Cooper and zinc availability in inorganic fertilizers

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to provide technological information for the development of micronutrient fertilizer analysis methods. It will be compared the official methodology of MAPA for fertilizers containing Cu and Zn with USEPA's method (total) and availability using several extractants (water, hot water, DTPA, EDTA, H2SO4, HCl, buffer solution pH 6,0 and acetic acid). The laboratory results will be correlated with uptake of Cu and Zn by maize and wheat cropped in two field experiments during two years. Plant availability and residual effects of different Cu and Zn fertilizers will be assessed, providing information in order to select appropriate availability tests for fertilizers containing Zn and Cu. Besides this, environmental safety of fertilizers with Cu and Zn concerning with heavy metals contents will be assessed. (AU)