Potassium and liming leading to Mn deficiency in soybeans

Abstract

Mn toxicity is a widespread problem in Brazilian soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) fields, and liming is the key to overcome it. The utilization of high rates of lime can eventually increase the occurrence of manganese deficiency, which is discussed in the paper. Soybean cv. Cristalina was grown in 20 l pots containing two Dark-Red Latosols, with and without lime and potassium fertilization. Potassium fertilization can eventualy decrease Mn absorption by soybean, and when associated with liming (pH 6,5) a Mn deficiency was observed in the upper third part of the plant. The deficiency was characterized as an interveinal chlorosis