Improved Fe and Zn acquisition by guava seedlings grown in calcareous soils intercropped with graminaceous species

A pot experiment was conducted with two calcareous soils to evaluate the effects of intercropping Fe inefficient guava seedlings with cereal crops (sorghum or corn). Specifically, the availability of Fe and Zn in these soils and the effect on growth and Fe and Zn concentrations in guava leaves was evaluated. Visual morphological observations indicated that guava seedlings (Psidium guajava L.) had less symptoms of Fe deficiency chlorosis and better growth when grown with an Fe efficient cereal species. The extractability of Fe and Zn in both calcareous soils as well as the concentrations of these two micronutrients in guava leaves were also increased. Moreover, the mobilization of Fe and Zn by released phytosiderophores from cereal plants was lower in the saline calcareous soil of Wadi Sudr.