MICRONUTRIENTS' INFLUENCE ON ROOT GROWTH OF UPLAND RICE, COMMON BEAN, CORN, WHEAT, AND SOYBEAN

Abstract

The root is one of the most important plant organs due to its involvement in absorption of water and nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine if the application of micronutrients zinc (Zn), boron (B), and copper (Cu) could improve root growth of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), corn (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) grown on an Oxisol. Zinc application did not have a significant effect on root dry weight of corn, wheat, and soybean. However, root dry weight of upland rice was significantly improved by the application of Zn. Zinc application had a significant negative effect on dry weight of common bean root. Boron significantly improved root dry weight of common bean and wheat. However, it had a significant negative effect on root dry weight of upland rice and corn. Root dry weight of soybean was not influenced by B application. Application of copper significantly increased root dry weight of upland rice and wheat. However, root dry weight of corn and soybean was significantly reduced with the application of copper. There was no significant influence of copper fertilization on the root dry weight of common bean. The root length and shoot-root ratio varied from crop species to species under different levels of Zn, B, and Cu.