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Conditions Affecting the Availability of Residual and Applied Manganese in the Organic Soils of the Florida Everglades¹

ABSTRACT

Manganese deficiency symptoms are quite prevalent in plants growing on the organic soils of the Florida Everglades. These experiments were conducted in order to determine the effect of soil pH, microbiological populations and sources of applied manganese upon the availability of this essential element in the soil. Greenhouse and field experiments were carried out and the results measured in terms of plant growth, yield, soil analyses and plant analyses. The organic soils show progressively decreasing amounts of available manganese as their pH values increase to 6.0, and beyond this pH they may not have the ability to supply the plant requirements either from residual or applied manganese. Soil sterilization may release large amounts of residual manganese and promote normal growth of plants. Lowering of the soil pH to values slightly below 6.0 will render the fixed manganese more available and will also reduce fixation of applied manganese. Sulfur applications to lower the soil pH have been used with considerable success in commercial plantings, and have resulted in very substantial yield increases, especially with leafy vegetables.

¹ Florida Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal series, No. 243. The experimental work was aided by a grant from Tennessee Corp. The personal interest and help of Dr. A. A. Nikitin, Director of Agricultural Research, Tennessee Corp.; in the interpretation of experimental results was of particular value during progress of the experiment. Presented before Div. IV-A, Soil Science Society of America, Dallas, Tex., Nov. 19, 1953.

² Chemist in Charge, University of Florida, Everglades Exp. Sta., Belle Glade, Fla.

Received for publication December 23, 1953.