Interaction of soil zinc, calcium, and pH with zinc toxicity in peanuts

Zinc (Zn) toxicity can be fatal to peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.) grown on high Zn soils, especially those with low pH values. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of soil pH and soil Zn levels on Zn toxicity of peanuts and to predict the presence of Zn toxicity based on leaf o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inDevelopments in plant and soil sciences Vol. 45; pp. 339 - 347
Main Authors Davis-Carter, J.G, Parker, M.B, Gaines, T.P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 1991
Subjects
Arachis hypogaea
calcium
soil pH
toxicity
zinc
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Summary:Zinc (Zn) toxicity can be fatal to peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.) grown on high Zn soils, especially those with low pH values. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of soil pH and soil Zn levels on Zn toxicity of peanuts and to predict the presence of Zn toxicity based on leaf or soil data. A greenhouse study was conducted with F̀lorunner' peanuts using four soils of varying textures. Dolomitic limestone was applied to establish four pH levels ranging from 4.5-7.0 among soils. Zinc sulfate was applied at rates of 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg Zn per kg soil. Lime and zinc treatments were made to all soils in factorial combinations. Leaf and soil samples were taken periodically. Leaf Zn increased with increased soil Zn rates, but leaf Zn declined with increased pH levels. Leaf calcium (Ca) was reduced by soil Zn application in some cases. Leaf Zn and leaf Ca were both significantly correlated with the presence of Zn toxicity symptoms. When soil pH or soil Ca was included in models with soil Zn to predict leaf Zn from soil Zn, R-square values increased dramatically. A table was developed for the determination of target pH levels that should be reached in soils with specific soil Zn concentrations to avoid Zn toxicity problems.
ISSN:0167-840X