Effect of the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere on the bioavailability and fractions of zinc in some calcareous soils

Rhizosphere is a small zone and has quite different chemical, physical, and biological properties from bulk soil. This research was performed to study the available Zn and its fractions in the wheat rhizosphere and bulk soils by using rhizobox at greenhouse conditions. Total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and available Zn using 7 chemical procedures and Zn-fractions were determined in the rhizosphere and bulk soils. The results indicated that TOC, DOC and MBC in the rhizosphere were increased significantly (P<0.01). Zn extracted using several chemical extractants (except 0.01 M CaCl2) in the rhizosphere were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the bulk soils. Also, concentrations of Zn-fractions (except carbonate-associated) in the rhizosphere were significantly (p<0.05) different from concentrations of Zn-fractions in the bulk soils. Results indicated that correlation between uptake index and extracted Zn using DTPA-TEA and Mehlich 3 were significant (p<0.05). Moreover, significant correlation (p<0.05) between uptake index and exchangeable Zn and Zn associated with iron-manganese in the wheat rhizosphere and bulk soils were found. The results of this research illustrated that available Zn and its fractions in the rhizosphere soils are different from the bulk soils. Therefore, application of the rhizosphere soil would be recommended in the study on these properties after planting.