A.h Khoshgoftarmanesh , A Sanaei Ostovar ,
Volume 13, Issue 50 (1-2010)
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using treated industrial by-products as a zinc (Zn) source and compare their Zn availability and efficiency to ZnSO4. A greenhouse factorial experiment in a completely randomized block design was conducted with corn (Zea mays L.) in triplicates. Treatments included three Zn sources (ZnSO4, IUT-UT in size of < 1 mm and IUT-UT in size of 2-3 mm) at three rates (0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1). The results showed that Zn application both in the form of ZnSO4 and treated industrial by-products significantly (P < 0.05) increased the growth and shoot dry matter yield of corn. Shoot dry matter weight of corn in pots that had received IUTUT was higher compared to those that had received ZnSO4. The highest shoot dry matter weight was produced at the IUT-UT treatment in size of < 1 mm. Increased fertilizer rate significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced shoot and root Zn concentration. However, this increase was higher in ZnSO4 treatment as compared to the IUT-UT treatments. Application of the IUT-UT caused a significant increase in shoot Fe concentration of corn. Shoot and root Cd concentration in all experimental treatments was less than 0.02 mg kg-1. The results showed that IUT-UT can be used as a slow-release Zn fertilizer with low impurity.
