Why is it difficult to correct trace element deficiencies with inorganic salts?
The addition of water soluble sulphate salts of copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and iron, to correct trace element deficiencies in the soil is very inefficient and sometimes dangerous, as certain soil factors tend to have the same general effect on the availability of all of them.They are; • High rate of leaching of the sulphate salts from the soil (especially sandy soils) • All tend to be less available to the plants as the soil pH is raised (liming) • High pH-value factors the oxidation or iron, manganese and copper and they become less soluble • The application of large quantities of phosphate fertilizers adversely affect the supply of trace elements.The uptake of both iron and zinc is reduced in the presence of excess phosphate.
Related Questions
- Is there any evidence of a link between Johnes disease and trace element deficiencies, especially selenium?
- Can subclinical trace element deficiencies cause animals to be more susceptible to various endotoxins?
- Can British units trace a naval element of supply from Antwerpen without violating Dutch neutrality?
