Manganese and copper interaction in barley grown on organic soils

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in NE Saskatchewan, Canada to assess the Mn and Cu nutrition of barley (Hordeum vulgare vr. Bonanza) grown on organic soils. Copper was broadcast and incorporatedand manganese was either broadcast and incrorporated, seed‐placed or applied foliarly at Feekes 10 growth stage. Maximum yields at each experimental site were obtained only when a proper balance of Mn and Cu was achieved. Further, maximum yields were associated with DTPA‐extractable (1:5 soil:extractant ratio) Mn/Cu ratios of 10–20 in the soil or 8–13 in barley tissue at Feekes 10 growth stage. The results of this study suggest that prediction of the Mn and Cu status of organic soils and the nutrition of barley grown on these soils should be based on concurrent assay of these two elements.