The availability to wheat of copper from various sources including copper superphosphate

Abstract

This study compared the availability to wheat of copper supplied as CuOSP (copper ordinary superphosphate), CuSO4.5H2O, CuO, CUEDTA and a synthetic copper phosphate similar to that occurring in commercial CuOSP. The various sources were finely ground, thoroughly mixed with the soil, and compared with an OSP treatment. Plants were harvested after 40 days and at maturity. All copper sources produced a major response relative to the OSP treatment, with copper uptake by plant tops increasing with increasing rates of application. A 12-fold difference in the water solubility of the copper sources had no effect on dry weight of plant tops and copper uptake.