A. Ronaghi, E. Adhami, N.a. Karimian,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
Micronutrients availability including that of Zn is critical for optimum growth of plants. Zinc availability in calcareous soils of Iran is relatively low due to the presence of a large amount of CaCO3 and high pH levels. Overapplication of phosphorus to soils may also cause P-induced Zn deficiency. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus and zinc application on the growth and chemical composition of corn (Zea mays L.) under greenhouse conditions. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of 5 levels of P (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg P/g soil as KH2PO4) and 3 levels of Zn (0, 5 and 10 µg Zn/g soil as ZnSO4. 7H2O) in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. Plants were allowed to grow for 60 days and then cut at the soil surface.
Results showed that P and Zn applications increased top dry weight. Applied P increased P concentration and total uptake in plants, but decreased Zn concentration and had no effect on Zn uptake. Zinc application decreased P concentration of com but increased Zn uptake and concentration. The P: Zn ratio in plants increased with P application but decreased with Zn addition. Application of P and Zn increased Fe concentration in plant but decreased Mn concentration and had no effect on Cu concentration. Prior to making any fertilizer recommendations, more research is required to precisely evaluate the response of com to P and Zn applications under field conditions.
A. Ronaghi, M. R. Chakerolhosseini, N. Karimian,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) are essential nutrients for plants. Iron availability is low in calcareous soils of Iran due to the excessive amounts of CaCO3 and high pH. Overfertilization of P fertilizers may also decrease Fe availability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of P and Fe on the growth and chemical composition of corn (Zea mays L.) under greenhouse conditions. Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of P rates (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg kg-1 as KH2PO4) and Fe rates (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg-1 as Fe EDDHA) in a completely randomized design with four replications. Plants were grown for 8 weeks in a loamy soil, calssified as Chitgar series (fine-loamy, carbonatic, thermic, Typic Calcixerepts). Results showd that P application up to 80 mg kg-1 increased corn top dry matter. Corn P concentration and total uptake increased by P application but decreased by Fe application. Application of Fe up to 5 mg kg-1 increased dry matter but decreased it at higher rates. Concentration and total uptake of Fe increased by Fe application but decreased by P application. Zinc and copper concentrations decresed significantly when P was added. Manganese concentration increased at 40 mg P kg-1 but decreased at higher rates. Iron application decreased zinc and manganese concentrations but had no effect on copper.
