Research Program for Micronutrient Chemistry

His research program is being planned, and he is considering work on boron and molybdenum, particularly in the vineyards of the Alto Douro region. Boron problems exist in this area, and experiments have already been established, with tissue collected and prepared. Rui has begun experimenting with boron analysis techniques. He also wants to study the nutrient problems of the ultrabasic rock region. His data indicate that the infertility of soils from this region may be due to a deficiency of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and zinc, rather than a problem of nickel or chromium toxicity. Rui will visit the region for field work this week. The laboratory has completed analysis of a group of limestone samples taken from the proposed quarry area in the Alto Douro region. Most of the sites sampled were sufficiently high in nutritional value to meet legal requirements for saleable limestone. However, the bentonite was high, which is important in this region. A cereal growth experiment in the greenhouse was harvested, but it showed little response to liming of the very acid soil. A root growth experiment done with seedling corn showed the tremendous toxicity of a schist soil, 4.5, from the Alto Douro region. Vines in this area were weak, and new plantings died. Corn seedling root growth during five days was inhibited. Limed soil gave 3 to 4 times as much root elongation. The laboratory has also begun a pot experiment of five levels, with three plants rotting, and seven replications to see the liming effect on grape roots and to follow the soil pH changes from liming. The first foliar applications of zinc sulfate, at three concentrations, and of magnesium nitrate, in two concentrations, have been made to verify the reality of deficiency. Soil and foliar observations will be taken from all four replications to record changes over time from the different rates of lime on different soils. The Procalfer lab equipment is now cleared from customs, and it is hoped that it will be received within a week, allowing the laboratory renovation to begin. A collection of reprints and xeroxes of scientific articles on soil acidity, aluminum toxicity, magnesium deficiency, and liming has been completed as a basis for the research of Ara Pires and Joao Coutinho. The free AIDNOPY computer literature service via the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville has been a tremendous help in this. In teaching, Rui's wife and he have done a lot of work on English this month. They cut dialog tapes for class use of all the lessons in the book used in the first university English course, and they met each of the five sections of the English course for an hour of dialog and conversation. Rui continued his Tuesday and Thursday English class for the staff. He also edited the English in a research manuscript, the first chapters of an economics-anthropology thesis, and a number of letters for the staff. A set of sample letters in English has been produced for use as a guide to the faculty in writing English letters. The English teacher will see that they are reproduced and distributed.