Soil and plant analysis for the prediction of copper deficiency in wheat

1987

Research organisatons

Trial details

Researcher(s) NS Badawy
RB Dickmann
GW Whipp
Year(s) 1987
Contributor South Australian Research and Development Institute
Trial location(s) Casterton, VIC
Further information View external link
Soil and plant analysis for the prediction of copper deficiency in wheat locations
Aims

To test the usefulness of some soil and plant tests to predict copper disorders for areas of SW Victoria.

Key messages
  • Five representative commercial wheat farm sites with a history of no copper application were selected on each of five main soil types in the Hamilton district.
  • Four treatments (replicated 4 times) were established; Nil and 75 q of foliar copper applied at Z (Zadox’s growth stage) 23 , 41 and 23 + 41.
  • Composite Al and A2 horizon soil samples from each site were analysed for EDTA (0.75%,1:5 soil; extract, l hour) extractable copper. Youngest fully emerged leaf and Whole plant samples were taken at growth stages Z21, 23 and 41 and analysed for total copper.
  • Yield response (pooled data) was significantly related to copper level in the Al and A2 horizon, however variance accounted for improved to 20% when mean A horizon copper was used.
  • Three plant Cu measurements were significantly related to Yield Response.
  • Variance accounted for improved for earlier YL samples and later WP samples.
  • Low Variance accounted for % were possibly due to climatic and soil variation across sites.
  • Soil variation influences extraction efficiency and climatic variation influences growth pattern and nutrient redistribution Z21 plant Cu levels were significantly related to Z23 and 41 levels. Z21 sampling could thus give farmers a timely indication of Cu levels during later, critical growth phases.
  • This experiment has shown that while soil and plant copper levels are related to yield response, they alone give a limited indication of the presence of copper deficiency in wheat.
  • Yield response is most closely related to whole Plant Z41 and mean copper level in the A horizon.
  • Early sampling may give advanced warning of copper deficiency.
Lead research organisation N/A
Host research organisation Agriculture Victoria
Related program More Profit from Crop Nutrition
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Not specified

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Timing
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Casterton 1987

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication 4
Fertiliser

Four treatments were established; Nil and 75 q of foliar copper applied at Z (Zadox growth stage) 23 , 41 and 23 + 41

Other trial notes

Robson A and Reuter D (1981) 'Copper in soils and plants.' (Academic Press)

Trial report and links


No trial reports or attachments found


Trial last modified: 09-10-2019 09:50am AEST