Molybdenum and Sulfur Interaction Effects on Growth, Yield, and Selected Chemical Constituents of Burley Tobacco
1979
Sims, J. L. | Leggett, J. E. (James Everett) | Pal, U. R.
Molybdenum accumulation by plants is decreased by high levels of SO₄²⁻ in the rooting media. This relationship is of interest since Mo is deficient in some soils, and certain fertilizers contain large amounts of SO₄²⁻. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of MoO₄²⁻and SO₄²⁻ interaction on growth, yield, and selected chemical constituents of burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), Tobacco (CV ‘Ky-14’) was grown in a field experiment during 2 years. Treatments consisted of four rates of Na₂Mo0₄ (0, 0.56, 1.12, and 2.24 kg/ha) applied annually in all combinations with four rates of SO₄²⁻ (0, 112, 224, and 448 kg/ha) to Maury silt loam soil (Typic Paleudalfs). Plant samples were taken at varying dates during one growing season for chemical measurements while cured leaf yields were measured both years. Adding Na₂Mo0₄ increased average Mo concentration of leaves over the control (about threefold), nitrate reductase activity of leaves (35%), N content of the total plant (5 to 10%), and cured leaf yields (7%). Adding SO₄²⁻ fertilizers decreased Mo concentration (33 to 5579, but increased total N content (5 to 10%) and cured leaf yields (7%). Sulfate had no effect on S concentration at any sampling date, but a trend existed for SO₄²⁻ to lower nitrate reductase activity. Significant Mo rate × SO₄²⁻ rate interactions existed for Mo concentrations, total N content, and yields of cured leaf. These interactions suggest that adding SO₄²⁻ fertilizer will have detrimental effects on plant growth, nitrate reduction, and leaf yields at low soil Mo levels but positive effects at high soil Mo levels.
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