The control of molybdenum deficiency in subterranean clover by pre-soaking the seed in sodium molybdate solution

Abstract

Pre-soaking seed in a sodium molybdate solution was compared with the direct application of sodium molybdate to the soil as a means of preventing deficiency of molybdenum. Subterranean clover, which was used as the test plant, was grown in a molybdenum deficient soil in pot culture for this study. Pre-soaking in 0.1 per cent. or 1 per cent. sodium molybdate was fully effective in promoting normal growth. The soil and seed treatments were equally effective in promoting yield response at all levels of application examined. At levels of application in excess of the requirements for maximum yield, pre-soaking gave a higher molybdenum content of the tops than did equivalent soil applications. At all levels of application, pre-soaking gave a higher nitrogen content than that resulting from the soil application of molybdenum.