Abstract
A study was carried out with the objective of identifying the most suitable universal extractant for determination of selected micronutrients from soils. Composite surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from Eastern Harargie Zone (Babile and Haramaya Districts), Wolaita Zone (Damot Sore, Boloso Bombe, Damot Pulasa and Humbo Districts) and Dire Dawa Administrative Council by purposive sampling. The treatments were arranged in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications at Haramaya University Soil Laboratory. The results showed that among the universal extractants examined for the determination of available Fe, Cu and Zn, the highest correlation coefficients (r = 0.95), (r = 0.99) and (r = 0.97) at (p < 0.001) were found between DTPA and AB-DTPA for available Fe, Cu and Zn, respectively. Therefore, AB-DTPA universal extractant can easily be adopted as a soil testing method for the determination of available Fe, Cu and Zn in some selected soils of Ethiopia. Similarly, the concentration of available Mn determined by DTPA method was significantly correlated with the amount determined by tested universal extractants. The highest correlation coefficients were found between DTPA and 0.01 M CaCl 2 (r = 0.90), DTPA and 0.01 M BaCl 2 (r = 0.87), DTPA and 0.02 M SrCl 2 (r = 0.86), DTPA and 0.1 M BaCl 2 (r = 0.89) and DTPA and AB-DTPA (r = 0.85). However, considering the use of universal extractant, AB-DTPA could be the most suitable universal extractant for the determination of available Mn in soils of the studied areas as well. Therefore, AB-DTPA extractant is considered to be superior and the most suitable universal extractant for determination of available Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn in soil of the studied areas. KEY WORDS : Micronutrients, Multinutrient extractant, Soil testing method, Unbuffered salts Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2015 , 29(2), 199-213. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v29i2.4
Highlights
Micronutrients are needful elements for normal growth of plants, that are needed at little amount [1]
AB-diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) extractant can be considered as suitable extractant for the determination of available Cu from soil
AB-DTPA extractant can be considered as suitable extractant for the determination of available Zn for soil of the studied areas
Summary
Micronutrients are needful elements for normal growth of plants, that are needed at little amount [1]. It is widely accepted that the behaviour of micronutrients in soils cannot be assessed by measuring only the total metal concentration. This is because of the complexity of metal ion dynamics in the soil system and the interactive role of plant and environmental factors on the whole process [2]. Soil testing is a proven diagnostic tool to estimate plant nutrient availability in soil. It is underutilized in the developing world because of lack of rapid and reliable soil testing procedures and related facilities [4]. An assessment of the nutrient status in the soil using conventional method requires a separate extraction and measurement process for most elements; this is costly process in terms of both time and labour [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
