Boiling Potassium Chloride–Extractable Nitrogen as an Index of Potentially Mineralizable and Plant‐Available Nitrogen in Soil

Abstract

Mineralization of soil organic nitrogen (N) and its contribution toward crop N uptake is central to developing efficient N‐management practices. Because biological incubation methods are time consuming and do not fit into the batch‐analysis techniques of soil‐testing laboratories, an analytical procedure that can provide an estimate of the mineralizable N would be useful as a soil‐test method for predicting plant‐available N in soil. In the present studies, the ability of boiling potassium chloride (KCl) to extract potentially mineralizable and plant‐available N in arable soils of semi‐arid India was tested against results from biological incubations and uptake of N by wheat in a pot experiment. Mineralization of organic N in soils was studied in the laboratory by conducting aerobic incubations for 112 days at 32°C and 33 KPa of moisture. Cumulative N mineralization in different soils ranged from 8.2 to 75.6 mg N kg^?1 soil that constituted 2.7 to 8.8% of organic N. The amount of mineral N extracted by KCl increased with increase in length of boiling from 0.5 to 2 h. Boiling for 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 h resulted in an increase in mineral‐N extraction by 9.3, 12.7, 19.6, and 26.1%, respectively, as compared to mineral N extracted at room temperature. The boiling‐KCl‐hydrolyzable N (ΔN_i) was directly dependent upon soil organic N content, but the presence of clay retarded hydrolysis for boiling lengths of 0.5 and 1 h. However, for boiling lengths of 1.5, and 2 h, the negative effect of clay was not apparent. The ΔN _i was significantly (P=0.05) correlated to cumulative N mineralized and N‐mineralization potential (N₀). The relationship between N₀ and ΔN _i was curvilinear and was best described by a power function. Boiling length of 2 h accounted for 78% of the variability in N₀. Results of the pot experiment showed that at 21‐ and 63‐day growth stages, dry‐matter yield and N uptake by wheat were significantly correlated to boiling‐KCl‐extractable mineral N. Thus, boiling KCl could be used to predict potentially mineralizable and plant‐available N in these soils, and a boiling time of 2 h was most suitable to avoid the negatively affected estimates of boiling‐KCl‐hydrolyzable N in the presence of clay. The results have implications for selecting length of boiling in soils varying widely in clay content, and this may explain why, in earlier studies, longer boiling times (viz. 2 or 4 h) were better predictors of N availability as compared to 0.5 and 1 h.     

Nitrogen‐Supplying Capacity of Soils for Rice and Wheat and Nitrogen Availability Indices in Soils of Northwest India

Abstract

Quantitative assessment of soil nitrogen (N) that will become available is important for determining fertilizer needs of crops. Nitrogen‐supplying capacity of soil to rice and wheat was quantified by establishing zero‐N plots at on‐farm locations to which all nutrients except N were adequately supplied. Nitrogen uptake in zero‐N plots ranged from 41.4 to 110.3 kg N ha^?1 for rice and 33.7 to 123.4 kg N ha^?1 for wheat. Availability of soil N was also studied using oxidative, hydrolytic, and autoclaving indices, salt‐extraction indices, light‐absorption indices, and aerobic and anaerobic incubation indices. These were correlated with yield and N uptake by rice and wheat in zero‐N plots. Nitrogen extracted by alkaline KMnO₄ and phosphate borate buffer and nitrogen mineralized under aerobic incubation were satisfactory indices of soil N supply. For rice, 2 M KCl and alkaline KMnO₄ were the best N‐availability indices. Thus, alkaline KMnO₄ should prove a quick and reliable indicator of indigenous soil N supply in soils under a rice–wheat cropping system.     

Available Nitrogen for Corn and Winter Cereal in Spanish Soils Measured by Electro‐ultrafiltration,Calcium Chloride,and Incubation Methods

Abstract

Comparison of methods is necessary to develop a quick and reliable test that can be used to determine soil‐available nitrogen (N) in an attempt to increase the efficiency of N fertilizers and reduce losses. The objectives of this research were to compare the fractions extracted by the calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and the electro‐ultrafiltration (EUF) methods and to correlate them to the mineralization rate (k) obtained from a 112‐d incubation of 61 soil samples. Thirty‐five soil samples were collected from cornfields and 26 from winter cereal fields. Subsamples were either aerobically incubated to calculate k or extracted by the EUF and CaCl₂ methods to identify three fractions: nitrate (NO₃ ^?)‐N, ammonium (NH₄ ⁺)‐N, and Norg‐N. The Norg‐N extracted by both methods was larger in soils from cornfields than in soils from winter cereal fields. In samples from cornfields, the Norg‐N fraction obtained by the EUF method was correlated to the Norg‐N measured by the CaCl₂ method (r=0.46). Soil N content was related to k in samples from cornfields (r=0.40) but not in samples from winter cereal fields. Also, k was correlated to inorganic N content extracted by both chemical methods. The CaCl₂ method was a reliable alternative for laboratories to determine soil‐available N for corn but not for winter cereal.     

Mineralization and Transformation of Nitrogen Derived from Plant Materials in Soils over 10 Years

Results of a 10-year decomposition experiment indicated that the annual mineralization rate of organic N in newly-formed humus varied with the type of original plant materials and the water regimes for decomposition,ranging from 0.028 to 0.074.The mineralization rate under waterlogged conditions was higher than that under upland conditions.The proportion of α-amino acid N in humus newly-formed under waterlogged conditions was slightly higher than that under upland conditions.It decreased gradually with time,while the proportion of nonhydrolyzable N showed no consistent trend,irrespective of the water regines for decomposition.The distribution of amino acids in humus newly-formed from different plant materials under various water regimes was quite similar with that in original plant materials,and only minor differences could be found among them.For example,in comparison to original plant materials,the newly-formed humus contained higher proportions of isoleucine,cysting,γ-amino-butyric acid and ornithine,and lower proportions of phenylalanine and proline.Moreover the proportion of phenylalanine was higher in the humus newly-fored under waterlogged conditions than that under upland conditions.     

Direct Estimation of Nitrogen Gases Emitted from Flooded Soils During Denitrification of Applied Nitrogen

Denitrification losses measured by direct method (measuring the evolution of (N2 N2O)-^15N) were compared with the apparent denitrification losses (calculated from the difference between the total N loss and ammonia loss), for fertilizers applied to flooded soils.The direct measured denitrification losses from potassium nitrate were 23.0%,40.0%,and 63.1-79.7% of applied N in rice field,and in incubations of 7 cm deep layer of soil and 2 cm deep layer of soil,respectively;while the corresponding apparent denitrification losses were 96.0%,98.4%,and 97.7-97.9%,respectively.In field experiments with urea,the direct measured denitrification losses ranged from 0.1-1.8%,which were much less than the apparent denitrification losses (41.3-45.7%).Such discrepancies were primarily due to the entrapment of the gaseous products of denitrification in the soil as revealed by the facts:(1) stirring the floodwater and the surface soil markedly increased the fluxes of (N2_N2O)-^15N from urea or potassium nitrate applied to the flooded rice field,and (2) reducing the pressure in the headspace of the incubation bottle with the 7 cm soil layer during gas sampling decreased the discrepance between the direct measured and apparent denitrifecation losses from 58.4% to 21.2%.The advantage of reducing the pressure in the headspace is that there is minimal disturbance of the soil.Further testing of this technique in rice field is needed to determine its effectiveness in releasing the entrapped gaseous products of denitrification so that denitrification losses can be quantified directly.     

Interrelation of Inorganic Phosphorus Fractions and Sorghum‐Available Phosphorus in Calcareous Soils of Southern Khorasan

The objectives of this research were to determine inorganic phosphorus (P) fractions in calcareous soils of southern Khorasan and find their relationship with sorghum‐available P. Eighty soil samples were obtained and analyzed for some physical and chemical characteristics, among them 24 samples that varied in plant‐available P and soil properties were used for soil testing. From 24, 8 samples were selected for P fractionation as well. Five extraction procedures were used for soil testing. Results indicate that the extracted plant‐available P by the Olsen et al. (1954 Olsen, S. R., Cole, C. V., Watanabe, F. S. and Dean, L. A. 1954. Estimation of available phosphorus in soils by extraction with sodium bicarbonate (USDA Circ. 939), Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.  [Google Scholar]) and Paauw (1971 Paauw, F. V. 1971. An effective water extraction method for the determination of plant available phosphorus.. Plant and Soil, 34: 497–481.  [Google Scholar]) methods show the greatest correlation coefficients with plant P uptake and sorghum dry matter. The sequential inorganic P extraction analyzing indicated that the abundance of various inorganic fractions was in the order Ca₁₀‐P > Al‐P > Ca₈‐P > Ca₂‐P > Oc‐P > Fe‐P. The results also indicate Olsen P correlates positively and significantly with Ca₂‐P and Fe‐P fractions and positively but not significantly with the Al‐P fraction.     

Increase of Available Phosphorus by Fly‐Ash Application in Paddy Soils

Abstract

Fly ash from the coal‐burning industry may be a potential inorganic soil amendment to increase rice productivity and to restore the soil nutrient balance in paddy soil. In this study, fly ash was applied at rates of 0, 40, 80, and 120 Mg ha^?1 in two paddy soils (silt loam in Yehari and loamy sand in Daegok). During rice cultivation, available phosphorus (P) increased significantly with fly ash application, as there was high content of P (786 mg kg^?1) in the applied fly ash. In addition, high content of silicon (Si) and high pH of fly ash contributed to increased available‐P content by ion competition between phosphate and silicate and by neutralization of soil acidity, respectively. With fly‐ash application, water‐soluble P (W‐P) content increased significantly together with increasing aluminum‐bound P (Al‐P) and calcium‐bound P (Ca‐P) fractions. By contrast, iron‐bound P (Fe‐P) decreased significantly because of reduction of iron under the flooded paddy soil during rice cultivation. The present experiment indicated that addition of fly ash had a positive benefit on increasing the P availability.     

Using Commercially Available Ion‐Exchange Membranes to Monitor Plant‐Available Nutrients in Cranberry

Abstract

Monitoring in‐season nutrient availability in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is hampered by tissue sampling being limited to a short, late‐summer period, and a low‐pH, high‐iron (Fe) soil environment limits soil‐test result interpretation. To evaluate monitoring available in‐season nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), commercially available ion‐exchange membranes (PRS?) were placed in plots where standard fertilizer practices were supplemented with the controlled‐release fertilizer (CRF) Osmocote? 14–14–14 at 0, 112, 224 or 336 kg/ha rates. PRS? nitrate (NO₃)‐N was related only to CRF fertilizer, whereas PRS? ammonium (NH₄)‐N reflected both the CRF and in‐season fertilizer applications. Large increases in PRS? NH₄‐N with increasing CRF rates suggested a synergistic effect of CRF on fertilizer NH₄‐N availability. PRS? P was positively correlated with CRF P but negatively to in‐season P applications, whereas PRS? K was related to in‐season fertilizer applications but not to CRF, suggesting poor plant P availability in the soil environment and relatively little K contribution from CRF, respectively. These results show promise for using PRS? in cranberry.     

Evaluation of Extractants and Quantity–Intensity Relationship for Estimation of Available Potassium in Some Calcareous Soils of Western Iran

Accurate estimation of the available potassium (K⁺) supplied by calcareous soils in arid and semi‐arid regions is becoming more important. Exchangeable K⁺, determined by ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc), might not be the best predictor of the soil K⁺ available to crops in soils containing micaceous minerals. The effectiveness of different extraction methods for the prediction of K‐supplying capacities and quantity–intensity relationships was studied in 10 calcareous soils in western Iran. Total K⁺ uptake by wheat grown in the greenhouse was used to measure plant‐available soil K⁺. The following methods extracted increasingly higher average amounts of soil K⁺: 0.025 M H₂SO₄ (45 mg K⁺ kg^?1), 1 M NaCl (92 mg K⁺ kg^?1), 0.01 M CaCl₂ (104 mg K⁺ kg^?1), 0.1 M BaCl₂ (126 mg K⁺ kg^?1), and 1 M NH₄OAc (312 mg K⁺ kg^?1). Potassium extracted by 0.01 M CaCl₂, 1 M NaCl, 0.1 M BaCl₂, and 0.025 M H₂SO₄ showed higher correlation with K⁺ uptake by the crop (P < 0.01) than did NH₄OAc (P < 0.05), which is used to extract K⁺ in the soils of the studied area. There were significant correlations among exchangeable K⁺ adsorbed on the planar surfaces of soils (labile K⁺) and K⁺ plant uptake and K⁺ extracted by all extractants. It would appear that both 0.01 M CaCl₂ and 1 M NaCl extractants and labile K⁺ may provide the most useful prediction of K⁺ uptake by plants in these calcareous soils containing micaceous minerals.     

Leaf Color Chart and Chlorophyll‐Meter‐Based Leaf Nitrogen Estimation and Their Threshold Values for Real‐Time Nitrogen Management in Cassava

The critical leaf and the threshold values of leaf color chart (LCC) and chlorophyll meter (SPAD‐502) for cassava have been evaluated. The nitrogen (N) rates and cultivars had a significant effect on LCC score, SPAD values, and leaf N concentration of leaf 1 in most cases. Among the three leaf positions studied, the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL) blade (leaf 1) had significant, positive correlation of tuber yield with LCC score, SPAD value, and leaf N concentration. The regression between LCC score and leaf N concentration of leaf 1 was LCC = 0.358 (Leaf N) + 0.78 (r² = 0.81) and that between LCC score and SPAD value was SPAD = 10.981 (LCC) – 3.51 (r² = 0.82). A threshold LCC score of 2.65 and threshold SPAD value of 25 were suitable to determine the optimal timing of N top‐dressing for cassava.     

Productivity and Chemical Composition of Tomato and Cucumber Plants Growing in Nickel‐Polluted Soils Fertilized with Biona‐312

Abstract: The effect of ion‐exchange substrate Biona‐312 additions to nickel (Ni)–polluted soil on yield and mineral composition of cherry tomato and cucumber was evaluated. The plants were grown on the following media: untreated soil (the control series) and soil with added Ni (40 and 100 mg of Ni kg^?1, respectively) as well as Biona‐312 (2 and 5% mass additions, respectively). In the presence of 40 mg of Ni kg^?1 of soil, the plant yield did not change significantly, whereas in conditions of 100 of mg Ni kg^?1, it decreased significantly. Biona‐312 application on Ni‐polluted soil increased the productivity of both species. The content of macronutrients in the plant biomass varied depending on the growth stage, Ni level, and Biona‐312 dose. For both species, higher Ni content was observed in the aboveground organs than in roots, but tomato contained more Ni than cucumber. Biona application reduced the Ni content in plant biomass of both species after being introduced into soil with a higher Ni level.     

Prediction of Chemical Element Contents in Soils

Assuming that the regularity for the dynamic changes of the chrono-sequences of chemical element contents in tree rings follows a k-order constant coefficient differential equation and substituting the differential with the difference,we could obtain the inferred value ym k 1 by the formula:ym k 1=c1ym 1 c2Ym 2 …ckym kEach coefficient ci in the formula may be ascertained by use of the measured data in the chrono-sequences,Extending the chrono-sequences on the assumption that the regularity of dynamic changes wouldn‘t change in the near future,the contents of chemical elements in the soils may be predicted in terms of a logarithmic linear correlation model.Also,this extension method could be used for the reproduction of the contents of chemical elemets in soils during different periods of time in the past.     

Chemical Fractionation of Trace Elements in Biosolid‐Amended Soils and Correlation with Trace Elements in Crop Tissue

Abstract

A previous study indicated that agricultural biosolid applications increased the concentration of EPA₃₀₅₀‐digestible trace elements in soils on Pennsylvania production farms but could not indicate potential trace‐element environmental availability. This study was conducted to determine if biosolid application had altered the distribution of trace‐elements among operationally defined soil fractions and the relationship of trace element concentrations in soil and crop tissues. Biosolid‐amended and unamended soils from production farms in Pennsylvania were extracted using a modified Bureau Communautaire de Référence (BCR) sequential fractionation technique and analyzed for chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Trace‐element concentrations in crop tissues (soybean silage, sudangrass, corn grain, alfalfa hay, and orchardgrass hay) from the same farms were also determined. Fractionation results indicated that the proportion of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn that is potentially bioavailable is quite small in unamended soils. Biosolid applications significantly (P≤0.1) increased concentrations of Cu in all soil fractions (average increase over unamended soil=1.14, 8.27, 6.04, and 5.84 mg kg^?1 for the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions, respectively), Ni (0.41, 1.65 mg kg^?1 for the reducible and residual fractions, respectively), Pb (5.12 and 1.49 mg kg^?1 for the reducible and residual fractions, respectively), and Zn (8.28, 7.12, 4.44, and 8.98 mg kg^?1 for the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions, respectively) but did not significantly increase Cr in any soil fraction. Concentrations of Cu in all soil fractions were significantly (P≤0.01) correlated with concentrations of Cu in orchardgrass tissue (r=0.70, 0.66, 0.76, and 0.69 for the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual soil fractions, respectively). Concentrations of exchangeable and reducible Zn were significantly correlated with Zn in sudangrass tissue (r=0.81 and 0.67), and reducible Zn was significantly correlated with Zn concentrations in orchardgrass tissue (r=0.65). Application of biosolids had little effect on bioavailability of Cr, Ni, or Pb, whereas higher loadings of Cu and Zn led to a shift toward the more labile soil fractions. Loadings of Cu and Zn were much smaller than cumulative loadings permitted under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Part 503 regulations. Chemical soil fractionation was able to detect increases in labile soil Cu and Zn that relate to increased phytoavailability.     

Productivity and Chemical Composition of Tomato and Cucumber Plants Growing in Natural Soils Fertilized with Biona‐312

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of small additions of ion exchange substrate, Biona‐312, to soil on the yield and mineral composition of cherry tomato cv. ‘Koralik’ and cucumber cv. ‘Hermes F₁.’ The test plants were grown under greenhouse conditions and subjected to 0, 2, and 5% (mass) Biona‐312 doses introduced into the soil. The study results showed that Biona‐312 introduced into soil significantly increased the yield of the test species at the flowering and fruiting stage. Soil enrichment with 2 and 5% Biona additions generally increased the nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N‐P‐K) content in tomato and cucumber organs at the flowering and fruiting stage with parallel magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) content decrease. Introduction of nutrients together with the ion exchange substrate did not cause negative effects of overfertilization, and thus the ion exchange substrate can be recommended as a fertilizer in tomato and cucumber cultivation.     

Evaluation of Distribution and Chemical Associations between Cobalt and Manganese in Soils by Continuous‐Flow Sequential Extraction

Abstract

In this study, a strong association between cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) in different geochemical soil phases (fractions) was evaluated using a continuous‐flow sequential extraction technique employing a modified Tessier extraction scheme. With the flow system, detailed extraction profiles of Co and Mn in soils could be obtained by plotting concentrations of the elements extracted against extraction time (plots referred to as extractograms). Extractograms may be used as an indicator of whether the elements dissolving in the same extraction step are closely associated, or are merely extractable with the same reagent. From the soil samples studied, the coincidence of Co and Mn peaks seems to indicate a close association of these elements in the exchangeable, reducible, and oxidizable fractions. Analysis of flow extraction data suggested that the association between Co and Fe is not as strong as reported in previous studies based on the statistical analysis of batch fractionation data.     

Natural Nitrogen-15 Abundance of Ammonium Nitrogen and Fixed Ammonium in Soils

The present article deals with the natural nitrogen-15 abundance of ammonium nitrogen and fixed ammonium in different soils.Variations in the natural ^15N abundance of ammonium nitrogen mineralized in soils under anaerobic incubation condition were related to soil pH.The δ ^15N of mineralizable N in acid soils was lower but that in neutral and calcareous soils was higher compared with the δ ^15N of total N in the soils.A variation tendence was also found in the δ ^15N of amino-acid N in the hydrolysates of soils.The natural ^15N abundance of fixed ammonium was higher than that of total N in most surface soils and other soil horizons,indicating that the increase of δ ^15N in the soil borizons beneath subsurface horizon of some forest soils and acid paddy soils was related to the higher δ ^15N value of fixed ammonium in the soil.     

Estimation of Leaf,Root, and Sap Nitrogen Status using the SPAD‐502 Chlorophyll Meter for Ornamental Shrubs

Abstract

The SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter was evaluated as a rapid tool to predict plant nitrogen (N) concentration. The SPAD‐502 index utility, as a comparative tool with respect to N nutritional status, was evaluated for Laurustine (Viburnum tinus L.), tobir (Pittosporum tobira Thumb.), and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.). The effect of sampling time on the SPAD‐502 index measures was also evaluated. Two sand culture experiments evaluating 1, 3, 5, and 7 mmol_c · L^?1 of total N concentration in nutrient solution and 70/30, 50/50, 40/60, and 30/70% nitrate/ammonium (NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺) ratios were applied. In a media experiment, with similar conditions and fertilization, the accuracy of the SPAD‐502 regression data was evaluated. Leaf, root, and sap samples were taken in the middle and at the end of each experiment. Regression equations were established among leaf N, root N, of sap N analyzed concentrations and SPAD values with regard to global, as well as specific, data within each sampling time. Regression coefficients (b) among leaf N and SPAD were highly significant (P<0.05) for practically all sampling times. However, liner regression equations were different in all treatments among all the sampling dates. Determination coefficients (R²), in some cases, show that the SPAD‐502 index is not an adequate method for leaf, root, or sap N concentration fir Viburnum tinus L. and Pittosporum tobira Thumb. or for root or sap for Arbutus unedo L. in these experimental conditions. Nonetheless, the SPAD‐502 index could be a useful tool for relative comparison purposes and field operational nutrient management. However, the SPAD‐502 leaf greenness meter is a relatively good tool for leaf N and nutritional diagnosis for Arbutus unedo L. within the 38–66 SPAD‐502 index range.     

Estimation of Nitrogen Status in Middle and Bottom Layers of Winter Wheat Canopy by Using Ground‐Measured Canopy Reflectance

Abstract

In this study, a spectroscopic method was developed to detect N status in the middle and bottom layers of winter wheat canopy. Correlation between six vegetation indices (VIs) and the combined canopy nitrogen density (CCND) were investigated, and the difference vegetation index (DVI) was selected as an indicator for canopy nitrogen density (CND) estimation in the middle and bottom layers. Models based on the relationship between DVI and CCND were established. The models during wheat elongation stage were calibrated by using the data collected in the validation experiment. There was a good relationship between observed CND and simulated CND in the middle layer. Nitrogen (N) status in the middle layer of winter wheat could be estimated with the models established by DVI and CCND. These results offered a method for early assessing of canopy N status in winter wheat.     

Surface Chemical Properties of Colloids in Main Soils of China

Surface chemical properties of soil colloids are the important factor affecting soil fertility and genesis.To provide scientific basis for soil genetic classification,promotion of soil fertility and reasonable fertilizqation,the specific surface area and electric charge of soil colloids in relation to clay minerals and organic matter are further discussed on the basis of the results obtained from the studies on surface chemical properties of soil colloids in five main soils of China.Results from the studies show that the effect of clay minerals and organic matter on the surface chemical properties of soil colloids is very complicated because the siloxane surface,hydrated oxide surface and organic matter surface do not exist separately,but they are always mixed together and influenced each other.The understanding of the relationship among clay minerals,organic matter and surface chemical properties of soil colloids depends upon further study of the relevant disciplines of soil science,especially the study on the mechanisms of organo-mineral complexes.