Evaluation of a Common Extractant for Estimating Available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in Soil

Suitability of a common extractant for estimating available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in soil was studied using wheat as a test crop in a long range field experiment. Significant degree of correlation of soil test values with grain yield and/or uptake of nutrients was considered as a measure for the efficacy of the extracting reagents. DTPA appeared to be a suitable common extractant for all the four micronutrients while IN NaOAc (PH 4.8) was so for Mn, Zn and Cu, and either 0.1N HCL or IN NH₄OAc (pH 4.8) for estimating Fe and Mn. Neutral normal ammonium acetate was found suitable for the determination of available Mn and Cu only.