Factors Affecting Mehlich III Soil Test Methodology for Extractable P

Agronomic and environmental testing laboratories in Texas and elsewhere have adopted Mehlich III (M3) as their official soil test phosphorus (P) methodology. However, M3-P data could be skewed due to non-homogenous soil samples or failure to follow standard protocol which could influence recommendations or restrictions. Twelve agricultural soils with a wide range of properties were collected from across Texas. Exhaustive efforts via multiple methods were made to prepare homogeneous representative soil samples. The standard M3 protocol selected was a 2 g weighed soil sample placed in a 148 ml disposable plastic cup, using a 1:10 soil:M3 solution ratio, shaken on a 200 rpm orbital shaker with a 2.5 cm throw for exactly 5 min, and filtered through Whatman No. 2 filter paper. The standard protocol was compared with nine different protocol variations with variables including soil weighing versus scooping, scooping repeatability of different technicians, soil sample weight, shaking type, speed and time, different filter papers, and varying soil:extractant ratios. Extent of soil pulverization on M3-P results was also evaluated. Tests were performed in four replications for all protocols to assess effects on M3-extractable soil P. Percent recovery of soil during grinding had no effect on M3-extractable P. Little difference in M3-extractable P was observed between scooping and weighing of 2 g soil samples. Shaker type had no effect on extractable P in soils with low clay contents, however, increasing shaking speed and using an orbital shaker resulted in higher extractable P, especially in clayey soils. Both Whatman No. 1 and 2 filter papers were found suitable for M3-P analyses. Different soil:extractant ratios resulted in a highly significant influence on the amount of M3-P extracted. However, when ratios were maintained between 1:9 and 1:11, few differences in extractable P were observed. Using sample weights below 3 g did not significantly alter precision or accuracy of results. However, technician variation in scooping of 2 or 5 g soil samples resulted in significant differences in M3-P.     

Preparation and analysis of cyclotri- and cyclotetraphosphate and their hydrolysis products in soil

Cyclotriphosphate (Na(3)P(3)O(9)) and cyclotetraphosphate (Na(4)P(4)O(12)) are not strongly sorbed by soil constituents. Potential movement and efficient plant utilization of P from these compounds are dependent on the hydrolysis of the cyclophosphate ring structure and their hydrolysis products. The objectives of this study were to prepare pure useable quantities of these cyclophosphates and their hydrolysis products and to extract, separate, and analyze these compounds after application to diverse soils. Cyclophosphates of high purity (>99.0%) were prepared, and improved methods of extraction and analysis by ion chromatography were developed. Cyclophosphates and their hydrolysis products were extracted from soil using a sequential water/0.5 M H(2)SO(4)/1.0 M NaOH extraction that maximized P recovery and minimized hydrolysis of cyclic and linear phosphates during the extraction procedure. Gradient elution chromatography separated cyclic phosphates and their hydrolysis products. Separation and direct quantitative analysis of the applied cyclophosphates and their hydrolysis products were accomplished in <15 min.     

Role of Soil Properties in Phytoaccumulation of Uranium

A pot study was conducted to investigate the toxiceffects of certain heavy metals on the plant growth and grainyield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The resultsrevealed that heavy metals brought about significant reductionsin both parameters, Cd being the most toxic metal followed by Cu,Ni, Zn, Pb and Cr. Moreover, the presence of Cd in the soilresulted in the maximum inhibition (84.9%) in the number of freeliving Azotobacter chroococcum cells over the control. Thephytotoxicity was apparently due to the susceptibility of thefree living Azotobacter chroococcum cells to the toxicdoses of heavy metals.Protein content decreased from 19.0–71.4% in metal exposedplants at metal concentrations equivalent to those found inpolluted soil. Metal uptake by grains was directly related tothe applied heavy metal with greater concentrations of metalsfound in cases where metals were added separately rather than incombinations. The toxic effects on the plant growth, nitrogencontent in plant parts, and protein content in grains, exerted bytwo metals in combination were not additive, but rather only assevere as for the most toxic metal alone.     

Use of soil nitrogen parameters and texture for spatially-variable nitrogen fertilization

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential importance of using soil texture to modify fertilizer N recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine (i) if surface clay content can be used as an auxiliary variable for estimating spatial variability of soil NO₃–N, and (ii) if this information is useful for variable rate N fertilization of non-irrigated corn [Zea mays (L.)] in south central Texas, USA across years. A 64 ha corn field with variable soil type and N fertility level was used for this study during 2004–2007. Plant and surface and sub-surface soil samples were collected at different grid points and analyzed for yield, soil N parameters and texture. A uniform rate (UR) of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2004 and variable rates (VAR) of 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2005 through 2007 were applied to different sites in the field. Distinct yield variation was observed over this time period. Yield and soil surface clay content and soil N parameters were strongly spatially structured. Corn grain yield was positively related to residual NO₃–N with depth and either negatively or positively related to clay content depending on precipitation. Residual NO₃–N to 0.60 and 0.90 m depths was more related to corn yield than from shallower depths. The relationship of clay content with soil NO₃–N was weak and not temporally stable. Yield response to N rate also varied temporally. Supply of available N with depth, soil texture and growing season precipitation determined proper N management for this field.     

Improving of seed quality of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) by increasing seed phosphorus content in a calcareous soil

Phosphorus (P) sufficiency during seed formation and development can affect the quality of seeds production. For increasing P content of black seed (Nigella sativa) in a calcareous soil, series of experiments were conducted in completely randomized factorial design with 4 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2012 and 2013. The combinations of vermicompost (V), sulfur (S), and Thiobacillus bacteria (T) were mixed with a calcareous soil fertilized with 0, 30 and 60 kg P ha^?1 in pots and incubated for 63 days. At the end of incubation period, black seeds were sown in the pots and plants were grown to maturity. Results showed that S+T and V treatments were significantly increased soil available P, emergence, plant P content, seed yield and vigor of the seeds production. There were positive relationship between soil and plant P concentration with the quality of seeds production.