Comparative study of metal micronutrients release from two calcareous soils

Adsorption and release are the most influential reactions controlling zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) availability in soils. Characteristics of native Zn, Mn and Cu release by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in two calcareous soils for periods from 1 min to 24 h were studied. The pattern of Zn, Mn and Cu release from both soils fitted well with power function, Elovich and parabolic diffusion models. The magnitude and rate of release was greatest for Mn, followed by Zn and Cu, respectively. This trend suggests a higher ability of the studied soils to replenish soil solution Mn, compared with Zn and Cu. The results showed that higher Mn release in clay soil compared with sandy loam soil was considerably related to higher initial Mn release rates in the former compared with the latter. However, Cu release rates of the two soils at initial times were not significantly different. Higher Cu release in clay soil was, therefore, attributed tohigher Cu release rates at subsequent time intervals. It is assumed that the different Zn release rates of these soils were due to consistent differences in Zn release rates throughout the release periods.     

Application of micronutrients alone or with macronutrient fertilizers

Abstract

Micronutrients are applied alone to soils or with macronutrient fertilizers. Foliar application of Fe and other micronutrients is also practiced, and Mo is usually applied as a seed treatment. Since the soil application rates of B, Cu, Mn, and Zn are low, they are usually applied with macronutrient fertilizers by incorporation during the manufacturing process, bulk blending with or coating onto granular fertilizers, or with fluid fertilizers.

Chemical reactions between the micronutrient source and the macronutrient fertilizer may occur in the manufacturing process, in storage, or after soil application. These reaction products may vary widely, so care must be taken in selecting and processing micronutrient sources and macronutrient carriers so the resulting products will be available to plants. In general, plant availability of B sources is not affected during reaction. Care must be taken to apply boronated fertilizers uniformly and to avoid excessive rates, because the range between B deficiency and toxicity is very narrow. Crop response to Cu, Mn, and Zn varies with the micronutrient rate and source, macronutrient carrier, and method of application.     

Response of wheat seedlings to Mn‐lignosulfonate adhered to granular NPK

Manganese (Mn) deficiency is a widespread crop micronutrient disorder. The aim of this work was to evaluate two NPK fertilizers coated with Mn that eliminate the specific labor cost for applying Mn and that allow the correction of Mn deficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Two Mn sources [MnSO₄ and Mn‐lignosulfonate (MnLS)] were compared as NPK coatings at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0% (w/w) in hydroponic, perlite, and soil pot cultures under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions with wheat to evaluate the effects on dry matter production and Mn concentrations. For the NPK+MnLS product, 52–63% of the total Mn remained in solution at calcareous conditions. However, the NPK+MnSO₄ product was able to maintain only 14–25% of the total Mn added in solution. As expected, the MnLS product resulted in higher Mn concentrations in shoots than the MnSO₄ product due to the Mn complexation by lignosulfonate which preserved Mn from precipitation and maintained it available for plants. In the experiment with perlite as growth substrate, at low Mn dose (0.1% Mn) a similar Mn concentration in wheat shoots was found (57 mg kg^?1 DW for the MnSO₄ coating versus 72 mg kg^?1 DW for MnLS coating), but at the highest dose (1.0% Mn) the NPK+MnLS showed a significant increase in shoot Mn concentration (167 versus 132 mg kg^?1 DW). Soil application of coated NPK products showed similar Mn concentrations in shoots with both Mn sources (29–37 mg kg^?1 DW), except for the NPK+MnSO₄ (0.1%) treatment (only 18 mg kg^?1 DW). Based on the recommended Fe/Mn values (Fe : Mn ratio = 1.5–2.5) given in the literature for plants with a correct nutrition, only the NPK+MnLS (0.3%) fulfilled this ratio (Fe : Mn = 2.5).     

Metal micronutrients relationships in crop,soil, and common weeds of two maize (Zea mays L.) fields

Deficiencies of metal micronutrients are common in some calcareous soils. Samples of aerial parts of maize and five common weeds and also soil beneath these plants were collected and analyzed to investigate the status and relationships of metal micronutrients in soil, crop, and common weeds of maize field trials at two sites. Results showed that Fe concentration in five studied weeds was higher than that of maize; the highest Fe concentration was found in Convolvolus arvensis and Echinochloa crus-galli (first site) and in Convolvolus arvensis tissues (second site). At both sites, the highest Mn concentration was observed in aboveground parts of Echinochloa crus-galli. The concentration of Mn (both sites) and Fe and Cu (second site) were remarkably higher in Echinochloa crus-galli tissues in comparison with maize. Also the concentrations of Fe (both sites) and Cu (second site) were considerably higher in Convolvolus arvensis tissues in comparison with maize. Available Fe was the highest in the soil beneath Convolvolus arvensis and Portulaca oleracea (first site) and beneath Convolvolus arvensis and Cenopodium album (second site). The high value of available Fe in the soil beneath Convolvolus arvensis may explain why Fe concentration was the highest in aerial parts of this weed species.     

Comparison of 1 M HCl and Mehlich 3 for Assessment of the Micronutrient Status of Polish Soils in the Context of Winter Wheat Nutritional Demands

In Poland, assessment of the content of micronutrients in soil is performed using 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) as an extractant. The objective of this study has been to check whether 1 M HCl can be replaced by Mehlich 3. In total, 330 soil samples were taken from fields cropped with winter wheat. Each sample was accompanied by a sample of wheat plant. The samples were from four groups of soils having various pH values—from acidic to alkaline soils. The suitability of the extractants was evaluated separately for each soil group based on the significance and power of correlation between soil microelements extracted by both methods, soil and plant microelements, and the bioaccumulation factor. The HCl extractant was a better predictor of the availability of microelements to wheat than Mehlich 3 in all tested soil groups. Mehlich 3 can be applied for extraction of boron (B) and, in some cases, copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn).     

Long-Term Effects of Straw and Manure on Crop Micronutrient Nutrition under a Wheat-Maize Cropping System

Management practices have significant effects on crop micronutrient contents. This study examined effects of applying chemical fertilizers of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) (NPK), alone or supplemented with straw or manure, under a wheat-maize cropping system in a 18-year experiment, on the crops’ iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) contents throughout the crops’ development. The micronutrient contents of both wheat and maize were above critical values during vegetative development, but Zn contents of maize ear leaves were sub-sufficient under all treatments. The wheat grain Mn, Cu, and Zn contents were lower under fertilized treatments than in unfertilized controls. Nutrient balance calculations showed that NPK application alone or with straw resulted in deficits of the four micronutrients, but not application of NPK supplemented with manure. Hence, application of micronutrients, such as Zn, through organic or inorganic fertilizers is recommended for this cropping system.     

Interaction of Iron with Copper,Zinc, and Manganese in Wheat as Affected by Iron and Manganese in a Calcareous Soil

Iron (Fe) availability is low in calcareous soils of southern Iran. The chelate Fe-ethylenediamine di (o-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid) (Fe-EDDHA), has been used as an effective source of Fe in correcting Fe deficiency in such soils. In some cases, however, its application might cause nutritional disorder due to the antagonistic effect of Fe with other cationic micronutrients, in particular with manganese (Mn). A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of soil and foliar applications of Fe and soil application of manganese (Mn) on dry matter yield (DMY) and the uptake of cationic micronutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. Ghods) in a calcareous soil. Results showed that neither soil application of Fe-EDDHA nor foliar application of Fe sulfate had a significant effect on wheat DMY. In general, Fe application increased Fe uptake but decreased that of Mn, zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). Application of Mn increased only Mn uptake and had no significant effect on the uptake of the other cationic micronutrients. Iron treatments considerably increased the ratio of Fe to Mn, Zn, Cu, and (Mn + Zn + Cu). Failure to observe an increase in wheat DMY following Fe application is attributed to the antagonistic effect of Fe with Mn, Zn, and Cu and hence, imbalance in Fe to (Mn + Zn + Cu) ratio. Due to the nutritional disorder and imbalance, it appears that neither soil application of Fe-EDDHA nor foliar application of Fe-sulfate is appropriate in correcting Fe deficiency in wheat grown on calcareous soils. Hence, growing Fe-efficient wheat cultivars should be considered as an appropriate practice for Fe chlorosis-prone calcareous soils of southern Iran.     

Phytotoxicity and some interactions of the essential trace metals iron,manganese, molybdenum,zinc, copper,and boron

Abstract

The essential trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B in high concentrations can produce phytotoxicities. Iron toxicity resulted from 5 × 10^‐4 M and 10^‐3 M FeSO₄, but not from equivalent amounts of FeEDDHA (ferric ethylenediamine di (o‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid) ). Leaf concentrations in bush beans of 465 μg Mn/g, 291 μg B/g, and 321 μg Zn/g all on the dry weight basis resulted in 27%, 45%, and 34% reduction in yields of leaves, respectively. Zinc was concentrated in roots while Mn and B concentrated in leaves. Solution concentrations of MnS0₄ of 10^‐3 and 10^‐2 M depressed leaf yields of bush beans by 63% and 83%, respectively, with 5140 and 10780 μg Mn/g dry weight of leaves. Copper concentrations were simultaneously increased and those of Ca were decreased. Bush bean plants grown in Yolo loam soil with 200 μg Cu/g soil had a depression in leaf yield of 26% (with 28. 8 μg Cu/g leaf); plants failed to grow with 500 μg Cu/g soil. A level of 10^‐3 M H₂MoO₄ was toxic to bush beans grown in solution culture. Leaves, stems, and roots, respectively, contained 710, and 1054, and 5920 μg Mo/g dry weight.     

Soil and plant analysis as methods for diagnosing micronutrient deficiencies

Abstract

Soil and plant analyses can be effectively used to detect and confirm suspected micronutrient deficiencies. The numbers of laboratories offering tests for the micronutrients has increased substantially in the last 10 years. Suitable soil tests have been developed for most of the micro‐nutrients. Although plant analysis is relatively new, its use is gaining wide acceptance as an effective means of evaluating the micronutrient status of plants and plant tissue. Considerable improvement in methodology has been a primary factor in the increasing use of soil tests and plant analyses as means of evaluating the micronutrient status of the soil‐plant environment.     

分室法研究不同磷况下两种接种丛枝菌根玉米

A modified glass bead compartment cultivation system was used to compare some chemical and biolog-ical properties of the two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus mosseae and Glomus versiforme usingmaize (Zea mays) as the host plant with four added levels of available phosphorus (P). The proportion of host plant root length infected was determined at harvest. Shoot and root yields and nutrient concentra-tions were determined, together with the nutrient concentrations in the AM fungal external mycelium. Themorphology of various mycorrhizal structures of the two AM fungi was also compared by microscopic obser-vation. Inoculation with G. mosseae gave higher plant yields than that with G. versghrme, and the two fungiresponded differently in infection rate to areilable phosphorus level. Root infection rate of mycorrhizal maizecolonized by G. mosseae decreased markedly with increasing P level, and there was very poor development of the extraradical mpcelium at the highest rate of P addition. In contrast, G. versiforme showed greater tolerance to increasing P level. Elemental analysis showed that phosphorus, copper and zinc concentrations in the external mycelium differed between the two fungi and were much higher than those in the host plant. Differences in the morphology of the two fungi were also observed.     

Biochar properties and soil type drive the uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients in maize (Zea mays L.)

The use of biochar in agriculture is a promising management tool to mitigate soil degradation and anthropogenic climate change. However, biochar effects on soil nutrient bioavailability are complex and several concurrent processes affecting nutrient bioavailability can occur in biochar‐amended soils. In a short‐term pot experiment, the concentration of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, B, Fe, and Na in the shoots of maize grown in three different soil types [sandy soil (S1), sandy loam (S2), and sandy clay loam (S3)] was investigated. The soils were either unamended or amended with two different biochars [wheat straw biochar (SBC) or pine wood biochar (WBC)] at two P fertilizer regimes (–/+ P). We used three‐way ANOVA and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) of transformed ionomic data to identify the effects of biochar, soil, and P fertilizer on the shoot nutrient concentrations. Three distinct effects of biochar on the shoot ionome were detected: (1) both biochars added excess K to all three soils causing an antagonistic effect on the uptake of Ca and Mg in maize shoots. (2) Mn uptake was affected by biochar with varying effects depending on the combined effect of biochar and soil properties. (3) WBC increased maize uptake of B, despite the fact that WBC increased soil pH and added additional calcite to the soil, which would be expected to reduce B bioavailability. The results of this study highlight the fact that the bioavailability of several macro and micronutrients is affected by biochar application to soil and that these effects depend on the combined effect of biochar and soils with different properties.     

分光光度法测定有机肥料中铜、铁、锌、锰含量

探索用分光光度法测定有机肥料中的微量元素铜(Cu)、铁(Fe)、锌(Zn)、锰(Mn)含量,并研究了显色反应的酸度条件、干扰因素及消除方法。该检测方法简单快速,可应用于有机肥生产企业中微量元素铜、铁、锌、锰的测定。     

Comparison of Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid to Enhance Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals by Maize

We compared acetic, ascorbic, and oxalic acids with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to enhance phytoextraction of nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) by maize. Except ascorbic acid, acids significantly (P < 0.05) decreased shoot dry weight with maximum (5.60 g pot^?1) recorded with ascorbic acid and minimum with oxalic acid (4.06 g pot^?1). Maximum ammonium bicarbonate–diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid (AB-DTPA)–extractable nickel (19.94 mg kg^?1) was recorded with EDTA and it was minimum (10.57 mg kg^?1) with oxalic acid. The EDTA significantly (P < 0.05) increased AB-DTPA-extractable lead while other acids decreased it. Except acetic acid, other acids significantly (P < 0.05) increased Ni and Zn concentration in shoots with maximum Ni (9.22 mg kg^?1) and Zn (37.40 mg kg^?1) with EDTA.     

Frequency distribution of several trace metals in 72 corn plants grown together in contaminated soil in a glasshouse

Abstract

A 9‐kg quantity of Yolo loam soil was contaminated in sequence with (In μg/g soil) 100 Cd, 100 Zn, 100 Co, 12.5 Li, and 100 Ni. Corn (Zea mays L. C. V. Golden Cross N. C. ) was grown together in the soil for 22 days from seed. Seventy‐two harvested plants were assayed separately. Several different trace metals were tested for normal and loge frequency distribution patterns. Some followed log_e normal distribution more closely than a normal distribution as indicated by kurtosis values. Two followed normal distribution more closely than log_e normal distribution. Some negative skewness was observed with the log_e normal distribution, but only that for Co was significant. The yields of the plants were significantly and negatively correlated with the concentrations of Ni, Co, Cu, and Cd in shoots. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that it was reasonably Possible to determine which of the trace metals of the mixture caused phytotoxicity. Some pairs of trace metals were highly and positively correlated: Zn‐Cu, Zn‐Cd, Cu‐Cd, Mn‐Li, Co‐Ni, Co‐Cd are examples. The mixed trace metals decreased shoot concentrations of P and Mo and increased Al and Ti relative to control plants not receiving added metals. The Si was also decreased by trace metals and was positively related to yields.     

Growth,yield and bulb quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) in response to foliar application of boron and zinc

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the role of boron and zinc on growth, yield and quality of onion. There were eight treatment combinations consisted of four levels of boron (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5%) and 4 levels of zinc (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5%) were applied as foliar spraying. application of 0.5% boron significantly increased the growth (plant height, 63.93cm and number of leaves per plant, 7.25), yield (30.74 t ha^?1) and quality (total soluble solids, 13.45 ⁰B and pyruvic acid 5.94 µmol g^?1) of onion. Among various levels of zinc 0.5% exhibited the best growth (plant height, 67.25cm and number of leaf per plant, 7.75), yield (33.34 t ha^?1) and quality (total soluble solids, 14.57 ⁰B and pyruvic acid, 5.86 µmol g^?1) attributes of onion. These results suggest that the foliar application of boron and zinc significantly influenced the growth, yield and quality of onion.     

Zinc Deficiency in Selected Cultivars of Wheat and Barley as Tested in Solution Culture

Abstract

The relative zinc (Zn) efficiencies of 33 wheat and 3 barley cultivars were determined by growing them in chelate‐buffered culture solutions. Zn efficiency, determined by growth in a Zn‐deficient solution relative to that in a medium containing an adequate concentration of Zn, was found to vary between 10% and 63% among the cultivars tested. Out of the 36 cultivars tested, 12 proved to be Zn efficient, 10 were Zn inefficient, and the remaining 14 varieties were classed as intermediate. The most Zn‐efficient cultivars included Bakhtawar, Gatcher S61, Wilgoyne, and Madrigal, and the most Zn inefficient included Durati, Songlen, Excalibur, and Chakwal‐86. Zn‐efficient cultivars accumulated greater amounts of Zn in their shoots than inefficient cultivars, but the correlation between shoot Zn and shoot dry matter production was poor. All the cultivars accumulated higher concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and phosphorus (P) at deficient levels of Zn, compared with adequate Zn concentrations. The Zn‐inefficient cultivars accumulated higher concentrations of these other elements compared to efficient cultivars.     

Supply of micronutrients to apple trees via the bark

Abstract

Growth regulators, pesticides, herbicides and macroelements applied to tree trunks are often translocated to the foliage. The feasibility of using bark dressings for supplying micronutrients to deficient trees was investigated using new laboratory screening methods and a field trial. Zinc was chosen as a model compound since soil and foliar applications of zinc to apple trees have not proven entirely satisfactory.

Less than one per cent of zinc applied as zinc chloride to the scraped bark of excised apple twig sections could be forced out in the xylem exudate. Translocation of exogenous zinc only occurred during the first six days after application. Zinc was also translocated through the intact bark of apple twigs but the percentage of cases in which translocation was observed was reduced from 100% (in scraped bark) to circa 40%; furthermore, the amount of zinc translocated was reduced tenfold. Significant sinc translocation to the foliage was not observed in field trials consisting of trunk applications of zinc salts to intact and scraped bark of apple trees with first flush foliage. Factors influencing the passage of zinc and other chemicals from bark to foliage are discussed.     

Diagnosis of Micronutrient Imbalance in Lime Crop in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan,India

Low and unstable fruit yield, poor quality of fruits, and excessive fruit dropping are major problems in a lime crop and are due to either micronutrient deficiencies or nutrient imbalance. A study was conducted to assess the micronutrient status in a lime orchard at the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI)’s research farm in Kota, Rajasthan, India. Plant and soil samples were collected during September and October in 2006–2007. The micronutrients extracted with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) in soils were in the order of manganese (Mn) > iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). The mean values of DTPA Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu in surface soils varied from 13.98 to 22.70, 2.48 to 8.66, 0.79 to 1.19, and 0.14 to 0.46 mg kg^?1, respectively, whereas in subsurface soils they varied from 12.94 to 23.06, 4.84 to 6.52, 0.51 to 0.83, and 0.07 to 0.20 mg kg^?1, respectively. Results reveal that except for Fe, the other DTPA-extractable micronutrients decreased with depth. Total Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu in plant leaves varied from 22 to 83, 70 to 630, 40 to 932, and 37 to 3057 mg kg^?1, respectively, indicating greater or toxic concentrations of total micronutrient in leaf samples. Total Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu in petiole samples varied from 7 to 60, 235 to 574, 70 to 827, and 101 to 2623 mg kg^?1, respectively. High concentration of Cu and Zn in leaves resulted in Fe and Mn deficiencies (exhibited as leaf chlorosis) in lime plants. Results of the study indicated that Fe and Mn deficiencies are major disorders in lime plantation. Similarly, the measure of DTPA-extractable micronutrients showed the low statuses of Fe and Cu and marginal status of Zn in soils along the Chambal region.     

Characterization of the tolerance to excess manganese in four maize varieties

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient in all organisms, but may become toxic when present in excess. Four maize (Zea mays L.) varieties, Kneja 605, Kneja 434, Kneja 509 and Kneja 537, were studied with respect to their responses to excess Mn in hydroponic solution. In the varieties Kneja 605, Kneja 509 and Kneja 537, increasing Mn concentrations in the nutrient solution negatively affected biomass accumulation, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content. In addition, these varieties showed increased electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA] content). Increased Mn leaf concentrations, higher contents of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, higher photosynthetic rate and transpiration, lower concentrations of MDA and insignificant changes in the electrolyte leakage in the leaves were found in var. Kneja 434 compared with the other maize varieties studied. This variety appeared to possess a stronger ability to cope with Mn phytotoxicity, suggesting high potential for Mn detoxification and var. Kneja 434 could be a good candidate for improving maize productivity on acid soils under non-tropical conditions.     

外源一氧化氮介导铜胁迫下番茄幼苗中铁、锌、锰的累积及亚细胞分布

采用营养液培养方法,以改良毛粉802F1番茄为材料, 研究外源一氧化氮（NO,SNP为供体）对铜（Cu）胁迫下番茄幼苗铁（Fe）、 锌（Zn）、 锰（Mn）吸收分配的影响。结果显示, 50 mol/ L的 Cu2+ 胁迫下,番茄幼苗的生物量和株高显著降低了33.7% 和23.1%,外施100 mol/L SNP可显著缓解这种抑制作用, 提高Cu 胁迫下番茄幼苗根系、 茎中Fe、 Mn含量及叶柄、 叶片中Fe、 Zn含量,降低茎中Zn含量及叶柄、 叶片中Mn含量; 根系、 茎、 叶柄、 叶片Fe、 Zn及根系和茎中Mn的累积相应增加; 根系吸收的Fe、 Zn、 Mn向地上部的转运降低。Cu 胁迫下, 外源NO可显著提高番茄液泡、 细胞器的Fe、 Zn 含量, 降低根系和叶片细胞壁Fe、 Zn、 Mn含量。在作为转运组织的茎和叶柄中,Mn主要分布在细胞壁上,而在叶柄和叶片液泡、 细胞器中也有增加。表明外源NO可以调控番茄幼苗各部位及亚细胞中Fe、 Zn、 Mn的合理分布,维持胞质离子稳态和矿质营养元素平衡,缓解铜胁迫,保证番茄幼苗正常的生理代谢。