Bragg soybeans grown on a southern coastal plain soil III. Seasonal changes in nodal Fe,Zn, and Mn concentrations

Determinate soybean [Glyclne max (L.) Merr.] has been characterized by few detailed micronutrlent partitioning studies. Knowledge of the variation in mlcronutrient concentrations with plant part, nodal position, and plant age is needed for a better understanding of plant functions. In this field study, ‘Bragg’ soybean were grown on an Aquic Paleudult soil (Series Goldsboro loamy sand). Plants were sampled at 10–14 day intervals beginning 44 days after planting (July 7) until harvest. Maximum observed Fe concentrations were 152, 276, 259, and 191 ppm for stem internodes, petioles (+ branches), leaf blades, and pods, respectively. Maximum observed Zn concentrations were 118, 91, 95, and 112 ppm for the same respective plant parts. Maximum observed Mn concentrations were 41, 73, 134, and 63 ppm for the same respective plant parts. Nodal and temporal mean concentra tlons of Fe, Zn, and Mn generally varied considerably due to plant age and nodal position, respectively, in all plant parts. These data document that for plant analysis, mean concentrations of elements in all four plant parts can vary by several fold depending upon plant age and nodal composition of the sample. Regression equations and associated response surfaces will be extremely useful in the development of accurate plant growth models which describe Fe, Zn, and Mn concentrations and translocations among parts of determinate soybean.