Title: A NEW HYPOTHESIS TO EXPLAIN PHOSPHORUS-INDUCED ZINC DEFICIENCIES

The phenomena known as "phosphorus-induced zinc deficiencies" are poorly understood. Conclusions drawn from research efforts designed to identify the mechanism of the phosphorus-zinc interac-tion are, in many cases, incompatible. Similarities in the data from a number of literature reports of "phosphorus-induced zinc defici-encies " have led to the development of the hypothesis that so-called "phosphorus-induced zinc deficiencies " result from the correction of phosphorus deficiencies in growth mediums which are also poten-tially zinc deficient. To test this hypothesis, corn, beans, and potatoes were grown in dithizonepurified nutrient solutions consisting of three zinc levels (0,.1356, and. 4068 p.M Zn2+) in factorial combination with four phosphorus levels (.02,.10, 1.0, and 3.0 mM P043+). Yield, and the concentration and uptake of zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, magnesium., and sulfur were measured for th