Manganese availability as influenced by steam sterilization of soils
1948
Fujimoto, C.K. | Sherman, G.D.
A study of the effects of steam sterilization of soil upon plant growth and upon the availability of manganese in soils was conducted. Steam sterilization of soils increased the exchangeable manganese considerably. Cowpeas, tomatoes, and Sudan grass were planted in five soils which had a natural manganese content ranging from very low to very high. The plants were planted in both sterilized and unsterilized soils. Steam sterilization of soils resulted in significant differences in plant growth. Generally, in high-manganese soils growth was retarded and in the low-manganese soils growth was improved. In all cases, the sterilization of soils resulted in an increased uptake of manganese by the plants. When cowpeas were grown in a sterilized, high-manganese soil, the plant symptoms were identical with the plant symptoms on cowpeas grown on soil which had 1,000 pounds per acre of manganous sulfate added to the soil. The symptoms were also identical with the symptoms on cowpea plants which were sprayed with 0.5% manganous sulfate solution. The change in the manganese availability in soils is presented as a possible explanation for the improved or retarded growth of plants in steam-sterilized soils.
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