Screening Strategies for Improved Nutrient Uptake and Use by Plants

Abstract

When plant nutrition problems are observed in the field, one is faced with the question “What is the best and most economical way to solve this problem?” Traditionally, workers in both agronomy and horticulture have used soil amendments to correct deficiencies of macro- and micronutrients, and to correct soil pH to avoid Al or Mn toxicity. Horticulturists have had few economic limitations in solving plant nutrition problems because they work with crops with higher production costs and potential profit. Philosophically, we must recognize that some nutrients are removed from soils by cropping, and these must be replaced eventually. We can remove stored nutrients from the soil, but this reduces soil fertility. For elements such as Zn, Cu, Mn, B, and Co, addition of elemental fertilizers is both effective and inexpensive in nearly all cases. Boron, Cu, and Zn fertilization are normal horticultural management practices. Soil testing or plant analysis can identify potential microelement fertility problems and deficiencies can be avoided by timely fertilizer application. Similarly, the pH of the surface soil can be economically raised by limestone to reduce the availability of some toxic ions such as Al and Mn. This approach has been called “Change the soil”.