Absorption and distribution of foliar applied iron by plants

Abstract

Abstract A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the absorption and distribution of foliar applied iron to plants. Radioactive 59Fe from ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and amino acid che‐lated iron were applied to leaves of corn (Zea mays L.) Five days after the application of the radioactive 59Fe containing materials, radioactivity in different parts of corn plants were measured. Results in this study indicated that the Fe absorbed by the plants was evenly distributed between node and internode. Most of the absorbed Fe was translocated to stems and old leaves below the application point. Some radioactivities were detected in the roots. Generally, Fe applied as amino acid chelated iron was absorbed better than that applied as ferrous sulfate. Key words: Foliar ApplicationIron AbsorptionIron DistributionChelateTrace Iron