BERYLLIUM PHYTOTOXICITY IN SOYBEANS

A greenhouse study was conducted to assess the effects of soil-applied beryllium (Be) on the growth and Be content of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], grown on acid southeastern soils under limed and unlimed conditions. This study was conducted using a factorial design, with tw o soil types varying in clay content (Blanton sand, a loamy, siliceous , thermic Grossarenic Paleudult; and Orangeburg loamy sand, a loamy, s iliceous, thermic Typic Paleudult), two soil treatments (limed and unl imed) and five Be concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg Be kg(-1) soil). Addition of Be to unlimed Blanton soil had the most toxic effe cts of all treatment combinations; at the 150 mg Be kg(-1) treatment p lant biomass was reduced as much as 90% and plant Be concentration was as high as 226 mg Be kg(-1). Beryllium concentrations were greater in plants grown in a soil low in clay (Blanton soil). Liming of soils tr eated with Be resulted in lowered tissue Be concentrations in plants g rown on either soil type.