Showing papers in "Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis in 1972"
TL;DR: In this article, the Orion ammonium electrode was used for determination of the ammonium formed by Kjeldahl digestion of the soil sample, and the results by this method of determining ammonium in KJldahl analysis of soils agree closely with those obtained by the customary distillation-titration method.
Abstract: The distillation step in total N analysis of soil by the Kjeldahl method can be eliminated by use of the Orion ammonia electrode for determination of the ammonium formed by Kjeldahl digestion of the soil sample. The electrode method of analysis is rapid, simple, and precise, and it gives quantitative recovery of ammonium added to Kjeldahl digests of soils. The results by this method of determining ammonium in Kjeldahl analysis of soils agree closely with those obtained by the customary distillation‐titration method.
224 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Orion ammonia electrode can be used satisfactorily for determination of ammonium in soil extracts and water samples, and its results agree closely with those obtained by a distillation-titration method of determining ammonium.
Abstract: Interference and recovery tests reported indicate that the Orion ammonia electrode can be used satisfactorily for determination of ammonium in soil extracts and water samples. The electrode method of analysis described is rapid, simple, and precise, and its results agree closely with those obtained by a distillation‐titration method of determining ammonium in soil extracts and water samples.
93 citations
TL;DR: The influence of reaction time and ionic environments, on phosphate adsorption were studied using one calcareous soil from India, and one calcaous and two latosols from Hawaii as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The influence of reaction time and ionic environments, on phosphate adsorption were studied using one calcareous soil from India, and one calcareous and two latosols from Hawaii. Phosphorus adsorption by soils has a initial rapid phase followed by a slow process. For plant nutrition studies, where emphasis is on P concentration of solutions from which plants derive P, isotherms should be constructed using data obtained after near‐equilibration has been attained. This condition does not obtain in a few hours and may require 6 days or more. Calcium chloride as suspending electrolyte always gave lower phosphate solubility than when KC1 was used as electrolyte. Phosphate retention increased with increasing ionic strength. The necessity for obtaining clear supernatant solutions and the desirability for maintaining reasonable constant equilibrium conditions make 0.01 M CaCl2 a reasonable choice for constructing P sorption isotherms, even though 0.01 M CaCl2 is not representative of Ca concentrations in...
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, dry ashing five different plant tissues at temperatures from 400 to 700° Cat 4 and 15 hours affected the concentration of Al, B, Cu, Fe, K, and Mn found upon analysis by both emission and atomic absorption spec-troscopy.
Abstract: Dry ashing five different plant tissues at temperatures from 400 to 700° Cat 4 and 15 hours affected the concentration of Al, B, Cu, Fe, K, and Mn found upon analysis by both emission and atomic absorption spec‐troscopy. The elements Ba, Ca, Mg, Mo, P, Sr, and Zn were not affected by the varying temperatures and times. Dry ashing at 500° C for 4 or 15 hours gave results comparable to the known element concentration or that determined by wet ashing. At temperatures below and above 500° C, volitilization losses and absorption occurred.
43 citations
TL;DR: Brucine, an organic reagent used for nitrate determinations, proved stable for at least one year when dissolved in methanol as discussed by the authors, which makes possible a consistently accurate and rapid method for field determinations of nitrate in clear solutions with a minimum of equipment.
Abstract: Brucine, an organic reagent used for nitrate determinations, proved stable for at least one year when dissolved in methanol. This makes possible a consistently accurate and rapid method for field determinations of nitrate in clear solutions with a minimum of equipment. The method is also useful in the laboratory for determining nitrate in water or soil extracts. It is quicker and simpler than other colorimetric methods and more sensitive to low concentrations than the nitrate electrode.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a constant soil depth of 20 cm (7.9 inches) is proposed as a standard depth for calculation which in the metric system, corresponds to 2,000,000 dm3/ha.
Abstract: The assumption of 2,000,000 kg/ha or 2,000,000 lbs/a in the conversion of soil test results into kg/ha and lbs/a introduces variables directly related to the variation in bulk density (BD) or volume weight (VW). In order to obtain enough soil to weigh 2,000,000 lbs/a the depth requirement changes with the VW. A soil with a VW of 1.6 g/cm3 would require a depth of 5.5 inches, 7.9 inches with a VW of 1.0 and 20 inches with a VW of 0.44 g/cm3. A constant soil depth of 20 cm (7.9 inches) is proposed as a standard depth for calculation which in the metric system, corresponds to 2,000,000 dm3/ha. Details relating to the use of the 20 cm standard depth in the metric and U. S. and British systems of weights and measures are discussed.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a briquetting technique has been developed which permits rapid multielement analysis of plant material by direct reading emission spectroscopy, which does not require an ashing step and permits analysis for 21 elements including nitrogen.
Abstract: A briquetting technique has been developed which permits rapid multielement analysis of plant material by direct reading emission spectroscopy This method does not require an ashing step and permits analysis for 21 elements including nitrogen Details of the briquetting procedure, instrumentation, and precautions to be observed, are discussed Plant analysis data obtained by this method compared favourably with data obtained by alternative techniques
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of phosphate nutrition on the kinetics of phosphate absorption by sterile excised barley roots was examined, and the results were discussed in relation to kinetic factors which may influence the efficiency of ion uptake by roots of different species of plants, including the apparent dissociation constant, the rate constant for uptake and the concentration of the ion-carrier system.
Abstract: The influence of phosphate nutrition on the kinetics of phosphate absorption by sterile excised barley roots was examined. The roots of seedlings grown in dilute CaSO4 showed uptake kinetics similar to roots grown in phosphate deficient nutrient culture. The absence of microorganisms did not abolish the dual form of the absorption isotherm at pH 4.0 The most important effect of phosphate deficiency for uptake at low phosphate concentration was a marked decrease in the apparent dissociation constant of the ion‐carrier complex postulated to be involved in the uptake process. The results are discussed in relation to kinetic factors which may influence the efficiency of ion uptake by roots of different species of plants, including the apparent dissociation constant, the rate constant for uptake and the concentration of the ion‐carrier system.
33 citations
TL;DR: Grain sorghums were grown in field plots for three years and soils varied greatly in P, K, and pH and resulted in wide yield variation.
Abstract: Grain sorghums were grown in field plots for three years. Soils were varied greatly in P, K, and pH and resulted in wide yield variation. Information from plant sample analyses at four growth stages was plotted individually against grain yield measurements. The diagrams were employed to estimate normal nutrient levels for each stage of growth. Low deficient, and high values are outlined as far as possible. Effects of climatic conditions are discussed
30 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured total sugar and individual sugar content in whole, mature, soybeans of certain strains and to determine the stability of these components in strains grown over a wide geographical area.
Abstract: Objectives in this study were to measure total sugar and individual sugar content in whole, mature, soybeans of certain strains and to determine the stability of these components in strains grown over a wide geographical area. Soybean seed of three selected strains from each Maturity Group in the 1970 Uniform Tests‐Northern States were analyzed for total sugar, sucrose, raffinose and stachyose content. For Maturity Groups 00, 0, I, II, III and IV there were 10, 12, 23, 33, 27 and 24 locations, respectively. The locations were in 17 states and 2 Canadian provinces. The average content of total sugar, sucrose, raffinose and stachyose was 9.36, 5.96, 0.75 and 2.65 g per 100 g seed, respectively. Analysis of variance of total sugar content and individual sugars among the three strains within each Maturity Group revealed significant differences (P<.01) in total sugar among strains in Maturity Groups II and III but not in the other four Maturity Groups. Except for strains within Maturity Group IV, ther...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an application of lime to raise the soil pH to 5.8-6.3 improved yields, while at pH 6.8 a decline in yield in the first and second cuts of birdsfoot trefoil was noted.
Abstract: Maximum yields of red clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil were obtained when 0.25 to 1.0 ppm B was added to the soil. An application of lime to raise the soil pH to 5.8–6.3 improved yields, while at pH 6.8 a decline in yield in the first and second cuts of birdsfoot trefoil was noted. There was a marked B x lime interaction on the yield of all cuts of birdsfoot trefoil and first cut of red clover, with much higher yields with high rates of lime at high rates of added B. Levels of 4 to 9 ppm B in the leaf tissue of the three crops were in the deficiency range. Boron concentrations of 21 to 45, 39 to 52, and 30 to 45 ppm in the first cuts of red clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil were indicative of sufficiency and were associated with maximum yields, while levels of >59, >99, and >68 ppm, respectively, in the three crops were in the toxicity range. Sufficiency levels of soil B for legumes appeared to be related to pH since B deficiency was more severe at higher pH than at lower pH. Liming of...
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to determine the soil fertility and plant nutrient status of soybeans grown on selected sites in the Middle Coastal Plain of South Carolina, where Micronutrients were added to evaluate their influence on leaf composition and yield.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the soil fertility and plant nutrient status of soybeans grown on selected sites in the Middle Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Soil tests and plant analysis indicated that all elements were present in sufficient quantity. Micronutrients were added to evaluate their influence on leaf composition and yield. Significant increases in plant B, Cu, and Zn were obtained when these elements were added to the soil, while Fe, Mn, and Mo treatments did not significantly increase the leaf content of these elements. Zn treatments significantly (10% level) increased soybean yields; however, the inclusion of Zn in soybean fertilizer is not recommended until further studies are conducted.
TL;DR: The correlation analysis of five rapid tissue tests with plant composition, fertility, and yield levels for corn and soybeans revealed several significant positive nutrient‐same nutrient, and many negative cross‐nutrient relationships.
Abstract: Corn (Zea mays L) and soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr) rapid tissue test data for N, P, K, Mg, and Mn were obtained at two locations from experimental plots receiving varying rates and combinations of N, P, and K Soil test, plant composition, and yield data for each plot were also obtained Relatively precise tissue test readings were obtained by using color standard sheets A simple correlation matrix was used to relate specific pairs of variables for corn and soybean data at both locations The correlation analysis of five rapid tissue tests with plant composition, fertility, and yield levels for corn and soybeans revealed several significant positive nutrient‐same nutrient, and many negative cross‐nutrient relationships Most negative correlations could be explained by ionic antagonism effects The K tissue test proved to be the most applicable for both crops Critical sap nutrient concentrations were established for four nutrients, in the case of K through the use of critical plant composit
TL;DR: In this paper, water tables were maintained at 2 or 5 inches below the soil surface for 14 weeks in a greenhouse experiment with eight grasses, including annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue, and the greatest effect of water table depth on elemental content of the clippings occurred with Mn.
Abstract: Eight grasses were grown under high water table conditions for 14 weeks in a greenhouse experiment. Water tables were maintained at 2 or 5 inches below the soil surface. Differences in water table depth influenced clipping yields only slightly. Although total root weights were not reduced with the 2‐inch water table, there was a trend for fewer roots at lower depths and more roots near the surface with this treatment. The shallowest root systems occurred with annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue. Elemental composition of the clippings was influenced by species and time of sampling. The greatest effect of water table depth on elemental content of the clippings occurred with Mn.
TL;DR: The bismuth sulfide and methylene blue colorimetric finishes for soil sulfate determination by the Johnson-Nishita distillation method were examined and compared in this article, showing that the bistuth method was more rapid and more reliable.
Abstract: The bismuth sulfide and methylene blue colorimetric finishes for soil sulfate determination by the Johnson‐Nishita distillation method were examined and compared. Both procedures gave comparable results when applied to soils and soil extracts, but the bismuth method was more rapid and more reliable. Nitrogen flow rate over the range 100–500 ml/min was not critical for the bismuth method, provided appropriate distillation times were employed. However, the release and transfer of hydrogen sulfide in the bismuth method was effected in one‐third of the time required for the methylene blue finish, largely due to the elimination of a gas‐washing step. Predrying of soil extract samples increased recovery of hydrogen sulfide with the bismuth procedure arid could be used to increase sensitivity. Nitrate interference was observed with the bismuth procedure but attributed to interference during the reduction step. The bismuth procedure can readily be adapted for microdetermination in the 0–40 ppm sulfate‐S ...
TL;DR: Several hybrid corns and grain sorghums were grown in adjacent plots and given identical treatments in so far as possible for three consecutive years as mentioned in this paper, and the mineral composition of plant tissues taken at several growth stages were compared.
Abstract: Several hybrid corns and grain sorghums were grown in adjacent plots and given identical treatments in so far as possible for three consecutive years. Mineral composition of plant tissues taken at several growth stages were compared. Values were found to be quite similar in seedling whole‐plant samples, but major differences were demonstrated in vegetative, bloom, and fruiting stage leaf samples. There is a need for specific grain sorghum nutrient sufficiency values.
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for the determination of cadmium in soil, plants and fertilizers is proposed. But the method is not suitable for the detection of Cd in soil.
Abstract: Methods are proposed for the determination of cadmium in soils, plants and fertilizers. Soil is first dissolved by treatment with hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids and plant material is digested with nitric‐perchloric‐sulphuric acids. The cadmium is then extracted from the resulting solutions as the dithizone complex. After destruction of the dithizone the cadmium is dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid and determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cadmium in phosphatic fertilizers is determined directly by atomic absorption measurement on hydrochloric acid digests of the fertilizer. The proposed methods have precision adequate for the study of cadmium in soil‐plant systems, the limits of detection being: plant material, 0.004 ppm Cd; soils, 0.02 ppm; and phosphatic fertilizers, 1 ppm.
TL;DR: The boron sorption isotherm method of soil testing may provide an estimate of the fertilizer required to bring the soil to an optimum borin level as mentioned in this paper, however, it is difficult to determine the optimum level of borone in equilibrium solution.
Abstract: The boron sorption isotherm method of soil testing may provide an estimate of the fertilizer required to bring the soil to an optimum boron level. Data from the boron isotherm experiment suggests that at low concentrations a plot of added boron vs equilibrium solution boron will be linear. The boron concentration at which this plot becomes linear will depend on the characteristics of the soil tested. The data, from this and other studies, suggest that 0.5 ppm boron in the equilibrium solution should be the approximate upper limit of boron concentration where this relationship is linear. Since boron added is linear with respect to boron in equilibrium solution, boron fertilizer required to adjust the equilibrium solution concentration can be calculated from the least squares regression equation of these two variables. This fertilizer requirement can only be determined when the optimum level of boron in equilibrium solution is known. Thus, further study is needed to establish this optimum level for...
TL;DR: An index system of reporting soil test results is suggested which is not confounded with the requirements of a particular crop but is based on each laboratory's evaluation of the test results in relation to the predicted relative sufficiency of each element in a fertile soil as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: An index system of reporting soil test results is suggested which is not confounded with the requirements of a particular crop but is based on each laboratory's evaluation of the test results in relation to the predicted relative sufficiency of each element in a fertile soil. It is suggested that soil test—fertilizer rate correlation adjustments begin after the fact rather than in a precursory manner to influence the results reported. A 0–100 index is proposed as a self explanatory measure and correlated with general crop response as follows: 0–15, nutrient deficiencies visible; 16–50, nutrient deficiencies obscured but plant response probable; 51–100, adequate nutrients available for most crops; 100+, amounts available in excess of present needs.
TL;DR: Cotton petioles from irrigated plants grown under varying nitrogen regimes were analyzed for nitrate‐N (NO3‐N) and the diagnosis of either N deficiency or excess N would be feasible by petiole analysis when the effects of stage of growth could be separated from the effect of soil N.
Abstract: Cotton petioles from irrigated plants grown under varying nitrogen regimes were analyzed for nitrate‐N (NO3‐N). The most recent, fully matured petioles were selected. The concentration of NO3‐N in the petioles was related to applied N rates and the yields of lint obtained. The concentration of NO3‐N for any given N application declined as the season progressed. The concentration of petiole nitrate increased at all sampling dates as the rate of applied N increased. The relationship between applied N and NO3‐N concentrations was most predictable when samples were collected two weeks after the initiation of squaring. The influence of applied N on the concentration of petiole nitrate was also greatest at this stage. The diagnosis of either N deficiency or excess N would be feasible by petiole analysis when the effects of stage of growth could be separated from the effects of soil N.
TL;DR: It was found that chemical composition of plants about 10 inches in height was more closely associated with yield than chemical composition when plants were about 30 inches high.
Abstract: The relationship between corn yield and nutrient composition of whole plants at two stages of growth, and between corn yield and nutrient composition of different plant parts at early tassel was investigated. It was found that chemical composition of plants about 10 inches in height was more closely associated with yield than chemical composition when plants were about 30 inches high. Chemical composition of lower stalk or lower leaves was more closely associated with yield than was the composition of other plant parts.
TL;DR: In this paper, the efficacy of 10 ppm phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), 2N KCl and 0.02N CuSO4 in suppressing ammonification, denitrification and CO2 accumulation was studied during short-term anaerobic incubations of three soils at 25 C.
Abstract: The efficacy of 10 ppm phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), 2N KCl and 0.02N CuSO4 in suppressing ammonification, denitrification and CO2 accumulation was studied during short‐term anaerobic incubations of three soils at 25 C. KCl and CuSO4 almost completely suppressed ammonification in two of the soils and decreased it markedly in the third. Ammonification was suppressed to a lesser extent by the addition of PMA. The KCl treatment was much more effective than either PMA or CuSO4 in preventing NO3 ‐ disappearance and denitrification. Appreciable amounts of NO3 ‐ disappeared from the soils treated with PMA and CuSO4. N2 and not N2O was the major denitrification product; the suppressors had only a small effect on N2O accumulation. The influence of the chemicals on CO2 accumulation differed according to the soil. CuSO4 was least effective at depressing the accumulation of CO2, and, in fact, stimulated it in one soil. Neither 0.02N CuSO4 nor PMA (10 ppm) is recommended in the absence of a concentrated salt ...
TL;DR: Grain sorghums were grown during a three year period under widely varying soil conditions as mentioned in this paper, where soil analysis, plant analysis, and grain yield were used to define plant response to cultural practices.
Abstract: Grain sorghums were grown during a three year period under widely varying soil conditions. Soil analysis, plant analysis, and grain yield were used to define plant response to cultural practices. Yield and mineral composition of the plant at different growth stages could be greatly affected by treatments. Seasons and variety variables often had lesser effects. Nutrient deficient solution studies in the greenhouse demonstrated changes in mineral composition and nutrient balances of young grain sorghums under known nutrient stress conditions
TL;DR: The NO3 levels in cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) petioles relate closely to N treatment and reflect the N status of the cantaloup plant as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The NO3 levels in cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) petioles relate closely to N treatment and reflect the N status of the cantaloupe plant. Suggested levels of petiole NO3 in cantaloupes grown in Arizona are presented. Nitrogen treatment had little effect on melon size, earliness, or most storage quality factors that were evaluated except that deficiencies resulted in lower netting, poor general appearance and an increase in cull melons.
TL;DR: In this article, a volumetric analysis of tomato fruit was carried out using a gas chromatographic (GLC) technique. But the results were not significantly different from those obtained by the other two methods.
Abstract: Fifty samples of tomato fruit have been analysed for sugars using a reliable but laborious volumetric method and the results compared with those obtained both by a rapid automated colorimetric procedure employing the Technicon AutoAnalyzer and by a gas Chromatographic (GLC) technique. Using cleared fruit extracts, the overall mean results for the volumetric and automated methods were not significantly different. Automated analysis of uncleared extracts gave only slightly lower results and in view of its speed this method is recommended for the rapid routine analysis of tomato fruit. The GLC procedure gave results some 4% lower than those for cleared extracts by the other methods, but this technique has the advantage that the concentrations of the individual sugars (glucose and fructose) are readily obtained if required.
TL;DR: The frequent concentration‐ranges of various nutrient elements in soils and in plants are compared and it is suggested that this observation is related to a chemical‐physiological mechanism of control on the uptake of iron by plants which in turn may explain the situations in which iron deficiency conditions in plants arise.
Abstract: The frequent concentration‐ranges of various nutrient elements in soils and in plants are compared. Iron is different from almost all other nutrient elements in the fact that its optimal concentration range in plants is much lower than its frequent concentration range in soils. It is suggested that this observation is related to a chemical‐physiological mechanism of control on the uptake of iron by plants which in turn may explain the situations in which iron deficiency conditions in plants arise.
TL;DR: In this paper, the reduction of nitrate in an acid medium with reduced Fe was applied to the alkaline permanganate solution used to absorb NO and NO2 evolved from soils during denitrification reactions.
Abstract: The quantitative reduction of nitrate in an acid medium with reduced Fe was applied to the alkaline permanganate solution used to absorb NO and NO2 evolved from soils during denitrification reactions. The method involves addition of H2SO4 to acidify the solution and ensure oxidation of nitrite to nitrate, and treatment with reduced Fe at 100°C to reduce nitrate to ammonium. The solution is made alkaline with NaOH and ammonium determined by standard distillation procedures. It is simple and precise, and applicable to nitrogen isotope ratio analysis of NO and NO2 evolved from soils.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that the growth promoting effects produced in coffee by spraying high concentrations of copper is partly nutritional, brought about by the catalysing effects of the absorbed Cu ions, by accelerating enzymatic activities within the plant and hence increasing nutrient uptake.
Abstract: Coffea arabica L. seedlings (cv. S.L.34) were sprayed with varying concentrations of cuprous oxide at 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% for 30 days. Significant increases in the total mean fresh and dry weight; rate of transpiration; stomatal apertures; the total leaf area and plant vigor were observed on the seedlings with increasing concentrations of Cu treatments. The content of N, K, Ca and Cu were significantly increased in the seedlings at Cu spray treatments of 0.50 and 0.75% It is possible that the growth promoting effects produced in coffee by spraying high concentrations of copper is partly nutritional. This is brought about by the catalysing effects of the absorbed Cu ions, by accelerating enzymatic activities within the plant and hence increasing nutrient uptake.
TL;DR: In this article, simple correlations were computed between organic and mineral components to investigate possible linear relationships that might be useful, and most correlations between mineral and organic components were negative, and relatively low coefficients of determination indicated little merit in attempting to predict organic components from inorganic compositions and sample linear models.
Abstract: Selected organic and mineral analyses of common beans, peanut kernels, and cowpeas were determined. Simple correlations were computed between organic and mineral components to investigate possible linear relationships that might be useful. Most correlations between mineral and organic components were negative, and relatively low coefficients of determination (r2) indicated little merit in attempting to predict organic components from inorganic compositions and sample linear models. A positive correlation between stachyose and the N content of common beans was observed.
TL;DR: In this article, the base saturation ratio of nutrient cations adsorbed on the CEC can affect the levels at which insufficiency and sufficiency of a nutrient occurs, and there usually is little point in adding one or more of two cations just to adjust their ratio in the soil.
Abstract: Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is just one of several mechanisms which regulate the availability of plant nutrients in a soil. The base saturation ratio of nutrient cations adsorbed on the CEC can affect the levels at which insufficiency and sufficiency of a nutrient occurs. Similarly, once sufficiency is reached, there usually is little point in adding one or the other of two cations just to adjust their ratio in the soil.