Micronutrient Soil-Test Levels and Eucalyptus Foliar Contents

Eucalyptus is the most widely planted forest species in Brazil (3.4 million hectares). Ongoing rotations and high yields lead to the occurrence of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) deficiency symptoms. The objectives of this work were to identify the most appropriate extractant for evaluating micronutrient availability in commercial Eucalyptus plantations and to evaluate the influence of soil properties on Eucalyptus foliar micronutrient contents. Soil micronutrient contents were extracted by Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3 extracted the greatest amounts for all micronutrients analyzed. Foliar Cu, Mn, and Zn contents showed significant and positive relationships with soil Cu, Mn, and Zn contents extracted by the three solutions. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil clay content, and soil pH improved significantly the power of regression models in estimating foliar micronutrient contents. The improvement was greater for Mehlich 3 and DTPA extractants than for Mehlich 1.