Notice

Abstract

Interest is increasing in alternative, reduced input cropping systems. Potential interactive effects of input additions or eliminations on crop yield must be delineated to develop the most resource‐efficient cropping systems. Information of this type is especially lacking in the southern United States. The principal objective of this field study was to determine the main and interactive effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization, herbicide, and insecticide on grain yields in a corn (Zea mays L.)‐soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.)] rotation. Dryland studies were conducted for four years (1990–1993) on a Weswood silt loam soil (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept). Variables included none or “optimal”; applications of N fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide. Mean corn grain yield was increased 156% by N fertilization compared to the no N control. Herbicide significantly increased corn grain yield two of four years, while soil‐applied insecticide had no effect. Johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] was identified as the primary competitive weed species in corn. No interactions of inputs were observed for corn grain yield. Nitrogen fertilization and herbicide did not affect soybean yield, but insecticide increased average soybean yield by 29%. Interactions of N fertilization and insecticide and herbicide and insecticide were significant for soybean yield.     

Yield,nutrient, and soil sulfur response to ammonium sulfate fertilization of soybean cultivars 1

With the reduction of sulfur levels in high‐analysis nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers and in atmospheric deposition, sulfur (S) fertilization may become more important, especially with intensive cropping systems. When high clay content is likely to limit root development into the subsoil, low extractable sulfate‐sulfur (SO₄‐S) levels in the topsoil may suggest possible plant response to S fertilization. Even though ammonium sulfate [(NH₄)₂SO₄] is widely used and readily available for plant uptake, field data are limited on the use of (NH₄)2SO₄ as an S source for soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. A study was initiated to determine the effect of S fertilization as (NH₄)₂SO₄ on: (i) the yield, seed weight, grain quality, and leaf and whole‐plant nutrient concentrations of four soybean cultivars grown on soils with high clay content subsoils; and (ii) selected soil chemical characteristics. Sulfur rates were 0, 28, 56, and 84 kg/ha, and soybean cultivars were two Maturity Group IV beans, DeSoto and Douglas, and two Maturity Group V beans, Bay and Essex.

The study was conducted on a Parsons silt loam soil (fine, mixed, thermic, Mollic Albaqualf) in 1986 and 1987, and on a Cherokee silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic, Typic Albaqualf) in 1987. Sulfur application did not significantly affect soybean yield or seed protein or oil concentrations. For whole plants, S concentration increased and N:S ratios decreased with increasing S fertilization. Similar trends were found in soybean leaves. Although N:S ratios of both whole plant and leaf tissue were lowered with S fertilization, the values generally were not below 20:1 which is above cited critical levels. Fertilization with (NH₄)₂SO₄ increased the levels of extractable SO₄‐S in the soil, especially in the 15–30 cm depth. The first‐year accumulation of soil SO₄‐S with increasing S fertilization appeared to be more at a site that was lower in organic matter.     

Chlorophyll meter readings in corn as affected by plant spacing

Abstract

Heightened environmental consciousness has increased the perceived need to improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency by crops. Synchronizing fertilizer N availability with maximum crop N uptake has been proposed as a way to improve N‐use efficiency and protect ground water quality. Chlorophyll meters (Minolta SPAD 502) have the potential to conveniently evaluate the N status of corn (Zea mays L.) and help improve N management. A potential problem with the use of chlorophyll meters is the effect of within‐row plant spacing on meter reading variability. Chlorophyll meter readings and leaf N concentration of irrigated corn at anthesis and grain yield at harvest were measured on plants grouped into eight within‐row plant spacing categories. Leaf N concentration was not affected by plant spacings, but chlorophyll meter readings and grain yield per plant increased as plant competition decreased and N fertilizer rate increased. These data indicate that avoiding plants having extreme spacings can greatly increase precision when using chlorophyll meters to evaluate the N status of corn.     

Critical nutrient concentrations and DRIS analysis of leaf and grain from high‐yielding corn

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to optimize fertilizer inputs for maximizing the yield of irrigated com (Zea mays L.). This report is a summary of the nutrient composition of leaf and grain samples from the highest yielding treatment in the experiment. The experiment had 15 treatments replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. The N rate treatments were 45,100, 200, 300, and 400 kg N/ha with and without 50 kg P/ha, 67 kg K/ha, and 22 kg S/ha. The plant populations were 74,000 plants/ha (30,000 plants/A) and 100,000 plants/ha. The highest corn yield was 15.6 Mg/ha (250 bu/A with 15.5% moisture) which was produced with 300 kg N/ha combined with complete N, P, K, and S fertilization. It is assumed that samples of corn leaf and grain from a plot yielding that high would have nutrient concentrations in the sufficiency range. Many of the nutrient concentrations from these arbitrarily designated sufficiency ranges are close to the critical ranges and concentrations reported in the literature. It can be concluded that established critical concentrations and ranges could be useful for diagnosing high‐yielding corn. Furthermore, the negative DRIS indices for N, P, K, S, and Cu indicate that these nutrients are most likely to be limiting based on the published norms.     

Presidedress soil nitrogen test for corn in Virginia

Abstract

The presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and the presidedress tissue nitrogen test (PTNT) have been developed to assess residual soil nitrogen (N) sufficiency for corn (Zea mays L.) in the humid eastern U.S. We conducted field studies at 47 sites during 1990 and 1991 to evaluate the use of the PSNT and PTNT for corn in Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian Ridge and Valley regions of Virginia. Seven rates of fertilizer N (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, and 270 kg/ha) were applied at corn height of 0.40 to 0.50 m and replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Whole corn plants and soil to a depth of 0.30 m were sampled when corn height was 0.15 to 0.30 m to estimate available soil N prior to the application of fertilizer N treatments. Corn grain yield response to fertilizer N was used to assess residual soil N availability. Nitrogen concentration of whole corn plants at 0.15 to 0.30 m height was not an accurate indicator of plant‐available soil N. Corn yields were maximized without sidedress N at the 19 sites where soil NO₃‐N was at least 18 mg‐kg^‐1 and at the 17 sites where soil (NO₃+NH₄)‐N was at least 22 mg‐kg^‐1. The PSNT predicted corn N sufficiency regardless of soil physiographic region or surface texture; however, the critical values for NO₃‐N and (NO₃+NH₄)‐N were 3 to 5 mg‐kg^‐1 lower than those established in Pennsylvania and Maryland, where cooler soil temperatures may permit greater residence time of inorganic N.     

Responsiveness of Kansas soil series to sulfur application under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Soil series of extensive acreage were selected to evaluate their S‐supplying power under greenhouse conditions using alfalfa in one study and corn and grain sorghum as test crops in a second study. The soils were divided into two major groups by textural classification for statistical evaluations. The addition of sulfur significantly increased dry matter yields and sulfur content of the plant material on all soils through the course of these studies. Significant predictors of sulfur uptake include extractable SO₄‐S and organic matter. Organic matter was a significant predictor of the percent yield response above the check yields on soils receiving S applications using corn and grain sorghum as test crops. Based on this equation, yield response would be expected in this greenhouse study with an organic matter content of 2.6% or less.     

Effect of sulfur rate,application method,and source on yield and mineral content of corn

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) grown on sandy Coastal Plain soils may be subject to sulfur (S) deficiency due to the low levels of available S in the soil. The diagnosis of S deficiency in the field is sometimes ambiguous since mineralization of soil organic matter or root growth into the subsoil may supply adequate S to the crop. Yield response to S fertilizers has been more frequent since incidental additions of S to the soil by air pollution and fertilizer applications have been reduced. This study was conducted to identify S deficiency in corn grown on sandy Coastal Plain soils and to determine the effects of S source, rate and method of application on grain yield. Irrigated corn was grown on Norfolk loamy sand and Tifton loamy sand near Leesburg and Moultrie, Georgia, respectively in 1987. Grain yields were increased with addition of 11 kg S ha^‐1 compared to the check treatment. Increased rates of S up to 88 kg ha^‐1 did not increase grain yields above the 11 kg ha^‐1 rate. There was no difference between banded or broadcast application of (NH₄)₂SO₄ or between elemental S and (NH₄)₂SO₄ as S sources. Earleaf S concentrations of 1.6 g kg^‐1 and extractable soil S concentrations of 4.0 to 8.7 mg kg^‐1 were associated with S deficiency. Visual symtoms of S deficiency were observed in the check treatments throughout the growing season at both experimental sites. The results indicate that visual symptoms and tissue analysis can be used to identify S deficiency. Extractable soil S may be useful in determining the possible response to S fertilizer especially if the subsoil is sampled.     

Nutrient deficiency diagnosis of corn (Zea Mays L.) plants from yield and composition responses to additions of N and S

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) was grown in the greenhouse in a Laughlin (Ultic Haploxeroll) loam soil, with various amounts of N and S added in order to determine possible interactions of these nutrients with the relationship between plant composition and grain yields. Previous field experience and preliminary experiments had shown that this soil gave yield responses to N and S additions.

Regression equations were used to describe the relationship between composition of various plant parts and grain yields. The best correlation (R² = 0.943) was obtained using the total N concentration in leaf samples taken at the silking stage, but excluding data from plants which, based on their amide N concentrations (greater than 500 ppm), were considered S deficient. Calculations using the first derivative of the cubic polynomial indicated that a concentration of 2.5% N in the lower leaves was necessary in order to obtain maximum grain yields. The concentrations of total N in the upper leaves and the stalks at the silking stage also correlated well with the grain yields. The relationship of NO₃‐N in the stalks at silking to grain yields could be better described mathematically with an exponential function, but the correlation coefficient was low (R² = 0.58). The responses of two genotypes, one containing the opaque ‐ 2 gene, the other its normal counterpart, were similar.

The total N concentration in the leaves collected at the tassel stage did not correlate quite as well with grain yield as those collected later, but using the exponential model NO₃‐N concentrations in the stalks at the earlier stage showed a closer relationship to grain yield than for samples collected at silking. Excluding data for the plants showing S deficiency, a correlation coefficient of 0.90 was obtained. At both tasseling and silking stages, the S deficient plants were characterized by high N:S ratios, with values of 18 to 50 for the stalks, compared to values of less than 10 for the S adequate plants. The marked effect of inadequate S on grain formation was not evident in the amounts of leaves and stalks produced.

Field studies will be necessary to evaluate further the merit of the diagnostic procedure indicated by these experiments.     

Seasonal P uptake by corn under no‐till and conventional‐till management

Abstract

This study was conducted to measure season‐long uptake of P by corn grown under no‐till and conventional‐till management at three levels of P supply‐low, adequate, and high as defined by grain yield‐to test the feasibility of using whole‐plant P uptake as an indicator of the P supply in soil; and to calibrate soil P extractable with both Mehlich No. 1 (HC1 + H₂SO₄) and Mehlich No. 2 (HC1 + H₂SO₄ + NH₄F) versus whole‐plant P uptake over the response region.

Rates of P uptake were essentially linear over about 10 weeks of the growing season. P uptake rates were consistently higher under no till than conventional till, and these uptake rate differences were magnified under low moisture conditions. The critical P uptake rate for corn on this Matapeake soil was between 25 and 30 mg P/plant/week. Rates below these resulted in significant grain yield reductions in a good growth year. The soil P extractant containing F was a more consistant indicator of soil P sufficiency.     

Soil fumigation effects on growth and phosphorus uptake by corn

Abstract

Phosphorus uptake rate, plant top weight, and grain yield were measured for corn (Zea mays L.) planted in field plots with or without fumigation, with different levels of P fertilization, and under conventional till and no till management. Plant growth and grain yield in P‐deficient, unfumigated conventional till and no till plots were significantly higher than those in the corresponding fumigated plots. The heightened responses were attributed to enhancement of P uptake by biological activity. Therefore, the effect of differential microblal activity on P uptake must be considered in estimating the lowest level of P fertilization needed for adequate growth in low P soils.     

Effects of zinc fertilization and irrigation on grain yield and zinc concentration of various cereals grown in zinc‐deficient calcareous soils

Effects of varied irrigation and zinc (Zn) fertilization (0, 7, 14, 21 kg Zn ha^‐1 as ZnSO₄7.H₂O) on grain yield and concentration and content of Zn were studied in two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), two durum wheat (Triticum durum), two barley (Hordeum vulgare), two triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmark), one rye (Secale cereale), and one oat (Avena sativa) cultivars grown in a Zn‐deficient soil (DTPA‐extractable Zn: 0.09 mg kg^‐1) under rainfed and irrigated field conditions. Only minor or no yield reduction occurred in rye as a result of Zn deficiency. The highest reduction in plant growth and grain yield due to Zn deficiency was observed in durum wheats, followed by oat, barley, bread wheat and triticale. These decreases in yield due to Zn deficiency became more pronounced under rainfed conditions. Although highly significant differences in grain yield were found between treatments with and without Zn, no significant difference was obtained between the Zn doses applied (7–21 kg ha^‐1), indicating that 7 kg Zn ha^‐1 would be sufficient to overcome Zn deficiency. Increasing doses of Zn application resulted in significant increases in concentration and content of Zn in shoot and grain. The sensitivity of various cereals to Zn deficiency was different and closely related to Zn content in the shoot but not to Zn amount per unit dry weight. Irrigation was effective in increasing both shoot Zn content and Zn efficiency of cultivars. The results demonstrate the existence of a large genotypic variation in Zn efficiency among and within cereals and suggest that plants become more sensitive to Zn deficiency under rainfed than irrigated conditions.     

Response of corn to plowed‐down and disked‐in Zn as zinc sulfate

Abstract

A field investigation was conducted to compare the efficacy of plowed‐down and disked‐in Zn as ZnSO₄.H₂O in correcting Zn deficiency of corn (Zea mays L.). The soil, Buchanan fine sandy loam, was nearneutral in pH and contained 0.7 ppm of EDTA‐extractable Zn and 1.4 ppm of dilute HCl‐H₂SO₄ extractable P. Application of 6.72 kg Zn/ha as ZnSO₄.H₂O corrected Zn deficiency of corn plants on the soil. Corn grain yields and Zn concentrations in tissue samples indicated that the plowed‐down and disked‐in Zn were about equally effective in correcting Zn deficiency where the level of Zn application was 6.72 kg/ha.     

Internal Boron Requirement of Young Sunflower Plants: Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract

In a greenhouse study, a significant increase in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., cv. Hysun 33) dry matter yield was observed with boron (B) application to a B-deficient (hot water-extractable, 0.23 mg B kg^?1) calcareous soil of Missa series (Typic Ustochrept). Six rates of B, ranging from 0 to 8 mg B kg^?1 soil, were applied as H₃BO₃ along with adequate basal fertilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). Four plants of sunflower were grown in each pot; two were harvested after 4 weeks of germination and the other two after 8 weeks. Maximum crop biomass was produced with 1.0 mg B kg ^?1, and application of ≥2.0 mg B kg^?1 proved toxic, resulting in drastic yield suppressions. Critical B concentration range for deficiency diagnosis in 4‐week‐old sunflower whole shoots appears to be 46–63 mg B kg^?1. However, critical concentration in 8‐week‐old plants was much less (i.e., 36 mg B kg^?l), presumably due to a dilution effect. As plant's internal B requirement can vary, in fact manifold, depending on the species, plant part, and plant age, only a relevant criterion can help in diagnosing the deficiency effectively.     

Sulfur nutrition of winter wheat varieties with till and no‐till planting on highly weathered alfisol soils

Abstract

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occupies large hectarage and is important in crop rotations on the highly weathered, low organic matter silt loam soils common in southern Illinois and the southern midwest United States region. Sulfur (S) is an essential element with some potential for deficiency, but it is not commonly applied to winter wheat grown on these soils. This study was conducted to determine if S nutrition is limiting winter wheat growth and grain yield. Interactive effects of topdressed fertilizer S (0 and 28 kg S/ha), tillage (disk‐till, DT and no‐till, NT), and wheat variety on plant growth, nutrient concentration, and grain yield were investigated for three crop years on two soils in southern Illinois; Cisne silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Mollic Albaqualf), Brownstown site, and Grantsburg silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, mesic Typic Fragiudalf), Dixon Springs site. Grain yield was unaffected by S application although flag leaf and whole plant S concentrations increased. Lack of yield response to S application was consistent each year on both soils and across all varieties and tillage systems. Equivalent yields were produced with both tillage systems at Brownstown, but slightly lower yield occurred with no‐till at Dixon Springs. Plant S concentrations and soil sulfate levels indicated sufficient S was available from sources other than fertilizer S, including extractable soil S and atmospheric deposition. Wheat variety consistently influenced plant nutrient composition and grain yield more than tillage or application of S fertilizer. If, in the future, wheat grain production, atmospheric S deposition, and extractable soil S remain at levels measured in this study, then S fertilizer applications would not be expected to increase winter wheat grain yield.     

Plant density,distribution, and fertilizer effects on yield and quality of irrigated corn silage

Abstract

Grain deficits frequently occur in the Southeastern Atlantic Coastal Plain because erratic rainfall patterns and soil properties often limit corn (Zea mays L.) yields, however, harvesting corn for silage may enable farmers to produce a second grain crop during the same calendar year. Effects of row spacing, plant population, and fertilizer program on yield, quality, and mineral concentrations of corn silage grown with irrigation on Typic Paleudult soils were therefore investigated. Two plant population treatments which averaged 7.0 and 10.1 plants m^‐2 were evaluated with two fertilizer programs that differed in N, N and K, and N, P, and K in 1980, 1981, and 1982, respectively. Each plant density by fertilizer combination was evaluated in single rows spaced 96 cm apart and in twin rows which approximately doubled the intrarow plant spacing. Plot size for the 2×2×2 factorial experiment ranged from 30 to 44 m². Yield, quality, and mineral concentrations of corn silage grown in single rows spaced 96 or 75 cm apart and twin rows were also evaluated in large (185 m²) plots under center pivot irrigation during 1981 and 1982.

Dry matter yields of 22 to 26 Mg ha^‐1 were achieved with plant densities of 6.7 to 13.5 plants m^‐2 at both experimental sites. Highest silage yields were produced with stand densities of 9 m or more planted in single 75 cm or twin rows, but yield differences were statistically significant at P(0.05) in only two of five site years. Increasing total N‐P‐K application beyond 200–30–167 kg ha”; increased crude protein slightly in 1980 and significantly in 1981 and 1982. Concentrations of Mn and Zn in silage were increased by higher fertilization, presumably because nitrification reduced surface soil pH and increased their availability. Dry matter yield, fiber, energy, and other mineral nutrients were not significantly influenced by fertilizer program. These experiments identified management practices for the Atlantic Coastal Plain which resulted in corn silage yields equal to those produced in the cooler mountain region of Georgia and that exceeded current average production in South Carolina by approximately 40% without reducing apparent feed quality.     

Evaluation of some soil and plant analysis procedures as predictors of the need for sulfur for corn production

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measures of mineralized sulfur (S), soil sulfate‐sulfur (SO₄‐S), concentration of S in plant tissue, and the N: S ratio in plant tissue as predictors of the need for S in a fertilizer program for corn (Zea mays L.). Data to evaluate the use of plant analysis for S as a predictor were obtained from ten sites where various rates of N and S were applied to corn. Regression analysis was used to relate the S concentration in the ear leaf tissue as well as the N: S ratio in the same tissue to relative yield when the rate of applied N was held constant at a rate of 168 kg/ha. These measures of S in plant tissue were not significantly related to relative yield at sites where there was no response to fertilizer S as well as sites where added S increased yield.

Data from the same sites were used to assess the ability of soil tests to predict the need for fertilizer S. A measurement of extractable SO₄‐S in the surface soil (0–15 cm) was not reliable for predicting the need for S for corn grown on soils with a silt loam texture.

Static incubation techniques were used to evaluate the amount of S mineralized from soil collected from seven sites. The amount of SO₄‐S measured after four and twelve weeks of incubation was curvilinearly related (p <.05) to yield increase from a S fertilizer. Net mineralized S was less than 2.1 and 3.7 ppm SO₄‐S after four and twelve weeks of incubation, respectively, for soils taken from sites where response to fertilizer S was obtained. Data collected in this study indicate that a measure of mineralized S could improve the ability to predict S needs for corn production on soils with a silt loam texture and a low organic matter content.     

Response of Corn to Banded Zinc Sulfate Fertilizer in Fields with Variable Soil pH

Abstract

There are soil series that contain free calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) within fields where the surrounding pHs of the soil series are slightly acid. The objective was to study corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield response to zinc (Zn) fertilizer on different soil series within fields. The study was conducted at 12 sites between 1998 and 2000. Treatments were 0 and 5.6 kg Zn ha^?1 applied in bands to field‐length strips of corn and replicated four times. Multiple soil series were identified at each site, and treatment pairs were located within them. Grain yields, whole plant (V6 to V10 growth stage), and grain Zn content and uptake were measured. The most common result was no response to Zn application. However, significant yield decreases occurred on some soils as a result of Zn application in two situations: on soils with high soil‐test Zn or on soils with low soil‐test Zn and high pH.     

Potassium deficiency impedes elevated carbon dioxide‐induced biomass enhancement in well watered or drought‐stressed bread wheat

Potassium (K) deficiency reduces photosynthesis and biomass production of crop plants and also renders them vulnerable to drought stress, whereas elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a positive effect on photosynthesis and yield and ameliorates the adverse effects of drought stress. This study aimed to characterize the physiological responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stressed with K deficiency under elevated CO₂ and drought conditions. Increased biomass production caused by elevated CO₂ as a consequence of increased photosynthesis and water use efficiency was absent in young K‐deficient wheat plants. Shoot K concentration was negatively affected by elevated CO₂ particularly under K‐deficient conditions, whereas K content per plant was greatest in plants supplied with adequate K and adequate water. Specific leaf weight was increased as a consequence of carbohydrate accumulation in the source leaves of K‐deficient plants particularly under elevated CO₂ and drought stress. Potassium deficiency clearly impeded the impact of elevated CO₂ in both well watered as well as drought‐stressed plants. Adequate K fertilization is a prerequisite for efficient harvesting of atmospheric CO₂ through increased photosynthesis, decreased transpiration, and increased biomass production under changing atmospheric CO₂ and soil moisture conditions.     

Diagnosing boron deficiency in rapeseed and mustard by plant analysis and soil testing

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency is a widespread nutritional disorder in crop plants, including rapeseed and mustard. However, plant analysis and soil testing diagnostic criteria for B are inadequately reported in the literature. Therefore, greenhouse and incubation studies were carried out using a B‐deficient alkaline calcareous soil (hot water extractable B, 0.11 mg/kg) of Pakistan to determine the internal and soil test B requirement of rapeseed and mustard. Boron fertilization substantially enhanced the growth of both species; the maximum increase in grain yield was 43% for rapeseed and 36% for mustard over the yield of respective control plants. Fertilizer requirement for near‐maximum (95%) grain yield was 0.7 mg B/kg for rapeseed and 0.9 mg B/kg for mustard. Critical plant tissue B concentration in rapeseed was 32 mg/kg in whole shoots and 38 mg/kg in most recently matured leaves. However, internal B requirement of mustard was relatively greater: i.e. 41 mg/kg in whole shoots and 49 mg/kg in leaves. The three soil tests studied, hot water, hydrochloric acid (HCl), and mannitol, were almost equally effective in determining soil B status. Because of simplicity and low cost, however, the HCl method appears superior than the other two for routine B analysis. Critical soil B levels (mg/kg) for rapeseed were: hot water, 0.5; HCl, 0.45; and mannitol, 0.4. Similar to internal B requirements, soil test critical B levels (mg/kg) were also greater for mustard, i.e. hot water, 0.6; HCl, 0.55; and mannitol, 0.48.     

Sulfur composition of soybeans as affected by macronutrient deficiencies

Abstract

Results of solution culture experiments on effects of N, P, and K deficiencies on S constituents of leaf blades, total S concentrations, and S uptake by soybean plants are reported. Nitrogen deficiency decreased the concentration of soluble protein S, had little effect on nonsoluble S, and increased concentrations of soluble nonprotein S, sulfate S, reduced non‐protein S, and total S of soybean leaf blades. Soluble protein and S content of soluble protein decreased under N‐deficient conditions. For whole plants, S concentration and S uptake increased while dry weight was unaffected by N deficiency.

Phosphorus deficiency did not significantly affect S constituents of soybean leaf blades or whole plants. However, S concentrations and S uptake tended to decrease when P was deficient.

Potassium deficiency increased nonsoluble S concentrations in leaf blades and total S concentrations in whole plants but lowered dry weight per plant. Other S fractions of the leaf blades and S uptake per plant were not significantly affected.