Phosphorus Fertility Assessment of Intensively Farmed Areas of Catchments Draining to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area; 2: Potential of Soils to Release Soluble Phosphorus

Abstract

The potential of fertilized cropping soils (sugarcane, vegetables, fruit trees) in river catchments that drain to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in northeastern Australia to release soluble phosphorus (P) was assessed using soil chemical tests on typical soils (0–10 cm) collected in 2003. Tests included total P, diagnostic soil P tests, estimates of P buffering, and soluble and redox sensitive soil P. Routine soil P tests proved poor predictors of CaCl₂ P (0.005 M). Values≥0.20 for the Mehlich‐3 P saturation ratio separated (P<0.01) lower from higher concentrations of CaCl₂ P. The ratio of Mehlich‐3 Fe to [Mehlich‐3 Fe+Mehlich‐3 Al] is offered as a possible simple index of redox sensitive P. Part 1 (Rayment and Bloesch 2006 Rayment, G. E. and Bloesch, P. M. 2006. Phosphorus fertility assessment of intensively farmed areas of catchments draining to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, 1: Soil phosphorus status. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, : 37 [Google Scholar]) describes the soil survey in more detail.     

Using Interlaboratory Proficiency Data to Guide NIR/MIR Calibrations

There is growing interest in the use of near-range and/or midrange infrared (IR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIR and MIR) as nondestructive alternatives to chemical testing of soils. This trend is supported by research on how best to correlate IR spectral data with results obtained by conventional laboratory measurements. While for soils there is growing interest in developing local and national calibrations using “legacy” data, the proven analytical performance of provider laboratories now and earlier, the moisture status of reported results, and the method of soil preparation warrant greater attention. Examples for soil carbon (C) and total soil nitrogen (N) from Australasian interlaboratory proficiency testing across multiple years from 1993 are provided to demonstrate the magnitude of past and present measurement uncertainties, including the effects of method and different concentrations. The evidence is sufficient to require those commissioned to develop NIR and MIR calibrations to subject their prototype calibrations to external peer review by participating in credible, independent interlaboratory proficiency testing programs for ≥12 months, including checks on soil moisture status and possible effects of sample preparation. To rate as credible for most uses, the prototype results should be within the interquartile range for each sample and ideally there should be no outliers and few stragglers. Across the period of assessment (1993–2008), users of Walkley and Black organic C and Kjeldahl digestion for total soil N (Kjeldahl method does not measure total N, but most of the organic N plus an undetermined proportion of nitrate and nitrate present in the sample; quantitative inclusion of both requires a modification of the Kjeldahl procedure) declined as use of furnace technologies for soil C and N increased linearly. There is a strong case to commission two or three well-performing and experienced laboratories to reanalyze samples in “legacy” soil collections prior to finalizing predictive relationships with NIR/MIR spectra for the same samples.     

Evaluation of Mehlich 3 as a Universal Nutrient Extractant for Australian Sugarcane Soils

This study evaluated the suitability of the Mehlic h3 universal extractant as a part of a multielement test to assess the nutrient status of Australian sugarcane soils. Soil samples from BSES Soil Exchange Programs, representing all major soil types and geographic sugarcane-growing regions, were analyzed using existing BSES, acid-based extraction methods for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and phosphorus (P) and the ASPAC 10B3 method for sulfur (S). These were compared with the Mehlich 3 procedure. Mehlich 3 results for Ca, Mg, Na, S, and Mn correlated highly with the BSES procedures (R² = 0.95, 0.98, 0.99, 0.91, and 0.91, respectively). Satisfactory correlations were also obtained with 0.1 M HCl–extracted Zn, Cu, and Fe (R² = 0.89, 0.85, and 0.85, respectively) and with the BSES sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)–extracted P (R² = 0.81). The poorest correlation (R² = 0.79) was observed for K. In conclusion, the Mehlich 3 procedure is suitable as a diagnostic tool to assess the basic nutrient status of Australian sugarcane soils.     

Relationships among soil p test values for soils of differing pedogenesis

Abstract

Surface samples of 78 soils from the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico were obtained from the U.S. Soil Conservation Service National Soil Survey Laboratory. Phosphorus was extracted by the Bray PI (0.03N NH₄F in 0.025N HCl), Mehlich No. 1 (0.05N HCl in 0.025N H₂SO₄), and Olsen bicarbonate (0.5N NaHCO₃) tests. Soil chemical, physical, and taxonomic data were obtained from the National Soil Survey Laboratory. On the basis of soil taxonomy and weathering, soils were divided into calcareous, slightly weathered, and highly weathered groups. Linear regression analysis was used to compare obtained soil P test values. Coefficients of determination (r²) ranged from 0.30 to 0.89. The lower coefficients were obtained between Mehlich No.l and Olsen bicarbonate tests, as these extractants were developed for differing soil types. Using independent data sets, the regression equations provided accurate estimates of soil test P by one method from another.     

Interlaboratory and Intralaboratory Testing of Soil Sulfate Analysis in Mollisols of the Pampas

Sulfur (S) deficiencies in grain and forage crops have been detected in many agricultural regions of the world, but soil tests are not commonly used as the basis for S fertilizer recommendation programs. Errors of measurements of soil sulfate were determined to assess whether the variation among and within soil-testing laboratories could be a factor that prevent the adoption of soil testing to assess soil sulfate availability. Subsamples of 10 selected soils (Mollisols) from the Pampas (Argentina) were sent in two batches to five soil-testing laboratories. Laboratories were unaware of the existence of subsamples and performed routine sulfate analysis as if these soils came from 60 different fields. Soil sulfate ranged from 3.3 to 20.6 mg kg^?1. One laboratory reported sulfate values greater than the other ones, having a mean bias of 4.1 mg kg^?1 S sulfate (SO₄). The other four laboratories reported similar sulfate values when soils had low sulfate availability (less than 10 mg S kg^?1), even when they used different extractants. Considering only these four laboratories, average interlaboratory coefficients of variations ranged from 6 to 24% for the 10 soils. Within-laboratory mean coefficients of variation (CVs) ranged from 12 to 22%. However, mean absolute errors of all laboratories were less than 1.2 mg kg^?1 S-SO₄. Two laboratories reported different sulfate values for the two batches of shipment (an average difference of 4.7 and 3.8 mg kg^?1 of S-SO₄). Laboratories using different extractants obtained similar results, suggesting that using the same extractant is not a prerequisite to standardize laboratory results in these soils. Differences between laboratories in our study were smaller than in other interlaboratory comparisons for soil sulfate. These differences could be easily detected and corrected if laboratories participate in an interlaboratory control system. The observed low mean absolute errors suggested that, in general, all laboratories achieve acceptable precision when evaluating within the same batch of determinations. Differences between batches of shipment (within laboratory error) stressed the importance of using reference material for internal quality control.     

Comparisons of terrestrial and aquatic bioassays for oil-contaminated soil toxicity

Background  Petroleum products are widely used in various sections of industry and they are one of the most abundant sources of environmental contamination. These products are classified by their physico-chemical properties such as boiling point, density and viscosity. Oil contamination in the environment is primarily evaluated by measuring the chemical concentrations of petroleum products in the solid or water phase. The results of chemical analyses do not correspond directly with the harmful environmental effects of petroleum products on the soil flora and fauna, because the interactions between oil compounds and the production of their methabolites in soil are not measured in chemical assessments. These kinds of effects of complex chemical mixtures in soil can be estimated by bioassays. Therefore, ecotoxicological tests are important for estimating soil quality in the risk assessment of oil-contaminated soil sites. Objectives  The objective of this study was to examine the oil-contaminated soil site of a closed petrol station with both chemical and ecotoxicological methods. The goals of this study were to compare the sensitivity of the terrestrial and aquatic bioassays and to compare the toxicity responses of aquatic bioassays determined from three different extraction procedures. In addition, our aim was to characterise a cost-effective battery of bioassays that could be applied to a comparison of oil-contaminated soils. It was in our interest to investigate oil-contaminated soil with oil concentrations of 2500–12000 mg/kg and to find out the possible differences between terrestrial and aquatic toxicity tests. Methods  Six soil samples from a closed petrol station were examined for toxicity with terrestrial and aquatic tests. Terrestrial tests includedEnchytraeus albidus survival and reproduction assays and seed germination assays using wheat, cress, lettuce, and red clover seeds and growth inhibition assays of onions. The toxicities of the water-extractable fractions of the soil samples obtained from three different extractions were tested with aquatic bioassays based on plants (onion and duckweed growth inhibition tests), microbes (luminescent bacteria test), and enzyme inhibition (reverse electron transport test, RET). Chemical analyses of the solid samples were carried out simultaneously. Results. Oil concentrations ranged from 2500 to 12000 mg/kg, BTEX varied from 300 to 2800 mg/kg, and fuel additives: MTBE and TAME from 0.0 1 to 260 mg/kg. Only the sample contain-ing 12000 mg/kg oil had a significant toxic impact on all test organisms. Soil samples with oil concentrations 2500–6200 mg/ kg had no or only slight adverse effects on the test organisms with one exception, theE. albidus reproduction test. TheE. albidus survival and reproduction tests were the most sensitive bioassays of the terrestrial tests, and the luminescent bacteria test of the aquatic tests.     

土壤微生物对紫茎泽兰生长与竞争的反馈: 不同灭菌方法的比较

土壤微生物去除是验证土壤微生物反馈调节入侵植物竞争排斥本地植物群落的重要手段。为了确定土壤微生物反馈效应的最佳土壤微生物去除方法,以及土壤微生物对紫茎泽兰与本地植物竞争中的反馈作用,本试验比较了添加蛭石和未添加蛭石下,3种常见土壤微生物灭菌方式(干热灭菌、湿热灭菌、辐照灭菌)处理的紫茎泽兰单优群落根际土壤对紫茎泽兰与本地植物香茶菜生长的影响。结果表明:与未灭菌处理土壤相比,3种灭菌处理土壤均显著抑制了紫茎泽兰和香茶菜的生长;添加蛭石灭菌的土壤相对于未添加蛭石的灭菌土壤显著促进了2种植物的生长;灭菌土壤添加蛭石的情况下辐照灭菌土壤的两种植物的生物量显著地高于干热灭菌和湿热灭菌土壤两种植物的生物量,其中辐照灭菌下紫茎泽兰的生物量分别比干热灭菌和湿热灭菌条件下增加30.8%和66.5%,香茶菜生物量分别显著增加109.5%和63.4%。辐照灭菌土壤添加蛭石的处理方式最接近真实地反映土壤微生物对植物生长的反馈效应。进一步进行辐照灭菌土壤添加蛭石处理与未灭菌土壤添加蛭石处理的紫茎泽兰与香茶菜混种的盆栽试验,结果显示,土壤微生物显著增强了紫茎泽兰对香茶菜的竞争优势,相对竞争优势度增加16.0%,说明土壤微生物在紫茎泽兰竞争排斥本地植物的入侵过程中具有正反馈偏利调节作用     

Use of Reference Soils in Determinations of 0.01 M Calcium Chloride Available Metals

There are few readily available standard reference soils for which 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂) soil extraction available metals data are available. This study assessed the ease with which new available metals data could be generated for reference soils. Data on 0.01 M CaCl₂ available elements for four reference soils from the Wageningen Evaluating Programs for Analytical Laboratories and three reference soils from the Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council proficiency testing program are presented. It is difficult to generate new 0.01 M CaCl₂ available metal values for standard reference soils, because trace element concentrations are low and measurements have relatively high variability. We suggest that laboratories can use reference soils as quality control samples in the analysis of 0.01 M CaCl₂ available metals by reporting recoveries for major elements (e.g., potassium [K], magnesium [Mg], and sodium [Na], for which reference values are of high reliability) to provide assurance of acceptable extraction efficiency.     

A comparison of three earthworm bioassay procedures for the assessment of environmental samples containing hazardous wastes

Summary Three different laboratory earthworm protocols for assessing the potential toxicity of environmental samples were evaluated using Eisenia fetida. The 48-h Contact Test (CT) is a short test and may indicate the presence of water-soluble chemicals. The 14-day Soil Test (ST) is best suited to assess chemical impacts of either known or unknown chemicals in soils. The Giant Axon Conduction Velocity protocol (GACVT) used with either the CT or the ST can detect sublethal neurotoxic effects in shorter periods of time and at lower chemical concentrations than mortality tests. The use of these tests is suggested as an estimate of potential toxicity of environmental soil samples.     

Uniformity,standardization and terminology: Our problems and progress

Abstract

There is increasing interest, particularly among fertilizer company soil testing laboratories, to standardize soil testing laboratory procedures and methods of reporting and interpreting soil test results. A Task Force Committee on Soil Testing was formed in 1969 by the Fertilizer Institute to formulate standard methods of testing soils. In 1971, a new organization called “Council on Soil Testing and Plant Analysis”; will begin soliciting a membership. The Council's primary objective is “to promote uniform soil test and plant analysis methods, use, interpretation and terminology”; with both organizations working toward a common goal. Considerable progress should be made toward standardizing the soil testing and plant analysis techniques.     

Microbial and soil parameters in relation to N mineralization in soils of diverse genesis under differing management systems

 Oregon soils from various management and genetic histories were used in a greenhouse study to determine the relationships between soil chemical and biological parameters and the uptake of soil mineralized nitrogen (N) by ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The soils were tested for asparaginase, amidase, urease, β-glucosidase, and dipeptidase activities and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. Microbial biomass carbon (C) and N as well as metabolic diversity using Biolog GN plates were measured, as were total soil N and C, pH, and absorbance of soil extracts at 270 nm and 210 nm. Potentially mineralizable N (N₀) and the mineralization rate constant (k) were calculated using a first order nonlinear regression model and these coefficients were used to calculate the initial potential rate of N mineralization (N₀ k). Except for Biolog GN plates, the other parameters were highly correlated to mineralized N uptake and each other. A model using total soil N and β-glucosidase as parameters provided the best predictor of mineralized N uptake by ryegrass (R ² =0.83). Chemical and biological parameters of soils with the same history of formation but under different management systems differed significantly from each other in most cases. The calculated values of the initial potential rate of mineralization in some cases revealed management differences within the same soil types. The results showed that management of soils is readily reflected in certain soil chemical and biological indicators and that some biological tests may be useful in predicting N mineralization in soils. Received: 31 January 1997     

青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值的空间分布特征

土壤可蚀性反映了土壤对水力侵蚀作用的敏感性,是进行土壤侵蚀评价和预报的重要参数。收集了青藏高原1 255个典型土壤剖面资料,采用模型计算和面积加权分析方法确定了每一个土壤亚类的土壤可蚀性K值,结合青藏高原1∶100万土壤类型图,分析了青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值的空间格局特征。结果表明,青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值平均为0.230 8,低可蚀性、较低可蚀性、中等可蚀性、较高可蚀性和高可蚀性土壤面积分别占该区面积的5.60%,18.23%,24.35%,44.02%和7.80%。土壤可蚀性以中等可蚀性和较高可蚀性为主,二者分布面积之和达1.77×106 km2,占青藏高原总面积的68.37%;较高可蚀性、高可蚀性土壤主要分布在青藏高原中西部的羌塘高原、柴达木盆地和横断山区的低海拔河谷中。青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值具有明显的垂直分异特征,在横断山区最为显著,土壤可蚀性随海拔高度升高而降低。不同海拔高度的水热分异影响了土壤的理化特性,进而决定了青藏高原土壤可蚀性的垂直分带特征。     

施用外源物对尾矿土壤种植胡枝子修复效应初探

采用土培试验在两种尾矿土壤(废弃地和尾矿渣土)上种植耐性不同的两个胡枝子品种,通过添加客土、锯末,调控有机肥或无机肥等外源物,分析不同处理条件下胡枝子生物量、植株和土体内重金属含量,以明确外源物对尾矿土壤的修复效应。结果表明,二色胡枝子生物量整体上显著高于截叶胡枝子生物量;在所有处理中,废弃地上同时添加客土和有机无机肥的处理是二色胡枝子生物量最高的处理。外源肥料添加提高了两个品种地上部和根部的生物量,客土添加可能对改善立地生存的理化条件有较大帮助作用,更能体现出肥料的效果。两种土壤上添加客土或肥料,均较为显著地减少了截叶胡枝子根部和地上部重金属的吸收,而二色胡枝子效果不明显。两种土壤上添加外源物、种植不同品种胡枝子可以降低部分处理土壤中重金属含量,但通过植物种植直接摄取土壤中重金属的量是相对较少的。总之,客土添加、肥料施入均较为明显地改善了废弃地和尾矿渣土两类土壤的立地条件,增加了两种胡枝子的生物量,一定程度上限制了植物对重金属的吸收,土壤改良的基础上优先选择耐性品种是提高植物修复效果的上佳方案。     

Comparison of Mehlich-3 and Ammonium Bicarbonate-DTPA for the Extraction of Phosphorus and Potassium in Calcareous Soils from Florida

Developing a fast and reliable soil testing method is critical for improving soil testing efficiency and ensuring reliable fertilizer recommendation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate Mehlich-3 (M-3) as a replacement for ammonium bicarbonate-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) to extract phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and to determinate the relationships between extractable P and K and their uptakes by crop in calcareous soils. M-3 and AB-DTPA were compared by using two approaches. In the first approach, the amounts of extracted P and K were compared by analyzing soil samples collected from agricultural production areas; in the second approach, snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were grown in pot to determine the P and K uptakes by crop. There were significant correlations between M-3 and AB-DTPA for both soil test P and K based on soils collected from the agricultural field and the pot study. Soil test P and K by both extractants were significantly correlated with their uptakes by snap bean. The critical value of M-3-P regarding snap bean uptake was 47 mg kg^?1 and was higher than that (18 mg kg^?1) for AB-DTPA-P, whereas critical soil test K levels were similar between M-3 and AB-DTPA. M-3 was identified as an alternate improved extraction method instead of AB-DTPA in calcareous soils based on this study. However, more work will be needed to identify the correlation of the two extractants and crop responses under a field condition.     

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.     

Comparison of EDTA and ammonium Bicarbonate-DTPA for the extraction of phosphorus in calcareous soils from Kerman,Iran

Developing a fast and reliable soil testing method is critical for improving soil testing efficiency and ensuring reliable fertilizer recommendation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sodium ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Na₂-EDTA) as a replacement for ammonium bicarbonate-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) to extract phosphorus (P) to determinate the relationships between extractable P and its uptake by crop in calcareous soils. Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA was compared by the amounts of extracted P by analyzing soil samples collected from agricultural production areas. There were significant correlations between Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA for soil test P based on soils collected from the agricultural field. Soil test P by both extractants was significantly correlated with plant P concentration. Na₂-EDTA was identified as an alternate improved extraction method instead of AB-DTPA in calcareous soils based on this study. However, more work will be needed to identify the correlation of the two extractants and crop responses under a field condition.     

中国古代土壤分类简介

我国是世界科学文化发达最早的国家之一,农业生产起源很早,有着悠久的历史。历代发展经济的方针,是以农业为基础。作为农业基本生产资料的土壤,早就为人们所重视。《管子》指出:“地者,政之本也,辨于土而民可富”;“五谷不宜其地,国之贫也”。远古以来,我国的农业科学技术,是以土壤科学为中心。数千年来,我国劳动人民在辽阔的土地上耕种生息,创造和积累了极其丰富的经验。建立在劳动人民丰富的实践经验基础上的我国古代土壤科学,造诣很深,是一丰硕的土壤科学宝库。     

土壤磷形态组分分级及31P-NMR 技术应用研究进展

农田生态系统中土壤磷形态转化,影响土壤磷对作物的有效供应。土壤磷分为无机磷和有机磷两大部分。化学连续提取法 (chemical sequential fractionation,CSF) 研究土壤磷形态分级,采用不同的化学提取剂,分级提取土壤中组成或分解能力接近的有机无机含磷化合物,是目前表征土壤磷素形态的重要方法。但该方法虽历经改进,仍难以确切反映土壤磷的实际组成,提取的不同磷形态间存在重叠,有机磷和无机磷组分分级存在一定的误差;不同分级磷组分对作物的有效性,需谨慎评估。核磁共振波谱技术 (nuclear magnetic resonance,NMR) 根据核磁共振波谱图上共振峰的位置、强度和精细结构来研究土壤中含磷化合物的分子结构。液相31P-NMR 可以同吋检测出土壤中多种磷组分,如正磷酸盐、磷酸单酯、磷酸二酯、膦酸脂、焦磷酸盐和多聚磷酸盐,识别土壤提取物磷形态,可将有机磷与无机磷分开。本文综述了应用31P-NMR 技术研究土壤磷形态组分的一些进展,总结了样品制备过程、NMR 测试参数及在土壤磷形态转化研究中的应用。二维31P-NMR 技术发展为鉴定分析土壤中更多种类的含磷化合物提供了契机。     

Soil and Plant Testing for Iron: An Appraisal

Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis in crops is common in high-pH calcareous soils. Soil and plant testing is routinely used for diagnosing iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis in crops, with mixed results. This article presents an overview of the factors that influence soil and plant tissue testing results. It is clear that soil tests for Fe are dominantly influenced by soil pH, bicarbonate, and moisture regime rather soil test result per se. This is because the solubility of Fe is more regulated by soil pH and moisture regime. Plant tissue testing for Fe can complement the results of soil testing for Fe. But at times, especially in calcareous soils, total Fe in plant tissue is not related to Fe deficiency, but metabolically active Fe is better at diagnosing the occurrence of the disorder. A combined use of soil and plant tissue testing seems more helpful in diagnosing Fe deficiency chlorosis disorder in crops.