Effect of steam sterilization of soil on plants susceptible to iron deficiency

Abstract

When soybeans efficient and inefficient for Fe were grown in sterilized and nonsterilized Yolo loam (pH 6) soil, the inefficient PI54619–5–1 soybean became Fe deficient because increased Mn uptake decreased Fe uptake. In efficient Hawkeye soybean, Fe was not depressed enough for Fe deficiency. The Fe inefficient YSI corn inbred was chlorotic whether or not soil was sterilized and Zn and Cu concentrations were elevated. Increased Mn did not further depress Fe. The efficient WF9 inbred was green for both soil treatments.

Key words:

• Iron deficiency
• corn
• soybeans
• iron stress
• manganese
• steam sterilization
• iron‐manganese interaction