Soil‐grinder type effects on grams of soil scooped

Abstract

Soil preparation can affect soil test results. This study was conducted to compare soil‐grinder effects on grams of soil scooped. Soil samples (n=15,000) were ground by two types of soil grinders, a roller and hammer mill, and then the soil was sieved (10‐mesh), and scooped with a one‐gram scoop (0.85 cm³). The contents of the soil scoop were weighed. Grams of soil scooped ranged from 0.4 to 1.8 g for both soil grinders. The bell‐shaped distribution was centered around 0.8 and 1.0 g for the roller‐ and hammer mill‐type grinder, respectively. When the soil was ground by the roller‐type grinder, 85% of the ground soil was retained on a 50‐mesh sieve. In contrast, with the hammer mill grinder, 45% of the soil was retained on a 50‐mesh, 13% retained on a 100‐mesh, and 42% passed a 100‐mesh sieves. The “heavier” soil scoops with the hammer mill grinder could be explained by the fact that the finer soil particles could pack into the voids that the coarse soil particles created. Bray extractable P and ammonium actetate extractable K, Mg, and Ca were increased 11 to 15% by the “heavier” scooping weight. Grams of soil scooped and soil test levels were affected by the type of soil grinder and soil type.     

Correlation of Mehlich 3, bray 1, and ammonium acetate extractable P,K, Ca,and Mg for Alaska agricultural soils

Abstract

Soil test recommendations currently used in Alaska are based on a limited amount of in‐state data along with consideration of data from other states. Recently, Mehlich 3 extractable P has been found to be highly correlated to yield on representative agricultural soils in Alaska. To fully use its multi‐element capability, a study was conducted to correlate Mehlich 3 extractable P and cations (K, Ca, and Mg) with the P and cations extracted by the Bray 1 and ammonium acetate methods respectively.

When Mehlich 3 extractable K and Mg were regressed with ammonium acetate extractable K and Mg respectively, the relationship was essentially one‐to‐one and the relationship held across all soils tested. Significant variation was observed among soils in the extraction of Mehlich 3‐P and Ca relative to Bray 1‐P and ammonium acetate‐Ca. Individual soil character appeared to affect the regressions for extractable P and Ca, even though the R² values were generally high. The regression slopes for Mehlich 3‐P versus Bray 1‐P ranged from 1.01 to 1.88 with Mehlich 3 extracting an average of 66% more P than Bray 1 in the volcanic ash soils, and 12% more in the loess soils. The regression slopes for Mehlich 3‐Ca versus ammonium acetate‐Ca ranged from 0.95 to 1.33, and the former extracted an average of 17% more Ca than the latter. It is suggested that the regression data of P and Ca can be extrapolated to other soils based on soil classification; to extend the soil test data over a geographic base.     

Bray and Kurtz phosphorus (p1), 1m potassium chloride,and saturated calcium oxide extraction of soil nitrate comparison to 2m potassium chloride

Abstract

Labor and laboratory expense could be reduce if soil extractable nitrate (NO₃) was extracted simultaneously with other routinely used soil extractants. This study was conducted to compare 1M potassium chloride (KCl), saturated calcium oxide (CaO), and Bray and Kurtz P1‐extractable soil NO₃, the proposed new method to 2M KCl. Nitrate was extracted from 140 selected soils with 1M KCl, saturated CaO, Bray and Kurtz P1, and 2M KCl extractants and analysed by cadmium reduction with a flow injection analyser. Nitrate extracted with 2M KCl was used as the standard. When 1M KCl, saturated CaO, and Bray and Kurtz P1 was regressed against 2M KCl, the slopes were equal to 1.0 and the intercepts were equal to 0.0 with r²>0.99. No detectable differences in extractable NO₃ were measured between 1M KCl, saturated CaO, Bray and Kurtz Pl, and 2M KCl extraction procedures. Bray and Kurtz P1 can be used to simultaneously extract phosphorus (P) and NO₃.     

Spatial Variation in Soil Organic Matter,Available Phosphorus,and Potassium under Semi-arid Conditions: Research Station Management Implications

Natural ecosystems are characterized by variability in space and, to a lesser extent, in time. Soil types and properties vary on landscape and field scales. Such variability is either inherent or human-induced and influences crop management. Variability at the plot level impinges on field experimentation. In this study at the main station, Tel Hadya, of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), we intensively sampled four large field plots and analyzed the samples for soil organic matter (SOM), available Olsen phosphorus (P), and extractable potassium (K). Variability parameters were established for each property, as well as semivariograms. Contour maps for each plot were drawn by kriging. Despite the history of uniform management in each plot, large residual spatial variability was evident for each parameter. Although such variability is generally disregarded by agronomists and crop scientists and is generally believed to be eliminated by an alternate year of uniform cropping (i.e., “homogenization”), the residual persistent variability in these parameters cause variation in crop growth and need to be considered in designing experimental treatments, especially with regard to plot size and orientation. Although P and K variability can be masked by uniform fertilizer application, the effects of SOM persist for several years and thus can influence nutrient availability and soil moisture under such dryland conditions. Systematic soil sampling can help in reducing variability at trial sites, but background variability cannot be eliminated completely in natural bodies such as soils.     

Modified Soil‐Test Methods for Extractable Phosphorus in Acidic,Neutral, and Alkaline Soils

Abstract

Although numerous soil‐test methods for estimating extractable phosphorus (P) have been developed around the world, their results are difficult to compare because of the very different scale levels used. In the present study, the Bray–Kurtz method (Bray‐P) is used as a reference value. Two other methods [lactate‐P and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)‐P] were modified to facilitate the comparison of extractable‐P determinations, mainly by adjusting the shaking time. These three methods were applied to 101 soil samples from an extensive region of Argentina with soil pH values ranging from 5.5 to 8.5. The results confirm that the Bray‐P and the two modified methods (lactate‐P and NaHCO₃‐P) determine similar contents of extractable P but are not applicable to all types of soils and conditions. Equations that minimize the statistical error were selected for soil properties such as organic carbon (OC) content, pH, soluble salts, and calcium carbonate content. Correlation coefficients between Bray‐P and NaHCO₃‐P increased to 0.91 and 0.95 in soils with high and low OC levels, respectively. It was also demonstrated that the lactate‐P test is not suitable for soils rich in calcium carbonate or soluble salts. These two modified methods are expected to be useful for testing P values that impact agricultural production.     

Influence of soil particle size and grinding on bray‐2 extractable phosphorus

Abstract

The influence of soil particle size and soil fine grinding on Bray‐2 extractable phosphorus (Bray‐2P) was studied. Air‐dried and 2‐mm mesh‐sieved soil was separated into six particle size classes: <0.075, 0.075–0.106, 0.106–0.25, 0.25–0.425, 0.425–0.85, and 0.85–2 mm. The lowest amounts of Bray‐2P were found in the 0.425–0.85 and 0.85–2 mm fractions and the highest in <0.075 mm fraction. When ground for 3 min, the amount of Bray‐2P increased in the fractions larger than 0.25 mm, whereas it decreased in the fractions smaller than 0.25 mm. In the large fraction (0.425–0.85 mm), grinding for 1 to 3 min led to an increase in the amount of Bray‐2P, but grinding for 9 to 18 min caused a decrease. In contrast, in the small fraction (<0.075 mm), the amount of Bray‐2P decreased by grinding for 1 min. The large and small fractions that were ground absorbed P in proportion to the grinding time during the extraction‐filtration period.     

Application of low‐phosphorus‐containing legume residues reduces extractable phosphorus in a tropical Ultisol

Application of legume green manure (GM) is suggested to be effective in increasing the availability of native soil phosphorus (P) and the dissolution and utilization of phosphate rock (PR)‐P by food crops. Experiments were conducted to study the dynamics of extractable P (P extracted by Bray‐1‐extracting solution) of an Ultisol amended with or without GM residues of contrasting P concentrations in the absence of growing plants. In two separate experiments, GM residues of Aschynomene afraspera (a flood‐tolerant legume) and of Crotalaria micans (upland) with varying P concentrations were added to an acidic soil amended with PR‐P or triple superphosphate (TSP) in plastic bottles. Soil moisture was brought to field capacity of the soil in the upland experiment and saturated with distilled water in the lowland setup. This was done to simulate aerobic upland and anaerobic lowland soil conditions in the relevant plastic bottles. Only P concentration of the residues added varied, while lignin and C : N ratios were similar. A temperature of 25°C was maintained throughout the experiment. Changes in soil extractable Bray‐1‐P were measured at the end of the incubation period (60 or 80 d). In the aerobic soils, extractable P in the combined PR+GM or TSP+GM treatments was significantly lower than in the PR‐ or TSP‐ treated soils. The amendment with GM residues alone significantly increased Bray‐1‐P over the unamended control in the case of the inorganic P‐fertilized GM residues. The trend in extractable P was similar in the soils incubated under anaerobic conditions. However, in the case of PR, concentrations of P extracted by Bray‐1 solution did not significantly change in the presence or absence of GM. The results suggest that the incorporation of GM residues with low P concentration does not lead to a net P release in upland or lowland soils. These results have implications for nutrient cycling in farming systems in W Africa as most of the soils are poor and very low in available P.     

Predicting Maize Yield,Nutrient Concentration,and Uptake in Phosphorus- and Potassium-Fertilized Soils: Pressurized Hot Water and Other Alternatives to Mehlich I Extraction in Guatemala Soils

Abstract

Poor accessibility and cost of soil testing reduce effectiveness of fertilizer use on small‐scale subsistence farms, and inadequate funding promotes adoption of soil tests in developing countries with minimal validation. For example, Mehlich I extraction of phosphorus (P) currently used extensively in Guatemala may not be suitable for Guatemala's broad range of soils. At least four alternatives are available but relatively untested [Bray 1, Mehlich III, Olsen, and pressurized hot water (PHW)]. Pressurized hot water is relatively simple and inexpensive but is not yet tested against other extraction methods under variable P or potassium (K) fertilization levels. To determine whether PHW‐extracted nutrients could be used to predict maize yield and nutrient concentration and uptake, soil, plant tissue and grain samples were obtained from a multiple‐site field study, and calibration studies were conducted using five rates of P and three rates of K on soils incubated without plants or cropped with maize in greenhouse and field conditions. In the multiple‐site field study, maize yield related significantly to PHW‐extractable P (r²=0.36) and to leaf P concentration (r²=0.23), but Mehlich I–extractable P did not. In the two soils used in the greenhouse study, maize yield, vegetative P concentration, and total P uptake by maize were predicted by PHW‐extractable P (R²=0.72, 0.75, and 0.90, respectively). In the field experiment, grain yield was not improved by P or K application, but P concentration of maize leaf tissue did relate significantly with PHW‐extracted P (R²=0.40). Mehlich I did not. There were no yield responses to K application in any experiment, but relationships defined between extractable K for all five K‐extraction procedures and soil‐applied K were similarly significant. In comparison, PHW was as good as or better than Olsen whereas Bray 1 and Mehlich III were less consistent. Mehlich I was overall the poorest P extractant. Mehlich I extraction of P should be replaced by one of the four alternatives tested. PHW is the least expensive and, therefore, most viable for use in Guatemala soils.     

Repeated Bray‐2 extractions of an Inceptisol and an Andisol

Abstract

Bray‐2 extractable phosphorus (Bray2‐P) is commonly used to measure plant‐available P in soil. The pool size of extractable P in the residual soil should be reduced after extraction. Phosphorus, once released with the Bray‐2 solution, is resorbed by the soil during the extraction‐filtration period. If P resorption is large, the Bray2‐P concentration is underestimated. The P absorption coefficient and composition of inorganic P [calcium (Ca)‐P, aluminum (Al)‐P, and iron (Fe)‐P] probably affect the Bray2‐P concentration. We investigated the effect of repeated Bray‐2 extractions on the Bray2‐P concentrations in relation to the P absorption coefficient and Ca‐P, Al‐P, and Fe‐P concentrations in two soils (an Inceptisol and an Andisol), which markedly differ in the P absorption coefficient. Test soil samples were the initial soil (S0) and soils after the 1st to 4th extractions (S1‐S4) for the Inceptisol, and S0, S1‐S4, and S7 for the Andisol. The Bray2‐P, Ca‐P, Al‐P, and Fe‐P concentrations in the S0 were 260, 75, 338, and 536 mg kg^‐1 in the Inceptisol, and 217, 31, 972, and 354 mg kg^‐1 in the Andisol, respectively. All of the extractable P concentrations in the Inceptisol decreased with increasing numbers of extractions, and the Bray2‐P, Ca‐P, Al‐P, and Fe‐P concentrations in the S4 were 5.3, 21, 5.7, and 30% of those in the S0, respectively. On the other hand in the Andisol, the Bray2‐P, Ca‐P, and Fe‐P concentrations did not decrease in the S1 and S2 compared with those in the S0, although the Al‐P concentration decreased with increasing numbers of extractions. The Bray2‐P, Ca‐P, Al‐P, and Fe‐P concentrations in the S7 were 23, 71, 16, and 79% of those in the S0, respectively. The P absorption coefficient in the S0 was higher in the Andisol (7,703 mg kg^‐1) than in the Inceptisol (1,582 mg kg^‐1), and it decreased with increasing numbers of extractions in both soils. The P absorption coefficient in the S7 Andisol was 51% of that in the S0, while the P absorption coefficient in the S4 Inceptisol was 24% of that in the S0. The results suggest that Presorption affects the efficiency of extraction with the Bray‐2 solution, and the composition of Ca‐P, Al‐P, and Fe‐P fractions. The Bray2‐P concentration in soil with high P absorption coefficient is underestimated due to P resorption.     

评价土壤磷素植物有效性的物理化学指标

室内分析结合温室盆栽试验研究了土壤磷素植物有效性和无机磷酸盐的解吸特性之间的关系。供试材料为浙江省分布较广的四种代表性土壤,并以吸磷能力较强的黑麦为指示植物。结果表明,在四种供试土壤上黑麦吸收磷与解吸磷之间的相关性都比与两种常规化学方法浸提磷之间的相关性更为显著。不仅如此,黑麦吸收磷与解吸磷间在数量上较化学浸提磷要接近的多,并且在各供磷强度下以及不同土壤上都符合较好。黑麦吸收磷或解吸磷(Q)随土壤供磷强度(I)变化的Q—I关系能够很好地符合Langmuir方程;而Olsen-P和Brayl-P对供磷强度的关系与该方程的符合性在酸性土壤上要差得多。可见,植物吸收磷与磷酸盐解吸有内在联系。结果还表明,由拟合Langmuir方程计算得的最大解吸缓冲容量(MBCD)能够很好解释不同性质土壤间磷肥利用率的差异,它较之最大吸附缓冲容量(MBCA)能够更好指示土壤中磷的植物有效性。但平衡解吸缓冲容量反映土壤供磷能力更为灵敏,可望成为好的土壤磷诊断指标。     

Association of soil properties and soil and plant iron to iron deficiency response in rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

Abstract

Problems are invariably encountered when attempts are made to explain the variability in Bray percent yields or plant response in terms of soil or plant iron (Fe). To resolve this inconsistency, the present investigation was initiated to identify a combination of soil extractable Fe, soil properties and form of plant Fe that may be used as a measure of Fe deficiency. The study involved 16 diverse soils, using upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) as the test crop and Fe‐EDDHA [ferric ethylenediamine di (o‐hydroxyl‐phenyl acetic acid)] as source of Fe. The results showed that Bray percent yields were neither related to DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) or EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) extractable Fe nor with total plant Fe. Even the inclusion of pH, lime, organic carbon and clay data in the regression equations was of no value. However, Bray percent yields were significantly and positively (r = 0.57* ) associated with ferrous Fe (Fe²⁺) in 40‐day‐old rice plants. The explanation concerning variability in Bray percent yields obtained on diverse soils could be increased about one and half 2 times (R²= 0.59*) if the contribution of lime and soil pH was also incorporated in the stepwise regression analysis. The individual contribution to R of lime, pi respectively. Thus, it appears that Fe²⁺ concentration in plants (along with soil pH) may identify Fe deficiency. The critical limit to separate Fe deficient from green rice plants was set at 45 ug Fe²⁺/g in the leaves.     

Soil organic matter stabilization in acidic forest soils is preferential and soil type-specific

Minerals with large specific surface areas promote the stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM). We analysed three acidic soils (dystric, skeletic Leptic Cambisol; dystric, laxic Leptic Cambisol; skeletic Leptic Entic Podzol) under Norway spruce (Picea abies) forest with different mineral compositions to determine the effects of soil type on carbon (C) stabilization in soil. The relationship between the amount and chemical composition of soil organic matter (SOM), clay content, oxalate‐extractable Fe and Al (Fe_o; Al_o), and dithionite‐extractable Fe (Fe_d) before and after treatment with 10% hydrofluoric acid (HF) in topsoil and subsoil horizons was analysed. Radiocarbon age, ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectra, lignin phenol content and neutral sugar content in the soils before and after HF‐treatment were determined and compared for bulk soil samples and particle size separates. Changes in the chemical composition of SOM after HF‐treatment were small for the A‐horizons. In contrast, for B‐horizons, HF‐soluble (mineral‐associated) and HF‐resistant (non‐mineral‐associated) SOM showed systematic differences in functional C groups. The non‐mineral associated SOM in the B‐horizons was significantly depleted in microbially‐derived sugars, and the contribution of O/N‐alkyl C to total organic C was less after HF‐treatment. The radiocarbon age of the mineral‐associated SOM was younger than that of the HF‐resistant SOM in subsoil horizons with small amounts of oxalate‐extractable Al and Fe. However, in horizons with large amounts of oxalate‐extractable Al and Fe the HF‐soluble SOM was considerably older than the HF‐resistant SOM. In acid subsoils a specific fraction of the organic C pool (O/N‐alkyl C; microbially‐derived sugars) is preferentially stabilized by association with Fe and Al minerals. Stabilization of SOM with the mineral matrix in soils with large amounts of oxalate‐extractable Al_o and Fe_o results in a particularly stable and relatively old C pool, which is potentially stable for thousands of years.     

Pressurized Hot Water Procedures for Use on Small Farms in Developing Countries

Abstract

Soil analysis for small farms in developing countries is often inconvenient and prohibitively expensive, yet the information gained from these soil tests could result in significant benefits. Based on tests done on a limited range of soils, the pressurized hot water (PHW) extraction coupled with colorimetric or turbidimetric analysis is a promising alternative. Before this extraction and analysis can be used in developing countries, testing is needed across the range of soils found in these countries. At Brigham Young University (BYU), 228 soils from Guatemala and Morocco were analyzed for NO₃‐N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) using standard methods (water–CTA, Olsen–molybdic acid and ammonium acetate–atomic absorption, respectively). Results were correlated to values obtained from the PHW extraction coupled with colorimetric or turbidimetric analytical procedures. The relationships between these tests were good (r² values of 0.96, 0.71, and 0.52 for NO₃‐N, P, and K, respectively). In an additional study comparing several P extraction methods for Guatemala soils, relationships between PHW‐extractable P and Olsen‐, Bray I–, and Mehlich I–extractable P (r² values of 0.75, 0.67, and 0.46, respectively) suggest that PHW is a promising P‐extraction procedure for use in Guatemala. Overall, PHW extraction and accompanying analyses are a less expensive alternative to current soil nutrient extraction and analysis procedures for the soils of Morocco and Guatemala.     

Soil testing in the united states

Abstract

There has been a marked change in the soil testing procedures used in the United States by state soil testing laboratories since the early 1950's. In the Coastal Plain states of the south and east, the Double Acid extraction procedure is used for P, K, Ca, and Mg determinations. Bray P₁ is the most frequently used method for P extraction except for the alkaline soils of the west where the Olsen method is used. Neutral normal ammonium acetate is the most frequently used extractant for K, Ca, and Mg determinations. The Morgan extraction procedures for P, K, Ca, and Mg, commonly used in the 1950's, is used by only a few states in the northeast and west. Although similar extraction reagents are used in many sections of the United States, there is considerable variance among states regarding weighed versus volume sampling, soil to solution ratio, shaking speed and time, and extraction vessel size and shape. For soil water pH, there is little variance in method as most states are using a 1:1 soil to solution ratio. The only exception is in several western states where water pH's are read in a saturated soil paste.

Considerable efforts are underway to standardize the techniques used to test soils primarily for the extractable elements.     

Assessing extractable soil phosphorus methods in estimating phosphorus concentrations in surface run‐off from Calcic Hapludolls

Understanding soil test phosphorus (STP) and surface run‐off phosphorus (P) relationships for soils is necessary for P management. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of various soil test indices to predict P losses in surface run‐off. Selected sites were subjected to in situ rainfall simulations according to the protocol of the National Phosphorus Research Project ( NPRP, 2001 ). P from a composite of twenty‐four 2.0‐cm‐diameter core soil samples (0–5 cm) was extracted using the Olsen, Bray–Kurtz, Mehlich III, distilled water and 0.01 m calcium chloride procedures. All of these P extraction methods explained a significant amount of variability in surface run‐off total dissolved P [TP (<0.45)] (r² ≥ 0.67; P ≤ 0.01), where 0.45 is the filter pore diameter in microns. Multiple regression models showed extractable P to be the best soil predictor of surface run‐off TP (<0.45) among the studied soils. Despite extraction method or soil type, extractable P was the best soil predictor of surface run‐off TP (<0.45). Either agronomic (0.92 ≤ r² ≤ 0.96) or environmental (0.94 ≤ r² ≤ 0.96) soil tests were effective in estimating surface run‐off TP (<0.45) in select Mollisols.     

Microbial biomass phosphorus and its significance in predicting phosphorus availability in red soils

Abstract

Red soils are widespread in Southern China and other subtropical regions in the world. An improved management of phosphorus (P) is crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental quality in red soil regions. Plant‐availability of P in red soils mainly depends on fertilization and biological cycling. Both laboratory analyses and greenhouse experiments were conducted to examine the relationships between plant P uptake, chemical index of P, and microbial biomass P in red soils with different fertility levels. Microbial biomass P ranged from 2.1 to 43 mg kg^‐1 in the red soils and was significantly correlated with total P (r=0.84*), organic P (r=0.87*), or Bray I extractable P (r=0.94**). Extractable P plus organic carbon accounted for >85% of the variation in microbial biomass P in the red soils. The significant relationship between microbial biomass P and extractable P suggests that microbial biomass P has a great potential in predicting P‐supply ability in soil. Greenhouse experiments showed that there were close relationships between ryegrass dry matter yield, plant P uptake or tissue P concentration and microbial biomass P in the red soils. The corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.79*, 0.90*, and 0.91*, respectively. These results imply that microbial biomass P plays an important role in the availability of P to plants, and is a potential biological index of P availability in the red soils.     

Changes in organic and inorganic phosphorus composition of two grassland soils and their particle size fractions during 60–90 years of cultivation

Changes are reported in the chemical and biological composition of soil phosphorus (P) in a Black Chernozemic silt loam (Blaine Lake Association) and a Dark Brown Chernozemic sandy loam (Bradwell Association) during 60–90 years of cultivation. Cultivated and adjacent uncultivated soils were sampled, separated into particle size fractions by physical dispersion and the fractions subjected to a sequential chemical extraction to remove several forms of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and organic phosphorus (Po). In the uncultivated Bradwell soil significant amounts (7%) of secondary (NaOH extractable) Pi forms were associated with high levels of labile (bicarbonate and resin extractable) Pi. These secondary Pi forms, which were concentrated in the finer particle size fractions (<2μm), contributed to the P loss during cultivation of the coarse textured Bradwell soil, whereas all P loss in the Blaine Lake soils was due to Po losses alone. Sulphuric acid extractable P (thought to be mainly apatites) accumulated in both soils under cultivation, particularly in the coarse silt (50–5 μm) fraction. Labile P fractions were greatly reduced during cultivation, indicating a significant reduction in available P and P fertility of cultivated soils. This reduction in P fertility was closely tied to soil organic matter losses.     

Evaluation of the Mehlich 3 soil extractant for upland Malawi soils

Abstract

The Mehlich 3 (M3) universal soil extraction method was compared with the ammonium acetate (AA), Bray 1, and DPTA extraction procedures for the analysis of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). Upland Malawi soils from 112 smallholder farmers’ fields of the Alfisol, Ultisol, and Oxisol soil orders were analyzed by the four procedures. Calcium, Mg, and K extracted by the M3 and AA procedures were highly correlated (r² = 0.98, 0.98, and 0.99 for the respective elements). The M3 extractant also correlated well with the DPTA procedure for Zn and Cu (r² = 0.88 for both elements) and the Bray 1 method for P (r² = 0.80). Amounts of Mn and Fe extracted by M3 and DPTA were poorly correlated (r² = 0.28 and 0.47, respectively), with both elements testing high in all soils. The high levels suggest that Mn and Fe deficiencies are likely to be rare, and that analysis for these elements is not generally necessary. Special precautions for Zn and Cu analyses are advised due to the low conentrations of these elements in the M3 extract and various laboratory sources of Zn contamination. The use of soil pH along with M3‐extractable Zn is recommended in the identification of potentially Zn‐deficient soils. The preference for expressing analytical results on a volume rather than weight basis is discussed. Based on a review of literature relating to the M3 extractant, the following critical M3 soil test values are tentatively recommended for maize on upland Malawi soils: Ca, 50 mg/dm³; Mg, 75 mg/dm³ and Mg:Ca ratio >0.067; K, 70 mg/dm³; P, 20 mg/dm³; Zn, 1.0 mg/dm³; and Cu, 0.5 mg/dm³. These suggested values should not preclude in‐country correlation studies. Because the M3 procedure is well correlated with the AA, DPTA, and Bray 1 methods, and because it is a rapid procedure, the M3 method can be highly recommended as a replacement for the three current procedures for Malawi upland soils. Caution is advised in extending the results to Malawi lowland soils, which are characterized by higher pH values.     

Phosphorus sorption by four soils receiving long‐term applications of fertilizer

Abstract

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate P sorption in the Ap horizon of four soil series in the Ultisol order (Benndale Is, Hartsells fsl, Lucedale fsl, and Dewey sicl) receiving the same fertility treatments since 1929. Soil was collected in the spring of 1985 from 4 treatments: i) no‐lime, plus P (total fertilizer P = 1584 kg/ha from 1929 to 1985); ii) no‐K, plus P (total fertilizer P = 1584 kg/ha); iii) low‐P (total fertilizer P = 442 kg/ha); 4) standard treatment (total fertilizer P = 2376 kg/ha). The soils and treatments within a soil varied in pH, total P, Mehlich 1 extractable P, K, Ca and Mg, and KC1 extractable Al. The four soils had large differences in P sorption capacity which increased with increasing clay content. The Dewey (27 % clay) soil had the highest P sorption capacity and the Benndale (4 % clay) soil had the smallest P sorption capacity. Sorption of P within a soil was affected by the rate of added P and past fertility treatment. Treatment differences in P sorption were due primarily to the level of extractable P and soil pH. Within a given soil, P sorption (at a given rate of added P) generally decreased as the level of extractable P increased. Regression analysis of P sorption data for equilibrium P concentrations of 1 to 32 μmol/L showed that the parti‐ tioning between sorbed and solution P (buffer power) had not been changed by 56 years of annual applications of P. The maximum P sorption capacity of the four soils was decreased slightly by P fertilization.     

Influence of Extreme Management on Decomposable Soil Organic Matter Pool

Basing on two long-term model experiments (microplots as well as greenhouse pot experiment) the influence of extreme management on a very easily decomposable pool of soil organic matter (SOM) was measured. The carbon content (C hwe ) of a hot water extractable pool of SOM was used as an indicator for the decomposable C pool. This parameter reflects both the dynamics of the amount of decomposable organic C pool and the different transformation conditions in case of the pot experiment (outside versus inside the greenhouse). Depending on soil type and both the total and decomposable organic matter level at the starting point of the experiments we can observe differences in the decreasing speed of the decomposable C pool: in the soils having a high level of SOM at starting point C hwe pool decreases more rapidly compared to the soils unfertilized or in case of the only P and K treatment of the Static Fertilization Experiment at the beginning of the pot experiment. At least we can observe a difference in decreasing intensity of this C hwe pool when comparing different soil types.