Soil manganese, its determination, and manganese toxicity in soybeans

Abstract

Two experiments were carried out in pots with a Dusky Latossol showing a 15% base saturation. In the first experiment dolomitic limestone was applied to reach 45, 60, 75 and 90% of base saturation. In the second, MnSO4 was applied in rates of 30, 60, 90 and 120 ppm, and base saturation was raised to 70%. Soybean plants cv. IAC-9 were grown up to R6, when dry matter production and manganese accumulation were evaluated. Soybean responded to liming up to 60% base saturation, as Mn availability and eventually Mn absorption were decreased to non-toxic levels. Mn applied to a reclamed soil up to 120 ppm was not enough to cause toxicity to soybean cv IAC-9. All of the chemical extractors (Ammonium Acetate, DTA, Mehlich and H2SO4) showed modification in Mn availability in soil but were not definitely related to Mn absorption and dry matter production.