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Indigenous Soil Properties Influencing the Availability of Iron in Calcareous Soils¹

ABSTRACT

Iron chlorosis in plants is commonly associated with calcareous soils; however, soil factors other than total carbonate may also influence the plant's ability to obtain adequate Fe for growth. Twenty-four calcareous soils, which represent the expected ranges of clay, CaCO₃, Fe oxide, and organic matter contents of agronomically important soils in Texas, were sampled and examined extensively with respect to these phases along with extractable ion and soil solution composition. [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was grown under greenhouse conditions to evaluate chlorosis and Fe uptake. Although total CaCO₃ content was important in influencing availability of Fe, the quantity, mineralogy, and crystallinity of the Fe oxide phase assumed a dominant role. Clay and organic matter contents were positively correlated with plant available Fe. The influence of these phases may be attributed to stabilization of a poorly crystalline Fe oxide phase. The contents of solution phase and exchangeable Mg²⁺ were also positively correlated with the incidence of Fe chlorosis due to the influence of this ion on soil alkalinity.

¹ Contribution from the Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Texas A&M Univ., College Station, 77843, as journal series no. 19960.

² Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, Dep. of Soil & Crop Science, Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. and Texas A&M Univ., College Station, 77843.

Received for publication September 24, 1984. Accepted for publication January 7, 1985.