Metal Extractability in Binary and Multi-metals Spiked Calcareous Soils

In the present study, a laboratory experiment was designed to compare the 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction methods for their ability to predict cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) availability and mobility in five calcareous soils. The soils were spiked with different amounts of metals (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg^?1) both in binary (Cu and Zn; Ni and Cd; Fe and Mn) and in multi-systems (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) and incubated for 1 months at field capacity. In metal-spiked soils, both extraction methods showed a linear relationship of extractable to total metals for all soils. The fraction of total metals extracted by DTPA was much higher than the fraction extracted by CaCl₂, which was attributed to the formation of soluble metal-complexes in the complexing extracts calculated by the Visual Minteq program. DTPA extraction method showed higher selectivity for Cu over other metals both in binary and in multi-systems. Different order of metals extractability was found in binary and multi-systems for both extraction methods. Solid/solution distribution coefficient (K_d) was calculated by the ratio of the solid phase to soil solution concentration of metals extracted by CaCl₂ or DTPA extraction methods. Both in binary and in multi-systems, the average K_d (l kg^?1) of metals by soils were in the order of Mn (5398) > Fe (4413) > Zn (3376) > Cu (2520) > Ni (969) > Cd (350) in the CaCl₂-extractable metals and Fe (35) ≥ Ni (34) > Zn (18) > Mn (11.2) > Cu (6.3) > Cd (4) in the DTPA-extractable metals. Results showed that among the six studied metals, Cd had the lowest K_d, implying a relative higher mobility in these calcareous soils. The Visual Minteq indicated that in the CaCl₂-extraction method and in both binary and multi-systems the dominant species for Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn were Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺, respectively, while for Cd and Fe, the dominant species were CdCl⁺ and Fe(OH)²⁺, respectively.     

秸秆添加对石灰性土壤有机与无机碳释放的影响

在富含碳酸盐的石灰性土壤上,土壤本身CO2释放不仅来自土壤有机碳（SOC）的分解,也源于无机碳（SIC）的溶解。在秸秆还田下,石灰性土壤CO2释放来源达到三个（秸秆碳、SOC和SIC）,由于区分技术的限制,当前区分CO2释放三源的研究,尚少见报道。以华北石灰性农田土壤为研究对象,采用13C标记玉米秸秆添加土壤进行室内培养32周,设置4个处理,分别为无添加对照（CK）、低量秸秆添加（S1,相当于田间秸秆还田量9.6 t?hm-2）、中量秸秆添加（S2,秸秆还田量28.8 t?hm-2）和高量秸秆添加（S3,秸秆还田量48.0 t?hm-2）,利用秸秆碳、SOC与SIC之间的δ13C差异,借助稳定同位素溯源模型IsoSource,区分土壤CO2的释放来源,明确秸秆添加对石灰性土壤有机与无机碳释放的影响。结果表明,随着培养时间的进行,土壤释放CO2中源于秸秆的贡献呈下降趋势;秸秆分解对土壤CO2释放的贡献随着秸秆添加量增加而增加,对于S1、S2和S3处理,土壤释放CO2中源于秸秆、SOC和SIC的贡献比值约分别为3:3:4、5:2:3和6:2:2;与CK相比,S1处理降低SOC分解的激发效应（程度为9%）,S2和S3处理反而增加了SOC分解的激发效应（程度分别为22%和57%）;秸秆和SOC矿化增加SIC溶解的释放,随秸秆添加量增加而增加,S1、S2和S3处理提高SIC源CO2的释放程度分别为368%、561%和652%。因此,秸秆添加不仅影响SOC源CO2的释放,也增加了SIC源CO2的释放,若忽略SIC溶解对土壤CO2释放的贡献,可能导致SOC矿化量的高估,进而影响SOC激发效应评估的准确度。     

不同材料在石灰性土壤中的扩散调酸效应

采用室内无植物培养试验研究了条施糠醛渣、硫磺、颗粒硫肥、风化煤和磷酸二氢铵五种材料对石灰性土壤的扩散调酸效应。结果表明,五种调酸材料均能降低土壤pH值,且使石灰性土壤的pH值在不同距离处(1、2、3、4、6、8 cm)均有所变化;随着施用时间的延长,pH值下降程度增大,调酸范围扩大;其中,磷酸二氢铵的调酸效应最好,最大能使土壤pH值在1 cm处从8.49下降到7.96,下降0.53个单位,对土壤pH值降低最大的距离为3 cm。     

Soil Factors Affecting Heavy Metal Solubility in Some New Zealand Soils

Heavy metal contamination of soils is usually quantified and guidelines set solely on the basis of total heavy metal content. However, it is recognised that water soluble heavy metal concentrations may provide a better indication of the potential risk that heavy metals may pose to the soil environment. The aim of this study was to use a semi-empirical model based on the competitive adsorption of metal and H⁺ ions [dependent on solution pH, total metal content, total carbon content and soil oxide content] to predict water soluble Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn concentrations in a range of field contaminated soils. The results of multiple linear regressions showed that basic soil properties could predict 85, 72, 66, 78, 50 and 75% of the variation in soluble Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations respectively. Water soluble metal concentrations were best predicted using empirical linear regressions which included total metal content, while the importance of other soil properties such as soil pH, total carbon and oxalate extractable Fe and Al oxides varied between metals. The models have the potential to provide valuable information on metal availability in contaminated soils and offer an indication of the potential risk a metal may pose to a given soil environment, along with providing a basis for developing soil quality guidelines for the prevention, investigation and clean-up of soil metal contamination.     

Zinc Release Characteristics from Calcareous Soils using Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid and Other Organic Acids

Adsorption and desorption reactions of zinc (Zn) in soils control its availability to plants. In the present investigation, time-dependent Zn release was evaluated using three organic acids [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), citric acid, and maleic acid] to depict the Zn fraction controlling Zn release rate from slightly calcareous to calcareous soils. Eight surface and two subsoil samples of selected soil series varied in their physicochemical properties, amount of Zn held in different chemical pools, and Zn-retention capacities (21–61%). Each soil was extracted for a total period of 24 h at 1:10 soil/extractant suspension ratio using 0.005 M DTPA. The time-dependent parabolic diffusion model best described the Zn release in six consecutive extractions. Soils differed in cumulative Zn extracted (1.09–3.81 mg kg^?1 soil) and Zn release rate. Under similar conditions, three soils differing in Zn-retention capacities were also extracted with five different concentrations (0.01–0.0001 M) of citric and maleic acids. Although both maleic and citric acids released soil Zn at greater rates and in greater amounts than DTPA, maleic acid was more efficient. Soil Zn bound to amorphous iron (Fe) + manganese (Mn) oxides was the main Zn pool that controlled Zn release characteristics.     

Comparison of Methods for Determination of Carbon in Calcareous Soils

The global cycle of carbon (C) has raised attention in recent decades due to the great increase in carbon dioxide levels (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere and its influence on climate change. Calcareous soils represent a significant fraction of the areas with potential for agriculture and have differential attributes, such as high calcium contents, magnesium, carbonates, and pH values. These attributes have been ignored in analytical procedures despite these characteristics, resulting in an overestimation or underestimation of the soil carbon. Several methods have been proposed for determining the soil carbon contents, however, studies evaluating the analytical procedures of C quantification methods, considering the soil characteristics, such as the calcareous soils, are needed, in order to improve their accuracy. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate and compare methods for C determination and to propose adjustments in the methodology for calcareous soil analysis. The Yeomans and Bremner (YB) was the most efficient method for quantification of organic C among the wet oxidation methods. On the other hand, the Donagemma (WB) method underestimated the organic carbon contents. The results showed that the samples must be macerated and pretreated with a hydrochloric acid solution for the use of CHNS-O, in order to eliminate carbonates in the form of nodules and concretions.     

Comparison of Phosphorus Use Efficiency Among Various Winter Wheat Accessions Grown in Acid and Calcareous Soils

The objective was to differentiate and estimate phosphorus (P)-uptake and P-utilization efficiency among several winter wheat accessions. Twenty-two accessions were characterized for their ability to uptake and utilize P in two low P soils (acid and calcareous). Plants were grown for 28 days in two different sized pots and analyzed for biomass and total P concentration. Total P uptake and biomass was greater in the large pot and calcareous soil. However, there were no significant correlations between the small and large pot for biomass, P uptake, and P concentration, indicating that rooting conditions were different for the two pots, which allowed differentiation between P-utilization and P-uptake efficiency. Possession of ALTM1 gene for malate excretion did not appear to be related to P-uptake efficiency. Several accessions were found to be either P-uptake or P-utilization efficient in both soils. Phosphorus use efficiency mechanisms may contribute to acid soil tolerance.     

Genotypic Responses of Corn to Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates in Calcareous Soils

In the Mediterranean region, much emphasis is placed on the role of fertilizers in enhancing crop production to achieve food security. Given the complex nature of phosphorus (P) reactions in soils, considerable research has dealt with fertilizer aspects related to efficient P use, but comparatively less emphasis has been given to plant variation with respect to P efficiency. In this study, selection and adaptation of P‐efficient corn genotypes was seen as one possible approach to enhancing P efficiency. Thus, a greenhouse experiment with 10 corn genotypes (traditional to modern), five P application rates (0–200 mg kg^?1), and four field trials with three genotypes for 2 years were carried out on various calcareous soils (Vertic Torrifluvent, Vertic Calciorthid, Entic Chromoxerert, and Typic Xerofluvent). Measurements were made of root characteristics. Treatments in the field trials were five P application rates as main plots (0–68 P ha^?1) and three corn genotypes as subplots. Genotypes were selected for the field trials from the greenhouse experiment as “efficient‐responsive,” “efficient‐nonresponsive,” and “inefficient‐responsive.” Dry‐matter (DM) yield and plant P uptake by plants increased with P application rates in the greenhouse experiment. Root length and mass were considerably increased by increasing P levels. Genotypes were classified for P efficiency. The studies indicated that because corn genotypes respond to P‐fertilizer application differently, this trait could be utilized to exploit native and applied P more efficiently, especially at low levels of available P and when P‐ fertilizer use is limited. This differential response derives from morphological, physiological, and genetic variability among the genotypes. Although genotypic efficiency is important for fertilizer management, the contribution of the efficiency is not a substitute for fertilizers, especially if high yields are required. Nevertheless, breeding for P‐use efficiency should be a component of any program to improve crop yield potential.     

Uranium Solubility of Carbonate-Rich Uranium-Contaminated Soils

A 300 d solubility study involving two carbonate-rich, uranium-contaminated soils from the Department of Energy's Fernald Environmental Management Project site was conducted to predict the behavior of uranium during on-site remediation of these soils. Geochemical modeling was performed on the aqueous species dissolved from these soils following the solubility measurements to predict the on-site uranium leaching and transport potential. Results showed that the soluble levels of the major components (total uranium, calcium, magnesium, and carbonate) increased continually for the first 4 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, these components either reached a steady-state or continued to increase linearly throughout the study. Soluble uranium levels of both soils and their correlation with alkalinity was strongly mediated by the source term of the contamination. Geochemical modeling predicted and anion exchange experiments confirmed that uranyl-carbonate complexes were the most stable and abundant complexes. Further modeling showed that uranium solubility in these soils and in onsite groundwater wells is controlled by UO₂(H₂PO₄)₂, but is also mediated by complexation with carbonate and the oxidation state of the uranium. For assessing the risk related to off-site transport of uranium, it should be recognized that the solubility of uranium-bearing minerals is the critical factor in controlling uranium solubility of these soils rather than sorption/desorption processes as measured by the uranium distribution coefficient (K_d) in these soils.     

Kinetics of Copper Desorption from Highly Calcareous Soils

Abstract

Desorption of copper (Cu) is an important factor in determining Cu availability in calcareous soils. Kinetics of native and added Cu desorption by DTPA (diethylene‐triaminepentaacetic‐acid) from 15 highly calcareous soils of southern Iran were studied in a laboratory experiment. Our results showed that two constant‐rate, Elovich, simple Elovich, and parabolic‐diffusion equations were the best‐fitted equations among eight kinetic models used. The copper desorption pattern based on the parabolic‐diffusion equation revealed that the rate of native Cu desorption was higher in the first 2 h followed by a slower release rate, which suggests that two different mechanisms are involved. The trend may describe why the DTPA soil test has been considerably successful in predicting Cu availability in calcareous soils. Stepwise multiple regression equations indicated that CCE (calcium carbonate equivalent), CEC (cation exchange capacity), and clay content are the most important soil characteristics that predict the rate constants of the kinetic models. Mean extractant recovery percentage (ERP) of the soils was only 20%, which indicated that after 20 days, DTPA extracted only one‐fifth of added Cu. Regression equations indicated that as soil OM (organic matter) content increased, the value of ERP decreased. From results reported herein it seems that CCE, CEC, and clay are the most important factors controlling Cu release from highly calcareous soils of southern Iran. However, the initial soil Cu desorption rate is probably controlled by CEC.     

Experimental Evaluation of Procedures to Quantify Carbohydrate Carbon in Some Calcareous Soils

Carbohydrates are an important component of soil organic matter, and a method is needed to quantify them, which would be efficient in terms of time and cost. Different extractants and methods were examined in this work for their efficiency to extract carbohydrate C from four calcareous soils. Four extractants (distilled water, 0.5 M potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), and 0.25 and 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)) and three incubation methods (shaking for 16 h, heating in an oven (85 °C) for 16 h, and heating in a water bath (85 °C) for 2.5 h) were compared. The results show that significantly more carbohydrate C was extracted from all four soils with oven and water bath heating of the soil–extractant suspensions than with shaking them at room temperature. The efficiency of the extractants decreased in this order: 0.5 M H₂SO₄ > 0.25 M H₂SO₄ > 0.5 M K₂SO₄. The combination of the heated–water bath incubation method with 0.5 M H₂SO₄ as extractant was the most efficient method.     

Inorganic Phosphorus Fractionation of Highly Calcareous Soils of Iran

Abstract

Highly calcareous soils are abundant in Iran. The calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) of these soils reach up to 650 g kg^?1. Although phosphorus (P) fertilizer is being widely used in these soils, little information, if any, is available about P status in such soils. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine inorganic P forms in 18 surface soils of southern Iran, 2) study P readsorption during different stages of fractionation schemes, 3) assess the ability of NaOH to extract aluminum (Al)‐P, and 4) evaluate the relationships between P availability indices and inorganic P forms. Eighteen soil samples with a wide range of physicochemical properties were selected for this study. Inorganic P forms was determined by sequential extraction with NaHCO₃, NH₄OAc, NH₄F, NaOH, citrate dithionite (CD), and H₂SO₄, which are referred to as Ca₂‐P, Ca₈‐P, Al‐P, Fe‐P, occluded P (O‐P), and Ca₁₀‐P. Phosphorus readsorption in different stages was determined by 1 M MgCl₂. Furthermore, a fractionation scheme without an NH₄F step was used to evaluate the ability of NaOH to extract Al‐P. NaHCO₃ (Olsen‐P) and MgCl₂‐extractable P (Exch‐P) were regarded as P-availability indices. The abundance of different P forms was in the order Ca₂‐P<Fe‐P<Al‐P<O‐P<Ca₈‐P<Ca₁₀‐P. Ca₂‐P was highly correlated with Olsen‐P and Exch‐P. Ca₂‐P, Olsen‐P, and Exch‐P showed a relationship with CCE, citrate–bicarbonate–dithionite extractable Fe (Fe_d), and Al (Al_d). Phosphorus readsorption appeared to be important only in the Ca₈‐P step, and the content of readsorbed P was related to Ca₈‐P, CCE, and clay content of the soils. In the present study, Al‐P and Fe‐P accounted for 10 and 5% of the sum of the inorganic P fractions, respectively, and Fe‐P showed a strong relationship with Fe_o, whereas Al‐P showed a significant relationship with oxalate‐extractable Al (Al_o) and Al_d. It was found that one extraction with NaOH is not a good indicator for Fe‐ and Al‐P, and the ability of NaOH to extract Al‐P was reduced with increase in Al‐P content.     

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Gray Calcareous Soils of Baiyin Region,Gansu Province,P.R. China

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper(Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and nickel(Ni) were measured in cultivated gray calcareous soilscollected in the two basins of Baiyin urban area. Thevalues revealed fluctuating and enriched Cd, Pb, Cuand Zn concentrations in the cultivated soils,suggesting recent inputs from anthropogenic sources.There also existed differences between these twodrainage areas, indicating the characteristics ofpollution sources differed. Concentrations of Cd, Pband to a lesser extent Cu and Zn were higher in thisregion as compared with the micrometal backgroundvalues in gray calcareous soil, which may beattributed to the proximity of these soil sites tocontaminated streams, or to the utilization offarmyard manure or fertilizers. Comparison of obtainedmetal concentration levels with other areas in theworld revealed elevated values for Cd and Pb, showinga considerable amount of pollution in the area.Continuous monitoring and further studies of the areaare recommended to ascertain long-term effect that mayhave not yet been reached and to prevent pollution offarmland from worsening.     

Availability of Organic and Inorganic Phosphorus Fractions to Wheat in Toposequences of Calcareous Soils

Abstract

Information on the availability of different soil phosphorus (P) forms is useful for crop production. Phosphorus contents of 12 Iranian calcareous soils from upper‐, mid‐, and lower‐slope positions of two arid and two semiarid toposequences were fractionated to various organic and inorganic pools, and correlations of the P fractions with wheat responses were investigated. Among the inorganic P (IP) fractions, apatite type (Ca₁₀‐P) and dicalcium phosphate equivalents (Ca₂‐P) possessed the highest and the lowest amounts of P reserve in the soils, respectively. On average, about 20% of the total P was found in organic form (OP), of which 32% was labile (LOP), 51% was moderately labile (MLOP), and 17% was nonlabile (NLOP). The amounts of the soil P fractions were considerably influenced by the positions of the soils on the landscapes. The maximum contents of soil IP, Ca₂‐P, Fe‐P (iron‐bound P), and Ca₁₀‐P were observed in the lower‐slope positions. The amount of soil available [0.5 M sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) extractable] P was significantly correlated with Ca₂P (r=0.895), Fe‐P (r=0.760), and Occl‐P (iron‐occluded P) (r=0.897). Direct correlation studies, however, showed that wheat shoot dry‐matter yield (DMY) was significantly affected by the amounts of Ca₂‐P, Fe‐P, OP, LOP, and MLOP fractions both at early (4 weeks) and late (10 weeks) stages of growth. All organic and inorganic P fractions, except Al‐P (aluminum‐bound P), Ca₈‐P (octacalcium phosphate equivalents), and NLOP, also showed significant relations to the amount and/or concentration of P in wheat tissues at 4 and 10 weeks after sowing. Among the measured soil properties, the amount of organic carbon was the most affecting factor on the size of the P fractions.     

Impact of Organic Amendments on Groundwater Nitrogen Concentrations for Sandy and Calcareous Soils

Experiments were conducted on calcareous and sandy soils to investigate the effects of organic amendments for vegetable production on groundwater nitrogen (N) concentration in south Florida. The treatments consisted of applying yard and food residuals compost, biosolids compost, a cocompost of the municipal solid waste and biosolids, and inorganic fertilizer. Nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N), and total N concentrations were collected for a period of two years for both soils. Statistical analysis results revealed that for the three species tested, there were no significant differences among treatments. NO₃-N concentrations for all treatments remained less than the maximum contamination level (10 mg/L). NO₃-N transport to groundwater was higher in calcareous soil (mean=5.3 mg/L) than in sandy soil (mean=0.6 mg/L). NH₄-N concentrations ranged from 0 to 13.6 mg/L throughout the experiment. Calcareous soil had lower NH₄-N concentrations (mean=0.1 mg/L) than sandy soils (mean=0.7 mg/L). Total N ranged from 0.4 to 21.7 mg/L for all treatments for both soils reflecting high adsorption of dissolved organic N in both soils. Overall, results indicated that all the compost treatments were comparable to inorganic fertilizer with regard to N leaching and N concentrations in the groundwater while producing similar or higher yields.     

Transformation of Phosphate Fertilizers with Different Solubilities in Calcareous Soils

In this research work,the authors,using the recently developed method of fractionating the forms of inorganic phosphorus in calcareous soils,have studied the transformation processes of inorgnic phosphorus in three different phosphate fertilizers,i.e.,superphosphate,diammonium phosphate and calcium magnesium phyosphate,being commonly used in China,during a period of 3 years after their application to calcareous soils,and based on the experimental results obtained,some problems in current use of phosphate fertilizers are discussed.     

Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Wheat Genotypes Grown in Calcareous Soils

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) deficiency and low P-use efficiency are induced by soil properties, especially in calcareous soils, which are dominant in semi-arid regions of the world such as the Mediterranean region. Alternative approaches to P fertilization involve exploiting plant genetics in order to achieve more efficient use of P by the growing crop. Accordingly, in a greenhouse pot experiment, we evaluated P-efficiency in wheat genotypes grown in typical calcareous soils in southern Turkey. Ten common local genotypes were grown in six soil series for eight weeks using five P application rates (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg P kg^?1). Dry matter (DM) yield and P content were significantly increased by increasing P rates, with significant differences between soils. Some genotypes performed better under P stress because of better P utilization efficiency. Shoot DM was the most sensitive indicator of genetic variability under P-deficient conditions. Genotypes classified as efficient-responsive (Adana-99, 1014, Golia, Balatilla) had above average DM yield when P was not added, and responded well to P applications; efficient-non-responsive genotypes (Firat-93, Seri-82, Genc-99, Panda) had below average DM yield, but responded to P applications; inefficient-non-responsive genotypes (Fuat Bey and Ceyhan-99) had below average DM yield; and no genotypes were in the inefficient responsive category. Such P response categorization is needed for better breeding programs for nutrient-use efficiency. The study may aid in selecting P-efficient genotypes in low-P soils, especially where little P is used. The use of P-efficient genotypes should be seen as complement to, rather than a substitute for, chemical P fertilization depending on local conditions.     

Influence of Amelioration of Strongly Acid Soils with Calcareous Materials and Sewage Sludge on Wheat Yield and Economic Results

Abstract

The amelioration of acid unproductive soils with various amendments may improve soil properties and increase crop yield. In this paper, the influence of several soil amendments (refuse sugar beet lime, calcium hydroxide, and municipal sewage sludge) on wheat yield and gross margin were studied in a three‐year (1995, 1996, 1997) field experiment, conducted in western Thessaly (Elassona area), central Greece. In order to evaluate soil amelioration from an economic point of view we estimated the profit that derives from soil amelioration for each year separately as well as for the whole period of the experiment. The results showed that sugar beet lime and sewage sludge at the rate 15 ton ha^?1 are preferable from an economic point of view compared to calcium hydroxide. This fact is supportive of all the efforts made to diffuse the use of quality by‐products for soil amelioration.     

Evaluation of Some Chelates in Estimating Available Zn for Soybean in Calcareous Soils

Six fertilizer trials on calcareous soils in Saudi Arabia were conducted for the prediction of Zn deficiency in soybean (Glycine max L., var Merr). Zinc level before planting was tested by using 3 different extractants, i.e. DTPA, AB-DTPA and EDTA. Zinc was applied in the form of ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kg Zn ha^?1. Plant samples were taken at early bloom and tissue was analysed for Zn. Two methods were used to judge the critical deficiency level of Zn: Cate-Nelson and chisquare models. The critical level estimated according to the Cate-Nelson method for DTPA extractable soil Zn was 0.43 mg kg^?1 in the growing season 1991. EDTA gave a much higher level (1.80 mg kg^?1) and AB-DTPA gave an intermediate level (0.68 mg kg^?1). Chi-square statistical procedure gave a very similar critical level of 0.66 mg kg^?1 for AB-DTPA but lower for either DTPA (0.38 mg kg^?1) or EDTA (1.32 mg kg^?1). The critical level based for three growing seasons ranged from 0.25 to 0.68, 0.32 to 0.82 and 1.12 to 3.4 mg Zn kg^?1 for DTPA, AB-DTPA and EDTA extractants, respectively. The values obtained by the linear regression equation with soybean leaf concentration were 0.45 and 0.70 mg Zn kg^?1 for DTPA and AB-DTPA, respectively. Such values are very close to those determined by using the Cate-Nelson method. On the other hand, the value obtained for EDTA (1.15 mg Zn kg^?1) was comparatively lower than that calculated by applying the Cate-Nelson method.     

Influence of Laboratory Methods on Calcareous Saline Soils for EC Measurement and Leaching

Abstract

Electrical conductivity (EC) methods were tested using combinations of surrogate irrigation (SI) waters, soil salinity levels, and soils ground or retaining aggregates. The EC varied in low-salinity soils saturated with SI; the sum of the baseline EC_e and SI EC were not equal to the measured EC. The baseline EC_e and the SI EC sum in the high‐salinity ground soils were not equal to the any measured ECs. Salt‐removal potential from gypsiferous soils was examined using multiple extractions from the same soil sample. Calcium concentrations remained consistent over 14 extractions, whereas Na concentrations decreased. The EC_e decreased from more than 8 dS m^?1 in the initial extraction, to approximately 4 dS m^?1 by the 9th to 14th extraction. Multiple extraction data suggest that improved leaching will not lower soil ECs to less than approximately 4 dS m^?1 because of gypsum and calcite reservoirs in the tested soils.