the total plant dry matter of beet occurred with B foliar concentration of 0.065 g L^?1 and it was associated with the B foliar content of 26 mg kg^?1. The highest yield of fruit and total plant dry matter of tomato occurred with the B foliar spraying of 0.340 g L^?1 and it was associated with the B foliar content of 72 mg kg^?1.     

Zinc Tolerance in Wheat Cultivars as Affected by Varying Levels of Phosphorus

Abstract

The effect of zinc–phosphorus (Zn‐P) interaction on Zn efficiency of six wheat cultivars was studied. The higher dry matter yields were observed when Zn was applied at 5 µg g^?1 soil than with no Zn application. Phosphorus applications also increased dry matter yield up to the application of 25 µg P g^?1 soil. The dry matter yield was significantly lower at the P rate of 250 µg g^?1 soil. At the Zn‐deficient level, the Zn‐efficient cultivars had higher Zn concentrations in the shoots. Zinc concentrations in all cultivars increased when the P level in the soil was increased from 0 to 25 µg P g^?1 soil except for the cv. Durati, in which Zn concentrations decreased with increases in P levels. However, when Zn×P interactions were investigated, it was observed that at a Zn‐deficient level, Zn concentrations in the plant shoot decreased with each higher level of P, and more severe Zn deficiency was observed at P level of 250 µg g^?1 soil.     

Vegetative Growth,Yield and Leaf Mineral Composition in Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa DUCH. CV. Pajaro) as Influenced using Nickel Sulfate and Urea Sprays

In this study, interactions of nickel sulfate and urea sprays on vegetative growth, yield and leaf mineral contents in strawberry were investigated. Rooted Pajaro strawberry plants were potted in 3 liter pots filled with soil, leaf mold and sand (1:1:1, v/v/v). Established plants were foliar sprayed with nickel sulfate at 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg L^?1 and urea 0 and 2 g L^?1 concentrations. Results indicated that nickel (Ni; 300 mg L^?1) plus urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the yield and runner numbers. Nickel sulfate at the rate of 300 and 150 mg L^?1and urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the crown numbers. The greatest root fresh and dry weights were obtained from untreated plants. Urea at 2 g L^?1 without nickel significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights. Nickel at 450 mg L^?1 without urea significantly increased Ni concentration in leaves. Overall, nickel sulfate at 150 and 300 mg L^?1 along with urea at 2 g L^?1 were the best treatments.     

Physiological Response of Wheat to Foliar Application of Zinc and Inoculation with some Bacterial Fertilizers

Abstract

In a pot experiment, sterilized sandy soil (irrigated with Long-Ashton nutrient solution containing a half of the recommended dose of ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O) was used to study the effects of zinc (Zn) foliar-application, and soil biofertilization on some physiological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Sakha 155) plant grown for 70 days in greenhouse under controlled conditions. The treatments comprised different levels of the foliar applied Zn (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg L^?1) which was added in the form of ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O, and supported by Azotobacter chroococcum (Ar) and/or Azospirillum brasilense (Am) isolates. All test attributes (minerals, photosynthesis, metabolites, and dry matter accumulation) were significantly enhanced by the moderate doses of Zn (25 and 50 mg L^?1), while a contrary trend was observed in case of the higher levels (100 and 200 mg L^?1). Applying the bacterial fertilizers (Ar, Am) to the experimental soil, influenced the most test characters in the direction of improving growth, photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation by the plant. This response was more evident in the case of applying Ar plus Am than Am than Ar, particularly, at the elevated levels of Zn. Zinc application at 50 mg L^?1 supported by the biofertilization with Ar plus Am resulted in the highest shoot contents of nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), carbohydrate and total-soluble proteins. Superior values of the photosynthetic criteria (Chl a + b concentration and photosystem II activity) as well as shoot concentration of indole-3-acetic acid, and dry matter accumulation by shoots and roots were obtained by the same treatment. The highest phosphorus (P) concentration was achieved at 25 mg L^?1 Zn supported by Ar plus Am. Irrespective of the bacterial inoculum, shoot contents of potassium (K) and Zn showed a positive correlation with the sprayed dose of Zn.     

Evaluation of growth indices and quantitative traits of safflower under organic farming and conventional agriculture

Application of organic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture systems improves yield sustainability of field crop production. The current research has been formed to investigate the effects of various levels of vermicompost (zero, 3, 6 and 9 t ha^?1) in combination with foliar spraying of potassium humate (0, 1, 2 and 3 mL L^?1) on spring safflower, in Iran during 2012–2013. In addition, inorganic fertilization has been considered as conventional agriculture (CA). In the current experiment, growth indices, seed yield, yield components and flower yield were evaluated. The results showed that the maximum leaf area index, total dry weight and crop growth rate have been determined at 9 t ha^?1 vermicompost and 3 mL L^?1 K-humate while the maximum netto assimilation rate has existed in CA at the emergence of flower buds. Likewise, the results indicated that vermicompost leads to a significant increase in seed yield, flower yield and yield components except 1000 seed weight. Flower yield, head number per plant and seed number per head were affected by K-humate concentrations and increased significantly from 1 to 3 mL L^?1. It should be mentioned that 9 t ha^?1 vermicompost and 3 mL L^?1 K-humate produced the highest seed and flower yield.     

Behavior of Metals Under Different Seasonal Conditions: Effects on the Quality of a Mexico–USA Border River

Spatial and seasonal mobilization trends of metals in surface water were evaluated in the US–Mexico San Pedro River (SPR). Water samples were collected at five sampling stations for the analysis of dissolved oxygen, pH, electric conductivity, sulfates, and metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn). Quality of the water was characterized through Ecological Criteria of Water Quality (ECWQ) established in Mexico and Water Quality Criteria (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)). High total metal concentrations were detected as follows: Fe?>?Cu?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Cd. Metal concentrations were slightly higher in dry season than in rainy season: Cd (below detection limit (BDL)–0.21 mg L^?1), Cu (BDL–13 mg L^?1), Fe (0.16–345 mg L^?1), Mn (0.12–52 mg L^?1), Pb (BDL–0.48 mg L^?1), and Zn (0.03–17.8 mg L^?1). Low pH and dissolved oxygen values as well as high sulfate content were detected in both seasons. High values of metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) were detected at station E1 representing pollution source, as well as at stations E2 (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn), E3 (Fe, Mn, Pb), and E4 and E5 (Fe, Mn). Detected concentrations exceeded maximum permissible established in ECWQ and Water Quality Criteria (EPA). Efflorescence salts on sediments in the dry season could increase levels of metals in water column. This study provides valuable information on the potential mobility of metals in surface water of SPR located in an arid environment where transport processes are strongly linked to climate. The information derived from this study should help the regional and national authorities to address present environmental regulations.     

EFFECT OF LANTHANUM ON RICE PRODUCTION,NUTRIENT UPTAKE,AND DISTRIBUTION

ABSTRACT

Split root solution culture experiments were conducted to study the effects of the rare earth element lanthanum (La) on rice (Oryza sativa) growth, nutrient uptake and distribution. Results showed that low concentrations of La could promote rice growth including yield (0.05 mg L^?1 to 1.5 mg L^?1), dry root weight (0.05 mg L^?1 to 0.75 mg L^?1) and grain numbers (0.05 mg L^?1 to 6 mg L^?1). High concentrations depressed grain formation (9 mg L^?1 to 30 mg L^?1) and root elongation (1.5 mg L^?1 to 30 mg L^?1). No significant influence on straw dry weight was found over the whole concentration range except for the 0.05 mg L^?1 treatment. In the pot and field experiments, the addition of La had no significant influence on rice growth.Lanthanum had variable influence on nutrient uptake in different parts of rice. Low concentrations (0.05 mg L^?1 to 0.75 mg L^?1) increased the root copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg), and grain Cu, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), and Mg uptake. High concentrations (9 to 30 mg L^?1) decreased the grain Ca, zinc (Zn), P, Mn, Fe and Mg, and straw Ca, Mn, and Mg uptake. With increasing La concentration, root Zn, P, Mn, Cu, and Ca concentrations increased, and grain Ca and Fe, and straw Mn, Mg, and Ca concentrations decreased. Possible reasons are discussed for the differences between the effects of La in nutrient solutions and in pot and field experiments.     

Effect of sewage sludge and its biochar on chemical properties of two calcareous soils and maize shoot yield

Little information is available regarding the effect of sewage sludge biochar on soil properties and crop yield. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge (S) and its biochar (B) on maize shoot yield, nutrients and heavy metals uptake in two calcareous soils. The amendments were applied at the rates of 0, 10, 20 and 40 Mg ha^?1. Moreover, NK treatment was included to compare the effects of S and B with conventional fertilization. At harvest time, plant shoots and soil samples were collected for yield, nutrients uptake and chemical analyses. The highest shoot dry matter was obtained in the S treatment. The B application in the clay loam and loam soils resulted in 5.2% increment and 17.7% decrement of shoot dry matter relative to the control, respectively. Shoot dry matter in the NK treatment was significantly higher than in the control. B application decreased Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and Pb uptake by maize shoot. DTPA-extractable Pb in B-amended soils was lower than in control, while an inverse trend was obtained for available Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu. Biochar application at the rate of 7.3 Mg ha^?1 might be suggested for maize cultivation in clay loam soils.     

Effects of Some Organic Nitrogen Sources and Antibiotics on Callus Growth of Indica Rice Cultivars

A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replicates was conducted to evaluate effects of sixteen different mixtures of organic nitrogen sources and antibiotics which were supplemented to an Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 4 mg L^?1 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.4 mg L^?1 benzyl-aminopurine (BAP), 30 g L^?1 sucrose, 8 g L^?1 Agar-agar on fresh weight and dry weight (assessed after three days of drying at 70°C) of calli and in vitro callogenesis from scutellum of four indigenous Iranian Indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, including ‘Hashemi’, ‘Gerdeh’, ‘Hasani’, and ‘Gharib’. It was found that proline at 2.8 g L^?1 is the most effective source of organic nitrogen in enhancing growth, whereas asparagine at 0.75 g L^?1 inhibited the calli growth. Hygromycin at 50 mg L^?1, with slight differences between the cultivars, could effectively stunt the growth of untransformed calli. Mixture of cefotaxime (250 mg L^?1) and vancomycin (250 mg L^?1) did not have any significant effects on calli growth, although this treatment was slightly phytotoxic.     

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.     

Effect of Zinc Humate on Growth of Soybean and Wheat in Zinc‐Deficient Calcareous Soil

Abstract

Humic acids have many benefits for plant growth and development, and these effects may be maximized if these materials are combined with micronutrient applications. In the present study, pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) humate and ZnSO₄ on growth of wheat and soybean in a severely Zn‐deficient calcareous soil (DTPA‐Zn: 0.10 mg kg^?1 soil). Plants were grown for 24 (wheat) and 28 days (soybean) with 0 or 5 mg kg^?1 of Zn as either ZnSO₄ or Zn humate. Zinc humate used in the experiments was obtained from Humintech GmbH, Germany, and contained 5% of Zn. When Zn was not supplied, plants rapidly developed visible symptoms of Zn deficiency (e.g., chlorosis and brown patches on young leaves in soybean and necrotic patches on middle‐aged leaves in wheat). Adding Zn humate eliminated Zn‐deficiency symptoms and enhanced dry matter production by 50% in soybean and 120% in wheat. Zinc‐humate and ZnSO₄ were similarly effective in increasing dry matter production in wheat; but Zn humate increased soybean dry matter more than ZnSO₄. When Zn was not supplied, Zn concentrations were 6 mg kg^?1 for wheat and 8 mg kg^?1 for soybean. Application of Zn humate and ZnSO₄ increased shoot Zn concentration of plants to 36 and 34 mg kg^?1 in wheat and to 13 and 18 mg kg^?1 in soybean, respectively. The results indicate that soybean and wheat plants can efficiently utilize Zn chelated to humic acid in calcareous soils, and this utilization is comparable to the utilization of Zn from ZnSO₄. Under Zn‐deficient soil conditions, plant growth and yield can be maximized by the combined positive effects of Zn and humic acids.     

Photosynthesis and Leaf Area of Brachiaria brizantha in Response to Phosphorus and Zinc Nutrition

Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) are important determinants of plant productivity, particularly in the tropical grasslands of Brazil. Nutrient deficiency is one of the most important factors limiting plant productivity, decreasing photosynthesis efficiency and plant development. The present study investigates in Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. ‘Marandu’: 1) the gas exchange measurements; 2) the total leaf area development; and 3) the dry matter production due to P and Zn nutrition. Plants of B. brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ were grown in nutrient solution under five rates of P (0.1, 0.6, 1.1, 1.6, and 2.1 mmol L^?1) and five rates of Zn (0.00, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, and 3.00 μmol L^?1), in a fractioned factorial. Plants were harvested two times. Phosphorus supply increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation and stomatal conductance, and decreased intercellular CO₂. The interaction P rates x Zn rates were significant for the total leaf area variables and shoot dry matter in the second growth period. The nutrition of P and Zn interfered in the B. brizantha productivity by changing the grass photosynthesis and leaf area.