The effect of gyttja application on growth of wheat and concentrations of boron and zinc in shoot under greenhouse conditions

It is well-documented that most of the soils in Turkey possesses Zn deficiency and in some regions (especially in Central Anatolia) B toxicity. Existence of the Zn deficiency and B toxicity in soils results in severe reduction in crop production, especially production of cereals. Low levels of organic matter in soils has been considered as a major reason for widespread occurrence of Zn deficiency and also B toxicity. Greenhouse experiments were carried out to study the effects of Gyttja material, which is highly rich in organic matter (nearly 50 %), on shoot dry weight and Zn and B concentration in shoots of wheat when grown in Zn-deficient and B-toxic soils. Experiments were conducted using various treatments of Gyttja (0.0 %, 1.0 %, 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 10.0 % and 20.0 %), Zn (0 and 5 mg Zn kg"1 soil) and B (0, 25 and 50 mg B kg"1 soil). The results in greenhouse experiments showed that the application of Gyttja in B- toxic and Zn-deficient soil enhanced shoot dry weight by 25-97 % depending on levels of Gyttja, while in Zn deficient soils the effect of Gyttja was not significant. Increases in shoot dry weight and grain yield by Gyttja application were found to be related to reduced levels of B concentration and also partially, increased levels of Zn concentration in shoots. The results indicate that to improve wheat production in soils with B toxicity and Zn deficiency Gyttja can successfully be applied into soils.Keywords : Gyttja, Boron Toxicity, Zinc Deficiency, Wheat II