Deficiency of manganese is alleviated more by low zinc than low copper in wheat

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Sonalika was grown in purified sand in complete nutrient solution (normal), deficient manganese (Mn) (0.0055 mg L^‐1), deficient copper (Cu) (0.0065 mg L^‐1), deficient zinc (Zn) (0.0065 mg L^‐1), deficient ?n/deficient Cu, deficient ?n/deficient Zn, deficient Cu/deficient Zn, and deficient ?n/deficient Cu/deficient Zn treatments. The deficiency of Mn decreased the biomass, concentration of Mn, chlorophyll, sugars, Hill reaction activity, acid phosphatase activity, and increased that of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The magnitude of Mn deficiency effects was mitigated to variable extent when Mn was deficient along with deficient Cu and/or deficient Zn. The effects of either Cu or Zn deficiency viz., intensification of foliar symptoms, decrease in biomass, leaf Cu/Zn, seed yield and starch content were increased further in combined deficiency of Cu and Zn. The stimulation in acid phosphatase and decrease in the activity of polyphenol oxidase and carbonic anhydrase in Cu or Zn deficient leaves were further aggravated when both Cu and Zn were deficient together. All these changes reveal a synergism between Cu and Zn in wheat.     

Copper stress affects grain filling in rice

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sattva L.) cv. Jaya was grown in refined sand at graded levels of copper (Cu) viz. 0.00065, 0.0065, 0.013, 0.065, 0.13, 0.65, and 6.5 mg L^‐1. In acute Cu deficiency (0.0065, 0.00065 mg L^‐1), the visible foliar symptoms appeared on young leaves as chlorosis changing to necrosis, later affected leaves appeared papery and withered. The biomass and grain yield were highest at 0.065 mg L^‐1 and compared to this, the decrease in both parameters was significant at low and high Cu supply. The concentration of Cu in grains increased from 0.4 in acute deficiency to 47.4 ppm at excess Cu. In rice leaves, concentration of sugars and activities of polyphenol oxidase and ascorbic acid oxidase were decreased both by low and excess Cu. Both low and high Cu also retarded the grain formation as well as their quality by decreasing the grain yield and the concentration of starch, sugars and proteins in grains and activities of amylase, invertase and starch phosphorylase at the time of grain filling in seeds. In young leaves, 3.9, 6.8, 32, and 48 μg Cu g^‐1dry weight were indicative of deficiency, threshold of deficiency, threshold of toxicity, and toxicity values of Cu, respectively, in rice.     

Interactive effect of boron and zinc on growth and metabolism of mustard

Abstract

Mustard (Brassica campestris L.) cv. T9 was grown in refined sand at three levels of boron (B), deficient (0.0033 ppm), normal (0.33 ppm), and excess (3.3 ppm), each at three levels of zinc (Zn), low (0.00065 ppm) adequate (0.065 ppm), and high (6.5 ppm). The B deficiency effects were accentuated by low zinc viz., the decreased biomass, B and Zn concentrations in leaves and seeds and the activity of carbonic anhydrase and accumulation of reducing sugars and stimulated activities of peroxidase, ribonuclease, and acid phosphatase in B deficient leaves were aggravated further. Synergism was also observed between the two nutrients when both B and Zn were in excess together as excess B accelerated the effects of high Zn by lowering further the reduced biomass, economic yield, and carbonic anhydrase activity and raised further the increased concentration of B and Zn in leaves and seeds, reducing sugars and activity of peroxidase obtained in excess Zn. In mustard, additive effects of high Zn and low B was reflected when high Zn increased the reduced biomass, seed yield, leaf B, and decreased the stimulated activities of peroxidase, ribonuclease, acid phosphatase, and high concentration of non‐reducing sugars to some extent in low B.     

Carboanhydrase-Aktivität und extrahierbares Zink als Maßstab für die Zink-Versorgung von Pflanzen

Carboanhydrase activity and extractable zinc as indicator of the zinc supply of plants 1. Maize, millet, tobacco, sugar-beet and vine were grown under controlled environmental conditions with different zinc concentrations in the substrate. Plant growth, zinc and phosphorus content of the dry matter, extractable zinc and carbonic anhydrase activity in the leaves were measured. 2. Increasing supply of zinc to strongly zinc deficient plants resulted in a marked increase of growth, whereas total zinc content of the leaf dry matter was only slightly and carbonic anhydrase activity was strongly affected. In extremely zinc deficient plants carbonic anhydrase activity was close to zero even though the zinc content of the dry matter was higher than 10 μg/g. Therefore carbonic anhydrase activity appears to reflect the amount of physiologically active zinc in the leaf tissue. It seems to be useful to decide critical cases even at latent zinc deficiency. 3. The P/Zn ratio is also an indicator of zinc supply when plants are extremely zinc deficient, but not under latent deficiency. Moreover the P/Zn ratio can vary in a wide range when plants are well supplied with zinc. 4. The zinc concentration of aqueous leaf extracts increased with increasing level of zinc. 2-3 μg Zn/ml extract were found to be sufficient for all plant species used and all conditions of growth applied. Apparently, the Zn-concentration of the aqueous leaf extract is a better parameter of zinc supply than total zinc or carbonic anhydrase activity which, in addition, is much more difficult to determine.     

Interactive effects of zinc and boron on growth,photosynthesis, and water relations in pistachio

The effects of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on some physiological and biochemical characteristics of pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Badami) seedlings were evaluated in a greenhouse study. It was found that both high levels (10 and 20 mg B kg^?1 soil) and also lack of B account for the reduction in growth and photosynthesis parameters, especially at low Zn levels. Moreover, Zn deficiency resulted in a reduction in the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance. However, the adverse effects of B deficiency and toxicity were alleviated by increasing Zn levels up to 10 mg kg^?1 soil. In addition, provided that B and Zn are adequate, synergism can be observed between the two nutrients. This is because sufficient amounts B accelerated the effects of Zn by raising the plant dry weight, photosynthesis parameters, carbonic anhydrase activity, and chlorophyll contents. This increase was reported higher in comparison with Zn alone application. It was concluded that Zn may act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for mitigating the injury on biomembranes under B stress. Adequate concentration of Zn also prevents uptake and accumulation of excess B in leaf by increasing membrane integrity of root cells. Similarly, B application in adequate concentration plays an important structural role in the cell wall and influences a great variety of physiological processes in pistachio seedlings.     

Plant growth,phosphorus nutrition,and acid phosphatase enzyme activity in three tomato cultivars grown hydroponically at different zinc concentrations

Three tomato cvs., Blizzard, Liberto, and Calypso, were grown hydroponically in a controlled temperature (C.T.) room for six weeks at three zinc (Zn) concentrations (0.01, 0.5, and 5.0 mg Zn L^‐1) in the nutrient solution. There were significant reductions in the dry matter and chlorophyll contents of all three cultivars grown at both low (0.01 mg L^‐1) and high (5 mg L^‐1) Zn as compared to 0.5 mg Zn L^‐1. The concentration of Zn at 0.01 mg L^‐1 was not sufficient to provide for optimal plant growth, while 5 mg Zn L^‐1 in the nutrient solution was detrimental to plant growth for all three cultivars. The best results for all parameters tested were for the plants grown at 0.5 mg Zn L^‐1. The concentration of phosphorus (P) was at an excess level in leaves of plants grown in 0.01 mg Zn L^‐1, while it was deficient in the 5 mg Zn L^‐1 treatment. Acid Phosphatase Enzyme [EC.3.1.3.2.] (APE) activity was significantly higher in both the leaves and roots of P‐deficient plants, i.e., plants receiving high (5 mg L^‐1) Zn. Acid Phosphatase Enzyme activity was slightly higher in the mature leaves than those in developing leaves, where P concentration was higher. Concentration of P and, in particular Zn, increased in the roots with increasing Zn in the nutrient solution. The APE activity increased in the roots of P‐deficient plants receiving high Zn (5 mg L^‐1).     

The Effects of Copper and Lead on Growth and Zinc Accumulation of Thlaspi Caerulescens J. and C. Presl: Implications for Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soils

Thlaspi caerulescens J. and C. Presl is a Zn-hyperaccumulatingplant which has aroused considerable interest with respect to its possible use for phytoremediation of Zn-contaminated soils. In this work, a British population of T. caerulescens, from a soil which was found to have relatively high concentrations of water-extractable Cu (0.22 mg L^-1), Pb (0.99 mg L^-1) and Zn (6.49 mg L^-1), was studied. Its ability to grow and accumulate Zn from hydroponic nutrient solution in the presence of elevated concentrations of Cu and/or Pb was investigated. The chosen concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn were based on reported water-soluble concentrations of these heavy metals in contaminated soils. When supplied with 32.7 mg L^-1 Zn, plants accumulated 19 780 mg kg^-1 Zn in their shoot dry matter. This concentration declined by 9.3, 87 and 84% respectively when 5.0 mg L^-1 Pb, 1.0 mg L^-1 Cu or 2.0 mg L^-1 Cu were included in the nutrient solution. Despite the apparent adaptation of this population of T. caerulescens to a Zn/Pb/Cu-contaminated soil, these Cu treatments strongly inhibited growth, but the Pb treatment did not affect growth significantly.     

Copper Stress Alters Physiology and Deteriorates Seed Quality of Rapeseed

ABSTRACT

To observe the effects of deficiency and excess of copper (Cu) on rapeseed (Brassica napus L. cv ‘T44’), plants were raised in refined sand at variable levels of Cu (as copper sulfate): 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, 100, and 200 μM, representing a range from acute deficiency to excess. In rapeseed, excess Cu (200 μM) induced chlorosis on young leaves similar to iron (Fe) deficiency symptoms and appeared earlier (day 30) than symtoms of Cu deficiency (day 40). Foliar symptoms of Cu deficiency (0.01 μM) were initiated on young leaves as interveinal chlorosis, later leading to necrosis. The margins of the affected leaves curled inward and leaves hung down due to loss of turgor. The deficiency (< 1 μM Cu) and excess (100 and 200 μM Cu) of Cu lowered the biomass, pod, and seed yield, concentration of chlorophylls (a and b), Hill reaction activity, activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase, and increased the activity of ribonuclease and acid phosphatase in leaves. The activity of peroxidase decreased and the concentration of copper in leaves (young and old) and seeds increased with an increase in Cu from low to excess. The accumulation of Cu was greater in old than in young leaves. The seed quality of rapeseed was poor both in deficiency (< 1 μM) and excess (> 1 μM) of Cu, which was reflected in reduction in size and number of pods and seeds, oil content, concentration of protein, carbohydrate fractions (sugars and starch), protein nitrogen (N), and methionine, and increased concentration of phenols and non-protein N in seeds. The values of Cu deficiency, threshold of deficiency, threshold of toxicity, and toxicity were, respectively, 3.8, 6.6, 32, and 54 μg Cu g^?1 dry matter in young leaves and 2.2, 5.8, 20, and 28 μg Cu g^?1 dry weight in seeds of rapeseed.     

Clarification of water movement properties in a multi-soil-layering system

Maize (Zea mays L.) cv. T42 was grown in refined sand at low (0.1 μM) and normal (30 μu) concentrations of boron each under low (1 mM), normal (4 mM), and excess (8 mM) supply of calcium. Visible symptoms of boron deficiency which appeared first, were accentuated by calcium deficiency and were least evident when calcium was added in excess. The yield was maximum at normal levels of boron and calcium and was the lowest under boron and calcium deficiency.

In maize leaves when both calcium and boron were deficient together the activity of starch phosphorylase increased markedly and that of ribonuclease and polyphenol oxidase also increased. The increase in the calcium content inhibited the starch phosphorylase activity when boron was deficient. The activity of peroxidase was stimulated under boron deficiency at all levels of calcium and that of ATPase was depressed significantly when calcium was deficient alone.

A decrease in the tissue boron (except in old leaves) and tissue calcium content as well as sugar and starch contents was observed under the combined deficiency of calcium and boron.

Excess calcium at both levels of boron increased the tissue boron and calcium contents and decreased the concentration of starch, sugars, nucleic acids, total and inorganic phosphorus, and the activities of starch phosphorylase and ATPase.

The activity of ATPase increased upon the addition of calcium to plants deficient in calcium and boron respectively. The tissue concentration of the element added increased when the element was applied to calcium or boron deficient maize plants.     

Treatment of Pistachio Trees with Zinc and Copper in Time of Swollen Bud in Two Consecutive Years

This study was done to investigate the effects of foliar sprays of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on fruit set, yield, yield components, vegetative growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations of pistachio trees (cv. Owhadi), over two consecutive seasons 2010 (ON) and 2011 (OFF). Tests were done at a commercial orchard in the region of Rafsanjan in Iran. Tests were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block with four replications. Treatments tested in the study were three concentration levels of zinc sulfate (0, 1000, and 2000 mg L^?1) and two concentration levels of copper sulfate (0 and 200 mg L^?1). Results showed that Zn foliar application increased first fruit set, final fruit set, fresh yield, and dry yield. Nut weight was increased by Zn spray by 3 and 4% at the second and third levels of Zn, respectively, compared with the control. However, Cu application increased splitting and vegetative growth. Vegetative growth in the OFF year was greater than that of the ON year. Phosphorus, sodium, and Cu concentrations in leaf were greater in the ON year than in the OFF year, but concentrations of Zn and potassium in leaf were lower in the ON year than they were in the OFF year. These results show that Zn and Cu applications can affect growth and yield of pistachio, especially when the plant is grown in calcareous soils. However, the alternate bearing pattern had a significant effect on vegetative growth and some leaf nutrient concentrations.     

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.     

Short‐term relationships between membrane permeability and growth parameters in three tomato cultivars grown at low and high zinc

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in a controlled temperature (CT) room for five weeks with tomato cvs., Moneymaker, Liberto, and Calypso, to investigate possible relationships between zinc (Zn) deficiency or toxicity and electrolyte leakage in plant leaves. The concentrations of Zn in nutrient solution were 0.01, 0.5, and 5.0 mg L^?1, respectively. There were significant reductions in the dry matter and chlorophyll content of all three cultivars grown both at 0.01 (low) and 5 mg L^?1 (high) Zn compared to 0.5 mg L^?1. The concentration of Zn at 0.01 mg L^?1 was not sufficient to provide for optimal plant growth, while 5 mg L^?1 in nutrient solution was detrimental to plant growth for all three cultivars. Dry matter production was generally lowest in the plants grown at low (0.01 mg L^?1) Zn except for Moneymaker where the lowest biomass was in the high Zn treatment. Zinc concentration was increased in the leaves and roots with increasing Zn concentration in nutrient solution. Phosphorus concentration was toxic in the leaves of the plants grown at low (0.01 mg L^?1) and was deficienct at high Zn (5 mg L^?1). The electrolyte leakage (%) gradually increased in the plants grown at low and high Zn concentrations and these increases were greatest in the leaves of plants grown at low Zn (except for Moneymaker grown at high Zn where reduction in dry matter was less). The best results for all growth parameters tested were for the plants grown at 0.5 mg L^?1 Zn. The results of this short‐term experiment show that electrolyte leakage which is relatively simple and easy to measure may be a good indicator of cultivar tolerance to Zn deficiency and toxicity.     

Phosphorus and acid phosphatase enzyme activity in leaves of tomato cultivars in relation to zinc supply

Abstract

Tomato cultivars Blizzard and Liberto were grown hydroponically in a controlled temperature (C.T.) room for 35 days. The objective was to investigate the relationship between phosphorus (P) concentration and acid phosphatase enzyme [EC.3.1.3.2.] (APE) activity in leaves in relation to zinc (Zn) concentration in nutrient solution. Zinc was added at concentrations of 0.01,0.5, and 5 mg L^‐1. The 0.01 and 5 mg L^‐1 Zn treatments led to a significant reduction in dry matter and total chlorophyll content compared with 0.5 mg L^‐1 for both cultivars. Zinc concentration was considered inadequate in the leaves of plants subjected to 0.01 mg L^‐1 Zn, while it was at toxic level in those in the 5 mg L^‐1 Zn treatment according to values stated for tomato plants. Optimal results for all criteria tested in this experiment were for plants grown in 0.5 mg L^‐1 Zn treatment. In the leaves of plants grown at 0.01 mg L^‐1 Zn, APE concentrations were significantly the lowest and concentrations of P were at a toxic level. The APE activity was noticeably higher in the P‐deficient plants of both cultivars grown in the solutions with high Zn (5 mg L^‐1).     

Micronutrient status of calcareous paddy soils and rice products: implication for human health

Modern agricultural systems have to provide enough micronutrient output to meet all the nutritional needs of people. Accordingly, knowledge on micronutrient status in soil and crop edible tissues is necessary. This study was carried out to investigate zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) concentration of calcareous paddy soil and the relative rice grain. Rice crops (straw, hull, and grain) and associated surface soils (0–25 cm) were collected from 136 fields and analyzed for total and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) available Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu. The DTPA-Zn concentration in more than 50% of paddy soils was less than its critical deficiency concentration (2 mg kg⁻¹), while the concentrations of DTPA Fe, Mn, and Cu were sufficient. The grain Zn concentration of more than 54% of the rice samples was less than 20 mg kg⁻¹. About 55% and 49% of the rice samples were deficient in Mn and Cu, respectively, while the Fe concentration in rice grains was sufficient. A significant negative correlation was found between the CaCO₃ content and soil DTPA-extractable Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu. There were significant relationships between the total soil phosphorus and DTPA-extractable micronutrient concentrations. By considering the average daily rice consumption of 110 g per capita, the Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu intake from rice consumption was estimated to be 2.4, 7.7, 1.6, and 0.7 mg for adults, respectively.     

Nutritional Alleviation of Zinc-Induced Iron Deficiency in Indian Mustard and the Effects on Zinc Phytoremediation

ABSTRACT

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea Czern) is a promising species for the phytoextraction of zinc (Zn), but the effectiveness of this plant can be limited by iron (Fe) deficiency under Zn-contaminated conditions. Our objectives were to determine the effects of root-applied Fe and Zn on plant growth, accumulation of Zn in plant tissues, and development of nutrient deficiencies for B. juncea. In the experiment, B. juncea was supplied 6 levels of iron ethylenediamine dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (Fe-EDDHA; 0.625 to 10.0 mg L^?1) and two levels of Zn (2.0 and 4.0 mg L^?1) for 3 weeks in a solution-culture experiment. Nutrient solution pH decreased with decreasing supply of Fe and increasing supply of Zn in solution, indicating that B. juncea may be an Fe-efficient plant. If plants were supplied 2.0 mg Zn L^?1, plant growth was stimulated by increases in Fe supply, but plant growth was not influenced by Fe treatments if plants were supplied 4.0 mg Zn L^?1. Zinc concentration in roots and shoots was suppressed by increasing levels of Fe in solution. Leaf concentrations of Cu, Mn, and P were suppressed also as Fe supply in solutions increased. Iron additions to the nutrient solution were not effective at increasing the Zn-accumulation potential of B. juncea unless plants were supplied the higher level of Zn in solution culture. Even under these conditions, Fe additions were effective only if supplied at low levels in solution culture (1.25 mg Fe L^?1). Results suggest that Fe fertility has limited potential for enhancing Zn phytoextraction by B. juncea, even if plants suffer a suppression in growth from Fe deficiency.     

An agar nutrient solution technique as a screening tool for tolerance to zinc deficiency and iron toxicity in rice

Abstract

Studies examining iron (Fe) toxicity and zinc (Zn) deficiency in rice have shown that screening experiments in nutrient solutions are of limited use because the rankings of genotypes as tolerant or intolerant can be very different from the results obtained in field-screening experiments. A possible reason for such deviation is that crucial rhizosphere processes cannot be reproduced in nutrient solutions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of low-concentration agar nutrient solutions (ANS) as an alternative screening tool. Agar was dissolved in boiling water and mixed with nutrient solution to achieve a final agar concentration of 0.1% (w/v). Zinc deficiency was induced by supplying Zn at a low concentration (0.1 × 10^?3 µmol L^?1), while Fe toxicity was induced by supplying excess Fe²⁺ (200 mg L^?1). Three-week-old seedlings were transplanted into this medium. Symptoms of Zn deficiency and Fe toxicity developed more rapidly in ANS compared with conventional nutrient solutions (CNS). For Zn deficiency this was probably because of the development of Zn depletion zones as a result of the reduced convection in the viscous agar medium. In the case of Fe toxicity we observed far less Fe precipitation in ANS compared with CNS. Genotypic comparisons showed that the tolerance rankings obtained in ANS were very similar to the field tolerance rankings, whereas this was not the case in CNS. This was particularly evident with regard to the considerable root growth inhibition detected in intolerant genotypes when stress treatments were imposed in ANS.     

大棚菜田种植年限对土壤重金属含量及酶活性的影响

为了探讨大棚种植年限对大棚菜田土壤重金属累积、土壤酶活性的影响以及二者的关系,采集不同种植年限(0、5、10、15、20、25、30 a)大棚菜田土壤样品共140份,测定土壤样品中重金属的含量以及土壤酶活性。结果表明:大棚菜田土壤中重金属Zn、Pb、Cu的含量和种植年限极显著相关;重金属Cd、Ni、Mn的含量和种植年限显著相关;重金属Cr的含量和种植年限不相关。大棚菜田土壤中过氧化物酶、多酚氧化酶、淀粉酶活性和种植年限极显著相关,磷酸酶、蔗糖酶活性和种植年限显著相关,过氧化氢酶、脲酶、蛋白酶活性和种植年限相关性不显著。随着种植年限的延长重金属Zn、Cu含量对多酚氧化酶、过氧化物酶活性有抑制作用,其敏感性顺序为:过氧化物酶对Zn敏感性>多酚氧化酶对Zn敏感性>过氧化物酶对Cu敏感性>多酚氧化酶对Cu敏感性。土壤中过氧化物酶、多酚氧化酶可以作为重金属Zn污染的指示酶,过氧化物酶可以作为重金属Cu污染的指示酶。该文为设施污染土壤环境质量评价提供依据。     

Responses of earlirose rice to iron,zinc, and BPDS when grown on calcareous soil

Abstract

The Earlirose cultivar of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in calcareous Hacienda loam soil was extremely Fe deficient. The Fe deficiency was corrected by premixing 40 ppm Fe (as FeSO₄) into the soil before transplanting plants. The Fe deficiency appeared to be induced by high plant levels of Cu and Mn. Addition of Zn (40 ppm as ZnSO₄) intensified the Fe deficiency. The Fe addition did not overcome the effect of the Zn. BPDS (bathophenanthroline disulfonate), a chelator of Fe⁺⁺, had little effect on the results.     

Zinc Deficiency in Rainfed Wheat in Pakistan: Magnitude,Spatial Variability,Management, and Plant Analysis Diagnostic Norms

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread micronutrient disorder in crops grown in calcareous soils; therefore, we conducted a nutrient indexing of farmer‐grown rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. Pak‐81) in 1.82 Mha Potohar plateau of Pakistan by sampling up to 30 cm tall whole shoots and associated soils. The crop was Zn deficient in more than 80% of the sampled fields, and a good agreement existed between plant Zn concentration and surface soil AB‐DTPA Zn content (r=0.52; p≤0.01). Contour maps of the sampled areas, prepared by geostatistical analysis techniques and computer graphics, delineated areas of Zn deficiency and, thus, would help focus future research and development. In two field experiments on rainfed wheat grown in alkaline Zn‐deficient Typic Haplustalfs (AB‐DTPA Zn, 0.49–0.52 mg kg^?1), soil‐applied Zn increased grain yield up to 12% over control. Fertilizer requirement for near‐maximum wheat grain yield was 2.0 kg Zn ha^?1, with a VCR of 4∶1. Zinc content in mature grain was a good indicator of soil Zn availability status, and plant tissue critical Zn concentration ranges appear to be 16–20 mg kg^?1 in young whole shoots, 12–16 mg kg^?1 in flag leaves, and 20–24 mg Zn kg^?1 in mature grains.     

Retention of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by Wood Ash, Lime and Fume Dust

Heavy metals are of interest due to their deleterious impacts on both human and ecosystem health. This study investigated the effectiveness of wood ash in immobilizing the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn from aqueous solutions. The effects of initial metal concentrations, solution pH, ash dose and reaction time on metal sorption, as well as the metal sorption mechanisms were studied. To investigate the effect of initial metal concentrations, solutions containing Cd, Zn (25, 50, 75, 100 or 125 mg L^?1), Cu (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 or 175 mg L^?1) or Pb (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, or 1500 mg L^?1) were reacted with 10 g L^?1 ash for two hours. For the effect of pH, solutions containing 100 mg L^?1 of Cd, Cu or Zn or 1500 mg L^?1 of Pb were reacted with 15 g L^?1 ash over a pH range of 4 to 7. The wood ash was effective in immobilizing the four metals with a sorption range of 41–100 %. The amounts of metals retained by the ash followed the order of Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn. As expected, absolute metal retention increased with increasing initial metal concentrations, solution pH and ash dose. Metal retention by the ash exhibited a two-phase step: an initial rapid uptake of the metal followed by a period of relatively slow removal of metal from solution. Metal retention by the ash could be described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with the latter providing a better fit for the data. Dissolution of calcite /gypsum minerals and precipitation of metal carbonate/sulfate like minerals were probably responsible for metal immobilization by the ash in addition to adsorption.