Determining differential water movement through ion exchange resin for nitrate leaching measurements

Abstract

The fate of fertilizer N applied to agricultural soils is of growing concern due to the potential for groundwater contamination. The recent development of an exchange resin that specifically absorbs NO₃ has led to the potential for a new technique to measure cumulative NO₃ leaching. The main limitation to the application of the resin technique is the matching of water movement through the resin with that of soil. A soil water movement device was developed to compare water movement through the resin to that of soil. A study was initiated to develop a resin/soil pack with water movement characteristics that closely matches those of natural soils. Three different soil types were used in this study: a Cahaba sandy loam (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludult), a Congaree clay loam (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, thermic Typic Udifluvent), and a Hiwassee clay (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Rhodudult). Both pure resin and resin mixed with soil were found to have higher water movement characteristics compared to bulk soil. A resin pack method was found which had water movement characteristics that were not significantly different from that of bulk soil for the three different soil types. The resin pack method is described.     

Comparative availability to wheat of metals from sewage sludge and inorganic salts

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the availability of metals from sewage sludge and inorganic salts, and the effect of pH and soil type on yield and metal (Zn, Cu, Cd and Ni) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. ‘holly’). Soils used in this study were Hartsells sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous Thermic Typic Hapludult) and Decatur silty clay loam (Clayey, kaolinitic, Thermic Rhodic Paleudult). Two treatments of sewage sludge containing metals were applied at the rate of 20 and 100 mt ha^?1. Inorganic Salts of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni were applied (as sulfate salts) at concentrations equivalent to those found in the 20 and 100 mt ha^?1 sludge. One treatment consisted of inorganic metals plus sewage at the 20 Mg ha^?1 rate. Two soil pH levels, one at field pH (below 6.0) and another pH adjusted between 6.5 and 7.0 were used. Wheat plants were harvested four weeks after germination. Two more subsequent harvests were made at four week intervals. For each harvest, dry matter yield increased as the rate of sludge application increased for both soil types. The soil pH also influenced the dry matter yield. High yield was observed when the pH was adjusted between 6.5 to 7.0 for both soils. An increase in yield was also observed at each subsequent harvest for most of the treatments. Inorganic salt treatments produced lower dry matter yields when compared with the sludge. Both sludge application and metal salts increased plant tissue concentration of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni at field pH for both soils. However, increasing the pH of the soil for both sludge and inorganic salt treatments generally decreased the tissue concentration of the above metals.     

Changes in Soil Test Phosphorus from Broiler Litter Additions

Abstract

Nutrient surpluses on the Delmarva Peninsula have led to a continual accumulation of soil test phosphorus (STP), a potential source for transport of phosphorus (P) to surface waters. This article examines the effects of initial soil test P concentrations and broiler litter additions on STP accumulation. Broiler litter (BL) was applied at rates of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g kg^?1 (dry weight) to three soils: an Evesboro sandy loam (Mesic, coated Typic Quartzipsamments), a Pocomoke sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, siliceous, thermic typic Umbraquults), and a Matapeake silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Hapludults). Soils and BL were incubated for 16 weeks with subsamples analyzed after 4 and 16 weeks. There was a linear increase in STP (Mehlich‐3), water‐soluble P (WS‐P), iron‐oxide strip‐extractable P (FeO‐P), and Mehlich‐3 phosphorus saturation ratio (M3‐PSR) with broiler litter additions. Regression analysis indicated few significant differences in STP response to added BL between soils within the same soil group having different initial STP levels. Correlation analysis and stepwise regression indicated that increases in WS‐P and FeO‐P from added BL were more closely related to the degree of P saturation of the soil rather than traditional STP measurements. Therefore, decisions regarding manure placement within a watershed should be based on the potential P sorption capacity of the soil as well as potential P transport pathways when the goal is the reduction of P transfer to waterbodies.     

Soil temperature and fumigation effects on plant phosphorus uptake and related microbial properties

Early season problems with growth of corn (Zea mays L.) under cool, wet conditions prompted a study of the effects of soil and environmental conditions on mineralization and plant uptake of phosphorus (P). Our objective was to determine the effect of soil test P, temperature, and soil fumigation on soil P availability and uptake during early corn growth. Corn was grown in growth chambers at temperatures of 14°C or 25°C. Soils were a high‐P Hastings silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Udic Argiustoll) and a low‐P Sharpsburg clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll). Plants grew for up to 42 d either in soil which had been fumigated with methyl bromide to reduce microbial populations or left unfumigated. We harvested whole pots for soil and plant analysis at 1, 14, 28, and 42 d after planting. Biomass carbon (C) and biomass P were lower in fumigated soils and biomass C increased with time. Fumigation increased Bray Pl‐extractable P at all times. Phosphatase activity and mycorrhizal colonization were both reduced by fumigation. Cumulative plant P uptake was highest in Hastings at 25°C. Higher temperature and higher initial P status increased plant P uptake during early growth. Plants grown in fumigated soil did not take up more P, despite greater extractable P.     

Plant growth response to applied k on coarse‐textured feldspathic soils

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of continuous cropping and K fertilization on plants grown on coarse‐textured soils high in feldspars. The A and C horizons of Elsmere (sandy, mixed, mesic Aquic Haplustoll), Valentine (mixed, mesic Typic Ustipsamment) and Sharpsburg (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Arguidoll) soils were continuously cropped in the greenhouse with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Four K treatments (0, 18.5, 37.5 and 75.0 mg K/kg soil) were applied before planting. At approximately 4 week intervals, above ground plant tissue was harvested and analyzed for K content for a total of 12 cuttings. Potassium deficiency symptoms (marginal necrosis, spotting) eventually appeared in plants grown on all but the A horizon of the Sharpsburg soil. Continuous cropping decreased plant K concentration, averaged across all treatments, from 38 to 10 g/kg dry matter. Potassium fertilization increased K concentration in plant dry matter on the soils initially low in slowly available and exchangeable K, but did not increase biomass. Uptake was higher by plants grown on A horizons. Different K rates resulted in different cumulative K uptake on the soils initially low in available K.     

Long‐term effects of copper rich swine manure application on continuous corn production

Abstract

Three long‐term field experiments were established in the spring of 1978 and continued through 1988 to evaluate corn (Zea mays L.) response to high Cu levels from Cu rich swine manure and CuSO₄ applications. The field research was conducted on soils with diverse properties, i.e., on a Bertie fine sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, thermic, Aquic Hapludults), a Guernsey silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic, Aquic Hapludalfs), and a Starr‐Dyke clay loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, thermic Fluventic Dystrochrepts‐clayey, mixed, mesic, Typic Rhodudults). Three treatments in the long‐term field experiments on the three soils were i) a control, ii) annual applications of Cu as Cu rich swine manure, and iii) annual applications of Cu as CuSO₄ equivalent to that in the manure. After the 11 years, 1109 mt ha^‐1 of wet Cu rich swine manure were applied for the manure treatment. The Cu rich manure, which contained an average of 1316 mg Cu kg^‐1, was produced by swine fed diets supplemented with an average of 251 mg Cu kg^‐1 as CuSO₄. An average of 325 kg Cu ha^‐1 added to the soils from the manure application over the 11 years exceeded U.S.E.P.A. guidelines for safe copper loading levels for cropland by 45 kg ha^‐1. Copper concentrations in corn ear leaves were within the normal range of 3 to 15 mg kg^‐1 where the 325 kg Cu ha^‐1 were applied to the soils as either Cu rich manure or CuSO₄ over the 11 years. Concentrations of Cu in the grain also were in the normal range of 1 to 5 mg kg^‐1 where the high level of the two Cu sources were applied to the soils. There was no decrease in corn yield on the three soils from application of either Cu source. The lack of yield decrease from the Cu rich manure and CuSO₄ applications may reflect decreased Cu availability at the near neutral pH in the soils under study.     

Plant Response to Copper Toxicity as Affected by Plant Species and Soil Type

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the bioavailability of copper (Cu) in clay loam and sandy clay loam soil. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were grown in pots for 45 d. When mature, plants were treated for 15 additional days with 0, 100, 250, 500, or 1000 mg Cu kg^?1 as CuSO₄·5H₂O. After harvest, Cu in soils and plant tissues was determined. In soils, applied Cu raised total and EDTA-extractible Cu. Results also revealed that the amounts of Cu extracted from sandy clay loam soil (80%) were higher than those extracted from clay loam soil (70%). In plants, increasing soil Cu concentration increased plant concentration of the metal. Plant species vary in their capacity for Cu accumulation: Lettuce has a relatively higher potential for Cu uptake and translocation than does spinach. Cu accumulation also differs among plant organs. In lettuce, metal accumulation is higher in roots than in shoots, where 60% to 80% of the total Cu of the plant is located in the roots. However, in spinach, there is no significant difference in Cu content between roots and shoots. The transfer of the metal from soil to plant is higher for plants grown on sandy clay loam soil. For a given rate of applied Cu, metal content in plant tissues is higher on sandy clay loam soil due to its higher transfer coefficient (C_T) from soil to plant. Nevertheless, all crops studied showed a positive linear relationship between extractible soil Cu and plant Cu.     

Beryllium phytotoxicity in soybeans

A greenhouse study was conducted to assess the effects of soil-applied beryllium (Be) on the growth and Be content of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], grown on acid southeastern soils under limed and unlimed conditions. This study was conducted using a factorial design, with two soil types varying in clay content (Blanton sand, a loamy, siliceous, thermic Grossarenic Paleudult; and Orangeburg loamy sand, a loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Paleudult), two soil treatments (limed and unlimed) and five Be concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg Be kg^?1 t soil). Addition of Be to unlimed Blanton soil had the most toxic effects of all treatment combinations; at the 150 mg Be kg^?1 treatment plant biomass was reduced as much as 90% and plant Be concentration was as high as 226 mg Be kg^?1. Beryllium concentrations were greater in plants grown in a soil low in clay (Blanton soil). Liming of soils treated with Be resulted in lowered tissue Be concentrations in plants grown on either soil type.     

土壤紧实度对伴矿景天生长及镉锌吸收性的影响研究

采集黏土、壤黏土和砂质壤土,分别设置无压实、低紧实度及高紧实度3种处理,通过盆栽试验研究了土壤紧实度对Cd、Zn超积累植物伴矿景天生长和Cd、Zn吸收性的影响。结果表明,与无压实处理比较,砂质壤土、壤黏土和黏土中伴矿景天地上部生物量在低紧实度下显著下降66.8%~83.5%、59.9%~60.4%和57.9%~71.4%;高紧实度处理却显著提高了伴矿景天的根系活力(142%~241%)。高紧实度处理显著降低了壤黏土上伴矿景天地上部Cd和Zn含量,但低紧实度对砂质壤土和黏土上伴矿景天地上部Cd和Zn含量无显著影响。与无压实处理比较,低紧实度显著降低了砂质壤土、壤黏土和黏土上伴矿景天的Cd吸取量,分别下降50.4%~73.8%、61.4%~74.9%和43.4%~63.3%,Zn吸取量下降48.7%~79.5%、73.6%~79.0%和46.1%~63.5%;土壤紧实度对壤黏土上伴矿景天的镉锌吸取效率影响最明显。     

Effect of soil pH on plant growth and nodulation of cowpea

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soil pH on rhizobium inoculation, plant growth and nodulation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Both inoculated and non‐inoculated seeds of the cultivar ‘California Blackeye No. 5’ were grown in the greenhouse in plastic pots with growth medium being a Norfolk sandy loam (Fine, loamy siliceous, thermic, Typic Palendult) soil under different pH levels. Both soil pH and rhizobium inoculation significantly affected root length, plant height, nodule and pod number per plant. Within the pH range of 6.6 to 7.6, these growth parameters generally were at their maximum, decreasing above or below this pH range. Non‐inoculated plants produced some nodules, indicating failure of the methyl bromide to totally destroy all residual soil rhizobta before inoculation treatment.

The inoculated plants produced more seeds and the increased number of nodules of treated plants was directly related to increased seed weight. Since nodule number was highest at the approximate pH range of 6.6 to 7.6, this range was considered optimum for nodulation of cowpea by this strain of rhizobium under greenhouse conditions. At pH 7.5 and above, roots tended to be more fibrous and nodules were generally smaller in size.     

Copper availability in two soils amended with eleven annual applications of copper‐enriched hog manure

Abstract

Relatively high amounts of Cu are found in manure of hogs (Sus scrofa domesticus) maintained on diets containing growth‐stimulating levels of Cu. While disposal of Cu‐enriched hog manure through repeated long‐term application to agricultural land is commonly practiced, concern exists regarding Cu availability in these soils. Field studies were conducted on a Bertie fine sandy loam (Aquic Hapludults) and a Starr‐Dyke clay loam (Fluventic Dystochrepts‐Typic Rhodudults), located in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of Virginia. The objective was to examine the effects of long‐term Cu application on corn (Zea mays L.) growth and to ascertain the Cu sorption capacity of these soils. Field plots were treated with Cu‐enriched hog manure or CUSO₄ (on an equivalent Cu basis) annually. Manure amendments totaled about 240 t ha^‐1 (dry weight) over an 11 yr period (1978 through 1989). The manure averaged 1300 mg Cu kg^‐1 (dry weight) over this time period totaling 340 kg Cu ha^‐1. Sorption isotherms were determined for sorption of Cu by the Bertie and Starr‐Dyke soils. In comparison with unamended control plots, studies conducted in 1989 showed an early season stunting effect for corn grown on the CUSO₄ treated Bertie soil. No differences in plant heights were observed for corn grown in CuSO₄ treated Starr‐Dyke soil or control plots. Plant growth rates were increased on plots amended with Cu‐enriched hog manure. Copper sorption capacity of Bertie and Starr‐Dyke soils increased following several annual applications of manure.     

Evaluation of fly ash as a soil amendment for the Atlantic Coastal Plain: I. Soil hydraulic properties and elemental leaching

A major limitation to crop yields in the Atlantic Coastal Plain is drought stress caused by the low moisture-holding capacities of the coarse-textured soils common to the area. Because coal fly ash is comprised primarily of silt and clay-sized particles, it has the potential, if applied at high enough rates, to permanently change soil texture and increase moisture holding capacity. A series of soil column studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of high rates of fly ash on soil hydraulic properties and elemental leaching of trace metals and boron. Fly ash from two Delaware power plants (EM=Edgemoor and IR=Indian River) was incorporated in a Hammonton loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, mesic, Typic Hapludults) at six rates (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, by weight). The effect of fly ash on soil moisture holding capacity, hydraulic conductivity, and wetting front velocity was determined. Leachates from columns amended with 30% fly ash were analyzed for B, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Soil moisture holding capacity was increased from 12% in the soil alone to 25% in the soil amended with 30% fly ash. Boron and soluble salts leached rapidly from ash amended soils while only trace quantities of Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn were detected in column leachates.     

In‐row soil aggregate characteristics for two Iowa soils

Abstract

Chemical and physical characteristics of soil aggregates from Clarion loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typical Hapludoll) and Edina silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argialboll) soil were evaluated to compare two alternate farming practices. Aggregate size distribution was measured for the 0‐to‐3 mm and 0‐to‐76 mm fractions collected from within existing ridges to a soil depth of 0.15 m prior to planting corn (Zea mays L.), after the first cultivation, at anthesis, and after harvest in 1990. Selected physical and chemical properties were determined for air‐dry aggregates in six size classes (0‐to‐0.5, 0.5‐to‐1.0, 1.0‐to‐2.0, 2.0‐to‐3.0, 3.0‐to‐4.0, and 4.0‐to‐5.0 mm) collected from the two Iowa soils prior to planting. Temporal changes in aggregate size distribution were observed for both soils, presumably because of combined rainfall and crop management effects. Physical and chemical properties of soil aggregates showed large differences between locations and within size fractions when compared to the bulk soil. Clarion loam had relatively more consistent exchangeable cation concentrations compared to Edina silt loam, presumably because of sustained incorporation of manure and municipal sludge at that site. Soil aggregation and aggregate properties can be used as indicators to evaluate the effects of alternate fanning practices.     

Crop yield and SOC responses to biochar application were dependent on soil texture and crop type in southern Quebec,Canada

Changes to soil nutrient availability and increases for crop yield and soil organic C (SOC) concentration on biochar‐amended soil under temperate climate conditions have only been reported in a few publications. The objective of this work was to determine if biochar application rates up to 20 Mg ha^?1 affect nutrient availability in soil, SOC stocks and yield of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) on two coarse‐textured soils (loamy sand, sandy clay loam) in S Quebec, Canada. Data were collected from field experiments for a 3‐y period following application of pine wood biochar at rates of 0, 10, and 20 Mg ha^?1. For corn plots, at harvest 3 y after biochar application, 20 Mg biochar ha^?1 resulted in 41.2% lower soil NH on the loamy sand; the same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. On the loamy sand, 20 Mg biochar ha^?1 increased corn yields by 14.2% compared to the control 3 y after application; the same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. Biochar did not alter yield or nutrient availability in soil on soybean or switchgrass plots on either soil type. After 3 y, SOC concentration was 83 and 258% greater after 10 and 20 Mg ha^?1 biochar applications, respectively, than the control in sandy clay loam soil under switchgrass production. The same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. A 67% higher SOC concentration was noted with biochar application at 20 Mg ha^?1 to sandy clay loam soil under corn.     

Mobility of heavy metals in polluted soils near zinc smelters

The distribution and the availability of Cd, Zn, Cu, and Pb along the entire profile of two highly polluted soils located near Zn smelters have been related to the chemical and mineralogical composition of the soil. Lead and Cu deposits always remain in the surface layers and their availability measured by neutral ammonium acetate extraction was very weak. The behavior of Cd and Zn appears different in sandy acidic podzolic soils and in neutral loamy soils. These metals are associated with the organic matter migration in podzolic soils, while they remain in the upper layers in loamy soils provided that the pH is higher than 6. When the pH drops below 6, the mobility of Cd increases while that of Zn increases only below pH 5. The availability of heavy metals is lower in neutral loamy soils than in sandy acidic soils due to precipitation of carbonates and phosphates. With increasing depth, Cd and Zn are more available if the soil is acid; but, if the soil is neutral and loamy the availability is kept low by adsorption on clays and free oxides. The results of the complex trace metals interactions with the soil components show a higher accumulation capacity for loamy soils than for sandy soils notwithstanding the fact that their CEC is similar.     

Uptake of sulfur by four cotton cultivars grown under field conditions

There has never been an intensive study of the sulfur (S) nutrition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) when grown under field conditions. Field studies were conducted on two non‐irrigated soils to evaluate the S‐uptake characteristics of four selected cotton cultivars that are representative of those produced in the Southern United States. Four cultivars with diverse genetic backgrounds, Deltapine 90, Coker 315, Paymaster 145, and Stoneville 825 were grown on a Norfolk fine sandy loam (fine loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Kandiudults) and a Decatur silt loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Paleudults). Whole plants were collected at two‐week intervals over the growing season starting at 15 days after planting. The plants were partitioned into leaves, stems, burs, seed, and lint, and analyzed (except for lint) for S. Total S uptake when averaged over both soils and all four cultivars was 20.4 (±9.4) kg/ha [or 2.7 (±0.7) kg S per 100 kg lint produced]. Sulfur uptake on the Norfolk soil (15.6 (±8.5) kg/ha) was lower compared to the Decatur soil [25.1 (±7.9) kg/ha]. There were no cultivar differences in total S uptake on the Norfolk soil, but total S uptake on the Decatur soil was affected by the interaction between sampling date and cultivar. The concentration of S and S uptake by some plant parts were affected by the interaction between sampling date and cultivar, however, cultivar differences were not consistent among soils or over the growing season. Maximum daily accumulation of S occurred during the final two week sampling period at the end of the growing season (cumulative heat unit 1193–1444) during which an average of 29.5% of the total S was accumulated.     

马铃薯淀粉渣对土壤保肥特性及玉米幼苗生长的影响

[目的]探究马铃薯淀粉渣对土壤保肥特性及玉米幼苗生长的影响,为马铃薯淀粉渣的利用提供依据。[方法]采用室内人工气候箱模拟自然环境和用淋洗管模拟田间淋洗的方法,测定沙壤土中施入0,1.00,5.00,10.00,20.00,30.00g/kg的马铃薯淀粉渣对土壤容重、土壤总孔隙度、土壤含水量;土壤淋洗出的硝态氮、铵态氮、速效磷和速效钾含量及玉米幼苗株高、茎粗和干鲜重等指标。[结果]马铃薯淀粉渣施用量为30g/kg时,土壤容重降幅达7.24%,土壤总孔隙度、土壤含水量升幅分别为10.15%,21.25%;土壤淋洗出的硝态氮、铵态氮、速效磷和速效钾含量降幅分别为97.13%,91.03%,63.85%和66.4%;玉米幼苗株高较对照降低8.90%,茎粗较对照增加25.53%,幼苗的干、鲜重分别比对照提高13.47%,15.79%。[结论]马铃薯淀粉渣施用量为30.00g/kg时,改善了土壤理化性状,增强了保肥能力,明显促进玉米幼苗干物质的积累。     

Leaching of heavy metals from sewage sludge through coastal plain soils

Abstract

Three types of sewage sludge are applied to the surface of soil columns of Coastal Plain soils and leached with distilled water. The Zn concentrations in leachate samples from a Sassafras loamy sand soil loaded with an industrial sludge increased with sludge loading rate. All leachate samples contained very low concentrations of Cd, Cr and Cu. Hazardous amounts of Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn would not be leached to the groundwater when recommended rates of the tested sludges are applied to Coastal Plain soils under most conditions.     

Evaluation of fly ash as a soil amendment for the Atlantic Coastal Plain: II. Soil chemical properties and crop growth

Crop yields in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the U.S.A. are limited by the low moisture-holding capacities of the sandy soils common to the region. Corn was grown in a Hammonton loamy sand soil amended with fly ash (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40%) to determine if the ash rates required to improve soil moisture holding capacity would adversely affect plant growth, or soil and plant levels of nutrients and heavy metals. Fly ash increased soil test levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb. Nutrient concentrations in plants grown in the ash-amended soils, except P, Mn, and B, remained within established sufficiency ranges. The 20 and 40% ash rates increased soil soluble salt (EC) levels from 0.2 to 1.1–1.5 and 1.7–2.1 mmho cm^?1, soil pH from 5.6 to 6.0–6.4 or 6.3–6.9, and extractable B from 0.2 to 2.2–5.9 and 2.2–9.0 mg kg^?1. Fly ash reduced corn germination, delayed seedling emergence, and reduced root and shoot dry weights. Plant B concentrations at the 40% ash rate were in the phytotoxic range (136–189 mg kg^?1). Management practices that allow for pre-leaching of B and soluble salts will likely be required to attain satisfactory corn growth in ash-amended soils.     

不同质地土壤上玉米养分吸收和分配特征

采用池栽试验在4种质地土壤和2种施肥水平下,研究了玉米植株氮、磷、钾的吸收和分配特征。结果表明,不同质地土壤上玉米植株养分累积量为氮钾磷;不同处理玉米氮、磷、钾的累积量表现为中壤轻壤粘壤砂壤,且各处理间差异达显著水平。不同处理叶片和茎鞘中三元素累积量的变化与单株一致,氮、磷、钾分配以叶片中的比例略高于茎鞘。从后期氮、磷、钾的转移率看,不同质地土壤表现为砂壤轻壤中壤粘壤;不同处理中子粒中氮、磷、钾的含量与产量变化一致,且处理间达显著水平。施肥增加了各种质地土壤上玉米植株及器官氮、磷、钾的累积量和子粒产量,其中砂壤增加幅度最大,轻壤和中壤次之,粘壤最小。同时施肥使得叶片和茎鞘中的氮、磷、钾转移率略有降低。