Micronutrient Status of Vertisols and Cambisols in two Agro - ecological zones of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.
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Date
2003-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Surface soil samples of Vertisols and Cambisols of 0-20 cm depth and leaf
samples of barely at 50%jlowering stage grown on surface soils of Vertisols and
Cambisols were collected from Adigudom and Dogua Tembien soil catenas to
study the micronutrient cations (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). DTFA at pH 7.3 was used
for determination of the micronubients. In the extracts, micronutrients were
determined with atomic absorption spectro photometer. The soil analysis
revealed that Fe, Mn and Cu were at sufficient range but Zn was deficient. The
relatively higher concentrations of Co, Mg, sand fraction, and pH are some of the
factors contribUting to Zn deficiency. Moreover, removal of surface soil by erosion
and poor land management practices enhance Zn deficiency in both study sites.
The leaf analysis indicated that of the micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn), Cu was at
deficient level. Soil pH and silt fraction had negative correlation with Cu. On the
other hand linear regression analysis indicated that there was 94% dependency
of plant Cu on soil Cu.
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Biology