A comparison of the results from three soil testing laboratories using the mehlich‐3 extractant on southeastern coastal plain soils

Abstract

Soil test values from three laboratories using the Mehlich‐3 extradant on Coastal Plain soils with a wide range in soil test levels were compared. Soil samples were collected over a four year period from four Southeastern/Mid‐Atlantic states (SC, NC, VA and DL). The results among labs were highly correlated (r > 0.9) for all elements analyzed (P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cu). Regression equations were developed to predict the soil test values among laboratories for each element. Comparisons of extractable levels for the elements shown above among the three laboratories are given.     

Soil and plant calibration for cucumbers grown in the mid‐Atlantic coastal plain

Abstract

Few soil test and plant tissue calibration data exist for cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.). Two years of a singly‐replicated cucumber fertility study were conducted to develop soil and plant data for calibration purposes employing the Boundary Line Approach. Fertility treatments consisting of 4 K levels (as KC1), 3 Mg levels (as MgCl₂), 3 pH levels (as Calcitic limestone), and 4 N rates (as urea ammonium nitrate) were factorilly arranged and completely randomized to give 108 treatments in both 1987 and 1988. Analyses were performed upon leaf samples for N, P, K, Ca and Mg at early bloom and soil samples for Mehlich (M) 1‐ and 3‐ P, K, Ca and Mg, and pH. Cucumber yields were determined on early (two fruit pickings) and total (four fruit pickings) sampling periods. High‐yielding cucumbers were attained at soil K (Ml = 64 mg/kg) and Mg (Ml = 29 mg/kg) levels lower than currently recommended. No significant differences in correlation coefficients between either Mehlich (Ml, M3) extractant and cucumber leaf P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations were found. Co‐efficients of determination (R²) values for the relationships (in 1987, 1988) between Ml‐ and M3‐extractable P (0.53, 0.40), K (0.77, 0.64), Ca (0.81, 0.71) and Mg (0.89, 0.74) were all highly significant (P ≤ 0.01). No significant differences were noted between early and total high‐yielding cucumber leaf concentrations and ratios developed for use as preliminary sufficiency ranges and DRIS norms, respectively. A reevaluation of cucumber coastal plain soil test calibrations, especially with regard to K, appears necessary. This study provides further support for the conversion of Ml to M3 soil extraction methodology.     

Performance characteristics in the determination of soil‐water pH and soil‐SMP buffer pH using a flow‐through junction combination electrode

Abstract

A laboratory robot has been used to assess the performance of a commercially available flow‐through junction pH electrode. The electrode was tested for accuracy and precision in the determination of soil‐water pH (pH_w) and the Shoemaker, McLean, and Pratt buffer solution pH (pH_SMP). The significance of the pH_SMP determination lies in subsequent calculations of soil lime requirement (LR). Response times and hysteresis effects were compared under different operating conditions.     

Variation of early growth and nutrient content of no‐till corn and soybean in relation to soil phosphorus and potassium supplies

Abstract

Knowledge of relationships between variation in early plant growth and soil nutrient supply is needed for effective site‐specific management of no‐till fields. This study assessed relationships between soil test phosphorus (STP) and potassium (STK) with early plant growth and P or K content of young corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants in eight no‐till fields. Composite soil (0–15 cm depth) and plant (V5‐V6 growth stages) samples were collected from 400‐m² areas at the center of 0.14‐ha cells of a 16‐cell square grid and from 2‐m² areas spaced 3 m along each of two 150‐m intersecting transects. Correlation, regression, multivariate factor analyses were used to study the relationships between the variables. Variability was higher for samples collected from the transects. Plant dry weight (DW), P uptake (PU), and K uptake (KU) usually were correlated with STP and STK but the correlations varied markedly among fields. Relationships between soil and plant variables could not always be explained by known nutrient sufficiency levels for grain production. Plant P concentration (PC) was not always correlated with STP and sometimes it increased linearly with STP, but other times increased curvilinearly until a maximum was reached. Plant K concentration (KC) usually was correlated with STK, however, and increased linearly with increasing STK even in fields with above‐optimum STK. The results suggest greater susceptibility of early growth to STP than to STK and greater plant capacity to accumulate K compared with P over a wide range of soil nutrient supplies. Variation in STK likely is a major direct cause of variation in KC over a wide range of conditions but variation in STP is not likely a major direct cause of variation in PC when high STP predominates.     

Monitoring the combined action of controlled‐release fertilizers and a soil conditioner in soil

Abstract

The combined action of a soil conditioner and a controlled‐release fertilizer was followed by conducting soil column leaching and tomato growth experiments. The change in soil water‐holding capacitiy and the release of potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) from conventional and controlled‐release forms was evaluated using leaching experiments in soil columns. Tomato growth was followed by the comparison of biomass yields on a dry matter basis with experiments where different combinations of controlled‐release or conventional fertilizer rates and soil conditioner applications. It was demonstrated that the combined usage of controlled‐release fertilizers and soil conditioners increased tomato yield and enhanced the nutritional status of the tomato plants in comparison to conventional fertilizer materials.     

Phytoindication of the water status and nutrient supply of oil-polluted soils in the middle reaches of the Ob’ River

The method of phytoindication of the soil water status and nutrient supply was applied to natural and oil-contaminated soils in the middle reaches of the Ob’ River. These soil characteristics were indirectly assessed using the ecological scales developed by L. G. Ramenskii. On this basis, changes in the soil water status and nutrient supply under the impact of soil contamination with oil and oil products were estimated for the particular soil and landscape conditions     

Studies on the ecology of actinomycetes in soil— VII. Actinomycetes in a coastal sand belt

Distribution of actinomyeetes in beach and dune sand at two sites was studied. At one site. dunes were eroding while at the other accretion of sand and dune development occurred. Actinomycetes occurred in low numbers in beach sand hul increased sharply when dunes were colonized by Ammophila arenaria (L) Link or Agropyron junceiforme (A & D Löve) A & D Löve. Micromonospora strains predominated in beach sand but Streptomyces was the predominant genus in dunes.Salinity tolerance of isolates was not clearly related to their source but tolerance of dune isolates was generally greater than those from the beach. Tolerance of Streptomyces strains varied but all Micromonospora isolates were intolerant of salinities above that of sea water.Evidence for increased growth of actinomycetes in the root region of A. arenaria and A. junceiforme was obtained but there was little qualitative difference between those in the root region and root-free sand. In laboratory experiments actinomycetes colonized old. dead Ammophila roots more readily than young ones and arose carly in succession on the former. Young, living roots stimulated bacteria and fungi but not actinomyeetcs. It was concluded that most activity of actinomycetes in the Ammophila root region occurred on old root tissue and it was suggested that this might be true of other plants.     

Dry matter and nitrogen accumulations in determinate soybean grown on low‐nitrogen soils of the southeastern United States

Abstract

Reliable assessments of erosion potential, N fertilization need, and nitrogen (N) non‐point pollution potential for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cropping systems require accurate estimates of soybean dry matter and N accumulations. The objective of this field study was to determine dry matter and N accumulation in soybean during the growing season and at harvest in samples large enough to reduce sample variation and increase the confidence in measured values. A split‐plot design was used with cultivar (Braxton, Coker 338, and Davis) as the main plot treatment and sampling date as the split‐plot treatment. Each split‐plot contained eight rows 4.6 m in length on 0.75 m spacing. The seed were sown in a Norfolk loamy sand (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Paleudult) on May 18 at the rate of 33 seeds/m. Water was applied by use of an overhead irrigation gun. Plant samples were collected from 20 m² of the six center rows on 89, 115, and 138 days after planting as well as at seed harvest. Fallen plant material (crop litter) was collected from each plot at each sampling date. Itact plant samples, crop litter, and soil samples were analyzed for total Kjeldahl N. The mean seed yield was 2.01 Mg/ha; the mean maximum dry matter accumulation for intact shoots plus crop litter was 10.2 Mg/ha, and the coefficients of variation were <10%. The actual harvest index (seed yield/total dry matter accumulation) ranged from 0.19 to 0.28, and the mean maximum N accumulation was 293 kg/ha. These accumulations are greater than those reported for indeterminate soybean grown on high‐N soils in the midwestern United States, and they clearly show that determinate soybean grown in the southeastern United States accumulate substantial amounts of dry matter and N.     

The impact of a bio-fertilizer on the soil organic matter status and carbon sequestration—results from a field-scale study

Purpose

The application of bio-fertilizers is one of the management practices that can help to maintain or increase the content of organic matter (OM) and improve soil fertility in arable soils. While some results have been obtained in relation to the influence of bio-fertilizers on organic matter content, less in known about the fractional composition of humus.

Materials and methods

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the bio-fertilizer UGmax on soil total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and the fractional composition of organic matter (C of humic acids (CHAs), C of fulvic acids (CFAs), and C in humins) in the humus horizon of an arable field. Measurements were taken in 2005 before the application of UGmax and in 2008, 3 years after its application, which was done in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Forty soil samples were taken in 2005 (the control year without UGmax), while 20 samples were taken after UGmax treatment and 20 from the control in 2008. Samples were always collected after the plants were harvested.

Results and discussion

After the 3-year period of the experiment, the TOC content was 6.3 % higher in plots on which UGmax was applied in comparison to the control, while the DOC content was 0.19 percentage points lower after 3 years of bio-fertilizer use as compared to the initial year of the experiment. The contribution of DOC to TOC decreased significantly after the application of UGmax in comparison with the control. The content of CFAs and its contribution in the TOC pools in soil without UGmax was higher at the end of the experiment compared to the beginning, while there was an inverse relationship in the soil with the bio-fertilizer. In comparison with the control, organic matter in the soil treated with UGmax had a higher content of C of humic acids, C in humins, and higher CHAs/CFAs ratio.

Conclusions

We conclude that the use of a bio-fertilizer that increases the stable fractions of organic matter provides evidence of an increase in the soil OM stability. In turn, the contribution of the organic matter fractions that are more resistant to decomposition is crucial for increasing soil carbon sequestration.

     

Nitrogen balance in a soil‐wheat system under plow‐ and no‐tillage in the argentine humid pampa

Abstract

Changing conventional tillage to conservation tillage systems affects nitrogen (N) cycling in agroecosystems. Our objective was to evaluate the role of soil organic pools, specially plant residues, as sources‐sinks of nitrogen in an humid and warm temperate environment cropped to wheat, under plow‐ and no‐tillage. The experimental site was in the Argentine Pampa on a Typic Hapludoll. A balance‐sheet method was used: Nupt+Nres=Nsow+Nmin, where Nupt=N uptake by the crop at harvest; Nsow=soil mineral N as NH₄ and NO₃ at 0–90 cm depth, one month before sowing, plus N added as fertilizer; Nres=residual soil mineral N as NH₄ and NO₃ at 0–90 cm depth, at harvest; Nmin=N mineralized from humus and plant residues during wheat growing period. Nupt did not differ between tillage systems. Nitrogen supply by the mineral N pool, estimated by the difference Nsow‐Nres, was ca. 150 kg N ha^‐1 in both tillage systems. Plant residues decomposed and released N under both treatments. This organic N pool decreased 77% along the crop cycle. Nmin, calculated using the balance equation was 83 kg N ha^‐1, and did not differ between tillage managements, representing 35% of Nupt. This results highlight the importance of the organic pools as sources of N for wheat in the Humid Pampa. They also brink our attention on the importance for evaluate residue decomposition and humus mineralization in warm‐temperate regions when fertilizer requirements are determined, in order to minimize environmental hazard and economic losses by overfertilization.     

Effects of extraction period and soil.‐solution ratio on the amount of zinc extracted from soils by different extractants

Abstract

Investigations have examined the effects of extraction period and soil:solution ratio on the extraction of zinc from some New Zealand soils by EDTA, DTPA, HCl, Ca(NO₃)₂ and CH₃COONH₄. A high proportion of the zinc extracted by EDTA, DTPA, HCl, and Ca(NO₃)₂ was extracted rapidly, within the first 0.5 h, followed by small increases over the next 15 h. An exception occurred with a soil containing iron/manganese concretionary material. In this soil, with both EDTA and DTPA, there were significant increases in the amount of zinc extracted between 1 and 8 h. The amounts of zinc extracted by CH₃COONH₄ increased gradually with the time of extraction up to approximately 4 h.

Substantial increases in the amounts of zinc extracted with HCl, Ca(NO₃)₂ and CH₃COONH₄ were obtained by increasing the soil:solution ratio from 1:2.5 to 1:10. However, soil:solution ratio has little effect on the amounts of zinc extracted by EDTA or DTPA.     

Calibration of the time‐domain reflectometer and determination of the volumetric water content of the soil profile in an ultisol of Costa Rica

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine if time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) could be used to measure the water content at different depths in the O‐to‐75 cm soil layer. Probes of three wires (1/8 inch diameter and 30 cm exposed length) were installed in field plots differing in current crop‐fertilization history. Measurements of volumetric water content using bulk density and gravimetric water content were made to calibrate the TDR method. Comparison of water contents determined by TDR with those from gravimetric samples showed that there is a linear relationship (small offset but same slope) of water content with depth, indicating that there is little difference in volumetric water content from the 0 to 75 depth. However, the TDR method gives consistently lower water content values as compared with values obtained by gravimetric determination. Continuous measurements of profile soil water content with TDR in wet and dry periods during the year indicated that the mayor differences in volumetric water content correspond to the first 30 cm depth.     

Occurrence of blossom‐end rot in tomato as a function of calcium dose in the nutrient solution and air relative humidity

The effects of different calcium (Ca) concentrations in the nutrient solution and of air relative humidity (RH) on the Ca levels and on the incidence of blossom‐end rot in tomato fruit cv. Jumbo were studied. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under hydroponic conditions using a modified Hoagland solution containing different Ca concentrations (0.2, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 mm L^‐1) which represented the different treatments. The trial was conducted in a fully randomized design with three replications, with Ca doses representing the plots and environments with high and low RH the subplots. The fruits of the second and third clusters were used, with two fruits per cluster, one maintained at high (90±5%) and the other at low (40±5%) RH. The fruits were picked after full ripening. A greater Ca accumulation was observed in fruits submitted to low RH with this accumulation occurring at all Ca levels in the solution. In the treatment with 100 mg Ca L^‐1, the plants died and did not reach fructification. The fruits of plants treated with 100 mg Ca L^‐1 and submitted to low RH had blossom‐end rot although their Ca levels were higher than those detected in the fruits of this treatment submitted to high RH. At this Ca dose, the seeds were small, malformed, and black. Our results show that fruit kept at low RH had higher Ca accumulation although the excessive water loss from tissues may lead to blossom‐end rot when low Ca doses are supplied to the plants.     

Effects of pasture‐applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. II. microminerals

Abstract

The experiment rationale was to determine forage micromineral concentrations as effected by biosolids fertilization. We determined the effects of two exceptional quality biosolids on bahiagrass trace mineral concentrations as related to beef cattle requirements. Twenty‐five 0.8‐ha pastures were divided into five blocks. Two biosolids were applied as normal and double agronomic rates. The control received NH₄NO₃. Forages were analyzed for total copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), and selenium (Se), and soils were analyzed for Mehlich I extractable Cu, Mn, and Zn. Some significant increases (P<0.05) in forage Co, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se were observed at various sampling times, but the increases were generally small and biologically insignificant. Although forage Mo samples from pastures with the Tampa biosolids applied were consistently higher than the control (P<0.05), at no time did they approach levels considered toxic. Similar results were seen in forage Mn concentrations, with treatment Baltimore‐2X elevating (P<0.05) Mn concentrations as well. Deficiencies of Co, Cu, Zn, and Se are common in this Florida region and slight elevations due to biosolids treatment could be beneficial. Biosolids applied at the highest rates improved soil Cu and Zn concentrations above control soils and soil Mn was increased over the control at both sampling times for Baltimore‐2X. In relation to beef cattle requirements, the majority of forages were deficient in Co, Cu, Se, and Zn. In summary, biosolids fertilization slightly improved the micromineral status of forage and soil, without creating toxicity.     

Effects of pasture‐applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. I. macrominerals,crude protein,and in vitro digestibility

Abstract

The rationale for this experiment was to determine forage nutrient concentrations as affected by biosolids fertilization. We studied the effects of single applications of two exceptional quality biosolids to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pasture with regard to satisfying beef cattle nutrient requirements. Twenty‐five 0.8‐ha pastures were divided into five blocks. Two biosolids were applied as normal and double agronomic rates. The control plot received NH₄NO₃. Forages were analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), crude protein (CP), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and soils were analyzed for Mehlich I extractable Ca, P, Mg, and K. Single (agronomic or twice this) applications of biosolids to pastures had little effect on Ca, P, Na, and K forage concentrations, but forage Mg was elevated in several treatments late in the season. Crude protein concentrations were elevated above the control for all biosolids treatments late in the season, whereas only small differences were observed at early sampling times. Trends were similar for IVOMD. In general, all treatments were associated with soils with adequate Ca, P, and Mg concentrations, while soil K was uniformly low. In relation to grazing beef cattle requirements, all treatments resulted in generally adequate forage levels of Ca, P, Mg, K, CP, and IVOMD, however, Na (<0.06%) was deficient.     

Synergetic variations of active layer soil water and salt in a permafrost-affected meadow in the headwater area of the Yellow River,northeastern Qinghai–Tibet plateau

The coupling effects and mechanisms of water, heat, and salt in frozen soils are considered to be one of the core scientific issues in frozen soil studies. This study was based on in situ observation data of active layer soil volumetric water content (VWC), temperature, and bulk electrical conductivity (EC) obtained at an alpine meadow site from October 2016 to November 2019. The site is located in the headwater area of the Yellow River (HAYR). We analyzed the synergetic variations of active layer soil VWC, temperature, and bulk EC during the freeze and thaw processes and discussed the underlying mechanisms. When the thaw process occurred from 10 to 80 cm depths, the VWC and bulk EC at a 10 cm depth showed synchronous high-frequency fluctuations and both increased linearly. The linear decreasing rate of the VWC (bulk EC) at an 80 cm depth in the freeze depths between 0 and 40 cm was 2 (1.6–2.3) times that of the VWC (bulk EC) at an 80 cm depth in the freeze depths occurring 0–10 cm. As soil temperature decreased in the frozen layer, unfrozen water content (bulk EC) decreased nonlinearly along with the absolute value of soil temperature (|T|), following a power (logarithmic) function. This study provided data that partly elucidate the interactions among permafrost, meadow, and ecohydrological processes in the HAYR. Also, our results can be used as a scientific basis for decision making on the protection and restoration of alpine grasslands, as well as for soil salinization studies.     

Is soil water repellency a function of soil order and proneness to drought? A survey of soils under pasture in the North Island of New Zealand

We conducted a survey of the occurrence of soil water repellency (SWR) in the top 40 mm of soils across 50 sites under pastoral land use in the North Island of New Zealand. The sites represented ten soil orders and covered five classes of proneness to drought. We found at least a moderate persistence of SWR in 35 out of 50 sites (70%) in summer 2009/2010 and a moderate potential persistence of SWR in 49 out of 50 sites (98%) after drying the soils. The soil orders had an influence on the degree and persistence of SWR. Both the degree and persistence of SWR were greatest for the soil orders Podzol, Organic and Recent, and least for the soil order Allophanic. On average, all soil orders had contact angles larger than 94°, with the exception of the soil order Allophanic. We found no relationship between SWR and drought‐proneness. The degree of SWR and its persistence for air‐dried samples were positively correlated with soil carbon and nitrogen contents and negatively with soil bulk density. The persistence of SWR for field‐fresh samples was additionally negatively correlated with the soil water content. We identified a close relationship (R² = 0.84) between the degree and persistence of SWR. The survey results indicate that SWR is at least moderately persistent in a soil with a contact angle larger than 93.8°. Using a water‐drop penetration time of 60 s as the threshold for SWR being moderately persistent, we found that moderately persistent SWR occurred only for volumetric water contents below 45% or a relative saturation of 60%. The latter can be considered to be a generic value of the critical water content for the onset of SWR at the scale of the North Island of New Zealand.     

Studies on microörganisms and their activities in soil Part. 1. Change of microflora induced by soil treatment,with special reference to the method of study

Introduction

Joffell described in his book “Pedology” that in the process of weathering, autotrophic organisms grow on the bare surface of rocks and their metabolic products contribute much to the weathering. Treub²⁾ observed also that the surface of volcanic ash was covered by the vigorous growth of algae in less than three years after the eruption of Krakatoa. From these statements it appears evident that microorganisms play an important part through the production of organic matter at the early period of soil formation. As soil-forming-process advances, however, microBrganisms are replaced by the higher chlorophyllbearing plants with regards to organic matter production in land, and they become more important in the decomposition of than in the production of organic matter.     

A comparison between the walkley‐black and a dry combustion method for determining organic carbon in a humic brown soil,Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Regression equations for the relationship between Walkley‐Black carbon and carbon by dry combustion in a tropical humic brown clay soil were variable in four different vegetation regimes. In one case, statistically different correlation coefficients were obtained for grassland surface and the corresponding subsurface soils.

Calibration of the Walkley‐Black method against dry combustion carbon is recommended for each treatment in soil fertility studies as soil organic matter might have a different composition and hence carbon recovery value because of treatment.     

Effect of gypsum on exchangeable sodium percentage and electrical conductivity in the Daeho reclaimed tidal land soil in Korea—a field scale study

Purpose

A reclaimed tidal land along the shore has poor soil properties such as high exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and electrical conductivity (EC) due to excess sodium (Na) content. Therefore, Na content should be decreased to improve the land productivity, and for this, gypsum has been widely used. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in ESP and EC of the gypsum-treated reclaimed tidal soil in a field scale.

Materials and methods

For this, gypsum was applied to Daeho reclaimed tidal land (500 ha) in Korea for 5 years (2006 to 2010). The Daeho reclaimed tidal land has been used as reclaimed paddy fields since 1993. The application rate of gypsum was calculated based on exchangeable calcium (Ca) contents and soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) to maintain 60 % exchangeable calcium percentage (ECP) of CEC in soil and the average amount treated was 1570 kg ha^?1 year^?1. The changes in ESP and EC were monitored from 2006 to 2010, and 2013.

Results and discussion

The ESP dropped from 80 % in 2006 to 34 % in 2013. The EC of the soil was decreased by 73 %, from 11.5 dS m^?1 in 2006 to 3.1 dS m^?1 in 2013. Eventually, it was estimated that the ESP will be lowered below 15 % in 2023 with continuous treatment of gypsum according to ECP calculation, and EC will be declined to reach at 0.5 dS m^?1 in 2035, the average EC level of Korean rice paddy.

Conclusions

This field scale study evidenced that gypsum application effectively improves the soil properties of reclaimed tidal soil by decreasing ESP and EC.