Prediction of molybdenum availability to plants in differentiated soil conditions

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess of plant available molybdenum (Mo) resources in the solutions of soils as well as to evaluate the effects of selected soil properties on changes of the Mo concentration in the soil solution. Sixty-two soil samples were investigated. The soil solutions were obtained by modified vacuum displacement method. The results showed that Mo concentrations in the soil solutions were much differentiated, ranging from 0.002 to approximately 0.100 μmol/L. Positive correlations were found between soil solution Mo concentration and soil pH as well as the contents of available phosphorous and organic carbon in soil. At the same time, Mo concentration was higher in the soil solutions obtained from soils with larger amounts of soil particles with diameter lesser than 0.02 mm. Among the analysed soil parameters in this study, soil pH is the most important factor that influences the Mo concentration in soil solution. Studies have shown that in acid sandy soils the amount of molybdenum found in the soil solution is too small to cover the nutritional requirements of the plants. This indicates the need of fertilization with this element. Regular liming of soils and fertilization with phosphorus can improve the availability of molybdenum to plants.