Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P016
Published online: 22 April 2026
Differences in the absorption of selenium and iodine from foliar fertilizers
Ewelina Krukow*, Mariusz Kulik and Halina Lipińska
Department of Grassland and Landscape Planning, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: ewelina.krukow@up.lublin.pl
The absorption of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) from foliar fertilizers differs primarily in terms of uptake mechanisms, mobility within the plant, and involvement in metabolic processes. Selenium is absorbed both through the cuticle and stomata, and its transport within the plant occurs via pathways associated with sulphur metabolism, which facilitates its efficient translocation. In contrast, iodine is taken up mainly passively through the cuticle and lacks specialized transport mechanisms, making its absorption more dependent on environmental conditions.
A key difference between these elements is their mobility. Selenium exhibits relatively high mobility within the plant, allowing its redistribution to various organs, whereas iodine is characterized by low mobility and largely remains at the site of application. These differences are also related to their metabolic roles: selenium can be incorporated into organic compounds and participate in biochemical processes, while iodine is not considered an essential element for most higher plants and undergoes limited metabolic transformations.
Phytotoxicity and sensitivity to application conditions are also important factors. Iodine shows a greater tendency to induce tissue damage, and its effectiveness is more strongly influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and spray solution composition. Selenium, in contrast, is more stable and more efficiently utilized in foliar fertilization. Consequently, selenium exhibits a more pronounced systemic effect, whereas iodine more often acts locally.
The conducted study aimed to evaluate the effect of biofortification with selenium and iodine on their accumulation in plants of grassland communities. The research was carried out in two parallel approaches. The first part of the experiment was conducted under field conditions and included three seed mixtures of grasses and legumes with diverse species and cultivar composition, including one mixture dedicated to horses, as well as two management regimes: simulated grazing and mowing (meadow use). In the grazing variant, the sward was cut five times, whereas in the meadow variant it is cut three times during the growing season.
The second part of the study was conducted under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. The experimental material consisted of six individual plant species selected from the seed mixtures. In both cases, a foliar fertilizer containing selenium and iodine was applied at different rates (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 L·ha-1) and at two plant growth stages (plant height of 10 and 15 cm).
After harvesting the plant material, the concentrations of selenium and iodine in the fresh biomass were determined, and the relationships between application rates and their concentrations in plant tissues were analysed for both elements. Significant differences in the proportionality of Se and I uptake were observed; therefore, further research is required to verify these relationships.
Keywords: iodine; selenium; foliar fertilization
How to cite
Krukow E., Kulik M., Lipińska H., 2026. Differences in the absorption of selenium and iodine from foliar fertilizers. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P016