bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SEEDING MACHINES ON SPRING WHEAT PRODUCTION UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS OF STUBBLE RESIDUE AND SOIL COMPACTION IN NO-TILL ROTATIONS
Authors: LINDWALL C. W. , ANDERSON D. T.
Published: March 2010

The effectiveness of several commercial seeders and an experimental triple-disc press drill was assessed on a silt loam soil at Lethbridge over a 7-yr period on fields receiving chemical weed control instead of tillage between crops. The double- and triple-disc press drills generally failed to penetrate untilled surfaces adequately when soil bulk density in the upper 5 cm exceeded about 1.2 g/cm3 or when the quantity of surface residue exceeded about 3,700 kg/ha. Hoe openers penetrated the soil but failed to clear heavy residues when stubble and straw lengths were excessive (> 25 cm). In 2 of the 7 yr, yields of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on small plots seeded with the double- and triple-disc drills were superior to those seeded with the wide-spaced hoe drill (1,159 vs. 721 kg/ha in 1969, and 667 vs. 573 kg/ha in 1973). Yield differences were primarily due to wild oats (Avena fatua L.), which germinated because of the tillage action of hoe openers, in ridge areas between rows and which, despite the use of herbicides, seriously reduced yields from wide-spaced rows (23 and 36 cm). In the other years, yields were similar for all seeding methods. On 0.4-ha chemical fallow fields, yields were up to 51% lower within sprayer wheel traffic areas (bulk densities of 1.2 g/cm3 or greater in the 0- to 5-cm soil layer) because of shallow seed placement when double-disc drills were used but not when hoe drills were used.
COMPARISONS OF FOUR METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF DEGREE OF PEAT HUMIFICATION (DECOMPOSITION) WITH EMPHASIS ON THE VON POST METHOD
Authors: STANEK W. , SILC T.
Published: March 2010

The degree of decomposition (humification) of 10 peats, ranging from undecomposed to completely decomposed, was determined by the following methods: (1) von Post’s method using 10 classes of humification, (2) pyrophosphate-soluble organic matter determination using an index derived from Munsell color charts, (3) unrubbed fiber content in percent of total, (4) rubbed fiber content in percent of total. All four methods provided reliable and useful information. The von Post method requires no instrumentation and is therefore most suitable for field use. It is the least time-consuming and the cheapest of the four methods. The pyrophosphate method is best suited to use in a laboratory. It does not always readily differentiate grades of well humified and completely humified peats. Both methods of determining fiber content require instrumentation and a steady, running stream of water. The rubbed fiber content more accurately characterizes the amounts of undecomposed fiber in peat. In the range of humic peats the two latter methods tend to differentiate fewer classes than does the von Post method. For the convenience of the reader the four methods are described in detail in the Appendix.
ACIDIFICATION OF A LUVISOLIC SOIL CAUSED BY LOW-RATE, LONG-TERM APPLICATIONS OF FERTILIZERS AND ITS EFFECTS ON GROWTH OF ALFALFA
Authors: McCOY D. A. , WEBSTER G. R.
Published: March 2010

Soil samples collected from the Breton plots, which had received various treatments and had been cropped to a 5-yr rotation of cereals and forages over a 40-yr period, were analyzed to determine the effects of the treatments on soil acidity. Treatments included applications of fertilizers at low rates, infrequent applications of lime, applications of manure and applications of various combinations of these. Those receiving NS, NPS and NPKS were more acidic than the check plots and those receiving lime, lime + NPKS and P as 0–45–0 were less acidic. Plots treated with manure or manure + NPKS were not acidified. Since 1967, a brome–alfalfa mixture has been seeded and on the more acidic plots the established stand contained less than 30% alfalfa as compared to greater than 70% in the lime or P (0–45–0) treatments. Liming one half of each plot in each series in 1972 significantly increased the stand and reduced the aluminum content of alfalfa, especially in the more acidic plots. Alfalfa grown on these more acidic plots had, in general, higher Mn and Al and lower N contents than did alfalfa in the limed portions of the plots. The poor growth of alfalfa on plots receiving NS, NPS and NPKS is attributed to the acidifying effects of the fertilizers being sufficient to inhibit nitrogen fixation and induce some toxic concentrations of Al and Mn in the soil.
ETUDE DE LA PERTURBATION DES HORIZONS DU SOL PAR UN ARBRE QUI SE RENVERSE ET DE SON IMPACT SUR LA PEDOGENESE
Authors: BROWN J. L.
Published: March 2010

In a work on soil variability within a given site, a detailed study was undertaken to determine the perturbation on soil horizons by a windfall. A representative windfall of the most frequent type was studied. The arrangement of soil horizons was described for this type of windfall qualified as normal. The mechanisms of this new arrangement of soil horizons are also described. Other types of windfall are briefly described and compared with the normal one. The importance of this phenomenon is discussed in view of the variations in soil properties between (bordering) profiles and its effect to soil development in a given ecosystem.
EFFECTS OF INITIAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION ON DECOMPOSITION OF ROOTS OF THREE GRASS SPECIES
Authors: HERMAN W. A. , McGILL W. B. , DORMAAR J. F.
Published: March 2010

Grass root production is a major source of C entering Chernozemic soils. The influence of the initial chemical composition of the roots of three grass species on decomposition was studied in a laboratory incubation experiment. Roots of Stipa comata Trin. and Rupr., Stipa spartea Trin. var. curtiseta Hitchc., and Festuca scabrella Torr. were incubated at 28 C for 47 wk. Carbon dioxide production and percent loss of carbohydrate were inversely related to [(C:N) (% lignin)] (% carbohydrate−½). Percent loss of lignin, however, was directly proportional to this factor. This relationship was also found to fit data in the earlier literature. Decomposition rate appeared to be slower in the laboratory in the absence of soil than has been reported for decomposition rates in field soils. The data are discussed with reference to the dynamics of plant residues and organic matter in soil systems. It is postulated that the effect of soil in controlling decomposition may be as great as the effect of the substrate.
RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER. II. FOR WHEAT AND FLAX GROWN ON CHERNOZEMIC SOILS IN MANITOBA
Authors: BAILEY L. D. , SPRATT E. D. , READ D. W. L. , WARDER F. G. , FERGUSON W. S.
Published: March 2010

Broadcast applications of 0, 100, 200 and 400 kg P/ha were made on two Chernozemic soils in 1965. The soils were cropped for 8 yr in a continuous wheat-flax rotation. In each year, crops grown on the phosphorus treatments yielded more and had higher phosphorus content than crops grown without added phosphorus. Over 8 yr of cropping, 100 kg P/ha was the most efficient treatment in increasing yield. Yield increases beyond 100 kg P/ha were either not significant or only marginally significant. Wheat used twice as much phosphorus as did flax. Together the two crops used approximately 30, 22 and 14% of the 100, 200 and 400 kg P/ha applied. The NaHCO3-extractable phosphorus level of the 100 kg P/ha treatment after 8 yr of cropping was reduced to about 8 kg P/ha which is considered to be inadequate for crop production. Soils treated with 200 and 400 kg P/ha contained high levels of NaHCO3-extractable P (20–54 kg P/ha) and little response in yield to additional P would be expected in the near future. Annual variation in yield and phosphorus uptake by the crops were affected by water supply. In years of high water supply, yield and phosphorus uptake were generally higher than in years of low water supply.
EFFECTS OF FERTILIZER N AND SOIL MOISTURE ON GROWTH, N CONTENT, AND MOISTURE USE BY SPRING WHEAT
Authors: CAMPBELL C. A. , NICHOLAICHUK W. , DAVIDSON H. R. , CAMERON D. R.
Published: March 2010

The accumulation of dry matter and N in wheat (T. aestivum L. cv. Manitou) grown on stubble land in lysimeters at two moisture levels and seven rates of N was measured and related to moisture use at five stages of development. In the irrigated lysimeters, leaf areas, plant dry matter and N content increased with fertilizer N. In the dry lysimeters, low rainfall between the shot blade and anthesis stages produced moisture stress; consequently, dry matter production and leaf area were depressed and plants lost significant amounts of N at rates of N > 61.5 kg/ha. Rain in the latter part of the growing season permitted the plants to recover and by maturity plant dry matter and N content increased with N. Approximately twice as much plant dry matter was produced in the wet treatment as in the dry for all levels of N. Total evapotranspiration (ET) increased with applied N in the wet treatment, and was much higher than in the dry treatment. It was not affected by applied N in the dry lysimeters. Root weight increased exponentially up to the shot blade stage. Between anthesis and maturity, it decreased in the top 75 cm in the dry and top 30 cm in the irrigated soil profile, while in the deeper segments it remained constant. Root weight increased curvilinearly with increasing N under irrigation. On dryland, rates of N > 41 kg/ha depressed root growth at the shot blade stage and at anthesis. Average root yields under wet conditions were 220, 1,920 and 1,425 kg/ha at 3-leaf, anthesis, and maturity, respectively; under dry conditions they were 220, 1,535 and 875 kg/ha. The root weight constituted 76% of the total plant weight at the 3-leaf stage and 15.6% at maturity. The average root N content at maturity made up 9.4–11.5% of the mean plant N. Root density decreased curvilinearly with depth. At the 3-leaf stage about 62 and 23% of the root system was located in the top 15- and the 15- to 30-cm segments of the profile, respectively; at maturity these proportions were 46 and 15%. N did not influence root distribution but irrigation increased root growth in the top 15 cm of the profile by about 5%. Rate of moisture use was directly proportional to rate of root growth.
HEAVY METALS IN CULTIVATED SOILS AND IN CEREAL CROPS IN ALBERTA
Authors: DUDAS M. J. , PAWLUK S.
Published: March 2010

The content of cadmium, cobalt, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, strontium, lead and zinc in several agricultural soils in Alberta was investigated. The abundances of these heavy metals were found to be low and represent levels naturally present in uncontaminated soils. Both pedogenesis and nature of parent material influenced the levels of heavy metals in surface soil horizons. On a local scale, drainage and groundwater effects contributed significantly to heavy metal redistribution in soil. Levels of heavy metals were also determined in seeds and straw of cereal grain crops grown on the soils of this study. Vegetative samples generally contained low amounts of heavy metals and for some of the physiologically essential elements (Cu, Mn, Zn), amounts in the plant material were at or near deficiency levels. Amounts of cadmium, mercury and lead were generally significantly higher in straw than in respective seed samples.
SOIL RETENTION AND PLANT REMOVAL OF POTASSIUM ADDED AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Authors: MacLEAN A. J.
Published: March 2010

There was no evidence of leaching of K below the 0- to 30-cm layer following addition of a total of 2,232 kg K/ha to a loam and a sandy loam soil in 3-yr field experiments. Grasses contained higher concentrations of K and recovered considerably more of the added K than did corn.
INFLUENCE OF TRACE ELEMENT FERTILIZATION ON THE DECOMPOSITION RATE AND PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY OF A MESIC FIBRISOL
Authors: MATHUR S. P. , RAYMENT A. F.
Published: March 2010

Determinations were made of the relative decomposition rates of samples taken from pasture plots on a blanket bog which had been drained, limed and variously fertilized for 8 yr. Under all three temperature regimes of incubations employed in the laboratory, samples of plots receiving fritted trace elements (FTE) and NPK fertilizers lost significantly less (22–29%) carbon than those of plots treated annually only with NPK. Subsequent measurements of bulk densities of the field plots confirmed the mitigating effect of FTE applications on biological degradation and humification of this organic soil. Chemical analyses and preliminary trials indicated that the increased Cu levels in the FTE-treated soils, although obviously not biocidal, may have inactivated some extracellular degradative enzymes in the soil at an accelerated rate, thus slowing degradation. Acid phosphatase activity was studied as an example. Indeed, this activity, both before and after laboratory incubation, was significantly lower in the FTE + NPK-treated material than in the one treated annually with NPK alone. The former also inactivated (in 20 h) 30% more of an added acid phosphatase preparation than did the latter. Also, this and several other organic soils lost significant proportions of their phosphatase activities upon incubation with 0.5% Cu. This treatment with Cu also curtailed the loss of carbon as CO2 from samples of the pasture plots on the Mesic Fibrisol.
DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSFORMATION OF BAND-APPLIED UREA IN SOIL FOLLOWING INCUBATION UNDER ISOTHERMAL AND TEMPERATURE GRADIENT CONDITIONS
Authors: PANG P. C. K. , CHO C. M. , HEDLIN R. A.
Published: March 2010

Urea was added as a band in the middle of 12-cm-long columns of Wellwood clay loam (pH 6.6) and the soil was incubated at constant uniform temperatures of 10, 15 and 20 C. A similar set of the soil samples was incubated in columns which had a temperature of 23 C at one end and 8.5 C at the other end. At uniform temperatures the rate of disappearance of ammonium and the formation of nitrate from the banded urea was found to increase with increasing temperature. Nitrite was found to accumulate during the incubation period but disappeared with the prolonged incubation at 15 and 20 C. At 10 C incubation, the maximum nitrite accumulation occurred at 12 wk, the longest incubation time used. Various ionic species, NH4+, NO2− and NO3− were found to be nearly symmetrically distributed from the point of placement. When the soil was incubated under a temperature gradient, NO3− and to a lesser degree NH4+ accumulated near the end of the column.
UPTAKE OF RADIOISOTOPES BY VEGETATION GROWING ON URANIUM TAILINGS
Authors: MOFFETT D. , TELLIER M.
Published: March 2010

An investigation was carried out on the uptake of several long-lived radioisotopes by grasses growing on uranium tailings. Field plots of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), redtop (Agrostis alba L.) and climax timothy (Phleum pratensis L.) which have been growing for 4 yr were sampled in this study. The tailings and the plant tissue were analyzed for uranium, thorium, radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210. Sedimentation within the tailings area gave two zones: one of sands and one of slimes. The slimes contained significantly more radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 than the sands. There was no difference in uptake behavior by grasses growing in the sands and those growing in the slimes. Creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) showed an anomalous uptake of lead-210, but other than this, all four grass species showed similar uptake behavior. Only uranium and radium-226 were significantly higher in the grasses from the tailings than the control.
EFFECTS OF HIGH RATES OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZER AND BARNYARD MANURE ON YIELD AND MOISTURE USE OF SIX SUCCESSIVE BARLEY CROPS GROWN ON THREE GRAY LUVISOLIC SOILS
Authors: HOYT P. B. , RICE W. A.
Published: March 2010

High rates of chemical fertilizer and barnyard manure were applied separately and together to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown on three Gray Luvisolic soils for 6 successive yr. The fertilizers were applied annually with the N–P–K rates greater than 110–50–40 kg/ha. The manure was applied initially at 134 tonnes/ha and at 150 tonnes/ha before the fifth crop. Moisture use by the barley was measured for the last five crops. Average yields of barley were 1,530, 3,270 and 3,950 kg/ha for the nil, manure and fertilizer treatments, respectively. The manure + fertilizer treatment gave little or no further increase in yield over the fertilizer treatment. Efficiency of moisture use was generally more than doubled by the fertilizer and fertilizer + manure treatments. These treatments also greatly increased the use of soil moisture reserves, the greatest increase being for Beryl fine sandy loam, followed by Hazelmere loam and the least for Nampa clay loam. Soil moisture reserves at harvest time were depleted more under the fertility treatments than under the control plots. However, by the following spring, soil moisture reserves were nearly equal under the different plots having been replenished by fall and winter precipitation. These results show that on stubble land, moisture restricted yields much less than nutrients did and, on that basis, continuous cropping of Gray Luvisolic soils is discussed.
LOSSES OF SOLUBLE AND EXTRACTABLE SEDIMENT PHOSPHORUS FROM AGRICULTURAL WATERSHEDS IN SOUTHWESTERN QUEBEC AND SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO
Authors: NEILSEN G. H. , MacKENZIE A. F.
Published: March 2010

Runoff from seven predominantly agricultural watersheds in southwestern Quebec and southeastern Ontario was monitored from May 1974 to May 1975 for total soluble phosphorus (TSP) Bray 2 extractable phosphorus, sediment and discharge. Although watershed unit area soluble P losses were small, only exceeding 1 kg/ha in watersheds with a high fraction of organic or impermeable soils, average stream TSP concentrations always exceeded the 10 μg P/liter value often considered a critical threshold in accelerating eutrophication. Sediment P losses were less than 1 kg/ha from any watershed but comprised from 14 to 80% of watershed P loss. Increased watershed area of row cropping (predominantly corn, potatoes) was associated with increased soluble but not sediment P loss. Decreased sediment P loss occurred from watersheds with a higher proportion of permeable soils.
SLOW RELEASE N FERTILIZERS APPLIED IN FALL FOR CORN
Authors: BEAUCHAMP E. G.
Published: March 2010

Slow release N fertilizers were considered as efficient sources of N for fall application to corn (Zea mays L.). Accordingly, sulfur-coated urea (SCU) and crotonylidene di-urea (CDU) were compared with urea in several field experiments. Neither SCU nor CDU were shown to be advantageous over urea in terms of grain yield. Similarly, the N content of the leaf opposite and below the ear did not show a greater availability of N from SCU and CDU than from urea applied in the fall. Response to residual N from previous applications of urea, SCU, and CDU was obtained for 2 yr after application. There was a tendency for a greater response to residual SCU. The concentration of NO−3 in the 0- to 18- and 18- to 36-cm soil layers was usually less with slow release N fertilizers than urea at early May sampling times. By mid-June, the NO−3 concentration had increased substantially with both urea and the slow release N fertilizers. In 2 yr when urea was also applied in the spring, the NO−3 concentration with spring-applied urea was higher than with fall-applied urea. This reflects the greater loss of N during the winter months with fall-applied urea. After growth terminated in the fall, NO−3 apparently continued to be released from urea and slow release N fertilizers at similar rates. Thus slow release N fertilizers also have potential to contribute significantly to the NO−3 concentration in drainage and groundwaters. In general, there was no noteworthy difference between SCU and CDU in this study. Also, slow release N fertilizers did not show any agronomic advantage over urea when applied in the fall.
MONOSACCHARIDE DISTRIBUTION IN SELECTED CONIFEROUS FOREST HUMUS LAYERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO VEGETATION AND DEGREE OF DECOMPOSITION
Authors: LOWE L. E.
Published: March 2010

Monosaccharide composition was determined on four major polysaccharide fractions of F and H horizons at three sites under different coniferous species. The major fractions studied were obtained by extraction with dilute acid (B), extraction with NaOH and fractionation of the fulvic fractions (FC), hydrolysis with 1 N H2SO4 (R1) and hydrolysis with 1 N H2SO4 after pretreatment with 72% H2SO4 (R2). Fraction R2 yielded virtually only glucose, and was assumed to represent cellulose, whereas the other fractions yielded six or more neutral sugars on hydrolysis. Marked differences in composition were observed between fractions B, FC and R1, particularly with respect to glucose and rhamnose contents and arabinose:xylose and mannose:galactose ratios. Horizon of origin had relatively less effect on fraction composition, with the exception of fraction B, for which the arabinose:xylose ratio decreased with increasing decomposition. Composition of fraction FC showed little variation between sites, whereas differences in composition of B and R1 fractions appeared to be associated with vegetation differences.
NITROGEN AND CHLORIDE DISTRIBUTION AND BALANCE IN A CLAY LOAM SOIL
Authors: CAMERON D. R. , KOWALENKO C. G. , IVARSON K. C.
Published: March 2010

In field experiments conducted on a poorly drained clay loam soil from 1974 to 1976, inclusive, 21–44% of added chloride was lost from the 0- to 75-cm layer by the end of September, whereas NO3−-N increased in this layer in both the control and fertilized plots. Mineralization during the summer masked any N losses by leaching or denitrification. N losses were highest between late fall and early spring. NO3−-N and chloride tended to show similar distribution patterns in the profile but not necessarily similar leaching losses, since simultaneous denitrification occurred in an adjacent experimental site. Chloride distribution in the profile and leaching losses did not appear to coincide with expectations of typical transport theory, since losses were associated with diffuse bulges near the surface instead of distinct peaks or slugs of chloride moving steadily downward.
TRANSFORMATION OF FERTILIZER-NITROGEN IN SOILS FROM A HARDWOOD WOODLOT AND AN ABANDONED PASTURE
Authors: ELLIS R. C.
Published: March 2010

Fresh soil (0- to 7.5-cm depth) was collected at intervals of approximately 2 wk during the growing season from a maple woodlot and an abandoned pasture. When samples were perfused with a solution of (NH4)2SO4 containing 20 ppm N, the rate of nitrification diminished during the summer and, for both soils, halved between mid-June and mid-July. Nitrification in the woodlot soil was nearly twice as rapid as in the pasture soil. Perfusion of soil, that had been stored for 2 mo at 0 C and to the surface of which granular fertilizer was then added, showed that urea and (NH4)2SO4 were nitrified very rapidly in woodlot soil but more slowly in pasture soil. Ureaform was nitrified slowly in both soils. It was concluded from these laboratory experiments that for experimental trials of fertilization (of sugar maple) in the field, the most suitable nitrogenous fertilizer to apply to woodlot soil could be ureaform, and to pasture soil could be (NH4)2SO4. Probably the most effective time at which to apply the fertilizer would be mid-June.
EFFECTS OF ADDED NITROGEN ON THE NET MINERALIZATION OF SOIL SULPHUR FROM TWO SOILS DURING INCUBATION
Authors: KOWALENKO C. G. , LOWE L. E.
Published: March 2010

Net mineralizable sulphate, extractable with 0.15% CaCl2, was measured on two soils incubated with a variety of nitrogen sources and rates. Significant effects of source, rate and of interactions were observed, but the responses of the two soils were quite dissimilar. Both net mineralization and net immobilization were encountered.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COPPER CONTENTS, RATES OF SOIL RESPIRATION AND PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITIES OF SOME HISTOSOLS IN AN AREA OF SOUTHWESTERN QUEBEC IN THE SUMMER AND THE FALL
Authors: MATHUR S. P. , SANDERSON R. B.
Published: March 2010

Samples from 17 fields of organic soils (Histosols) were collected on the same day between rows of crops in the summer of 1976 from the environs of Ste. Clothilde, Quebec. Thirty-three properties of the soils were examined for possible correlations. The copper contents of the samples were found to have statistically significant negative correlations with their rates of respiration which were measured as carbon lost as CO2 upon incubation at 21 ± 2 °C. The acid phosphatase enzyme contents in these Histosol samples at each of three different levels of soil biochemical activity were also similarly negatively correlated with their copper concentrations. The above results were confirmed almost without exception by the data obtained by similar analysis of seven samples collected from the same area in the fall of 1976 when the fields were bare. The results supported an earlier suggestion of Mathur and Rayment (1977) that copper application (at a few quintals/ha) be investigated as a means of mitigating the mineralization and subsidence of some organic soils. Apparently, the added Cu may inactivate some of the exocellular soil enzymes which normally contribute to the degradation and mineralization of organic matter.
EFFECTS OF MANURES, AMMONIUM NITRATE AND S-COATED UREA ON YIELD AND UPTAKE OF N BY CORN AND ON SUBSEQUENT INORGANIC N LEVELS IN SOILS IN SOUTHERN QUEBEC
Authors: MILLER P. L. , MacKENZIE A. F.
Published: March 2010

Effects of added N in the form of ammonium nitrate, S-coated urea, solid cow manure, liquid hog manure, and liquid hog manure plus straw on yield and N uptake of corn (Zea mays L.) were determined in 1971. Residual effects of the fertilizers were measured in 1972. Levels of added N were 150 kg/ha, on three soils varying in texture. In 1971, highest yield and N uptake was found using ammonium nitrate, followed by S-coated urea. The manures were not different than the control, and the average values with liquid manure plus straw were generally lowest. Ammonium nitrate treatments had the lowest mineral N levels in the soil profile in September. Thus, ammonium nitrate was considered to have the lowest pollution potential, assuming that fall-accumulated inorganic soil N was a hazard for pollution of groundwater.
REORGANIZATION OF SOIL MATERIALS IN THE GENESIS OF AN ACID LUVISOLIC SOIL OF THE PEACE RIVER REGION, ALBERTA
Authors: PAWLUK S. , DUDAS M.
Published: March 2010

The Boundary soil is described as a "podzolic complex" developed from acidic parent material derived from shale of Cretaceous age. The soil has low pH and base saturation values that result from the formation of sulfates, primarily natrojarosite, and its subsequent alteration in the soil solum to various forms of hydrated iron oxides. The iron oxides impart to the B horizon reddish hues of high chroma. The acidic condition has resulted in weathering of clay-sized mica to vermiculite, especially in the upper part of the solum. Results from micromorphological and analytical studies also show that considerable clay and, to a much lesser extent, organically combined iron and aluminum have been leached from the upper solum and deposited throughout the lower solum and C horizon. Reorganization of clay through illuviation appears to extend well into the C horizon. Microscopic investigations show strong reorganization of materials in the upper solum to a granic–granoidic fabric by biological processes and in the middle solum to granoidic and metafragmic fabrics, probably through coalescence of granic units by freeze–thaw processes.
INCIDENCE OF A ROOT ROT FUNGUS IN A DISEASED ALFALFA SOIL OF CENTRAL ALBERTA
Authors: DAMIRGI SALIH M. , COOK F. D. , WEBSTER G. R.
Published: March 2010

Alfalfa seedlings were consistently diseased by inoculating 7-day-old seedlings, grown in sterilized sand in glass culture tube assemblies, with various soil dilutions from a diseased alfalfa soil from central Alberta. The root systems of stunted plants had reddish brown lesions, and in the more advanced stages lesions were dark and expanded more than 1 cm above and below the point of initiation. Eventually water-soaked areas developed, and the tissue collapsed. Isolation from lesions on the roots of stunted alfalfa revealed that virtually all lesions contained a fungus belonging to Pythiaceae which was classified as Phytophthora megasperma. Other fungi and bacteria were also isolated from some lesions but pathogenicity tests revealed they did not produce lesions or stunting, whereas the P. megasperma produced severe lesioning and severe stunting of the seedlings. Results indicate that P. megasperma is one of the causes of a complex disease in central Alberta that has become known as "alfalfa sickness."
INTERACTION BETWEEN SOIL VOLUME AND ADDED FERTILIZERS UNDER CONTINUOUS WATERING
Authors: STEVENSON D. S.
Published: March 2010

Applied fertilizers, under a continuous high level of water supply, almost eliminated the effects of variable soil volumes on growth of sunflowers. Apparently fertilizers can almost wholly compensate for minimal volumes of soil if the water supply is continuous and at high levels of soil water contents. The results also suggest the possibility of smaller than normal applications of fertilizers under trickle irrigation compared with normal cyclical irrigation.
SEASONAL PATTERNS OF DENITRIFICATION AND LEAF NITRATE REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN A CORN FIELD
Authors: PATRIQUIN D. G. , MacKINNON J. C. , WILKIE K. I.
Published: March 2010

Denitrification in soil around the bases of corn stalks, determined by the "acetylene blockage technique," exhibited a general trend of decline from June to September. Leaf nitrate reductase activity, determined by an in vivo assay procedure, was low in June and July, and then exhibited a pronounced maximum at the time of tasselling.
SOIL DRAINAGE CLASSES AND SOIL WATER TABLE RELATIONS IN MEDIUM AND COARSE TEXTURED SOILS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
Authors: MACKINTOSH E. E. , HULST J. VAN DER
Published: March 2010

Water table levels were recorded for up to 5 yr on five soil catenas, each containing a well, imperfectly, poorly and very poorly drained member. Water table measurements in combination with soil morphology were used to establish the zone of free water saturation and from this, periods of saturation were recorded at pre-determined depths or, alternatively, mean high water table and mean low water table levels were calculated for the periods 1 Jan.–31 Dec. and 1 May–31 Oct. Periods of saturation for well/imperfectly and imperfectly/very poorly drained soils were significantly different at the.2 level of probability, but there was no significant difference between the imperfectly/poorly or poorly/very poorly drained members. At the.05 level of probability, only two drainage classes were significantly different. The large within -class variability raises some conern over relying on soil morphology to determine water table characteristics and as well, questions the usefulness of soil drainage classes as currently defined. The significance of the data is discussed in relation to soil mapping, tile drainage and septic tank disposal of wastes.
EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION ON YIELD OF CORN
Authors: KETCHESON J. W. , WEBBER L. R.
Published: March 2010

Historically, special or intensive soil conservation methods have been recommended to control soil and water losses and maintain crop yields. However, farmers have not adopted these recommendations due to the high-energy input and the resulting reduction in high-value crop acreage. Crop yields do not appear to justify the cost of erosion control. Over a 10-yr period at Guelph, corn grown one year in a 4-yr rotation of corn, oats, hay and hay on runoff plots yielded 200–400 kg/ha above the average annual yield of corn grown continuously. Soil erosion losses averaged < 0.01 cm/yr from corn in rotation compared with 0.125 cm/yr from continuous corn. Under uniform cropping at the end of the period, corn grain yields did not reflect differences in soil erosion. In a subsequent 6-yr period, continuous corn with stover left on the soil surface and no tillage controlled soil erosion to < 0.01 cm/yr. The greatest soil and nutrient losses (0.36 cm soil, 87 kg N/ha and 59 kg P/ha/yr) occurred when stover was removed and the plots plowed in the fall. Corn grain yield was not reduced by these losses.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOLUBLE AND EXCHANGEABLE Ca, Mg AND K LOST FROM AGRICULTURAL WATERSHEDS
Authors: NEILSEN G. H. , MacKENZIE A. F.
Published: March 2010

Seven agricultural watersheds in southeastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec with varying land uses and soil types were sampled 14 times between 7 May 1974 and 21 May 1975. Discharge volume, suspended sediment concentrations and soluble and sediment (NH4oAc exchangeable) Ca, Mg and K concentrations were measured each time. Significantly decreased pK – 1/2p (Ca + Mg) values occurred in watersheds with more impermeable soils and greater corn and small grain land uses. The relatively higher stream K concentrations were attributed to K-enriched surface runoff and leaching loss from K fertilization of corn and small grains. Seasonal variations in the Gapon exchange constants or exchangeable cations associated with suspended sediment probably related to variation in surface soil erosion. Estimated annual soluble cation losses varied by watershed but were highest from watersheds with the largest proportions of corn, cultivated land and calcareous soils.
ANALYSE POLLINIQUE ET MICROMORPHOLOGIQUE DE DEUX TOURBES DU SUD-OUEST DU QUEBEC
Authors: LEVESQUE M. , DINEL H. , RICHARD P.
Published: March 2010

not available
THE DETERMINATION OF SOIL-WATER DESORPTION CURVES FOR SOIL CORES
Authors: TOPP G. C. , ZEBCHUK W.
Published: March 2010

An improved technique for measuring soil water desorption curves of a large number of soil cores was tested. A procedure for improving contact between the soil and a "tension medium" resulted in rapid extraction of water from 7.6 × 7.6-cm cores at pressure heads from 0 to −500 cm of water. The data for clay and sandy loam cores showed that equilibrium was reached in less than 200 h at all pressure heads. The "tension medium," used essentially as a large porous plate, was carefully chosen with a narrow pore size distribution. This provided a high hydraulic conductivity and high air-entry values, both necessary for efficient desorption over the pressure head range 0 to −500 cm of water. A tensiometer-pressure transducer combination for establishing equilibration time proved more reliable than the traditional weight-loss criterion. The consistency and reproducibility of desorption curves was demonstrated using data for hysteretic loops as well as standard deviations of water contents at each pressure head on similar soils.
THE BIODEGRADABILITY OF THE "UNKNOWN" SOIL-NITROGEN
Authors: IVARSON K. C. , SCHNITZER M.
Published: March 2010

A procedure was developed for the isolation from soils of fractions rich in "unknown" soil-nitrogen which constitutes close to one half of the total soil-nitrogen. Three fractions rich in "unknown" soil-nitrogen were prepared and the biodegradation by soil microbes of each of these fractions in the presence of clay soil, sandy soil and pure sand was tested. It was found that the fractions required purification to remove excess salts before their biodegradability could be properly assessed. The most purified fraction, which contained a substantial portion of the "unknown" soil-nitrogen, was readily degraded by soil microbes at pH 7.0: the order of biodegradation in the three media was pure sand > sandy soil > clay soil. Our data suggest that most of the "unknown" soil-nitrogen is biodegradable. Therefore, further chemical and microbiological work on this nitrogen fraction is warranted in order to find ways to increase its utilization in soils by plant roots and microbes.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GLEYSOLIC SOILS IN THE LOWLANDS OF QUEBEC
Authors: KIMPE C. R. DE , MEHUYS G. R.
Published: March 2010

Clay-rich soils were sampled in the agricultural areas of Montreal, Quebec and Lake St-Jean. Undisrupted soil blocks and bulk samples were taken by horizon in the Ste-Rosalie, Kamouraska and Normandin soil series. Aggregate stability increased with the organic matter content. Bulk density was generally highest in the B horizons. Porosity ranged from 39 to 56% of the total soil volume and the most representative pore diameter varied from 0.706 to 0.048 μm with the largest diameter being found in the Ap horizons. The distribution of porosity among large, medium and small pores in the Ste-Rosalie soil differed from that in the Kamouraska and Normandin soils. In the former, medium pores accounted for only a few percent of total porosity, while the pores were more evenly distributed in the latter soils. Medium pore contents decreased, while small pore contents increased, with increasing clay contents. No significant relationship was observed between large pores and clay percentages. Hydraulic conductivity, with mean values ranging from 3.5 to 109.3 cm/h, was significantly related to the large pore class.
BURNING CROP RESIDUES: EFFECT ON SELECTED SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND LONG-TERM WHEAT YIELDS
Authors: DORMAAR J. F. , PITTMAN U. J. , SPRATT E. D.
Published: March 2010

Soils from a long-term spring wheat — spring wheat — fallow crop rotation study at Lethbridge, Alberta, and two similar crop rotations at Indian Head, Saskatchewan, were analyzed for pH, organic C, total N, chelating resin-extractable C, polysaccharides, water-stable aggregates, NH4-N, NO3-N, and available P. Several agronomic practices, including straw burning, have been tested in the rotations. At Lethbridge, soil samples from the straw-burning treatment showed a decrease (P < 0.05) in soil polysaccharides and in the percentage of water-stable aggregates. At Indian Head, where straw was burned, organic C and polysaccharide content of all soils were decreased (P < 0.05), and NH4-N and available P were decreased (P < 0.05) in some soils. The other soil characteristics examined were not affected by burning of the previous crop residue or, as with available P, reacted differently at different sites. Long-term wheat yields tended to be greater in all experiments when straw was not burned. On the basis of the results obtained, burning of crop residues on a long-term basis must be discouraged.
NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SECONDARY SOIL CARBONATES WITHIN LANDSCAPES IN RELATION TO SOLUBLE Mg++/Ca++ RATIOS
Authors: ST. ARNAUD R. J.
Published: March 2010

The presence of magnesium-bearing calcites in secondary carbonate accumulation layers of soils is shown to be associated with soluble Mg++/Ca++ ratios of one or greater in the attendant or underlying layers. The dissolution of both calcite and dolomite within the solum and the precipitation of only calcite in the developing Cca leads to a buildup of Mg++ in the soil solution. If leaching depth is considerably below the Cca horizon, the secondary calcite is Mg free. If leaching is restricted to relatively shallow depths (2–4 m), the buildup of soluble salts and the increased soluble Mg++/Ca++ ratio which result are conducive to the precipitation of Mg-bearing calcites. Soluble salt distribution within a glacial till landscape suggests that surface runoff waters and snow accumulation in depressions are more important aspects of water distribution in such landscapes than is lateral movement within the soil itself. The accumulation of soluble salts in the 2 to 4-m zone of upland soils and the complete lack of salts to greater depths in depressions ties in well with the presence or absence of Mg-bearing calcites. The implications of the nature of the carbonates to soil salinization processes are indicated.
METALS IN AGRICULTURAL SOILS OF ONTARIO. II.
Authors: FRANK R. , STONEFIELD K. I. , SUDA P.
Published: March 2010

Farm fields reported not to have received sludge were sampled at 228 locations across the agricultural belt of Ontario. In addition, 30 locations were selected where at least one sludge application had been made. At all sites soil was sampled to a depth of 15 cm and analyzed for silver, beryllium, molybdenum, selenium and antimony. Normal farm practises did not affect the levels of these metals in the soils studied. Mean background levels of these elements in the soils were in order of increasing magnitude: antimony, 0.24 μg/g; beryllium, 0.35 μg/g; selenium, 0.37 μg/g; silver 0.44 μg/g and molybdenum, 1.65 μg/g.
SORPTION AND RELEASE OF CADMIUM IN SOME CANADIAN SOILS
Authors: SINGH S. SHAH
Published: March 2010

Sorption and release of Cd was determined in 10 Canadian soils. Experimental results showed that soils exhibit large capacities to adsorb Cd; however, a major portion of adsorbed Cd was released by NaCl extraction. The amount of Cd not released by NaCl (fixed Cd) was correlated to the cation exchange capacity, pH and organic carbon content of soils. The "fixation" reactions of Cd did not have priority over adsorption reactions.
ETUDE SYSTEMATIQUE DE LA VARIABILITE D’UN SOL PODZOLIQUE, LE LONG D’UNE TRANCHEE DANS UNE ERABLIERE A BOULEAU JAUNE
Authors: BROWN J.-L.
Published: March 2010

In a 16.5-m long trench dug in a podzolic soil under a sugar maple-yellow birch stand, principal morphological variations have been studied and soil samples have been taken systematically. The study of soil morphology, combined with that of free Fe and Al and organic matter, for the first 10 cm of B horizon, shows the existence of nine statistically different changes in podzolization intensity along that trench. The coefficient of variation (CV) of principal chemical properties varies generally from large (> 30%) to very large (> 60%) so that except for pH, a large number of samples is required to estimate their means with a precision of ± 10% of that mean (α = 95%). As far as grain size components of this sandy soil are concerned, the CV is low (< 11%) for sand, larger for silt (24%) in B(10 cm) horizon and always large (> 35%) for clay, which is not very abundant. Since these soil variations do not follow a regular cycle, the choice of pedon to describe this soil is especially difficult.
LOSS OF NITROGEN FROM SOIL DURING NITRIFICATION OF UREA
Authors: CHRISTIANSON C. B. , HEDLIN R. A. , CHO C. M.
Published: March 2010

Urea enriched with 52.4% 15N was added to an Orthic Black soil (Wellwood) of pH 6.1 at a rate of 20 mg N per 20 g (a 1000 ppm rate of addition was selected to simulate concentrations that occur in the field near fertilizer pellets), and the samples incubated for 3-day intervals in containers which were alternately closed and open to the atmosphere. Analysis of the soil samples indicated gradual nitrification of the urea with the production of nitrite and nitrate. Analysis of the gas following incubation with containers closed indicated that the vessels remained partially aerobic and that 20% of the added urea was denitrified. About 60% of the loss was N2O and N2 which, based on their 15N content, were derived entirely from the enriched NO2−. The remaining 40% of the loss was N2, in which one half of the N came originally from the urea and the other half from a soil source. In further experiments, it was shown that the same gases were produced following the addition of nitrite as NaNO2 but that gas production was decreased by increasing the soil pH. The production of the van Slyke-like N2 appeared to be chemical in nature in that it was unaffected by sterilization. The opposite was true of the N2O and N2 which were derived entirely from the added nitrogen.
EFFECTS OF LAND CAPABILITY ON APPLE PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
Authors: VLIET L. J. P. VAN , MACKINTOSH E. E. , HOFFMAN D. W.
Published: March 2010

The effects of land capability on apple production were evaluated for 171 semi-dwarf trees (var. McIntosh on E.M. VII rootstocks) located in 19 orchards in Southern Ontario. Soil, climatic and management variables were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis. Approximately 82% of the yield variation was explained by 12 variables; climatic and management variables accounted for the largest portion of the variation. Most of the soil variables were related to soil drainage characteristics or water retention properties. Land capability class provided a reasonable prediction of potential apple yield. Average apple yield for classes 1 to 4 were 0.85, 0.71, 0.60 and 0.47 kg/cm2, respectively. Subclass limits are proposed for each of the soil characteristics. The most productive lands consisted of soils with loamy sand to sandy loam solums underlain by medium to fine textured II C horizons. There was a poor correlation between apple yield and the lower categorical levels of soil classification, i.e. series and type.
EFFECT OF LIME ON CORN YIELD, SOIL TILTH, AND LEAF NUTRIENT CONTENT FOR FIVE CROPPING SYSTEMS ON BROOKSTON CLAY SOIL
Authors: BOLTON E. F. , DIRKS V. A. , FINDLAY W. I.
Published: March 2010

Lime application on Brookston clay soil in 1951 was associated with increased, or trends towards increased, soil pore space values over those on parallel plots of unlimed soil for the 1970–73 period. Increases were found in rotation averages for yield, and for leaf concentration of N and P where no fertilizer was applied. Leaf K on continuous corn responded to liming, but failed to do so on the other rotations. Cropping systems that reduced compaction as indicated by increased pore space also tended to show increased percent leaf K in the presence or absence of lime application. The favorable influence of lime also resulted in higher corn yields on the corn-oats cropping system and on unfertilized alfalfa systems as a group during this period.
THE EFFECT OF SOIL WATER POTENTIAL, TEMPERATURE AND SEEDING DEPTH ON SEEDLING EMERGENCE OF WHEAT
Authors: JONG R. DE , BEST K. F.
Published: March 2010

Daily emergence counts were made on Canthatch wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in five soil types, at four soil temperatures and three water potentials and planted at five different depths. Regardless of soil type, soil water potential or depth of planting, 50% emergence generally occurred within a week at 19.4 and 26.7 °C, and within 2 wk at 12.2 °C, but it took up to 6 wk at 5 °C. The heat sum required to attain 50% seedling emergence did not increase significantly with decreasing soil water potentials, but the minimum temperature for emergence dropped from 1.3 to 0.2 °C as the water potential decreased from −⅓ to −10 bar. It was suggested that the seedlings compensated for the increased water stress by lowering their minimum temperature requirements. Increasing the planting depth not only increased the heat requirement for emergence, but it also increased the variability of emergence, especially at low temperatures. Practical aspects concerning planting dates and depths were considered.
PREDICTION OF SOIL STRENGTH FROM HYDROLOGIC AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: PAUL C. L. , VRIES J. DE
Published: March 2010

Cone penetration resistance (an index of soil strength) was found to be linearly dependent upon soil water tension within a limited range of tensions close to saturation. This relationship was established with data collected from three soil types in farmers’ fields located in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia during late winter and spring over a 2-yr period. For the mineral soils the slope of the relationship was predicted quite well by a theoretically-based equation. The slope could not be predicted for an organic soil. Solution of the equation required a number of simplifying assumptions and direct measurement of the angle of shearing resistance, [Formula: see text]. This equation was integrated and the constant of integration, the value of which depended upon the particular depth intervals at which measurements of cone penetration were made, was replaced by the intercept from the empirical strength-tension relationship. In this way, a semi-empirical model was developed for the prediction of soil strength from soil water tension, or vice versa, for the mineral soils. Prediction for the organic soil could be carried out with the empirical relationship.