Investigations into copper deficiency in crops in East Anglia

Abstract

1. An account is given of the occurrence of copper deficiency in crops grown on the Fenland peats and glacial sands of East Anglia. Copper deficiency in the crops appears to be due to actual deficiency of available copper in the peat and sandy soils. The level of copper extracted from soils by an acid solution (pH 4.0) of the ammonium salt of E.D.T.A. provides a useful indication of soils deficient in copper, though the occurrence of the deficiency and its severity in crops is influenced by other soil factors, level of water-table in peats, species of crop and weather during the growing season.2. Of the crops grown on the peat and sandy soils of East Anglia the most susceptible to copper deficiency are cereals. Visual symptoms of deficiency are described as these provide an important aid in diagnosis.