Evaluation of micronutrients status of paddy soils in Java

Paddy soils in Java have been experiencing prolonged fertilization with macronutrients, in particular with N, P, and K fertilizers, while fertilization of micronutrients is only minor if not at all. It is necessary to evaluate the micronutrient status of paddy soils in Java for a better balance fertilization. This research was aimed to evaluate the status of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in paddy soils in Java and to correlate some soil chemical properties with the availability of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. There were 23 soil samples analyzed, 7 samples from West Java, 11 samples from Central Java, and 5 samples from East Java. The amount of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were extracted by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and then measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that in general, the status of Mn and Cu was sufficient. Iron was sufficient in West and Central Java, but mostly deficient in East Java. Zinc varied from deficient to sufficient in all areas. There were a significant negative correlations between Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and pH and significant negative correlation between Fe, Mn and Bray 1-P. The results suggested that micronutrients need more attention in fertilization program.