The effect of priming application of zinc aminochelate and ZnSO4 fertilizer on the chemical forms of zinc in the soil solution phase and its correlation with zinc concentration in sunflower

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Professor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

5 Assistant Professor., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Disordered plant zinc (Zn) uptake is a common nutritional stress in calcareous soils. Adopting modern fertilization techniques is essential to increase plant Zn uptake, fortification and supply more Zn in the human food chain. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of seed priming with zinc aminochelates on the zinc concentration in sunflower seeds and to determine the different chemical forms of zinc in the soil solution. The study was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the cultivation period from winter 2021 to spring 2022 at the research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The experimental treatments consisted of seed priming with solutions containing a 2% zinc concentration from zinc glycine [Zn(Gly)₂] and zinc methionine [Zn(Met)₂] aminochelates (2%), ZnSO₄ (2%) fertilizer, and a control treatment (without priming). Visual MINTEQ geochemical software was utilized to determine the dominant Zn species in the soil solution phase. The results revealed that seed priming with Zn aminochlates, especially [Zn(Met)₂], significantly reduced soil pH and significantly increased DOC (41.8%), soil soluble Zn (46.9%), soil available Zn (30.3%), and Zn concentrations in both leaves (65.7%) and seeds (8.18%) compared to the ZnSO₄ treatment. Seed priming with Zn aminochelates and ZnSO4 fertilizer significantly affected the distribution percentage of Zn chemical species in the soil solution. The highest increase in concentration of free Zn (Zn2+), Zn bound to dissolved organic matter (Zn-DOM), and ZnSO4 species as the dominant Zn species in the soil solution phase was obtained by the priming treatment with [Zn (Met)2] aminochelate. The results also indicated a strong positive correlation between the concentrations of Zn2+ and Zn-DOM species, as Zn -available species, and Zn concentrations in leaves and seeds. Based on the results of the present study, seed priming with Zn aminochelates, particularly [Zn(Met)₂], can be considered an effective strategy for enhancing plant nutrition, seed biofortification, and ultimately improving the nutritional quality of sunflower crops in calcareous soils.

Keywords

Main Subjects

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

 

Background

Zinc (Zn) is a critical micronutrient for plant growth and development. Despite its importance, Zn availability in calcareous soils is frequently restricted due to high pH levels and elevated carbonate content, which reduce Zn solubility and hinder plant uptake. Addressing this challenge requires innovative solutions, such as utilizing Zn aminochelates. These chelated forms of Zn exhibit high bioavailability, enhancing nutrient absorption and improving plant resilience under adverse soil conditions. Seed priming with Zn aminochelates represents an effective strategy to increase Zn uptake, boost crop yield, and improve the nutritional quality of plants. The speciation of Zn in soil plays a pivotal role in its interaction with soil components, affecting its availability and uptake by plants. Consequently, understanding the chemical forms of Zn under various conditions is vital. Visual MINTEQ, a geochemical modeling software, offers a robust method for simulating intricate interactions and predicting the dominant Zn species in the soil solution phase. Such simulations are instrumental in optimizing Zn fertilizer management under resource-constrained conditions.

Objective(s)

This study evaluated the efficacy of seed priming with Zn aminochelates in influencing the distribution of Zn chemical species within the soil solution and examined their correlation with Zn concentrations in various plant organs.

Materials and Methods

This study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the 2021-2022 growing season (winter to spring) at the Research Field of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, using sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Oscar) as the test crop. The experimental treatments consisted of seed priming with zinc glycine [Zn(Gly)₂] and zinc methionine [Zn(Met)₂] aminochelates (2%), ZnSO₄ (2%) fertilizer, and a control treatment (without priming). Following the cultivation period, key soil chemical properties were analyzed, including pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), cations and anions, and soil-soluble, Zn soil-available Zn, and Zn concentrations in plant leaves and seeds. The dominant Zn species in the soil solution phase were predicted using Visual MINTEQ, a geochemical modeling software.

Results and Discussion

The findings demonstrated that Zn aminochelates significantly reduced soil pH. The application of [Zn(Gly)₂] and [Zn(Met)₂] aminochelates markedly increased DOC, soil-soluble Zn, soil-available Zn, and Zn concentrations in both leaves and seeds compared to the control treatment. Among the treatments, Zn aminochelates outperformed ZnSO₄ fertilizer in enhancing Zn solubility and availability in the soil. Seed priming with Zn aminochelates and ZnSO₄ fertilizer significantly influenced the distribution of Zn chemical species in the soil solution. The concentrations of free Zn ions (Zn²⁺), Zn bound to dissolved organic matter (Zn-DOM), and ZnSO₄ species, identified as the dominant Zn species in the soil solution phase, increased significantly compared to the control. Notably, the priming treatment with [Zn(Met)₂] aminochelate resulted in the highest concentration of Zn-DOM. A strong, positive correlation was observed between seed Zn concentration and the concentrations of Zn²⁺ (r = 0.737**) and Zn-DOM (r = 0.788**), recognized as Zn's bioavailable forms.

Conclusions

Priming with Zn aminochelates effectively mitigates Zn deficiency by improving nutrient acquisition during critical stages of plant growth. This method addresses Zn deficiency and enhances sustainable agricultural practices by increasing nutrient use efficiency and crop yield in difficult soil conditions. Visual MINTEQ for Zn speciation offers a deeper understanding of Zn chemical dynamics, enabling better decision-making for sustainable resource utilization.

Author Contributions

Mina Alipour Babadi and Mojtaba Norouzi Masir conceived of the presented idea, developed the theory and performed the computations. Mehdi Taghavi Zahedkolaei verified analytical methods and performed the computations. Mina Alipour Babadi carried out the experiment. Mojtaba Norouzi Masir investigated software analysis and data validation and also supervised the findings of this work. Abdolamir Moezi and Afrasyab Rahnama Ghahfarokhi provided resources and investigated the laboratory soil and plant tissues analysis. Mina Alipour Babadi worte the final version of manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. All authors contributed according their name place to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.

Data Availability Statement

Data is available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Research council of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran for the financial support of this research (grant number: SCU.AS1401.26962).

Ethical considerations

The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 56, Issue 5
August 2025
Pages 1379-1399

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