Abstract
Solute fate in soil-plant continuum could either be soil or leaf uptake or leaching beyond the rooting zone. An adsorption coefficient (KD) is an important chemical property to describe the interaction between the solute and soil, affecting the solute movement in soils from one point to another. Boron (B), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) uptake are evident in the leaves as a constituent of photosynthesis and other plant body-building mechanisms for growth and development. This study investigates the availability of micronutrients (B, Mn, and Zn) to citrus trees through modified application methods and rates. Leaf samples were collected from experimental plots arranged in a randomized complete block design, with 4 micronutrient treatments: control, foliar ×1, foliar ×2, and soil ×1. Boron, Mn, and Zn rates were 1.12, 10.08, and 5.60 kg ha−1, respectively. Composite soil samples were randomly collected at 5 points, and a 1-point adsorption study was conducted in 4 soil depths at an increment of 15 cm from the soil surface. Adsorption coefficient (KD) for Mn and B was 22 and 3 times higher at 0–15 cm than at soil depth of 15–60 cm. The adsorption coefficient (KD) for Zn was 2.5 times greater at 0–15 cm than 15–30 cm soil depth, while there was little or no sorption at 30–60 cm. Leaf Mn and Zn concentrations showed that foliar spray was 2 times higher than the soil application method, while B showed that the soil application method was 2 times higher than foliar application method for 2 seasons sampling events. Thus, the behavior of B, Mn, and Zn in the soil via adsorption coefficient (KD) reflects the availability of B, Mn, and Zn in the citrus leaves.
Highlights
IntroductionSoils are sinks of elemental plant nutrients and sorption is one of the nutrient fates in their environmental cycles [1]
Micronutrients are key elements that plants require in minute quantity for their growth does not imply that their role is minor, but their absence can cause a severe reduction in yield [4]
The soil treatment was applied within 45 cm of the tree radius, while the foliar treatment was applied as foliar sprays
Summary
Soils are sinks of elemental plant nutrients and sorption is one of the nutrient fates in their environmental cycles [1]. Micronutrients are key elements that plants require in minute quantity for their growth does not imply that their role is minor, but their absence can cause a severe reduction in yield [4]. They play vital roles in metabolic and cellular processes and functions, but the level of micronutrients required by plants differs from one specie to another [5]. They are protein constituents and are redox-active ions, which is the foundation for their occurrence as catalytically active cofactors in enzymes [5]. The aim of this study was to (1) determine the adsorption, distribution, and availability of micronutrients in sandy soil; (2) compare the effectiveness of foliar and soil application method of B, Mn, and Zn on citrus trees; (3) compare foliar application rates of B, Mn, and Zn for citrus trees
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