Boron and zinc deficiencies and toxicities and their interactions with other nutrients in soybean roots, leaves, and seeds

Abstract

In many parts of the world, soils deficient and/or toxic in micronutrients reduce potential soybean (Glycine max) yields. The objective of our study was to grow plants in low to high concentrations of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) to determine how B and Zn deficiencies and toxicities affect soybean growth and interact with other essential nutrients in roots, leaves, and seeds. We found that B significantly affected levels of all essential nutrients except manganese and iron, while Zn significantly affected all essential nutrients in at least one plant tissue tested. Some of the physiological responses and nutrient interactions were cultivar-dependent. This study showed how deficiencies and toxicities of B and Zn affect plant growth and how B and Zn fertility interacts with many of the other essential nutrients.

Keywords:

• boron
• micronutrient stress
• nutrient interactions
• soybean
• zinc

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the help of Drs. Charles Bowen, James Haudenshield, and Doris Lagos-Kutz, and to Theresa Herman, Curt Hill, and Jessica Stewart for their help in developing this study.