Effectiveness of vivianite to prevent lime-induced iron deficiency in lemon trees grown on highly calcareous soil.

摘要

The short-term effectiveness of three application rates of vivianite [(Fe₃(PO₄)₂.8H₂O)] in preventing lime-induced iron (Fe) chlorosis in Eureka lemon (Citrus lemon L.) cuttings grafted on sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) was investigated and compared with the commonly applied iron ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (FeEDDHA). Treatments were suspension of vivianite injected into the soil at three rates (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g kg-1 soil), 417 mg FeEDDHA per plant, and untreated plants. Chlorophyll concentration index (CCI) of the youngest fully expanded leaves was estimated. Growth vigor and leaf Fe concentration were also measured. Vivianite, particularly at the greatest two rates, resulted in significantly greater growth vigor and leaf Fe concentration and exhibited greater CCI values compared to untreated plants similar to FeEDDHA. However, if excessive growth vigor is not favorable, the 0.5 g vivianite kg-1 soil is recommended for farmers. Vivianite is a potential environmentally safe alternative to the expensive FeEDDHA to prevent Fe chlorosis in lemon.