Differences in total iron content at various altitudes of Amazonian Andes soil in Ecuador.

Benito Mendoza,Jesus R Melendez,Nelly Guananga,Daniel A Lowy

doi:10.12688/f1000research.22411.1

Abstract

Although iron is not contained by chlorophyll, it is indispensable for plants as it plays an essential role in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. It is a component of many important plant enzyme systems, e.g. cytochrome oxidase, which is responsible for electron transport. Therefore, examining iron content of soils, particularly ionic forms of iron (Fe 2+ and Fe 3+) is important for fruit growers. In this article, we disclose the total iron content determined in soils (Hyperalic Alisol soil) at three altitudes of Amazonian rainforest in Ecuador. We examine how different altitudes impact the pH and total iron content in the selected study area. We found that total iron content significantly decreases (R2=0.966) at lower altitudes. For future studies, the authors recommend that along with Fe ion content one should determine calcium, microbial biomass, and microbial activity to better understand iron mobility and dynamics of iron uptake in the area.

Highlights

Total iron concentration of soils mainly depends on pH (Colombo et al, 2014; Jelic et al, 2010) and moisture content; and is affected by root respiration, soil microbial activity, leaching, and erosion (Spectrum Analytic, Inc. 2020)
Given that iron deficiency is a regular problem for various crops, it is essential to determine the total iron content of soils (Mengel et al, 2001), in orchards (Simon & Szilágyi, 2003)
We report the variations with altitude of the total iron content measured in intact soil in the Amazonian rainforest

Summary

Introduction

Total iron concentration of soils mainly depends on pH (Colombo et al, 2014; Jelic et al, 2010) and moisture content; and is affected by root respiration, soil microbial activity, leaching, and erosion (Spectrum Analytic, Inc. 2020). One of the most challenged part of the evaluation process in case of Brief Report or Short Communications is the Introduction. Despite it is short, I believe that it consists relevant, and up-to-date research findings of the topic (mainly 2019-2020 content). It fits in well with the manuscript theme, and establishes and complements the whole research topic.

Methods

Results

Conclusion