Organic acids alleviate iron chlorosis in chickpea grown on two p-fertilized soils

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to investigate the response of chickpea growing on two iron (Fe) chlorosisinducing calcareous soils, with different Fe availability, generously supplied with phosphate (P), and to evaluate the effectiveness of a mixture of organic acids (citric, oxalic and malic) to alleviate Fe chlorosis symptoms. Application of P (+P treatment) aggravated Fe deficiency irrespective of the soil. Phosphorus-induced Fe chlorosis was alleviated when organic acids were also applied to the soil (+P+OA treatment), which was reflected in increased leaf chlorophyll concentration and decreased root ferric reductase activity in the plants growing on both soils; the effect was stronger for plants grown on the soil with the lowest Fe-available content. However, Fe chlorosis was still more severe than in the control (-P treatment) plants. The need of -P treatment plants to explore soil in order to take up nutrients is reflected in their root architecture, reduced root diameter and increased length, surface and volume relative to +P and +P+OA roots. Organic acids alleviate Fe chlorosis in function of non crystalline Fe oxides content but inhibit the root response mechanisms as a consequence of increasing Fe concentration in the soil solution.

Improved Growth and Nutrition of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Plants in a Low-Fertility Calcareous Soil Treated with Plant Growth–Promoting Rhizobacteria and Fe-EDTA

“…A significant problem in calcareous soils is the unavailability of micro elements, especially Fe. The amount of soluble Fe in calcareous soils with pH > 7.5 is very low, especially for the plants sensitive to Fe deficiency, such as sorghum, fruit trees, and olives (Sánchez-Rodríguez et al 2014). After the addition of mineral Fe fertilizers to calcareous soils, the released Fe rapidly precipitates as one of the insoluble Fe oxides.…”

Relationship of soil fertility to biochemical properties under agricultural practices aimed at controlling land degradation

“…Thus, as mentioned above, other factors different from SOM may influence Fe availability. In this regard, Sánchez‐Rodríguez, Del Campillo, Torrent, and Jones () previously found P to have a negative effect on Fe availability. Consistent with this result, Fe h was negatively correlated with Olsen P here (Table ).…”

Effects of Fe-deficient conditions on Fe uptake and utilization in P-efficient soybean

“…In addition, increased Fe availability has been found in rice seedlings under P-deficient conditions (Zheng et al, 2009). The application of P aggravated chlorosis induced in chickpea by Fe deficiency, irrespective of soil type (Sánchez-Rodríguez et al, 2014a).…”