Cotton management in a compacted subsurface microirrigated coastal plain soil of the southeastern US

A loamy sand Acrisol (Aquic Hapludult) that had been microirrigated for 6 years became so severely compacted that it had root limiting values of soil cone index in the Ap horizon and a genetic hardpan below it. Deep and surface tillage systems were evaluated for their ability to alleviate compaction. Deep tillage included subsoiling or none. Both deep tillage treatments were also surface tilled by disking, chiseling, or not tilling. Subsoiling was located in row or between rows to avoid microirrigation tubes (laterals) that were buried under every other mid row or every row. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) was planted in 0.96-m wide rows. Cotton yield was improved by irrigation from 485 to 1022 kg ha⁻¹ because both 2001 and 2002 were dry years. Tillage loosened the soil by an average of 0.5–1.3 MPa; but compacted zones remained outside tilled areas. Subsoiling improved yield by 131 kg ha⁻¹ when performed in row where laterals were placed in the mid rows; but subsoiling did not improve yield when it was performed in mid rows. For subsurface irrigation management in these soils, the treatment with laterals buried under every other mid row was able to accommodate in-row subsoiling which improved yield; and this treatment was just as productive as and had been shown to be less expensive to install than burying laterals under every row.     

Field application of PAM as an amendment in deep-tilled US southeastern coastal plain soils

In sandy soils of the southeastern USA coastal plains, crop production is limited by low water holding capacity and compacted soil layers that reduce root growth and productivity. Polyacrylamide (PAM) was added to sandy coastal plain soils to improve physical properties and yield. Soils were amended with linear and cross-linked PAMs. Treatments and controls included the following: (1) spraying a 600 mg kg⁻¹ solution of linear PAM behind a subsoil shank at a rate of 3.93 kg ha⁻¹, (2) spraying a 100 mg kg⁻¹ solution at 0.66 kg ha⁻¹, (3) spraying only water at 13.1 m³ ha⁻¹, (4) dropping a dry PAM powder formulation (3005 KB) behind a subsoil shank at 300 kg ha⁻¹, (5) dropping another dry PAM powder formulation (3005 K2) at 230 kg ha⁻¹, (6) dropping a dry PAM powder formulation 3005 K2 at a lower rate of 55 kg ha⁻¹, (7) applying nothing behind a subsoil shank, and (8) not subsoiling. In each of the 3 years of the experiment, new sets of treatments were set up while the old ones were maintained to look at longevity of the PAM effect. Though treatment effects were dominated by the tillage, the cross-linked PAMs were the only treatments more effective than tillage alone. The cross-linked PAMs may have been more effective because we could add more in dry form than in the spray form. The effect diminished with time similar to or faster than the results seen in tillage only. Though some PAM applications may have reduced cone indices, yields were not affected.     

Bragg soybeans grown on a southern coastal plain soil

Determinate soybean (Glycine max) has been characterized by very few detailed nutrient partitioning studies. Knowledge of the variation in nutrient concentrations with plant part, nodal position, and plant age is needed for a better understanding of plant function. The information will benefit soybean nutrient modeling and diagnostic interpretation of plant analysis. In this study, ‘Bragg’ soybean were grown on an Aquic Paleudult soil (Series Goldsboro loamy sand). Plants were sampled at 10 to 14‐day intervals beginning 44 days after planting (July 7) until harvest. Maximum observed K concentrations were 5.27, 5.05, 2.88, and 2.99% for stem internodes, petioles (+ branches), leaf blades, and pods, respectively. Maximum observed Ca concentrations were 1.05, 1.98, 2.48, and 1.47% for the same respective plant parts. Maximum observed Mg concentrations were 0.63, 0.81, 0.65, and 0.58% for the same respective plant parts. Nodal and temporal mean concentrations of K and Ca generally varied considerably due to plant age and nodal position, respectively, in all plant parts. Mean concentrations of Mg were largely unaffected by either plant age or nodal position. Peak concentrations of Ca and Mg are generally associated with upper nodal positions. As new nodes are initiated, the expanding tissue represents an identifiable sink for K. Of importance in plant analysis is the observation that mean concentrations of elements in all four plant parts can vary by two fold or more depending upon plant age and nodal composition of the sample.     

The effect of texture on strength of southeastern coastal plain soils

The effect of texture on soil strength was analyzed for 17 soils, mainly from the Southeastern Coastal Plains. All samples were tested with a 5-mm, flat-tipped probe after equilibration at 100 kPa of soil-water tension. Both mechanical compression and water consolidation (compaction by wetting and drying) were used to compact the soils. Probe resistance of water-consolidated samples was significantly affected by texture. In fact, bulk density or probe resistance of soils compacted by methods of constant compactive force or constant methodology correlated well with texture for Coastal Plain soils.

A secondary effect of texture involved a significant, positive correlation of silt with probe resistance for sandy soils low in organic matter. Bulk densities at root-restricting conditions (2 MPa) compared well with bulk density values obtained by water consolidation and the Random Packing Model of Gupta and Larson, all of which were significantly correlated to texture.     

The effects of in-row subsoil tillage and soil water on corn yields in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States

Soil erosion is a problem in the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the U.S.A. where clean tillage row cropping exists without adequate soil conserving practices. Conservation tillage practices in the region have frequently incorporated in-row subsoiling to overcome root restricting soil layers 0.20 to 0.35 m below the surface. A number of studies have been conducted to determine the benefits of in-row subsoiling and results have been contradictory. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between in-row subsoil and non-subsoil tillage treatments, soil water, and corn grain yields.The study was conducted for two years on an Orangeburg sandy loam (Typic Paleudult). The study contained irrigated and non-irrigated treatments. The four tillage treatments used were (T₁) in-row subsoiler followed by a double disk bedder, (T₂) double disk bedder, (T₃) fluted coulter followed by in-row subsoiler and slot filler tines, and (T₄) fluted coulter. Tillage and planting were accomplished simultaneously. Each corn (Zea Mays L. ‘Dekalb XL72B’) crop was preceded by fall-planted wheat and the wheat (Triticum aestivium L. “Coker 747”) was killed with herbicides in the spring before corn planting. Wheat mulch was disked in prior to the bedding treatments and left undisturbed for the two fluted coulter treatments. Corn was planted 0.04 m deep with double disk openers. Soil water potential was maintained above 0.05 MPa in the irrigated corn plots. Forty kg/ha of N was applied at planting and followed 42 days later with eight weekly applications of 50 kg/ha N.In-row subsoiling and irrigation treatments significantly increased grain yields. Irrigated corn grain yields were 12333 and 7872 kg/ha in 1978 and 1979, respectively. Non-irrigated corn yields were 7697 and 4892 kg/ha in 1978 and 1979, respectively. In-row subsoiled to a depth of 0.36 m and non-subsoiled grain yields were 8577 and 7820 kg/ha, respectively. There was no significant difference between bedding and fluted coulter treatments.     

Correction of cone index for soil water content differences in a coastal plain soil

Soil penetration resistance (cone index) varies with water content. The field variation of water content could mask treatment differences. The correction of cone index data to a single water content would help prevent this. We used equations from TableCurve^™ software and from the literature to correct cone indices for differences in soil water contents. Data were taken from two field experiments where cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was grown using conventional and conservation tillage without irrigation, and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were grown using conventional tillage with microirrigation. Boundary conditions based on hard, dry and soft, wet soils were imposed on the equations. Equations fit the data with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.55 to 0.92 and error mean squares from 1.37 to 6.35. After correction, cone index dependence on water content was reduced. A single-equation correction did not always fit the data across all treatments. Separate corrections, based on treatment, might be required. When corrections required multiple equations, differences may be real or may be a manifestation of the correction differences. In this case, the correction may not be feasible (unless some future work can coordinate different equations and assure a uniform correction).     

Conservation tillage for maize production in the U.S. southeastern coastal plain

Eight conservation tillage methods were evaluated for maize (Zea mays L.) production and were related to water conserved, soil strength, plant stand, plant nutrient status, and methods of managing crop residues on Norfolk loamy sands (Typic Paleudults) in the U.S. southeastern coastal plain. This study summarizes 10 site-years of data collected from 1978 through 1982.

Seasonal soil-water balance and crop residue management largely determined the success of maize production under conservation tillage. Autumn subsoiling increased winter forage and maize production under both conventional and conservation tillage. When early-season rainfall was limited, water extraction by a winter cover crop or winter weeds often reduced early-season growth and yield of maize under conservation tillage. For adequate stands, increased seeding rates and effective weed-, rodent-, bird- and insect-control were all necessary.

Under adequate water regimes, conventional tillage resulted in greater yields at low levels of nitrogen, but maximum yields occurred regardless of tillage system, when 200 kg ha⁻¹ were applied. Conventionally-tilled maize generally resulted in higher yields than conservation tillage production. The only significant increase for conservation tillage occurred under non-irrigated conditions in 1981 during severe drought. The interactive soil and climatic factors which have impact on conservation tillage in this physiographic region were identified.     

Canola response to boron and nitrogen grown on the southeastern coastal plain 1

Canola has the potential for production in a doublecropping system in the southeastern Coastal Plain, but little information is known about its fertility reguirements when grown in this region. This two‐year field study was conducted to determine the effect of boron (B) and nitrogen (N) on canola growth and yield. Nine combinations of five N rates ranging from 45 to 225 kg/ha, with and without 1.68 kg B/ha, were evaluated at Blackville SC, on a Plinthic Paleudult. Canola plants receiving foliar B had a 6.5% higher yield than those receiving no B for the combined 1990 and 1991 data. Compared to plants which received no B, whole plant tissue analysis at beginning bloom detected a 50% higher B concentration for plants receiving B application 25 days earlier. Seed yield was affected by N rate both years, and there was a significant year by N interaction. In 1990 yields increased as the N rate increased, whereas in 1991 yields peaked at 135 kg/ha N and declined at higher N rates. These data suggest that, on a typical Coastal Plain soil, canola will respond to the application of foliar B, and requires approximately 135 kg N/ha.     

Spatial variation of soil respiration in a coastal protection forest in southeastern China

Purpose

Forest soil respiration is an important component of global carbon budgets, but its spatial variation is inadequately understood. This research aimed to measure soil respiration (R _s), soil water content (M _s-5), soil temperature (T), and carbon dioxide (M _co2) in a coastal protection forest (CPF), which is one kind of man-made forests designed for coastal protection primarily along the coast in China, to determine the relationships among them, and to analyze their spatial distributions in a small scale.

Materials and methods

We measured R _s, M _s-5, T, and M _co2 of 100 plots in an approximately flat grid (totally 4 hm²) by LI-8100A in a Casuarina equisetifolia L. forest on a state-owned forest farm of 326 hm² in SE China. Traditional statistics and geo-statistics including semivariance, Moran’s I index, and fractal dimension were used to analyze data.

Results and discussion

Key findings were that (1) the spatial mean of R _s, M _s-5, T, and M _co2 were 1.194 μmol m^?2 s^?1, 11.387 mmol mol^?1, 14.153 °C, and 407.716 ppm, respectively, in the forest; (2) the relationship between soil respiration and the other three factors was weak, while M _s-5, T, and M _co2 have strong relationships with each other; and (3) the four factors, especially soil respiration, had strong autocorrelation within given limits and showed great heterogeneity with 95 % confidence intervals around the means in the study area, all of which can provide important value for the study of carbon cycling and for the sustainable management of coastal protection forests.

Conclusions

According to geo-statistical analysis and field investigations, soil respiration in the coastal forest is less than in some broad-leaf forests but higher than in some conifers. Strong heterogeneity and autocorrelation are clear; however, its relation with other three factors is weak. CPF is a considerable potential forest for carbon conservation if it is well managed.

     

Yield of corn as affected by potassium on a coastal plain soil

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) yields were determined over a four year period on Kalmia sandy loam soil at Georgetown, Delaware. Yields were not significantly increased by the application of K fertilizer. Potassium soil test level was not significantly correlated with corn yield. Multiple extraction and leaching and changes in soil test K indicated that this soil has a K equilibrium which is reestablished sufficiently rapid to supply K to a growing corn crop.     

Chemistry of soil potassium in Atlantic coastal plain soils: A review

Abstract

Literature dealing with general properties of soil K and with K relationships in Atlantic Coastal Plain Soils was discussed. Potassium, among major and secondary nutrient elements, is the most abundant in soils. It, among mineral cations required by plants, is largest in non‐hydrated size. Potassium has a polarizability equal to .88 ų and a low hydration energy of 34 kcal g^?1 ion^?1. The major K forms in soils are water soluble, exchangeable, nonexchangeable, and mineral. Various dynamic interrelationships exist between these forms with the reaction kinetics between the various phases determining the fate of applied K.

Many Atlantic Coastal Plain soils contain high levels of total K. Most of the total K in these soils is contained in mineral forms such as micas and K‐feldspars. These K forms are slowly released to solution and exchangeable forms that are available to plants. Many researchers have noted a lack of crop response to K fertilization on Atlantic Coastal Plain soils. This lack of response has been ascribed to the high indigenous levels of mineral and non‐exchangeable K in the soils which would become available to crops. Some researchers have also attributed the lack of response to K accumulations in subsoil from leaching of applied K. If the physical and chemical conditions were favorable in the subsoil horizons, e. g., no pan formation and no severe Al toxicity, plant roots could absorb K from the subsoil horizons.     

排水暗管间距对滨海盐土淋洗脱盐效果的影响

为合理设计盐碱土灌排改良工程,提高盐碱土改良效果,该文通过田间试验,研究了排水暗管间距对滨海盐土淋洗脱盐效果的影响。结果表明,漫灌淋洗期间,吸水管间距埋设越小,小区暗管系统稳定排水流量越大,淋洗初期的排水矿化度也越大,排水排盐效率越高;相同淋洗用水量下,3m间距小区田间各点土壤脱盐比较均一,6、9m间距小区田间各点土壤脱盐效率相差较大,3次淋洗后3个小区田间各点0~1m深土体土壤脱盐率分别在70.93%～73.40%、64.68%～77.47%、56.54%～78.78%;利用暗管工程技术参数估算方法预测了淋洗改良后田间各点土壤含盐量,不同间距吸水管上方0~1m深土体土壤含盐量预测值与实测值差异较大,其他各点差异较小,预测误差率在±10%左右。排水暗管间距对田面各点土壤脱盐效果影响很大,盐碱土灌排改良应合理设计暗管间距和采取有效的淋洗措施。     

The influence of parent material on soil fertility degradation in the coastal plain of Tanzania

Differences in the vulnerability of soils to fertility degradation are compared for two major soil groups located in the coastal plain of Tanzania and cropped with sisal (Agave sisalana). Ferralsols derived from intermediate gneiss of Precambrian age and Cambisols developed in Jurassic and Neogene limestones partly covered with Quaternary deposits were selected for comparison. A clear influence of parent material was apparent when soils were continuously cropped with sisal and no fertilizers were applied. Serious soil fertility decline occurs in Ferralsols, but Cambisols are resilient to chemical degradation and the fertility decline in these soils was very limited. The differences in degradation rates are explained by the lower initial fertility and low nutrient reserve of Ferralsols, while the Cambisols had higher initial fertility levels and nutrients removed by the sisal crop are replenished by the weathering of the underlying parent material. Sustainable soil fertility management of Cambisols includes only NPK fertilization, but heavy dressings of lime, organic manures and/or chemical fertilizers are required to improve the fertility status of the Ferralsols and to produce crops in a sustainable manner.     

滨海盐土暗管排水降渍脱盐效果研究

在江苏省滨海盐土按不同埋深和间距埋设地下暗管,其降渍、脱盐作用主要表现在丰水期(7-9月)内,在试验区范围内,10m间距暗管的降渍效果最显著,10m和15m间距暗管的脱盐效果相差不明显;在较小间距(10m)时,1.4m埋深暗管的降溃效果优于1.2 m埋深,埋设间距≥15m后,埋深对暗管降渍效果无明显影响,而在所有埋设间距处理中,1.4m埋深暗管的脱盐效果都优于1.2m埋深.综合比较分析各相关试验结果,并考虑暗管埋设的初期投资和后期维护成本,推荐间距15m、埋深1.4m为江苏滨海盐土降渍脱盐的地下暗管工程最佳布设参数.     

Episodic acidification of a coastal plain stream in Virginia

This study investigates the episodic acidification of Reedy Creek, a wetland-influenced coastal plain stream near Richmond, Virginia. Primary objectives of the study were to quantify the episodic variability of acid-base chemistry in Reedy Creek, to examine the seasonal variability in episodic response and to explain the hydrological and geochemical factors that contribute to episodic acidification. Chemical response was similar in each of the seven storms examined, however, the ranges in concentrations observed were commonly greater in summer/fall storms than in winter/spring storms. An increase in SO _inf4 ^sup2? concentration with discharge was observed during all storms and peak concentration occurred at or near peak flow. Small increases in Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺ concentrations and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were observed during most storms. At the same time, ANC, Na⁺ and Cl^? concentrations usually decreased with increasing discharge. In summer/fall storms, the absolute increase in SO _inf4 ^sup2? concentration was one-third to 15 times the increase observed in winter/spring storms; the decrease in ANC during summer/fall storms was usually within the range of the decrease observed in winter/spring storms. In contrast, the decrease in Na⁺ and Cl^? concentrations during winter/spring storms was much greater than that observed during summer/fall storms. Data show that while base flow anion deficit was higher in summer/fall than in winter/spring, anion deficit decreased during most summer/fall storms. In contrast, base flow anion deficit was lower in spring and winter, but increased during winter/spring storms. Increased SO _inf4 ^sup2? concentration was the main cause of episodic acidification during storms at Reedy Creek, but increased anion deficit indicates organic acids may contribute to episodic acidification during winter/spring storms. Changes in SO _inf4 ^sup2? concentration coincident with the hydrograph rise indicate quick routing of water through the watershed. Saturation overland flow appears to be the likely mechanism by which solutes are transported to the stream during storm flow.     

Spatial-temporal dynamics of soil chloride distribution in a coastal saline plain: implication for ocean and climate influences

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Restoration of saline soil in coastal areas requires detailed understanding of spatial and temporal soil salt distribution and how the distribution is affected by...     

Soil carbon sequestration with continuous no-till management of grain cropping systems in the Virginia coastal plain

Carbon sequestration in agroecosystems represents a significant opportunity to offset a portion of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Climatic conditions in the Virginia coastal plain and modern production practices make it possible for high annual photosynthetic CO₂ fixation. There is potential to sequester a substantial amount of C, and concomitantly improve soil quality, with the elimination of tillage for crop production in this region. The objectives of our research were to: (1) measure C sequestration rate with continuous no-till management of grain cropping systems of the Virginia middle coastal plain; (2) determine the influence of biosolids application history on C content and its interaction with tillage management; and (3) evaluate the impact of continuous no-till C stratification as an indicator of soil quality. Samples were collected from 63 sites in production fields using a rotation of corn (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)/soybean double-crop (Glysine max L.) across three soil series [Bojac (coarse-loamy, mixed, semiactive, thermic Typic Hapludults), Altavista (fine-loamy, mixed semiactive, thermic Aquic Hapludults), and Kempsville (fine-loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Typic Hapludults)] with a history of continuous no-till management ranging from 0 to 14 years. Thirty-two of the sites had a history of biosolids application. Five soil cores were collected at each site from 0–2.5, 2.5–7.5 and 7.5–15 cm and analyzed for bulk density and soil C. Bulk density in the 0–2.5 cm layer decreased and C stratification ratio (0–2.5 cm:7.5–15 cm) increased with increasing duration of continuous no-till due to the accumulation of organic matter at the soil surface. A history of biosolids application resulted in an increase of 4.19 ± 1.93 Mg C ha⁻¹ (0–15 cm). Continuous no-till resulted in the sequestration of 0.308 ± 0.280 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (0–15 cm). Our results provide quantitative validation of the C sequestration rate and improved soil quality with continuous no-till management in the region using on-farm observations.     

The effects of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum) on P fractions in a coastal plain soil

Purpose

In order to explore the possibility of using FGD gypsum in controlling P loss due to agricultural runoff, the effects of FGD gypsum on the P fraction were studied in the Yangtze River Delta coastal plains. The field experiments were conducted to identify (1) different application rates of FGD Gypsum to the P losses and (2) formation of Ca-P complexes in the soil in response to FGD gypsum applications.

Materials and methods

The field experiments consisted four rates of FGD gypsum (0, 15, 30, and 45 t/ha) in triplicate. FGD gypsum was obtained from a coal burning power plant. The “S” multi-point sampling method was used to collect samples of the uppermost soil interval in July and December of 2015. The total phosphorus (TP) in soil and plants was determined using the sulfuric acid-perchloric acid digestion method. The available phosphorus (AP) was determined using the sodium bicarbonate extraction-molybdenum-antimony anti-spectrophotometric method. The soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the soil leachate was determined using the molybdenum-antimony anti-spectrophotometric method. The Visual MINTEQ 3.0 model was used to simulate the forms and distribution of the P fractions in the soil solution.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that the soil P fractions changed with application rats of FGD gypsum while the total soil P showed no significant change. The concentrations of SRP in the leachate also decreased in average of 27.5, 41.9, and 54.5%, respectively, with increasing FGD gypsum rates. The amounts of Ca₂-P, Ca₈-P, and Ca₁₀-P of the calcium phosphates in the soil were significantly increased over the ranges of 44.3–68.6, 34.1–70.1, and 7.4–17.2%, while soil AP concentrations decreased. Visual MINTEQ modeling confirmed the speciation and fractionation of Ca-P compounds under the coastal plain soil conditions. The field experiments also showed that FGD gypsum applications did not affect the absorption of P by the vegetation.

Conclusions

Experiments indicated that FGD gypsum has been shown to react with P in soil, resulting in decrease of AP and SRP and formation of insoluble Ca-P compounds and thereby decreasing the potential of P losses with surface runoff. FGD gypsum appears to be a more viable soil amendment than commercially mined gypsum to potentially achieve reductions in P losses and eutrophication of receiving waters.

     

Paleosols of the southern coastal plain of Israel

Paleosols of the S coastal plain of Israel were studied in a characteristic sequence situated in the Ruhama badlands area. At the upper part of the sequence, there is a Loessial Arid Brown Soil (Calciorthids), characteristic of the mildly arid climate of the area. The soil has two calcic horizons and four clayey layers alternating with four calcareous layers which are beneath them. Physical, chemical, and magnetic‐susceptibility data and micromorphological evidence indicate that each clayey layer together with the calcareous layer beneath it forms a single pedogenic unit. These units are similar to modern Grumusolic soils (Xeric Paleargids or Xererthic Calciargids) that occur in the semiarid belt of the S coastal plain and develop on eolian‐dust parent material. The calcareous layers are in fact calcic horizons formed by leaching of the carbonates from the clayey layers and accumulated in the form of in situ carbonate nodules. The leaching of the carbonates is not complete; they were never completely leached in the past. This feature together with a typical brown color is also characteristic of the modern soils developed in the semiarid water regime of the area. The four superimposed paleosols represent four cycles. It is suggested that they were formed in two phases. During a dry environment, a short phase of rapid eolian‐dust accumulation prevailed, followed by a stable phase of soil development in a somewhat wetter climate. Dating by optically stimulated luminescence and previous dating by ¹⁴C in the area suggest that the upper two paleosol cycles belong to the Last Glacial period whereas the other two cycles are of an earlier age. The magnetic‐susceptibility values decrease with age and react different from temperate areas. Below the four cycles, two totally leached paleosols developed on sandy parent material occur. Both paleosols have a reversed magnetic polarity and are hence older than 780 ky BP. The upper one is a Brown Mediterranean soil, and the lower one is a Red Mediterranean soil. Thin‐section evidence suggests that they formed on terrestrial sand dunes.     

Bragg soybeans grown on a southern coastal plain soil IV. Seasonal changes in nodal N and P concentrations

Determinate soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has been characterized by few detailed nitrogen and phosphorous partitioning studies. Knowledge of the variation in N and P concentrations with plant part, nodal position, and plant age is needed for a better understanding of plant functions. In this field study, ‘Bragg’ soybean was grown on an Aquic Paleudult soil (series Goldsboro loamy sand). Plants were sampled at 10 to 14 day intervals beginning 44 days after planting (July 7) until harvest. Maximum observed N concentrations were 3.1, 2.8, 5.8, and 5.4% for stem internodes, petioles (+branches), leaf blades, and pods, respectively. Maximum observed P concentrations were 0.34, 0.48, 0.78, and 0.52 for the same respective plant parts. Nodal and temporal mean N and P concentrations varied considerably with plant age and nodal position in all plant parts. These data show that mean N and P concentrations in all four plant parts can vary several fold, depending upon plant age and nodal position for the sample. This suggests caution should be exercised in tissue sampling and interpretation of plant analysis. Concentrations of N and P generally decreased with time for stem internode, petioles (+branches), and leaf blades, but increased with time for pods. Except for N concentration in stem internodes, which increases with internode number, the N and P concentrations remain nearly constant throughout the growing season. The relationships provide insight for developing accurate plant models depicting N and P concentrations and translocations over time and among plant parts in determinate soybean.