Abstract
Assessing the effects of soil and foliar application of Zn on plant growth and P and Zn uptake by wheat (Triticum durum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) grown on calcareous soils. Plants were pot-grown in fertile soil (Vertisol) and a less fertile one (Inceptisol). Six Zn treatments were compared: control (no Zn application), soil Zn application (3 mg Zn kg−1), and foliar Zn application (~ 1.0 mg Zn plant−1) to plants at different phenological stages, with one treatment involving splitting the total amount of Zn supplied between two stages. Soil treatment and early foliar spraying reduced P uptake and translocation to edible parts in wheat and maize plants. Soil application increased the Zn content of wheat grains and maize ears relative to the foliar application. Soil application and foliar spraying at stem elongation or flowering in wheat led to the greatest increase in grain Zn content (up to 69%) and use efficiency, and also to the lowest grain P/Zn ratio (especially in the Vertisol). All Zn treatments increased maize ear biomass relative to the control plants in both the Vertisol (138–227%) and the Inceptisol (27–41%). Splitting the application of Zn to wheat leaves was inefficient but maximized maize biomass production in both soils. Wheat and maize responded differently in terms of crop production and quality to soil and foliar Zn treatments, the response being soil-dependent. Fertilization strategies for cereals on calcareous soils should consider the P and Zn interaction (soil and plant levels).
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Acknowledgements
The authors appreciate the help and knowledge provided by Juan Manuel Delgado and José María Mendez, two technicians from the Soil Science Unit of the University of Córdoba.
Funding
This work was co-funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund [Projects AGL2014-57835-C2-2-R and AGL2017-87074-C2-2-R]. Additional funding was received from the Spanish State Research Agency of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, through the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Programs for Centers and Units of Excellence in R&D (Ref. CEX2019-000968-M).
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González-Caballo, P., Barrón, V., Torrent, J. et al. Wheat and Maize Grown on Two Contrasting Zinc-deficient Calcareous Soils Respond Differently to Soil and Foliar Application of Zinc. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 22, 1718–1731 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-022-00766-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-022-00766-3