Effect of liming on two trace element stresses including induced iron deficiency on bean plants

Abstract

Bush bean plants were grown in Yolo loam soil with excess levels of manganese, copper, cobalt, nickel and cadmium and with combinations of manganese and the other four trace elements. Without liming, the effect of two trace elements on yield was synergistic. With liming, however, the effect for two elements tended towards protective. The line decreased the effect of all added trace elements by decreasing their uptake. The effect of the trace elements on calcium concentrations in leaves closely paralleled that of yields. A portion of the two‐element interaction was iron chlorosis which contributed to the synergism. Nickel plus Mn in nonlimed soil decreased Fe concentration of leaves most and the effect was synergistic. Liming and combined trace elements also decreased silicon concentration of leaves.

Key words:

• Additive
• synergistic
• protective
• calcium
• manganese
• copper
• cobalt
• nickel
• cadmium
• silicon