Zinc-Phosphorus Relationship in Corn: I. The Influence of Lime and Phosphate, II. The Influence of Soil Compaction and Soil Moisture Level

Zinc deficiencies have been recognized in Nebraska since 1954. The soils most generally involved are those that have been eroded or recently leveled for irrigation. The current study was initiated to obtain more information about some of the factors affecting the zinc-phosphorus interaction. Part I of the study consists of a greenhouse experiment with lime and phosphate treatment as variables. Corn was grown on a Wabash soil that had been adjusted in pH by adding increasing increments of CaCO3. The plant material was analyzed for zinc and phosphorus to determine the effect of increasing pH on the zinc-phosphorus relationship. Part II of the study consisted of another greenhouse experiment using soil compaction, soil moisture level, and phosphate treatment as variables. Corn was grown on a leveled Tripp soil for ten weeks and subsequently was analyzed for zinc and phosphorus. Advisor: R. A. Olson