Effect of certain ions on growth and uptake of iron and zinc by barley seedlings grown on alluvial soil

Abstract

Pot experiments were conducted to study the effect of different types and concentrations of Na and Ca salts separately or in combination with either FeSO₄ or ZnSO₄ on the growth and Fe and Zn uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings grown on art alluvial soil. Dry matter yields of plants increased when the different treatments were applied. Highest dry matter yields were obtained by the addition of CaCl₂, while the lowest dry matter yields were obtained by the addition of Na₂SO₄.. Moreover, Fe uptake by barley seedlings increased by the addition of mono‐ or divalent ions to the soil. The favorable effects of mono‐ or divalent ions were nearly double with FeSO₄ treatments. The application of ZnSO₄ to the soil depressed the uptake of Fe by plants. The application of mono‐ or divalent ions enhanced Zn uptake by plants. Zinc uptake increased with applications of ZnSO₄, but decreased with applications of FeSO₄.

Key words:

• Calcium and sodium salts
• Mineral nutrition
• Hordeum vulgare