Iron‐Manganese Interaction in Chickpea as Affected by Foliar and Soil Application of Iron in a Calcareous Soil

Abstract

Soil application of inorganic source of iron (Fe) is not effective in correction of Fe deficiency in calcareous soils. The chelate form of Fe is, therefore, used for that purpose. Application of Fe‐chelate, however, may reduce crop yields due to the reduction of some nutrients availability including manganese (Mn). A greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design to study the effect of Fe and Mn on the dry matter yield (DMY), interaction of Fe‐Mn, and concentration and uptake of other nutrients in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. var. Pars). Treatments consisted of three Mn levels as Mn SO4·4H2O and four Fe levels (Foliar and soil application of FeSO4·7H2O and Fe‐EDDHA, respectively). Results showed that both foliar and soil application of Fe decreased mean shoot DMY, but Mn addition had no significant effect. Foliar application of Fe and addition of Mn increased mean shoot Fe concentration and uptake. Soil application of Fe and Mn increased mean shoot copper (Cu) concentration and uptake. Mean shoot zinc (Zn) concentration or uptake was not affected by Fe or Mn. These results showed that the suppressing effect of Fe on plant Mn concentration was not due to the reduction in root: shoot ratio, dilution effect, Fe toxicity or reduction in Mn uptake by root. Therefore, it may be concluded that the antagonistic effect of Fe on the translocation of Mn from root to shoot is the main reason for reduction in shoot Mn concentration in chickpea.