scholarly journals Plant-availability of soil and fertilizer zinc in cultivated soils of Finland

1993 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-270
Author(s):  
Markku Yli-Halla

The Zn status of cultivated soils of Finland was investigated by chemical analyses and bioassays. The effect on ryegrass of different Zn fertilizers and Zn rates was studied in pot experiments and their effect on barley and timothy in field experiments. In an uncontaminated surface soil material of 72 mineral soils and 34 organogenic soils, total Zn (Zntot) was 10.3-202 mg kg-1(median 66 mg kg-1). In mineral soils, Zntot correlated positively with clay content (r = 0.81***) and in organogenic soils negatively with organic C (r = -0.53***). Zinc bound by organic matter and sesquioxides was sequentially extracted by 0.1 M K4P2O7 (Znpy) and 0.05 M oxalate at pH 2.9 (Znox), respectively. The sum Znpy + Znox, a measure of secondary Zn potentially available to plants, was 2 - 88% of Zntot and was the lowest in clay (median 5%) and highest in peat soils (median 49%). Water-soluble and exchangeable Zn consisted of0.3 - 37% (median 3%) of Zntot, the percentage being higher in acid soils, particularly in peat soils. Zinc was also extracted by 0.5 M ammonium acetate - 0,5 M acetic acid - 0.02 M Na2-EDTA at pH 4.65 (ZnAC), the method used in soil testing in Finland. The quantities of ZnAC (median 2.9 mg dm-3, range 0.6 - 29.9 mg dm-3) averaged 50% and 75% of Znpy + Znox in mineral and organogenic soils, respectively, and correlated closely with Znpy. In soil profiles, ZnAC was with few exceptions higher in the plough layer (0 - 20 cm) than in the subsoil (30 - 100 cm). In an intensive pot experiment on 107 surface soils, four crops of ryegrass took up 2 - 68% (median 26%)of Znpy + Znox. The plant-available Zn reserves were not exhausted even though in a few peat soils the Zn supply to grass decreased over time. Variation of Zn uptake was quite accurately explained by ZnAC but increasing pH had a negative impact on Zn uptake. Application of Zn (10 mg dm-3 of soil as ZnSO4 * 7 H2O) did not give rise to yield increases. In mineral soils, increase of plant Zn concentration correlated negatively with soil pH while ZnAC was of secondary importance. In those organogenic soils in which the reserves of native Zn were the most effectively utilized, plant Zn concentration also responded most strongly to applied Zn. In two 2-year field experiments, Zn application did not increase timothy or barley yields. Zinc concentration of timothy increased from 30 mg kg-1 to 33 and 36 mg kg-1 when 3 or 6 kg Zn ha-1 was applied, respectively. The efficiency of ZnSO4 * 7 H2O alone did not differ from that of a fertilizer where ZnSO4 * 7H20 was granulated with gypsum. Zinc concentration of barley grains increased by foliar sprays of Na2Zn-EDTA but only a marginal response to soil-applied Zn (4.8 or 5.4 kg ha-1 over three years) was detected in three 3-year experiments. High applications of Zn to soil (15 or 30 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 * 7H2O) were required to increase Zn concentration of barley markedly. In order to prevent undue accumulation of fertilizer Zn in soil, it is proposed that Zn fertilizer recommendations for field crops should be based on both soil pH and ZnAC. In slightly acid and neutral soils, even if poor in Zn, response of plant Zn concentration to applied Zn remains small while there is a high response in strongly acid soils.

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjib K. Behera ◽  
Arvind K. Shukla ◽  
Brahma S. Dwivedi ◽  
Brij L. Lakaria

Abstract. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread in all types of soils of world including acid soils affecting crop production and nutritional quality of edible plant parts. There is, however, limited information available regarding effects of lime and farmyard manure (FYM) addition on soil properties, phyto-available Zn by different extractants, dry matter yield, Zn concentration and uptake by maize (Zea mays L.). Green house pot experiments were carried out in two acid soils to study the effect of five levels of lime (0, 1/10 lime requirement (LR), 1/3 LR, 2/3 LR and LR), three levels of Zn concentration (0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg Zn kg−1 soil) and two levels of FYM (0 and 10 t ha−1) addition on soil pH, EC and OC content, phyto-available Zn in soil and dry matter yield, Zn concentration and uptake by maize plant grown up to 60 days. Application of lime and FYM improved soil pH. Increased level of lime application reduced Zn extracted by DTPA, Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, 0.1 N HCl and ABDTPA extractants. However, application of FYM along with lime improved Zn extraction. The amount of Zn extracted by different extractants followed the order DTPA-Zn < ABDTPA-Zn < Mehlich-1 Zn < 0.1 M HCl. Lime rate of 1/3rd LR was found to be optimum as dry matter yield of maize increased significantly with lime application up to 1/3rd LR in soils of both the series and decreased subsequently. Addition of FYM with and without lime increased dry matter yield. Application of Zn up to 5.0 mg kg−1 to soil increased dry matter yield with and without FYM application in soils of Hariharapur series. Addition of higher doses of lime significantly reduced Zn concentration in maize crop grown in soils of both the series. Mean Zn uptake values were at par for no lime, 1/10th LR and 1/3rd LR with and without FYM application and it was significantly higher than Zn uptake by 2/3rd LR and LR treatments. However, FYM application improved Zn uptake by maize crop. Zn extracted by different extractants like DTPA, ABDTPA, Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3 and 0.1 M HCl was positively and significantly correlated amongst themselves and with dry matter yield, Zn concentration and Zn uptake by maize.


1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. RICE ◽  
D. C. PENNEY ◽  
M. NYBORG

The effects of soil acidity on nitrogen fixation by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were investigated in field experiments at 28 locations, and in greenhouse experiments using soils from these locations. The pH of the soils (limed and unlimed) varied from 4.5 to 7.2. Rhizobia populations in the soil, nodulation, and relative forage yields (yield without N/yield with N) were measured in both the field and greenhouse experiments. Rhizobium meliloti numbers, nodulation scores, and relative yields of alfalfa decreased sharply as the pH of the soils decreased below 6.0. For soils with pH 6.0 or greater, there was very little effect of pH on any of the above factors for alfalfa. Soil pH in the range studied had no effect on nodulation scores and relative yields of red clover. However, R. trifolii numbers were reduced when the pH of the soil was less than 4.9. These results demonstrate that hydrogen ion concentration is an important factor limiting alfalfa growth on acid soils of Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, but it is less important for red clover. This supports the continued use of measurements of soil pH, as well as plant-available Al and Mn for predicting crop response to lime.


1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. PENNEY ◽  
M. NYBORG ◽  
P. B. HOYT ◽  
W. A. RICE ◽  
B. SIEMENS ◽  
...  

The amount of cultivated acid soil in Alberta and northeastern British Columbia was estimated from pH values of farm samples analyzed by the Alberta Soil Testing Laboratory, and the effect of soil acidity on crops was assessed from field experiments on 28 typical acid soils. The field experiments consisted of two cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and one cultivar each of rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) grown with and without lime for 2 yr. There are about 30,000 ha of soils with a pH of 5.0 or less where soil acidity seriously restricts yields of all four crop species. There are approximately 300,000 ha with a soil pH of 5.1–5.5 where liming will on the average increase yields of alfalfa by 100%, yields of barley by 10–15%, and yields of rapeseed and red clover by 5–10%. There are a further 1,600,000 ha where soil pH ranges from 5.6 to 6.0 and liming will increase yields of alfalfa by approximately 50% and yields of barley, rapeseed and red clover by at least 4–5%.


Soil Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. Scanlan ◽  
Ross F. Brennan ◽  
Mario F. D'Antuono ◽  
Gavin A. Sarre

Interactions between soil pH and phosphorus (P) for plant growth have been widely reported; however, most studies have been based on pasture species, and the agronomic importance of this interaction for acid-tolerant wheat in soils with near-sufficient levels of fertility is unclear. We conducted field experiments with wheat at two sites with acid soils where lime treatments that had been applied in the 6 years preceding the experiments caused significant changes to soil pH, extractable aluminium (Al), soil nutrients and exchangeable cations. Soil pH(CaCl2) at 0–10cm was 4.7 without lime and 6.2 with lime at Merredin, and 4.7 without lime and 6.5 with lime at Wongan Hills. A significant lime×P interaction (P<0.05) for grain yield was observed at both sites. At Merredin, this interaction was negative, i.e. the combined effect of soil pH and P was less than their additive effect; the difference between the dose–response curves without lime and with lime was greatest at 0kgPha–1 and the curves converged at 32kgPha–1. At Wongan Hills, the interaction was positive (combined effect greater than the additive effect), and lime application reduced grain yield. The lime×P interactions observed are agronomically important because different fertiliser P levels were required to maximise grain yield. A lime-induced reduction in Al phytotoxicity was the dominant mechanism for this interaction at Merredin. The negative grain yield response to lime at Wongan Hills was attributed to a combination of marginal soil potassium (K) supply and lime-induced reduction in soil K availability.


1956 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Cooke

The results of over 400 field experiments testing different kinds of phosphate fertilizers are summarized and are discussed with special reference to the reactions of the soils used. The classifications were:‘very acid’ soils—pH below 5·5, ‘acid soils’— pH 5·6 to 6·5, neutral soils—pH over 6·5. All comparisons are made in terms of fertilizers supplying the same amounts of total phosphorus.In war-time experiments Gafsa and Morocco rock phosphates were about two-thirds as efficient as superphosphate for swedes and turnips grown on very acid soils. In 1951–3 experiments on very acid and acid soils Gafsa phosphate was practically equivalent to superphosphate for swedes, but for potatoes it was as effective as only one-third as much phosphorus supplied as superphosphate; on neutral soils Gafsa phosphate was useless. For establishing grassland on acid soils Gafsa and Morocco phosphate were equivalent to about onethird as much phosphorus supplied as high-soluble basic slag. Rock phosphates were somewhat more effective for promoting growth of established grassland but they remained inferior to high-soluble basic slags and to superphosphate. Curacao rock phosphate was roughly equivalent to Gafsa phosphate for swedes and grass. Florida pebble phosphate was much less effective and was judged unsuitable for direct application. Mixtures of rock phosphate with superphosphate were not more efficient than equivalent amounts of the separate components used correctly.Silicophosphate was practically as effective as superphosphate for swedes grown on very acid and acid soils; it was less efficient on neutral soils. For potatoes silicophosphate was nearly as effective as superphosphate on very acid soils; it was much less efficient on acid and neutral soils. Silicophosphate was roughly equivalent to high-soluble basic slag for grassland.Mixtures of superphosphate with lime, serpentine, and low-grade basic slag were prepared, most of the water-soluble phosphorus being converted to insoluble forms. In experiments on swedes and potatoes these basic superphosphates were not superior to untreated superphosphate. For establishing grassland on very acid soils, the mixtures were slightly superior to ordinary superphosphate.Dicalcium phosphate was practically equivalent to superphosphate for swedes on all groups of soils. For potatoes dicalcium phosphate was more efficient than superphosphate on very acid soils, on less acid and neutral soils it was inferior to superphosphate.


1971 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Siman ◽  
FW Crodock ◽  
PJ Nicholls ◽  
HC Kirton

The effects of increasing rates of lime and ammonium sulphate on French beans were studied on an acid red basaltic soil (pH 4.5-4.8), rich in manganese, on the north coast of New South Wales. Addition of lime resulted in an increased plant yield, a higher soil pH, and a marked reduction in available soil manganese and plant manganese. Applications of 2 or more tons lime per acre corrected manganese toxicity. Ammonium sulphate applications acidified the soil, increased manganese levels in both soil and plant tissue, and increased the frequency of manganese toxicity symptoms at less than 2 tons lime per acre. At pH 4.7-4.8, exchangeable and water-soluble manganese levels were sensitive to slight changes in reaction. Changes in pH between 5.2 and 6.0 caused only slight alterations in manganese levels in soil and plants. Two tons lime per acre reduced the level of manganese in the soil to about half that in the untreated soil, whereas 3 tons lime was necessary to halve the level of manganese in plants. Close linear relationships were found between rates of lime application and pH, between exchangeable and water-soluble manganese, and between both water-soluble and exchangeable soil manganese and plant manganese. Hyperbolic relationships were found between lime and manganese in soil and plants and also between pH and manganese fractions. Toxic levels of manganese in soil and leaves varied seasonally and yearly, and symptoms usually appeared when the manganese content of the first mature leaves was greater than 600 p.p.m. in the winter crop. Symptoms were more closely related to high levels of plant manganese than to soil manganese. The results of this trial indicate that soil and plant analyses are useful for predicting manganese toxicity in acid soils.


1978 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. NYBORG ◽  
P. B. HOYT

Forty acid surface soils of pH 4.0–5.6 were incubated with and without lime, and the amounts of N that were mineralized or nitrified were statistically compared with several soil acidity characteristics. In addition, three field experiments were used to find the effect of liming on N mineralization. There was no relation between the amounts of mineral N released per unit of organic N in 120 days of incubation and soil pH, base saturation or soluble Fe, Al or Mn. Despite this, liming the soils to about pH 6.7 approximately doubled the amounts of N mineralized during incubation. In the field experiments, lime increased uptake of soil N by 15–42 kg/ha in the 1st yr but only 7–10 kg/ha in the 3rd yr. Thus these laboratory and field experiments indicate that soil acidity does not restrict mineralization of organic N and although liming increases mineralization of N, it is generally a temporary effect. Nitrification in the 40 incubated soils occurred much more rapidly in cultivated soils than in virgin soils. For both the virgin and cultivated soils, nitrification decreased with decreasing soil pH. However, nitrification was not statistically related to base saturation or soluble Fe, Al or Mn. Liming established good nitrification in most of the soils and this effect did not diminish with time.


1953 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. F. Birch

The inverse relationship described in an earlier publication between phosphate response and the degree of base saturation has been confirmed with three further groups of field experiments. As an alternative to the degree of base saturation soil pH may be employed.The discrepancies sometimes found with the more acid base-unsaturated soils, between actual phosphate responses and those expected from the degree of base saturation were found to be related to the control yields. In general, the higher the control yield on a distinctly acid soil the more the percentage response to phosphate fell short of that expected, and vice versa. By forming multiple regressions of percentage phosphate response on both control yield and the percentage saturation of the B.E.C. a more accurate assessment of phosphate response is possible than by using the simple regression of response on the percentage saturation of the B.E.C. A measurable soil characteristic that could be used in the multiple regressions instead of the control yield was not found.Very significant and inverse relationships were established between percentage phosphate response and the amount of water-soluble or citric acidsoluble silica. These silica contents were also found to be significantly and directly related to the percentage saturation of the B.E.C. It appears that measurements of pH, silica and base saturation function similarly in classifying the soils, distinguishing between the almost neutral soils retaining phosphate in an available form associated with exchangeable bases, acid soils with relatively unavailable phosphate associated with iron and aluminium compounds, and soils intermediate between these.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 599-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. H. NEILSEN ◽  
P. B. HOYT

Little residual increase in leaf Zn concentration was measured after spray application of ZnSO4 at silver tip or postharvest or after sprays of Zn50 or chelated Zn at tight cluster in a series of multi-year field experiments in three Delicious apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards. In contrast, Zn applied to the soil surface or within peat plugs inserted in the soil increased leaf Zn although sometimes to toxic concentrations in a different orchard comparing foliar- and soil-applied Zn.Key words: Apple, Zn deficiency, leaf Zn


1967 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. B. MacLeod ◽  
L. P. Jackson

The concentration of water-soluble and exchangeable aluminum was determined in the 0–15-, 15–23-, 23–30- and 30–45-cm depths of a Podzol limed to provide surface soil pH values ranging from 4.5 to 7.2. Both soluble and exchangeable Al decreased with increasing soil pH. Soluble Al ranged from 5.7 ppm at pH 4.4 with high fertilization to 0.3 ppm at pH 6.5 with similar fertilization. Increasing the rate of fertilization at pH 4.5 raised the soluble Al from 2.6 to 5.7 ppm. Fertilization still doubled the soluble Al in soil at pH 5.1 but had little effect as the pH was raised further to 5.8 and 6.5. Soluble Al in the subsoil samples was less than in surface soil samples at the same pH, while with exchangeable Al, the concentration was greater in the subsoil than in the surface soil samples.There was not a direct relationship between pH and soluble Al, although the highest soluble Al concentrations occurred at lowest soil pH levels. Analyses of 30 representative samples of surface soil taken from farmers' fields showed that the soluble Al concentration at pH 4.0 ranged from 3.5 to 4.8 ppm, while at a pH of 5.0 it ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 ppm. The concentrations of soluble Al in many of these soils exceeded the levels previously shown by nutrient solution experiments to severely restrict growth of legumes and some varieties of barley.


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