Studies were carried out in the greenhouse and field to elaborate the mechanism of P‐Zn interaction in the nutrition of corn (Zea mays L.). From this work depressive action of P on Zn uptake of corn appears to be largely physiological in nature, expressed at root surfaces and/or in root cells, and is not chemical inactivation of Zn by P in soil. Translocation of Zn from roots to tops is inhibited by elevated P concentration, with resulting sharp reduction in Zn concentration of nodal and internodal tissues. No clearly definable P/Zn ratio in tissue was found above which yield restriction could be predicted. Corn seems to tolerate high concentrations of P in its tissues provided some modest quantity of Zn is present. Other elements counteract somewhat the damaging effects of P. Concurrently placed N promotes Zn uptake at the same time that it benefits P utilization. Increased level of native or applied K reduces the depressive effects of P on Zn.

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