Selenium Uptake by Plants from Soils Amended with Inorganic and Organic Materials

ABSTRACT Arthur et al., 1992). Another viable strategy to supPle-Depending on its concentration and chemical form, Se functions as an essential element or potential toxicant to humans, livestock, and waterfowl. Application of seleniferous organic materials to soils may increase plant-available Se content and pose health hazards. This study assessed Se uptake by two successive plantings of canola (Brassica napus cv. Westar) and multiple clippings of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L. cv. Fawn) grown in soils (Hanford sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, thermic Typic Durixeralfs) and Panoche clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, thermic Typic Torrior-thents)] amended with 1.5 mg Se kg- ' soil as inorganic selenate (Se) or seleniferous organic materials Walla (Medicago sativa L.), Astragalus praelongus, or cattle (Bos tauris) manure] under growth chamber conditions. Tissues of canola and tall fescue accumulated much greater concentrations of Se from the inorganic Se0,2,- treatment compared to the treatments with seleniferous organic materials. Th