Abstract
Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the effects of decomposing alfalfa meal additives and soil moisture on the Mn content of soybean seedlings (Glycine max L.). Soybean seedlings were grown in soil to which alfalfa meal was added in quantities from 0 to 4%. After the seedlings were established, the soil was subjected to flooding or near field capacity moisture for 7 days. In the absence of alfalfa meal, seedling growth was similar at both soil moisture levels. Increased levels of alfalfa meal progressively reduced germination and growth rate of seedlings. These effects were more pronounced in the flooded soil. Flooding resulted in a marked increase of seedling Mn content, whereas increasing alfalfa meal caused no definite change.