秸秆还田对砂姜黑土理化性质与锰、锌、铜有效性的影响

采用田间试验与实验室培育试验研究作物秸秆还田对砂姜黑土理化性质及Cu、Zn、Mn有效性的影响,结果表明,秸秆还田可降低土壤容重,增大土壤总孔隙度,特别是毛管孔隙度显著增加。土壤中胡敏酸和富里酸含量显著增加,胡敏酸含量的增加对提高土壤有机质活性和改善土壤肥力具有良好效应。与单施化肥比较,秸秆配施化肥土壤中交换态锰、锌、铜含量分别增加11%、21%和41%,有机结合态锰、铜分别增加19%和103%。培育试验表明,加入粉碎的作物秸秆培育90d后,土壤中有效锰、有效铜含量分别增加21%和27%。     

Long term tillage,cover crop,and fertilization effects on microbial community structure,activity: Implications for soil quality

Conservation agriculture practices, such as reduced tillage, cover crops and fertilization, are often associated with greater microbial biomass and activity that are linked to improvements in soil quality. This study characterized the impact of long term (31 years) tillage (till and no-till), cover crops (Hairy vetch- Vicia villosa and winter wheat- Triticum aestivum, and a no cover control), and N-rates (0, 34, 67 and 101 kg N ha⁻¹) on soil microbial community structure, activity and resultant soil quality calculated using the soil management assessment framework (SMAF) scoring index under continuous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) production on a Lexington silt loam in West Tennessee.No-till treatments were characterized by a significantly greater (P < 0.05) abundance of Gram positive bacteria, actinomycetes and mycorrhizae fungi fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biomarkers compared to till. Saprophytic fungal FAME biomarkers were significantly less abundant (P < 0.05) under no-till treatments resulting in a lower fungi to bacteria (F:B) ratio. Key enzymes associated with C, N & P cycling (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and phosphodiesterase) had significantly higher rates under no-till relative to till, corresponding to significantly greater (P < 0.05) soil C and N, extractable nutrients (P, K and Ca) and yields. Mycorrhizae fungi biomarkers significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing N-rate and was significantly less (P < 0.05) under the vetch cover crop compared to wheat and no cover. Treatments under vetch also had significantly higher β-glucosaminidase and basal microbial respiration rates compared to wheat and no cover.Consequently, the total organic carbon (TOC) and β-glucosidase SMAF quality scores were significantly greater under no-till compared to till and under the vetch compared to wheat and no cover treatments, resulting in a significantly greater overall soil quality index (SQI).Our results demonstrate that long-term no-till and use of cover crops under a low biomass monoculture crop production system like cotton results in significant shifts in the microbial community structure, activity, and conditions that favor C, N and P cycling compared to those under conventional tillage practices. These practices also led to increased yields and improved soil quality with no-till having 13% greater yields than till and treatments under vetch having 5% increase in soil quality compared to no cover and wheat.     

土壤锌、铁、铜、锰形态的分布及其与植物有效性的关系

The distribution of various fractions of Zn,Fe,Cu and Mn in 15 types of soils in China and its relationship with plant availability were studied.Fractions of various elements were found to have some similar characterstic distribution regularities in various types of soils,but various soil types differed to varying degrees in the distribution of each fraction.Soil physico-chemical properties,such as pH,CEC and the contents of OM,CaCO3,free Fe,free Mn and P2O5,were significantly correlated with the distribution of elemental fractions,and a significant correlation also existed between the distribution and plant availability of elemental fractions.Various fractions of each element were divided into two groups based on their plant availability.The correlation between the distribution of combination fractions and plat availability indicated a significantly or an extremely significantly positive correlation for Group I but a significantly or an extremely significantly negative correlation for Group II.Therefore,the fractions in Goup I were primary pools of available nutrients,while those in Group II could hardly provide available nutrients for plants.Decreasing the transformation of corresponding elements into fractions of Group II and increasing the storage capacity of various fractions of Group I were an important direction for regulation and controlling of soil nutrients.However,some Particular soils with too high contents of Zn,Fe,Cu and Mn should be regulated and controlled adversely.     

干旱条件下氮、磷水平对土壤锌、铜、锰、铁有效性的影响

研究了干旱条件下不同N、P水平对微量元素Zn、Cu、Mn、Fe有效性的影响。结果表明 ,在中壤质土壤含水量 11%～ 14%的情况下 ,不同N、P配比明显增加了土壤剖面中速效P的含量 ,但随着土壤深度的增加 ,土壤速效P呈不断下降的趋势。大田和土壤培养试验表明 ,施P有增加土壤Zn、Cu、Mn有效性的趋势 ,但有效Fe则有下降的趋势。土壤速效P、Zn、Cu、Mn、Fe之间的相关分析表明 ,土壤速效P与有效Zn之间存在显著的正相关关系 (r =0.65) ,而与有效Fe之间则存在显著的负相关关系 (r =- 0.63)。     

Long-term tillage and rotation effects on soil microbial biomass,carbon and nitrogen

Summary Three mollisols, typical of the Palouse winter wheat region of eastern Washington and northern Idaho, were analyzed for microbial biomass, total C and total N after 10 years of combined tillage and rotation treatments. Treatments included till, no-till and three different cereal-legume rotations. All crop phases in each rotation were sampled in the same year. Microbial biomass was monitored from April to October, using a respiratory-response method. Microbial biomass, total C and total N were highest under no-till surface soils (0–5 cm), with minimal differences for tillage or depth below 5 cm. Microbial biomass differences among rotations were not large, owing to the relative homogeneity of the treatments. A rotation with two legume crops had the highest total C and N. Microbial biomass was significantly higher in no-till surface soils where the current crop had been preceded by a high-residue crop. The opposite was true for the tilled plots. There was little change in microbial biomass over the seasons until October, when fresh crop residues and rains had a strong stimulatory effect. The seasonal pattern of biomass in no-till surface soils reflected the dry summer/winter rainfall climate of the region. The results of this study show that numerous factors affect soil microbial biomass and that cropping history and seasonal changes must be taken into account when microbial biomass data are compared.Scientific paper no. 7634     

Long-term effects of tillage and fallow-frequency on soil quality attributes in a clay soil in semiarid southwestern saskatchewan

Reduced tillage management is being adopted at an accelerated rate on the Canadian prairies. This may influence soil quality and productivity. A study conducted on a clay soil (Udic Haplustert) in southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada, to determine the effects of fallow frequency [fallow-wheat (F-W) vs. continuous wheat (Cont W)] and tillage [no-tillage (NT) vs. conventional (CT) or minimum tillage (MT)] on yields of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), was sampled after 3, 7 and 11 years to assess changes in selected soil quality attributes. Tillage had no effect on amount of crop residues returned to the land, but the tilled systems had significantly (P<0.05) lower total organic C and N in the 0–7.5 cm soil depth, though not in the 7.5–15 cm depth. Further, these differences were observed after only 3 years and persisted for the entire 11 years of the study. For example, in the 0–7.5 cm depth, organic C in F-W (MT) after 3 years was 10 480 kg ha⁻¹ and in F-W (NT) 13 380 kg ha⁻¹, while in Cont W (CT) and Cont W (NT) corresponding values were 11 310 and 13 400 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. After 11 years, values for F-W (MT) and F-W (NT) were 11 440 and 14 960 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, and for Cont W (CT) and Cont W (NT), 12 970 and 16 140 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. In contrast to total organic matter, two of the more labile soil quality attributes [i.e., C mineralization (C_min) and N mineralization (N_min)] did not respond to fallow frequency until after 7 years and only in the 0–7.5 cm depth. Microbial biomass (MB) and the ratio of C_min to MB [specific respiratory activity (SRA)], two attributes also regarded as labile, were not influenced by the treatments even after 11 years. After 11 years, only C_min and N_min among the labile soil quality attributes responded to the treatments. Surprisingly, the labile attributes were no more sensitive to the treatments than was total organic C or N. More research is required to determine why responses in this soil differed from those reported elsewhere.     

分光光度法测定有机肥料中铜、铁、锌、锰含量

探索用分光光度法测定有机肥料中的微量元素铜(Cu)、铁(Fe)、锌(Zn)、锰(Mn)含量,并研究了显色反应的酸度条件、干扰因素及消除方法。该检测方法简单快速,可应用于有机肥生产企业中微量元素铜、铁、锌、锰的测定。     

Microbial activity affected by lime in a long-term no-till soil

Under conventional farming practices, lime is usually applied on the soil surface and then incorporated into the soil to correct soil acidity. In no-till (NT) systems, where lime is surface applied or only incorporated into the soil to very shallow depth, lime will likely not move to where it is required within reasonable time. Consequently, lime may have to be incorporated into the soil by mechanical means. The objective of this laboratory study was to characterize the effect of lime, incorporated to different depths, on chemical and biological soil properties in a long-term NT soil. Soil samples taken from the 0–5, 0–10, and 0–20 cm depths were analyzed in incubation studies for soil pH, nitrate, CO₂ respiration, and microbial biomass-C (MBC). Lime (CaCO₃) was applied at rates equivalent to 0, 4.4, 8.8, and 17.6 Mg ha⁻¹. Application of lime to both 0–10 and 0–20 cm depths increased soil pH from about 4.9 by 1, 1.7, and 2.8 units for the low, medium, and high liming rates, respectively. Soil nitrate increased over time and in proportion to liming rate, suggesting that conditions were favorable for N-mineralization and nitrification. Greater respiration rates and greater MBC found in lime-treated than in non-limed soils were attributed to higher soil pH. Faster turnover rates and increased mineralization of organic matter were found in lime-treated than in non-limed soils. These studies show that below-surface lime placement is effective for correcting soil acidity under NT and that microbial activity and nitrification can be enhanced.     

Genotypic differences in concentrations of iron,manganese, copper,and zinc in polished rice grains

Identification of genotypic differences in micronutrient concentrations of staple food crops is essential if plant breeding strategies are to improve human mineral nutrition. The concentrations of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) in polished grains of 285 rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes and the relationship between concentrations of the four micronutrient elements and concentrations of protein and lysine were examined. Significant differences (P<.01) were found in the concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in polished rice with a fairly normal distribution among rice genotypes. On average, Cu and Zn concentrations of Indica rice were about 2‐fold higher than Japonica rice, while Fe concentrations of Japonica rice were slightly higher than Indica rice. Among Indica rice genotypes, red rice contained higher Zn than white rice. Protein and lysine concentrations differed considerably among the genotypes, but no close relationship between the micronutrients and protein or lysine concentrations was observed among genotypes. Sixteen genotypes with significantly higher grain Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn concentrations were identified.     

Long-term tillage and crop rotation effects on microbial biomass and C and N mineralization in a Brazilian Oxisol

Crop rotation and tillage impact microbial C dynamics, which are important for sequestering C to offset global climate change and to promote sustainable crop production. Little information is available for these processes in tropical/subtropical agroecosystems, which cover vast areas of terrestrial ecosystems. Consequently, a study of crop rotation in combination with no tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems was conducted on an Oxisol (Typic Haplorthox) in an experiment established in 1976 at Londrina, Brazil. Soil samples were taken at 0–50, 50–100 and 100–200 mm depths in August 1997 and 1998 and evaluated for microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and mineralizable C and N. There were few differences due to crop rotation, however there were significant differences due to tillage. No tillage systems increased total C by 45%, microbial biomass by 83% and MBC:total C ratio by 23% at 0–50 mm depth over CT. C and N mineralization increased 74% with NT compared to CT systems for the 0–200 mm depth. Under NT, the metabolic quotient (CO₂ evolved per unit of MBC) decreased by 32% averaged across soil depths, which suggests CT produced a microbial pool that was more metabolically active than under NT systems. These soil microbial properties were shown to be sensitive indicators of long-term tillage management under tropical conditions.     

Tillage,lime, and poultry litter effects on soil zinc,manganese, and copper

Abstract

Long‐term no‐tillage has profound effects on soil properties which can affect the availability of plant nutrient elements. The objectives were to study the effects of tillage and lime treatments on soil pH and extractable soil micronutrients where poultry litter was used as a nitrogen (N) source. Surface soil samples were taken in the spring and fall for two years from a long‐term tillage experiment that had been in place for nine years. There were two tillage treatments [conventional (CT) and no‐tillage (NT)] and six lime/ gypsum treatments (control, 8,960 kg gypsum ha^‐1 every fourth year, 4,480 kg lime ha^‐1 every fourth year, and three treatments of 8,960 kg lime ha^‐1 in a four‐year period divided by application times into 1, 2, and 4 treatments per year). Poultry litter was applied each year of the two‐year experiment at a rate of 8.96 Mg ha^‐1 on a dry weight basis. The crop was corn (Zea maize L.). Soil samples were analyzed for pH and Mehlich‐1 zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). Soil pH was higher for NT than CT and was higher in the spring than in the fall. Lime rates resulted in soil pH increases, but showed less difference for CT than NT. The three 8,960 kg ha^‐1 per four yr treatments caused an interaction in that for CT the pH increased more for 2,240 kg ha^‐1each year than for 8,960 kg ha^‐1 every fourth year and the opposite was true for NT. Extractable Zn, Mn, and Cu all responded to this interaction being lower for the higher pH plots. Extractable Zn was higher for NT possibly due to high Zn from the poultry litter and non‐incorporation for NT. Extractable Cu was lower for NT as expected from the soil pH, whereas extractable Mn was not affected by tillage. Extractable Zn and Cu both increased over time due to inputs from the poultry litter. Neither extractable Zn nor Mn responded to increasing lime rates, however Cu decreased with increasing lime rate. Extractable Cu was influenced mainly by soil pH differences due to tillage and lime. Extractable Zn was influenced much more by tillage and from inputs by the poultry litter and not as much by pH differences. Extractable Mn was the least responsive to tillage and lime treatments of the three micronutrients studied.     

Long-term effect on soil biochemical status of a Vertisol under conservation tillage system in semi-arid Mediterranean conditions

Long-term field experiments are expected to provide important information regarding soil properties affected by conservation management practices. Several studies have shown that soil enzyme activities are sensitive in discriminating among soil management effects. In this study we evaluated the long-term effect of direct drilling (DD) under a crop rotation system (cereals–sunflower–legumes), on the stratification of soil organic matter content and on biochemical properties in a dryland in southwest Spain. The results were compared to those obtained under conventional tillage (CT). Soil biochemical status was evaluated by measuring the enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase and arylsulphatase) during the flowering period of a pea crop. Soil samples were collected in May 2007 at three depths (0–5, 5–10 and 10–20 cm).Total organic carbon (TOC) contents and values of soil enzyme activities were higher in soils subjected to DD than to CT, specifically at 0–5 cm depth. Although a slight decrease of TOC and enzymatic activities with increasing soil depth was observed, no significant differences were found among different depths of the same treatment. This could be related to the high clay content of the soil, a Vertisol. Enzyme activities values showed high correlation coefficients (from r = 0.799 to r = 0.870, p < 0.01) with TOC. Values of activity of the different enzymes were also correlated (p < 0.01).Values of stratification ratios did not show significant differences between tillage practices. The high clay content of the soil is responsible for this lack of differences because of the protection by clay mineral of TOC and soil enzymes activities.Long-term soil conservation management by direct drilling in a dryland farming system improved the quality of a clay soil, especially at the surface, by enhancing its organic matter content and its biological status.     

Early effects of tillage and crop rotation on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal propagules in an Ultisol

The aim of this work was to study the early influence of conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) propagules. A short 2-year-course crop rotation, i.e. trial consisting of a succession of wheat and oat, was studied in a typic Chilean Ultisol from the second to fourth year after the beginning of the experiment. Measurements included mycorrhizal characteristics and some soil properties in order to explain their influence on AMF propagules. Soil samples were taken yearly in autumn (fallow period) and in early spring (flowering). Significant differences in AMF hyphal length were observed between NT and CT in the first year, but such differences disappeared thereafter. No differences in metabolically active hyphae were obtained with wheat or oat under the two tillage systems. Mycorrhizal root colonization was always higher under NT than under CT. The number of AMF spores was also higher under NT than under CT, ranging from 158 to 641 spores per 100 cm³. Twenty-two AMF species including eight Glomus spp., six Acaulospora spp., four Scutellospora spp., one Archaeospora sp., one Diversispora sp., one Entrophospora sp. and one Pacispora sp. were observed in both agro-ecosystems. Higher spore number of Acaulospora spp. was found under wheat than under oat and under CT than under NT, whilst more spores of Scutellospora spp. were observed under NT than under CT. From all mycorrhizal characteristics, spore number could be visualized as an early and useful indicator of the effect of tillage systems on mycorrhizal propagules in short-term experiments.     

Effect of litters on the mobility of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron in the upper horizons of podzolic soils

The concentrations of water-soluble Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe in the litters of the peaty-podzolic-gleyic and pale-podzolic soils of the Central Forest State Biosphere Reserve are inversely proportional to the pH and directly proportional to the total titratable acidity of the extracts and the content of the water-soluble organic matter (WSOM). During the interaction of the litter solutions with the mineral soil horizons, the content of metals in the solutions can vary depending on the pH, the WSOM concentration in the input solutions, the WSOM amphiphility, and the nature of the metal. The amount of water-soluble Mn, Cu, and Zn in the Eih horizon of peaty-podzolic-gleyic soils is directly proportional to the content of WSOM and inversely proportional to the pH of the litter solutions; the Fe concentration increases parallel to both parameters.     

The impact of tillage and residual nitrogen on wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and quality is influenced by management of the previous crop but is highly dependent on current year management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of winter wheat seeded in two tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT)] to four N rates applied to a previous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crop (0, 67, 134, and 202 kg ha⁻¹). The experiment with wheat was conducted on a Dothan sandy loam (fine, loamy siliceous, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) at the University of Florida North Florida Research and Education Center near Quincy, FL from 1995 to 1997. For most plant characteristics, there was a tillage x N x year interaction. Greater plant emergence (79.4 vs. 65.3%) and grain N (23.5 vs. 21.5 g kg⁻¹), and lower grain moisture (139 vs. 142 g kg⁻¹) were obtained under NT than CT, respectively, in one out of two years. Nitrogen applied to a previous cotton crop increased wheat grain yields, plant height and seed number under NT in 1995–1996 and CT in 1996–1997, head density under NT in both years, harvest index under CT in 1996–1997, and grain N concentration in 1995–1996 and 1996–1997 due to residual plant and soil N. With every 1 kg N applied to a previous cotton crop, wheat grain yields increased by 5.38 kg ha⁻¹ under NT, whereas grain yield under CT was not influenced by N application to cotton in 1995–1996. In 1996–1997, grain yields increased by 4.96 and 4.23 kg ha⁻¹ for wheat grown in NT and CT, respectively. Generally, wheat seeded in NT following cotton did not decrease stand or yields compared to CT and wheat grain yields and grain N content increased with N fertilization of the previous crop. However, we would have to apply about 134 kg N ha⁻¹ to a previous cotton crop to maximize wheat production under NT and CT.     

Soil tillage and crop productivity on a Vertisol in Ethiopian highlands

Soil quality deterioration and consequent reduced productivity characterize the Vertisols in the highlands of Ethiopia. The problem is exacerbated by lack of appropriate land preparation alternatives for the major crops in the area. A field experiment was carried out for 6 years (1998–2003) at Caffee Doonsa in the central highlands of Ethiopia to evaluate alternative land preparation methods on the performance of wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), lentil (Lens culinaries Medik L) and tef (Eragrostis tef L) grown in rotation. Four methods of land preparation (broad bed and furrow, green manure, ridge and furrow and reduced tillage) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications on permanent plots of 22 m by 6 m. Broad bed and furrow significantly increased the grain yield of lentils by 59% (from 1029 to 1632 kg ha⁻¹) as compared to the control. On the other hand, reduced tillage resulted in the highest grain yield of wheat (1862 kg ha⁻¹) and tef (1378 kg ha⁻¹) as compared to 1698 kg ha⁻¹ of wheat and 1274 kg ha⁻¹ of tef for the control although the increase was not statistically significant. A gross margin analysis showed that BBF is the most profitable option for lentil with 65% increase in total gross margin. On the other hand, RT resulted in 11 and 8% increase in gross margin of wheat and tef, respectively as compared to the control. Based on the agronomic and economic performances best combinations of crop and land preparation method were: lentil sown on broad bed and furrow, and wheat and tef sown after reduced tillage.     

Cover crop and tillage effects on soil enzyme activities following tomato

Increasing numbers of vegetable growers are adopting conservation tillage practices and including cover crops into crop rotations. The practice helps to increase or maintain an adequate level of soil organic matter and improves vegetable yields. The effects of the practices, however, on enzyme activities in southeastern soils of the United States have not been well documented. Thus, the objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of cover crops and two tillage systems on soil enzyme activity profiles following tomato and to establish relationships between enzyme activities and soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). The cover crops planted late in fall 2005 included black oat (Avena strigosa), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), or crimson clover–black oat mixed. A weed control (no cover crop) was also included. Early in spring 2006, the plots were disk plowed and incorporated into soil (conventional tillage) or mowed and left on the soil surface (no-till). Broiler litter as source of N fertilizer was applied at a rate of 4.6 Mg ha⁻¹, triple super phosphate at 79.0 kg P ha⁻¹, and potassium chloride at 100 kg K ha⁻¹ were also applied according to soil testing recommendations. Tomato seedlings were transplanted and grown for 60 days on a Marvyn sandy loam soil (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults). Ninety-six core soil samples were collected at incremental depths (0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm) and passed through a 2-mm sieve and kept moist to study arylamidase (EC 3.4.11.2), l-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1), l-glutaminase (EC 3.5.1.2), and urease (EC 3.5.1.5) activities. Tillage systems affected only l-glutaminase activity in soil while cover crops affected activities of all the enzymes studied with the exception of urease. The research clearly demonstrated that in till and no-till systems, l-asparaginase activity is greater (P ≤ 0.05) in plots preceded by crimson clover than in those preceded by black oat or their mixture. Activity of the enzyme decreased from 11.7 mg NH₄⁺–N kg⁻¹ 2 h⁻¹ at 0–5 cm depth to 8.73 mg NH₄⁺–N kg⁻¹ 2 h⁻¹ at 5–10 cm and 10–15 cm depths in the no-till crimson clover plots. Arylamidase activity significantly correlated with soil organic C (r = 0.699**) and soil organic N (r = 0.764***). Amidohydrolases activities significantly correlated with soil organic N but only urease significantly correlated with soil organic C (r = 0.481*). These results indicated that incorporation of cover crops into rotations may increase enzyme activities in soils.     

Extraction kinetics of copper,zinc, iron,and manganese from contaminated sediment using Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate

One technique for cleansing heavy metal contaminated soils is to wash the excavated soil with an extraction solution of a chelating agent. The rate of extraction is an important parameter when considering the length of time needed for soil clean-up and the amount and concentration of wash solution required. The extraction kinetics of copper, zinc, iron and manganese from a contaminated sediment of the Clark Fork River in western Montana, U.S.A., with Disodiun Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na₂EDTA) as the extraction agent, were investigated. The results showed the extraction process consisted of rapid extraction in the first minutes followed by much slower extraction for the remainder of the experiment. The rate of extraction, particularly in the rapid phase, demonstrated clear pH dependence: the lower the pH, the faster the extraction rate. In the EDTA concentration range of 0.01 M to 0.05 M, the effect of the EDTA concentration on the extraction rate was not important compared with that of the solution pH. Extraction kinetics for different size particles were similar, although in the first few minutes, EDTA extracted more metals from clay and silt than sand. The two reaction, diffusion, and two-constant kinetic models were compared to experimental results. The two reaction model did not fit any of the data well, and only iron extraction could be described with a simple diffusion model. In general the extraction rates can be well described by the two-constant model, C=A t ^B, up to 600 minutes and under different conditions such as solution pH, EDTA concentration, and different sediment particle size.     

Tillage,lime, and poultry litter effects on plant concentrations of zinc,manganese, and copper

Minimum tillage cropping systems and the use of animal manures on cropland are becoming more prevalent. An experiment was initiated to determine the effects of tillage and lime/gypsum variables on uptake of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) by corn (Zea mays L.) and to show correlations between plant uptake of these metals and soil pH and Mehlich 1‐extractable soil metals where poultry litter was used as a nitrogen (N) source. Surface soil samples were taken in the spring and fall for two years from a long‐term tillage experiment that had been in place for nine years. There were two tillage treatments [conventional (CT) and no‐tillage (NT)] and six lime/gypsum treatments (control, 8,960 kg gypsum ha^‐1 every fourth year, 4,480 kg lime ha^‐1 every fourth year, and three treatments of 8,960 kg lime ha^‐1 in a four‐year period divided by application times into 1, 2, and 4 treatments). Poultry litter was applied each year of the two‐year experiment at a rate of 8.96 Mg ha^‐1 on a dry weight basis. Soil samples were analyzed for pH and Mehlich 1‐extractable Zn, Mn, and Cu, and plant tissue (small plant, ear leaf, stalk, and grain) was analyzed for Zn, Mn, and Cu concentrations. Lime treatments resulted in lower Zn in the small plant and ear leaf for CT, but not for NT. Plant Mn was decreased by lime and gypsum rates for small plant, ear leaf, stalk and grain for both years for CT and NT. Correlations for plant Zn versus soil pH were generally non‐significant, except for one year for ear leaf Zn (R=‐0.413**). Correlations for soil pH and plant tissue Cu were all nonsignificant. Correlations for plant Mn and soil pH were strong with R values over 0.80. Plant Mn response to treatments was found at a pH range of 4.2 to 5.8 for ear leaf and pH 5.2 to 6.2 for stalks. Plant Mn and Zn versus Mehlich 1‐extractable soil Mn and Zn, respectively, were negative. This response was possibly due to oxidation‐reduction and non‐incorporation of the lime for Mn and non‐incorporation of the lime for Zn. Also, the poultry litter was high in Zn (447 mg kg^‐1), which could have masked pH effects. It was concluded that soil sampling for plant micronutrients for NT, especially where a waste material high in micronutrients is applied, can give erratic and even erroneous results. However, lime and tillage treatments had a predictable effect on micronutrient uptake as related to soil pH.     

Effects of moist storage and different drying temperatures on the extractability of iron,copper, manganese,and zinc in soil samples

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different pretreatments on the extraction of cationic micronutrients [iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)] from four different soils. Samples were either stored in the field‐moist state for seven days before drying or dried immediately. Three drying treatments were used: air‐dried (72 hours), oven‐dried at 40°C (48 hours), or oven‐dried at 105°C (24 hours). Micronutrients were then extracted with 0.1N HC1 or diethenetriamine‐pentacetic acid (DTPA). Storage, drying temperature, extractant, and soil type all influenced micronutrient extractability. In general, a higher temperature increased the level of micronutrient extracted. However, the reverse effect was also observed. The effect of storage was variable and probably depended on the sample moisture content. We conclude that the results from routine analysis and experimentally determined indices can only be compared if soil samples are subjected to the same pretreatments. Hence, rigorous standardization of the sample preparations is imperative for accurate determination of plant‐available micronutrients.