Foliar symptoms on norway spruce and relationships to magnesium deficiencies

Crown symptoms, foliar and soil nutrient status, disease and insect presence in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) were evaluated in twelve plantations across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and New Hampshire during 1987 to 1988. The most obvious crown symptoms observed under plantation conditions were thinning and chlorosis. These symptoms were similar to those observed on this species throughout the past decade in central Europe and specifically in the Black Forest of the Federal Republic of Germany. A crown vigor index (CVI) was calculated for each tree to classify health status. Of the 180 trees sampled, 247 were healthy; 517 were intermediate, and 257 had severe crown symptoms. The symptoms varied from state to state, plantation to plantation, and from tree to tree. The most severe symptoms were noted on trees at Plantation 12, near Davis, WV. Severe symptoms were also noted on trees within Plantations 4 and 5 in the Tug Hill Plateau region, NY, and within Plantation 3 near Donegal, PA. Two entire branches were removed from the top crown and mid-live crown, respectively, of each sampled tree. Based on laboratory observations, the most common needle symptom was a uniform chlorosis. Chlorotic spots on needle surfaces were the second most common symptom. Thirteen major and trace foliar nutrient elements were determined. Average foliar Mg concentrations of symptomatic trees within several plantations ranged from 0.022 to 0.0637; levels less than the accepted deficiency threshold value. There were significant (negative) correlations between the mean foliar Mg concentrations for the trees and their corresponding CVI and mean discoloration indices of needles. Corresponding soil pH, available P, exchangeable cations, 7 saturation of K, Mg, and Ca of soils were determined for each tree. Soil pH, exchangeable Mg and 7 saturation of Mg were significantly lower in the more symptomatic Norway spruce.     

Crown Condition and Nutrient Status of Red Spruce (Picea Rubens Sarg.) in West Virginia

The appearance, foliar nutrient status, and soil nutrient availability were determined for 9 trees in each of 39 red spruce stands in West Viginia. Visual evaluation of crown conditions for all 351 trees sampled resulted in median values of 5% for discoloration and 10% for defoliation. The most common symptom of discoloration was needle chlorosis, found on the upper surface of collected branches. Defoliation generally occurred beginning with the older year-classes of needles and progressed outward toward the branch tips. The levels of discoloration and defoliation varied to such an extent among stands, plots, and trees within a plot that a single causal agent was not likely responsible for the observed symptoms. Foliar nutrient levels were compared to observed crown condition but were inconclusive in proving a definite relationship between crown condition and any individual nutrient; levels of foliar N and P were negatively correlated to defoliation, but not to discoloration or live crown ratio; yet, foliar K was negatively correlated to both discoloration and defoliation and positively correlated to live crown ration. While individual sample trees exhibited symptoms of reduced health and vigor, the majority of red spruce sampled during the course of this study appeared healthy.     

Correlations Between Soil Exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Foliar Nutrient Concentrations in Mature Biological Olive Groves (Olea europaea L., cv. ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’)

Leaf and soil samples were taken and analyzed from two mature biological olive groves (Olea europaea L., cv. ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’), in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Northern Greece, in order to determine the correlations between soil exchangeable cations and foliar calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) concentrations, and the interrelations among leaf nutrients. Τhe nutritional requirements of trees for both biological groves were exclusively based on patent kali supply and nutrient recycling (via pruning material and weed cut recycling). Foliar K, Ca and Mg were positively correlated with soil exchangeable K, Ca and Mg, in the 40–60 cm layer, then in the 20–40 cm layer. Synergistic uptake mechanisms among Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ probably exist. Leaf N was negatively correlated with foliar K, and positively with leaf Ca, Mg and manganese (Mn). Foliar P was negatively correlated with leaf Ca, Mg and Mn, while foliar Ca was positively correlated with leaf Mg and Mn. Foliar Mg was positively related with leaf Mn. High phosphorus (P) may decrease leaf Ca, Mg and Mn. Enhanced Ca may increase leaf Mg and Mn, while high Mg may also enhance foliar Mn. Finally, based on the determination of foliar nutrient concentrations, the nutritional requirements of olive trees in Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe, Zn were sufficiently (or over-sufficiently) satisfied. However, additional organic fertilization is needed, in order to achieve optimum levels of N, B and Mn (since their foliar concentrations were slightly insufficient). The correlations between leaf and soil exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, as well as among foliar nutrients should be taken into consideration, in order to achieve successful organic fertilization for mature biological olive groves, and to avoid nutritional imbalances and disorders.     

Relationship between Norway Spruce Status and Soil Water Base Cations/Aluminum Ratios in the Czech Republic

There is a concern that soil acidification by acidic deposition, along with the resulting depletion of the labile pool of nutrient cations (e.g. Ca, Mg) and enhanced leaching of Al from soil may contribute to forest dieback. The molar ratios of Ca/Al or (Ca+Mg+K)/Al in the soil solution have been widely used as a criterion for risk of tree damage due to acidification. Intensity and quality of the crown and branch structure transformation due to formation of secondary shoots in successive series is a very sensitive indicator of long-term tree damage, and the subsequent regenerative processes. Soil water chemistry and crown structure transformation of Norway spruce were observed at 16 forest plots within the Czech Republic with the following results: parameters, expressing degradation processes in the crown (defoliation of primary structure), regeneration processes (percentage of secondary shoots) or synthetic stages of crown structure transformation showed high correlation with soil water (Ca+Mg+K)/Al ratio in organic horizons. No relationships were found for mineral horizons. The correlations between soil water and crown status parameters were considerably stronger when using the (Ca+Mg+K)/Al ratio rather than the Ca/Al ratio.     

Mineral nutrition during establishment of golden delicious ‘smoothee’ apples on dwarfing rootstocks and interstems

This study was conducted to determine the influence of 4 interstems (EM.27 EMLA, Mark, M.9 EMLA, and EM.26 EMLA) and 8 rootstocks (EM.27 EMLA, Mark, M.9 EMLA, EM.26 EMLA, M.7A, MM. 106 EMLA, MM. 111 EMLA, and seedling) with and without interstems on foliar element concentrations [nitrogen (N,) phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), boron (B)] of the Golden Delicious ‘Smoothee’ (Malus domestica, Borkh). The trees were planted in 1990 and the experiment was conducted until 1996. Soil pH was low (pH=5.9) before planting but liming raised the pH to 6.5 by the 4th year after planting. Soil P was adequate, K and Mg were high, and Ca was low based on local recommendations for apples. The year by year variation in foliar element concentrations was much higher than rootstock and interstem effects. Differences among interstems and rootstocks were important as foliar element concentrations approached those of deficiency or toxicity. In this study, K decreased to deficiency concentrations by the end of the experiment except for seedling rootstocks, which slightly increased. Foliar Ca was deficient for all interstems and rootstocks at the start of the experiment, but increased extensively for M.9 EMLA and EM.26 EMLA rootstocks across years. Foliar Mn increased to nearly toxic concentrations (300 μg g^‐1) in EM.27 EMLA and Mark rootstocks, whereas the other rootstocks did not. No deficiency or toxicity symptoms were noted for any elements during this study. These results indicate that a single range of foliar nutrient concentrations can be used as an aid for determining fertilization rates for the apple rootstocks and interstems used in this study. However, individual rootstocks vary in the rate at which they approach toxicity and deficiency concentrations, which needs to be known to prevent mineral nutritional related problems in commercial apple orchards.     

EFFECTS OF WATERSHED LIMING ON PICEA RUBENS SEEDLING BIOMASS AND NUTRIENT ELEMENT CONCENTRATION

Effects of watershed liming on the biomass and tissue chemistry of planted Picea rubens Sarg. (red spruce) seedlings were investigated for two growing seasons after two subcatchments in a forested Adirondack, New York (U.S.A.) watershed were limed aerially with 6.89 t ha^-1 of calcitic limestone (CaCO₃). Picea rubens has been the focus of numerous atmospheric deposition research studies, but less well investigated for responses to amelioration. Picea rubens seedlings were planted in limed and reference subcatchments and harvested the first and second growing season after liming to measure total, foliar, and stem (i.e., branch) biomass, and concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Al, Na, and P in the annual growth increment of foliage and branches. In the second year after liming, both foliage and stem biomass of seedlings from reference plots were at least 50% greater than seedling biomass from limed plots. Seedlings in limed areas had significantly greater foliar concentrations of Mg and P in the first year after liming, but not in the second year. Foliar Ca was not significantly different in limed than reference seedlings. Foliar Al concentrations were greater in reference than limed seedlings, but still below documented toxicity levels. Stem concentrations of Mg, K, and P in seedlings from limed areas decreased significantly between the first and second growing season after liming, while reference seedling stem concentrations either increased or declined only slightly. Correlations among foliar nutrients and foliar biomass from limed plots were negative and suggest an inverse dilution effect. Foliar Al concentrations were negatively correlated with Ca, Mg, K, and P in seedlings from reference plots, but positively correlated in limed plots. The adverse response of P. rubens seedlings to lime may reflect changes in nutrient availability associated with changes in soil pH.     

Pinus radiata site quality study in the Basque Country (Spain) using nutritional and physiographical criteria

Nutrient status in Pinus radiata sites in the Basque Country (Spain) have been established. Current-year, 1-year-old needles, and soil samples were collected in 7 sites. Needle samples were analyzed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Soil samples were analyzed for pH (H₂O), N, P, Ca, Mg, K and aluminium (Al). The results indicate differences between sites and needles of different ages. In general, nutrient concentrations in needles are sufficient for the nutritive requirements, but some low concentrations of Mg and P found in 1-year-old needles, indicate that some trees may show signs of deficiency in the near future. In turn, N concentrations are, in many cases, higher than those usually found in this species and may originate growth disorders. These concentrations may be related to NO₃ ^? and NH₄ ⁺ deposition. Soil nutrients are sufficient for trees requirements, but the levels of K and Mg are low. Soil pH values are not very acid, and the value of the Ca/Al ratio is, in general, near 1. An arrangement of sites and physiographical and nutritional parameters based on correlation and principal component analysis is also presented.     

Modifications to the New Soil Extractant H3A-1: A Multinutrient Extractant

Abstract

Leaf samples were collected from upper and lower crown positions at three times during the 1971 and 1972 growing seasons for planted black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) trees on the Kaskaskia Experimental Forest in Hardin County, Illinois. The average dry weight of leaves was affected by crown position and time of year. Foliar concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were affected by season, but not by crown position. The content of all elements tested and the concentrations of Ca and Mg increased with season while concentrations of N, P, and K decreased as the season progressed. Suggestions for sampling dates are given.     

Soil chemical properties and nutritional status of trees in pure and mixed‐species stands in south Ethiopia

Interest in mixed‐species plantations in the tropics has increased because they appear to provide a wider range of options, such as yield, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and C sequestration than pure stands. Pure stands of Pinus patula Schlecht. and Charm., Juniperus procera Hochst., and Grevillea robusta A. Cunn., and mixed stands of P. patula/G. robusta, P. patula/J. procera, and P. patula/Podocarpus falcatus R. Br. at Wondo Genet in S Ethiopia were studied to examine (1) the impact of mixed‐species plantations on soil chemical properties, and (2) the impact of mixed‐species plantations on the nutritional status of constituent trees. Soil (0–50 cm depth) and foliage samples were collected from four random plots (100 m²) in each of the pure and mixed‐species plantations. Soil samples were analyzed for organic C, N, and base cations. Foliage samples were analyzed for nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg). There were little significant differences in soil chemical properties and foliar nutrient concentrations of trees between the pure and mixed stands. Among pure stands, J. procera and G. robusta differed in soil exchangeable Ca⁺⁺ and K⁺ at 0–5 cm soil depth and in foliar P and Ca concentration. After 18 and 24 y, mixed stands did not influence soil chemical properties and tree nutrition differently than pure stands. This may be due to additive interaction in mixed‐species stands and the similarity of the constituent tree species in foliar nutrient concentration and their impact on soil chemical properties.     

青藏高原土壤主量元素在2800米高程梯度上的分异特征

There are a series of special mountain soils on the Tibetan Plateau of China in an alpine environment for the high altitude. However, very few studies have focused on major soil elements in relation to soil formation in this area. Aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) contents of 237 topsoil samples covering a 2.8-km altitudinal gradient in uncultivated areas along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway of China were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The spatial distribution of the elements and its relationship to the parent rocks and climatic parameters were analyzed. Soils along the gradient are derived from a range of parent materials, but most are less than 30 cm deep with little development (Cambisols). Soil Al, Fe and Mg contents showed a decreasing trend from the start station (Xining Station) to end station (Lhasa Station) of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, whereas soil K and Na contents were relative stable from Xining Station to the Kunlun Mountains and then increased gradually. Soil Ca content was lower in the southern part of Tanggula Mountains. The major soil element contents clearly reflected the parent rock and climatic influences. Soils with higher Ca content appeared in areas with Ca-Mg carbonate rocks, soils with higher Al were found in areas with silicate-rich and high-Al silicate clastic rocks and silicate-rich aluminosilicate loose sediments. Soils with higher K and Na contents appeared in areas with high-K, high-Na and silicate-rich aluminosilicate rocks. Soil Na and K contents were affected by temperature, whereas the contents of Mg, Fe, Ca and Al were more affected by precipitation. Soil Na and K contents increased with increasing temperatures, whereas the contents of Mg, Fe, Ca and Al decreased with increasing precipitation. This analysis provides a relationship between soil properties and rapidly changing environmental conditions. The data can be used to investigate the effect of the climate or land use change on soil properties.     

Nutritional Status,Yield, and Fruit Quality of “Encore” Mandarin Trees Grown in Two Sites of an Orchard with Different Soil Properties

Abstract

The nutrient status [annual fluctuation of leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)], yield and fruit quality [soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acids (TA), SSS/TA and juice content] of “Encore” mandarin trees cultivated in two sites of the same orchard were studied. The trees were grafted on Carrizo citrange rootstock and grown under identical conditions, apart from some soil properties. Soil B (site B of orchard) contained more K, Ca, Mg, and organic matter than soil A (site A of orchard). The patterns of annual variation of leaf nutrient concentrations were similar in both soils, although leaf concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe in soil A were significantly higher than those of soil boron (B), while leaf K concentrations were significantly lower. The mineral analyses of the leaves revealed some interesting antagonisms between K–Mg, K–Ca, and K–Mn. Manganese deficiency was especially limited in the trees grown in soil B. The average fruit yield per tree in soil A, on two-year basis, was significantly higher than this in soil B. The significantly higher water infiltration rate in soil B, in contrast to soil A, seemed to be the dominant factor responsible for the differences among the two sites in yielding and leaf mineral composition.     

Development of Standard Concentrations of Foliar Nutrients for Saskatoon

Soil and foliar samples were collected from saskatoon orchards in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, Canada from 1997 to 1999 and analyzed for macro- and micronutrient content. Foliar samples were collected twice a month from the end of May until September in 1997 to examine the pattern of change in foliar nutrient concentrations throughout the season and to determine the most stable time period for foliar sampling. This period was determined to be from the last week in July until mid-August. Nutrient concentrations of foliar samples collected during this period from 1997 to 1999 were summarized according to the mean, median, minimum, and maximum values. Mean foliar nutrient concentrations were as follows: 2.48% nitrogen (N), 0.18% phosphorus (P), 1.15% potassium (K), 0.15% sulfur (S), 1.52% calcium (Ca), 0.50% magnesium (Mg), 6.9 ppm copper (Cu), 106 ppm iron (Fe), 124 ppm manganese (Mn), 16 ppm zinc (Zn), and 27 ppm boron (B). A number of significant positive correlations were found between soil and foliar levels of a nutrient, with the majority of these correlations occurring for the nutrients Cu, P, and Mn. Another study conducted during 2001–2002 examined differences in the foliar nutrient concentrations of the saskatoon cultivars ‘Smoky’ and ‘Thiessen’ sampled from nine orchards in Saskatchewan. Foliar concentrations of N, K, S, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B were significantly higher in ‘Smoky’ than in ‘Thiessen,’ whereas foliar K content was higher in ‘Thiessen’ than in ‘Smoky’.     

Response of Gemlik Olive Trees to Soil and Foliar Treatments of Iron in Combination with Zinc and Boron

This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of various treatments in correction of single deficiency of iron (Fe) and multiple deficiencies of Fe, zinc (Zn), and boron (B) in an olive cultivar (Gemlik) in the southeastern Marmara region of Turkey. This study was consisted of four field experiments, which included control, soil and foliar applications of Fe alone, and combinations with Zn and B. Soil applications of the compounds were only performed in the first year of the experiments to estimate residual effect of soil applications in the following year. Foliar applications were sprayed onto leaves two and four times at two doses in consecutive years. Soil application of iron sulfate did not increase Fe concentrations in the both leaves and fruits. Foliar applications of iron sulfate considerably elevated leaf total and active Fe concentrations, but the effect of the foliar applications on fruit Fe concentrations was small. Two foliar applications of iron in each season seemed to be appropriate treatment in the all experiments, as well. To maintain sufficient Fe concentrations, especially in the newly developing tissues of olive trees, foliar application of Fe should be conducted at least four times at the lowest dose as performed in the experiments. Foliar applications of double and triple combinations of iron sulfate with zinc sulfate and borax increased significantly B and Zn concentrations in the trees, as well.     

Elemental patterns in roots and foliage of mature spruce across a gradient of soil aluminium

Tissue concentrations of Al in red and Norway spruce trees were compared across 5 sites in North America and Europe as part of an investigation of Al biogeochemistry in forested ecosystems (ALBIOS). Fine roots and foliage were sampled and analyzed for Al, Ca, Mg, and P, and the chemistry of soil and soil solutions was characterized at each plot by horizon. Sites exhibited a wide range in soil Al saturation and in concentrations of Al and sulfate in lysimeter solutions. Aluminium concentrations in roots were two orders of magnitude higher than those in foliage. Fine roots (<1.0 mm) from B horizons had the highest Al concentrations and appeared to be the best phytoindicators of plant-available Al. Aluminium concentrations in fine roots from B horizons were highly correlated with soil solution monomeric Al, and with Al in 0.01 M SrC₂. soil extracts. Stronger soil Al extractants were generally poor predictors of concentrations of Al in plant tissue. Sites with higher levels of plant-available Al supported spruce trees with correspondingly lower foliar levels of Ca and Mg. As such, these field sites provided circumstantial evidence that Al may be interfering with Ca and Mg uptake and transport. No evidence was found of Al interference with P uptake or transport at these sites.     

Effects of buckwheat growth on variation of aluminum and major metals in root‐zone soil solutions

The variation in and relationships between aluminum and other major metals including Ca, Mg, Mn, and K in root‐zone soil solutions were studied by growing buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. cv. Jiangxi), an Al accumulator, in pots filled with an acid soil amended with CaCO₃ and unamended controls with a preinstalled nondestructive soil‐solution sampler. Soil solutions were collected every 7 d with a syringe connected to the sampler. The results showed that pH of the soil solution was not the only factor controlling the concentration of Al. Significant positive linear correlations were found between Al and Ca as well as between Al and Mg in soil solutions from the controls. The ratio of base cations (BC, Ca+Mg) to Al might partly explain the high Al resistance of buckwheat. Oxalate secretion from roots significantly activated Al in acid soils, which may be important for changes of Al in soil solutions, but it also caused decreased concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Mn. It is concluded that the variation of metal concentrations including Al, Ca, Mg, and Mn is a holistic effect involving competition for exchange sites among Ca, Mg, H, and Al, the chelation by oxalate secreted from roots, and metal uptake by buckwheat.     

Are Indicators for Critical Load Exceedance Related to Forest Condition?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the (Ca?+?Mg?+?K)/Al and the Ca/Al ratios in soil solution as chemical criteria for forest condition in critical load calculations for forest ecosystems. The tree species Norway spruce, Sitka spruce and beech were studied in an area with high deposition of sea salt and nitrogen in the south-western part of Jutland, Denmark. Throughfall and soil water were collected monthly and analysed for pH, NO₃-N, NH₄-N, K, Ca, Mg, DOC and Al_tot. Organic Al was estimated using DOC concentrations. Increment and defoliation were determined annually, and foliar element concentrations were determined every other year. The throughfall deposition was highest in the Sitka spruce stand (maximum of 40 kg N ha^?1yr^?1) and lowest in the beech stand (maximum of 11 kg N ha^?1yr^?1). The Sitka spruce stand leached on average 12 kg N ha^?1yr^?1 during the period 1988–1997 and leaching increased throughout the period. Only small amounts of N were leached from the Norway spruce stand whereas almost no N was leached from the beech stand. For all tree species, both (Ca?+?Mg?+?K)/Al and Ca/Al ratios decreased in soil solution at 90 cm depth between 1989 and 1999, which was mainly caused by a decrease in concentrations of base cations. The toxic inorganic Al species were by far the most abundant Al species at 90 cm depth. At the end of the measurement period, the (Ca?+?Mg?+?K)/Al ratio was approximately 1 for all species while the Ca/Al ratio was approximately 0.2. The lack of a trend in the increment rates, a decrease in defoliation as well as sufficient levels of Mg and Ca in foliage suggested an unchanged or even slightly improved health condition, despite the decreasing and very low (Ca?+?Mg?+?K)/Al and Ca/Al ratios. The suitability of these soil solution element ratios is questioned as the chemical criteria for soil acidification under field conditions in areas with elevated deposition rates of sea salts, in particular Mg.     

Response of Mature Phosphorus-Deficient Apple Trees to Phosphorus Fertilization and Liming

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to examine response of mature phosphorus (P) deficient apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees to phosphorus fertilization and liming. The experiment was carried out during 2003–2005 in a commercial orchard in Central Poland on ‘Jonagold’ apple trees/M.26 planted in 1996 on a coarse-textured soil with low both pH (4.6) and organic matter (1.2%). Calcium-lactate soluble phosphorus concentration in the soil was within an optimal range despite appearance of leaf phosphorus deficiency symptoms. Soil and foliar applications of phosphorus, and soil liming were applied. Soil phosphorus fertilization was made in the first year of the experimental at a rate of 100 kg P per ha as triple superphosphate. Foliar sprays of a soluble compound containing organic phosphorus were performed 5 times per season at 2-week intervals, starting 4 weeks after full bloom. Soil liming was applied in the fall 2002 at a rate of 1100 kg Ca ha^?1 as hydrated lime. Additional combination as soil phosphorus fertilization plus liming was also applied. Plots unsupplied with phosphorus and lime served as a control. The results showed that liming and liming plus soil P application increased soil pH, and phosphatase activity in the soil, and improved phosphorus nutrition, tree vigor, yield, fruit color, and firmness after storage; effect of these treatments was not found only in the first year of the study. In all years foliar phosphorus sprays improved phosphorus nutrition of apple trees, and fruit color and firmness after storage. In 2 out of 3 years foliar phosphorus application increased yield. The vegetative and reproductive responses of ‘Jonagold’ apple trees did not depend on soil phosphorus fertilization. It was concluded that maintaining an optimal pH of soils for apple trees limits the incidence of orchard phosphorus deficiency and that foliar phosphorus sprays should be applied in phosphorus-deficient apple orchards to improve yield, and fruit appearance and storability.     

Micronutrient Soil-Test Levels and Eucalyptus Foliar Contents

Eucalyptus is the most widely planted forest species in Brazil (～3.4 million hectares). Ongoing rotations and high yields lead to the occurrence of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) deficiency symptoms. The objectives of this work were to identify the most appropriate extractant for evaluating micronutrient availability in commercial Eucalyptus plantations and to evaluate the influence of soil properties on Eucalyptus foliar micronutrient contents. Soil micronutrient contents were extracted by Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3 extracted the greatest amounts for all micronutrients analyzed. Foliar Cu, Mn, and Zn contents showed significant and positive relationships with soil Cu, Mn, and Zn contents extracted by the three solutions. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil clay content, and soil pH improved significantly the power of regression models in estimating foliar micronutrient contents. The improvement was greater for Mehlich 3 and DTPA extractants than for Mehlich 1.     

Foliar Fertilization of Crop Plants

Essential plant nutrients are mainly applied to soil and plant foliage for achieving maximum economic yields. Soil application method is more common and most effective for nutrients, which required in higher amounts. However, under certain circumstances, foliar fertilization is more economic and effective. Foliar symptoms, soil and plant tissue tests, and crop growth responses are principal nutrient disorder diagnostic techniques. Soil applications of fertilizers are mainly done on the basis of soil tests, whereas foliar nutrient applications are mainly done on the basis of visual foliar symptoms or plant tissue tests. Hence, correct diagnosis of nutrient deficiency is fundamental for successful foliar fertilization. In addition, there are some more requirements for successful foliar fertilization. Foliar fertilization requires higher leaf area index for absorbing applied nutrient solution in sufficient amount, it may be necessary to have more than one application depending on severity of nutrient deficiency. Nutrient concentration and day temperature should be optimal to avoid leaf burning and fertilizer source should be soluble in water to be more effective. Foliar fertilization of crops can complement soil fertilization. If foliar fertilization is mixed with postemergence herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides, the probability of yield response could be increased and cost of application can be reduced.     

Soil pH,extractable aluminum and tree growth on acid minesoils

Abstract

Paper birch and hybrid poplar were grown in acid minesoils amended with different rates and types of lime. Growth of the trees was correlated with soil pH, Ca, Mg, K, P and three measures of extractable Al ‐ 1 N KCl, 0.01 M CaCl₂ and H₂O extractable Al. Correlations between soil pH and extractable Al and between the three measures of extractable Al were also determined. Soil pH accounted for the largest share of the total variation in root and shoot growth of both species over all soils. Correlations between tree growth and extractable Al for all soils combined were low and generally non‐significant. Significant correlations were obtained between soil pH and extractable Al and between the three measures of extractable Al, however, the relationships varied among soils.