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Molybdenum and Sulfur Interaction Effects on Growth, Yield, and Selected Chemical Constituents of Burley Tobacco 1
Author(s) -
Sims J. L.,
Leggett J. E.,
Pal U. R.
Publication year - 1979
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/agronj1979.00021962007100010018x
Subject(s) - nitrate reductase , loam , chemistry , sulfur , nitrogen , yield (engineering) , sulfate , molybdenum , horticulture , nicotiana tabacum , soil water , fertilizer , nitrate , agronomy , field experiment , curing of tobacco , growing season , biology , inorganic chemistry , ecology , biochemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , gene , metallurgy
Molybdenum accumulation by plants is decreased by high levels of SO 4 2‐ in the rooting media. This relationship is of interest since Mo is deficient in some soils, and certain fertilizers contain large amounts of SO 4 2‐ . The present study was conducted to determine the effect of MoO 4 2‐ and SO 4 2‐ interaction on growth, yield, and selected chemical constituents of burley tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.), Tobacco (CV ‘Ky‐14’) was grown in a field experiment during 2 years. Treatments consisted of four rates of Na 2 Mo0 4 (0, 0.56, 1.12, and 2.24 kg/ha) applied annually in all combinations with four rates of SO 4 2‐ (0, 112, 224, and 448 kg/ha) to Maury silt loam soil (Typic Paleudalfs). Plant samples were taken at varying dates during one growing season for chemical measurements while cured leaf yields were measured both years. Adding Na 2 Mo0 4 increased average Mo concentration of leaves over the control (about threefold), nitrate reductase activity of leaves (35%), N content of the total plant (5 to 10%), and cured leaf yields (7%). Adding SO 4 2‐ fertilizers decreased Mo concentration (33 to 55%, but increased total N content (5 to 10%) and cured leaf yields (7%). Sulfate had no effect on S concentration at any sampling date, but a trend existed for SO 4 2‐ to lower nitrate reductase activity. Significant Mo rate × SO 4 2‐ rate interactions existed for Mo concentrations, total N content, and yields of cured leaf. These interactions suggest that adding SO 4 2‐ fertilizer will have detrimental effects on plant growth, nitrate reduction, and leaf yields at low soil Mo levels but positive effects at high soil Mo levels.