The Effect of Chloride and Lime on the Manganese Uptake by Bush Beans and Sweet Corn

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of chloride and lime on the uptake of Manganese by bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa) was investigated under field and greenhouse conditions. Lime and Cl treatments were applied in factorial combinations in both field and greenhouse experimens. Lime was applied at rates up to 3 tons/acre with Cl applied at rates up to 90 lb/acre. All treatments received blanket applications of N, P, and S.The Mn content in the trifoliate bean leaves was high enough to explain the toxicity symptoms observed. At the zero lime rate all applications of chloride resulted in Mn levels > 1,000 ppm. Increasing levels of Cl increased the level of Mn in all cases. The level of Mn at the zero Cl treatment and with added lime was below suggested toxic levels. The application of lime always reduced the Mn content.The application of KCl increased the Mn content of the sweet corn plants, whereas the application of K2SO4 or K2CO3 had no effect on the Mn content.