Effect of steam sterilization of soil on trace metal toxicity in bush beans

Abstract

Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Improved Tender green) were grown in steam sterilized soils and in caitrol soils with and without added Ni, Cd, and Cu. The objective was to determine if steam sterilization had interaction with the availability of trace metals to plants. The increased availability of Mn and possibly Cu to plants following sterilization depressed uptake of at least Ni and resulted in yield improvement. Steam sterilization increased Mo uptake by plants.

Key words:

• Manganese
• nickel
• cadmium
• copper
• molybdenum