Soil‐plant manganese relationships with emphasis on soybeans

Manganese deficiency of soybeans is very prevalent in the United States. This deficiency occurs most frequently on poorly‐drained, sandy‐textured soils with water pH levels of approximately 6.0 or above. Yield increases of as high as 2,520 kg of soybean seed/ha have been obtained from correction of Mn deficiency. Manganese deficiency of soybeans can be corrected by band, broadcast or foliar application of Mn. Foliar application of Mn generally is the most convenient and economical method for alleviating Mn deficiency in soybeans. This review covers soil‐plant relationships of importance in diagnosis and correction of Mn deficiency in soybeans.