Copper, Fe, Mn, and Zn are essential plant micronutrients of similar ionic radii and geochemical behaviors during soil formation. These elements are required for several key enzyme catalyzed reactions in biological systems. Copper is a very important element found in terrestrial systems. Although, it is a high-priority pollutant on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's assessment lists, its deficiency in soils affects grain, seed, and fruit formation. Iron is required in high amounts for nodule formation in legumes. Manganese activates several enzymes in reactions leading to the biosynthesis of such aromatic amino acids as tyrosine. Zinc is an integral component of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis. This study was designed to: (i) compare the proposed Lancaster soil test to DTPA and Mehlich III soil tests for extractable Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in Alabama soils and (ii) explore the relationship between the distribution of these micronutrients with certain soil forming factors and soil characteristics.
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See more of The ASA Southern Regional Branch (June 19-21, 2005)