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Effect of Soil pH on Element Concentration and Uptake by Maize: II. Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Al, and Fe 1
Author(s) -
Lutz J. A.,
Genter C. F.,
Hawkins G. W.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1972.00021962006400050009x
Subject(s) - loam , chemistry , subsoil , soil ph , nutrient , agronomy , micronutrient , soil water , sowing , absorption (acoustics) , biology , ecology , organic chemistry , physics , acoustics
An understanding of liming, fertilization, plant nutrition, and soil‐plant relationships requires a knowledge of the variability of element accumulation within the plant. The availability of micronutrients is related to soil pH. Except for Mo, the availability of micronutrients is believed to increase with increased acidity. Since many of the soils in the southeastern U. S. are acid, particularly the subsoil, additional information is needed on the growth, concentration, and uptake of elements by maize ( Zea mays L.) as affected by soil pH. Selected maize inbreds and single crosses were grown in the greenhouse on Greendale silt loam that had been adjusted to pH levels of 3.9, 5.1, and 6.1 with appropriate amounts of pulverized dolomitic limestone. Adequate plant nutrients were applied. Maize was harvested 36 days after planting; dried; and later analyzed for Cu, B, Zn, Mn, Mo, Al, and Fe. Entries differed significantly in concentration of each analyzed element at one or more pH levels, thus showing differential absorption of specific elements at various pH levels. Soil pH had a highly significant effect on the concentration of all elements studied except Fe. The entry × pH interactions were significant only for B and Al concentrations. Entries differed in the uptake of all elements studied. Uptake of all elements except B was affected by pH, and entry × pH interactions were significant for each of the elements considered.