bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOME EFFECTS OF FERTILIZER AND LIME APPLICATION TO FILBERT ORCHARDS IN THE FRASER VALLEY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: KOWALENKO C. G. , MAAS E. F.
Published: March 2010

Fertilizer trials which included ten treatments (N, P, K, Mg, B, Zn, and two limestone rates as soil amendments, a control plus an untreated pollenizer cultivar) were conducted on two commercial filbert (Corylus avellana L.) orchards in the coastal area of British Columbia. One of the sites had Daviana as the main cultivar and Duchilly as the pollenizer (Daviana trial), and the other had Duchilly as the main and Daviana as the pollenizer cultivar (Duchilly trial). The Daviana trial was conducted in 1974 and 1975, and the Duchilly trial from 1974 to 1976. There were no significant treatment effects on yield in either trial. There were limited treatment effects on leaf N, P, Ca and Mg concentrations which were assumed to have occurred because of adequate to abundant supplies of these nutrients in the soil. Leaf K concentration was increased by K application in the Duchilly trial and leaf Zn concentration was increased by Zn application in the Daviana trial. Both B and Mn in the leaves were affected by treatments in both trials. Leaf B concentration was increased readily by soil B application. Leaf Mn concentration was increased by N treatment and to a lesser extent by K treatment. Good positive correlations between soil extraction values and leaf concentrations for P, K and Mn suggest the former as a promising diagnostic method for fertilizer recommendations. This, however, was not true for Ca and Mg.
COMPARISON OF SOME PODZOLIC HORIZONS USING CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND THE MULTIVARIATE DENSITY EQUATION
Authors: SONDHEIM M. W. , LAVKULICH L. M.
Published: March 2010

The extent to which horizons can be differentiated from one another on the basis of chemical properties was examined. The horizons studied included F, H, Ah, Ae, Bhf and Bf and were taken from Podzolic soils developed on granodiorite-derived sediments in southwestern British Columbia. The determination of the degree to which the horizons form distinct groups in a multivariate context was performed using a grouping procedure based on the multivariate density equation. It was found that 63% of the observations were nearer to their own horizon centroid than to any of the other centroids. When horizon membership was altered in an attempt to form optimal groupings, the membership of 54% of the observations was unchanged. Considerable overlap was shown to exist between the F and H horizons and between the Ah and Bhf horizons. Otherwise the picture that emerges is one in which the horizons do not form distinct clusters, but do tend to fall into definite regions of the multivariate space.
LEACHING FRACTIONS AND SALT STATUS OF TWO IRRIGATED GYPSUM-RICH SOILS IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Authors: CHANG C. , DUBETZ S. , SOMMERFELDT T. G. , MacKAY D. C.
Published: March 2010

A method for calculating the fractions of water leached through the profile (leaching factor) in irrigated soils high in gypsum was developed. The method requires data on long-term changes in the salinity status of the soil profile, and is based on the principle that water moving through gypsum-rich soils becomes saturated with gypsum. The average total soluble salt content of two soils to a depth of 180 cm has decreased logarithmically since 1917. The average Ca content has decreased linearly at rates of 0.091 and 0.097 meq∙100 g−1∙yr−1 in a clay and clay loam soil, respectively. A leaching fraction 0.16, as obtained by our method, is similar to that calculated from a water balance procedure. However, the latter method required accurate information on the annual rate of irrigation and precipitation and consumptive water use by the crops grown. The results indicate that irrigation management at the two sites has provided sufficient leaching water to reduce the total soluble salts and to actually improve the suitability of the sites for crop production.
SULFUR ISOTOPE FRACTIONATION DURING THE OXIDATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR BY THIOBACILLI IN A SOLONETZIC SOIL
Authors: McCREADY R. G. L. , KROUSE H. R.
Published: March 2010

The oxidation rate of elemental S added to a Solonetzic soil was compared between an uninoculated soil and soils inoculated with two species of thiobacilli. Twelve weeks after S was added, 24% was oxidized to soluble S anions in the uninoculated soil, 34% in soil inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans, and 84% in soil inoculated with Thiobacillus thioparus. The SO42− produced during S oxidation by thiobacilli was enriched in the lighter isotope by an average of 1‰ in comparison with the substrate S. Therefore, 34S-enriched S could be applied to Solonetzic soils and the migration of biologically produced H2SO4 into the soil profile may be followed by isotopic analysis of the soil sulfate.
CHANGES IN MINERAL N AND NUMBERS OF BACTERIA AND ACTINOMYCETES DURING TWO YEARS UNDER WHEAT-FALLOW IN SOUTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN
Authors: CAMPBELL C. A. , BIEDERBECK V. O.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to identify, in situ, some of the microbial responses to environmental conditions previously noted in experiments in the laboratory and field. Soil samples were taken from a Brown Chernozem under a wheat-fallow rotation at 2-wk intervals during spring and autumn and at 4-wk intervals in winter and summer for a 2-yr period. Nitrate-N and exchangeable NH4-N, and numbers of bacteria and actinomycetes by plate count, were measured in 0- to 2.5-cm, 2.5- to 15-cm and 15- to 30-cm soil layers. Changes in microbial numbers and mineral N were correlated with soil depth, available carbon and environmental conditions. Bacterial numbers ranged between 14 and 119 million per gram of soil in the 0- to 2.5-cm layer, between 9 and 47 million in the 2.5-to 15-cm layer and were 4 million in the 15- to 30-cm soil layer. Bacteria:actinomycetes ratios were 3:1 in the 0- to 2.5-cm layer, 2:1 in the 2.5- to 15-cm layer and 1:1 in the 15- to 30-cm layer. Exchangeable NH4- and NO3-N as high as 20 and 280 ppm, respectively, were found in the top 2.5 cm. Different processes with similar or opposing effects often occurred simultaneously, thus making interpretation difficult. However, we identified (i) the stepwise nature of the ammonification-nitrification process; (ii) the importance of crop residues in microbial growth, and denitrification; (iii) the flush in microbial growth when a dry soil is moistened; (iv) the importance of the tilled layer as the prime site of soil microbial activity; and (v) the rapid decrease in microbial population and activity below the tilled soil layer. There was also evidence of possible upward movement of NO3 due to temperature gradient (as soil froze), and due to evaporation.
GASEOUS NITROGEN LOSSES FROM CROPPED AND SUMMER-FALLOWED SOILS
Authors: AULAKH M. S. , RENNIE D. A. , PAUL E. A.
Published: March 2010

A study designed to assess gaseous losses of N as N2O and N2 from soils of conventional till fields seeded to wheat in the Chernozemic soil region of Saskatchewan, together with limited supporting laboratory investigations, has confirmed that for the May-November period losses were in the vicinity of 3 kg N∙ha−1 or less. In contrast, total losses from a summer-fallowed field were approximately 300% higher. Comparisons at one site were made of N losses from a conventionally tilled and zero-tilled Dark Brown Chernozemic soil seeded to wheat; the total losses of N were twice as high for the zero till as the conventional till treatments. The N2O fluxes were shown to be the result of both reductive (denitrification) and oxidative (nitrification) processes and generally, under the conditions of these field experiments, both occurred simultaneously. This experiment also confirmed that C2H2 inhibited nitrification in a manner very similar to N-serve, a well-known nitrification inhibitor.
NUTRIENT DISTRIBUTION IN FOREST SOIL LEACHATES AFTER THINNING AND FERTILIZING DOUGLAS-FIR FOREST
Authors: PANG P. C. , McCULLOUGH K.
Published: March 2010

The nutrients NH4+, NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ in leachates from immediately below the forest floor and from the mineral horizons at 10- and 30-cm depths were monitored with tension lysimeter plates held at 10 ± 1.0 kPa. Experimental plot treatments were thinning, fertilizing with nitrogenous fertilizers (448 kg N∙ha−1), and both. Concentrations (mg∙L−1) of these nutrients in the forest floor leachates increased immediately following nitrogen fertilization, but returned to near those of untreated levels about 5–10 mo later. Concentrations fluctuated at 10- and 30-cm depths in the mineral horizons. With urea fertilization, the increases in concentrations of nutrients were primarily associated with the forest floor. Nitrate concentration of 200 mg N∙L−1 in the forest floor leachate 5 mo after urea fertilization compared to 0.1–0.5 mg N∙L−1 of the untreated, indicated that nitrification had taken place. With ammonium nitrate fertilization, substantially higher concentrations of NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ were detected at 10- and 30-cm depths compared with urea fertilization. Thinning, when combined with urea fertilization, enhanced the movement of nutrients to greater depth in the soil profile. On a unit area basis (kg∙ha−1) the leaching of nutrients from soil horizons could be overestimated by the tension lysimeter plate method, as these plates do not only draw soil water from directly above.
SEASONAL EFFECT ON LEAF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF FILBERT
Authors: KOWALENKO C. G. , MAAS E. F.
Published: March 2010

A study on the effect of time of sampling on filbert (Corylus avellana L.) leaf nutrient concentrations showed that from mid-August to mid-September N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Mn concentrations were relatively stable. This would be a suitable sampling time for diagnostic purposes. Boron was not consistently stable during this time and variability of B concentration at any one date was relatively high.
THE AMMONIA CONTENT IN SOILS FOLLOWING FIELD APPLICATION OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
Authors: HOGG T. J. , HENRY J. L.
Published: March 2010

The NH4+-N concentration at the point of anhydrous ammonia injection of 19 Saskatchewan soils ranged from 200 to 800 μg/g. More than 90% of the NH4+-N was retained in a zone 5 cm in diameter from the injection point. Increasing the application rate generally increased the NH4+-N concentration in the retention zone.
NITROGEN ISOTOPE FRACTIONATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE NO2− → N2O STEP OF DENITRIFICATION IN SOILS
Authors: MARIOTTI A. , LECLERC A. , GERMON J. C.
Published: March 2010

The fractionation of the nitrogen isotopes 14N and 15N in the denitrification process has been studied in laboratory experiments for the step NO2− → N2O. This study has been carried out on natural soils under anaerobic conditions (helium atmosphere). Reduction of N2O is blocked by introduction of a small amount of acetylene in the incubator atmosphere. Variation of experimental conditions of incubation (temperatures, direct or after air-drying incubation of the soil, addition of glucose), greatly modify the reaction rate. 15N is enriched in the substrate during denitrification. The isotopic enrichment factor changes with experimental conditions from about −33 to −11‰. Greatest enrichment is obtained for the lowest reduction rate (low temperature, undried soil). For high rates of denitrification (higher temperature, addition of glucose), the isotopic fractionation decreases. An exponential relation is found between isotopic enrichment, εp/s, and the reaction rate.
MOVEMENT AND LOSS OF NITRATE FOLLOWING HEAVY APPLICATIONS OF SEWAGE SLUDGE TO A POORLY DRAINED SOIL
Authors: MILLS J. G. , ZWARICH M. A.
Published: March 2010

Three fields which received a heavy application of digested sewage sludge were studied over a 6-yr period to determine the accumulation, movement and losses of nitrate. The soils were fine textured and predominantly poorly drained. After an initial fallow year, the fields were cropped to cereals. Very high nitrate concentrations were found near the soil surface for several years. Downward movement of nitrate was very slow. There was a continuous loss of nitrate over the study period; this was attributed to denitrification. Laboratory experiments using 15N were conducted to determine the rate of denitrification and the soil conditions that were favorable to the reaction. The denitrification intensity of the soil profile decreased with depth, but was still appreciable at the greatest depth. When oxygen diffusion in the soil was slow and oxygen demand was high, denitrification occurred within a few centimetres of the soil surface or an air-filled pore. Poorly drained soils promote denitrification and offer some protection against the risk of nitrate pollution of groundwater.
EFFET DE LA FERTILISATION POTASSIQUE SUR LE RENDEMENT DE LA POMME DE TERRE EN RELATION AVEC L’ANALYSE DU SOL
Authors: GIROUX MARCEL , LIEROP W. VAN
Published: March 2010

The effects of potassium fertilization on potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown on 40 experimental sites were related to tuber yields and soil test values. The data used in this work were gathered by seven research groups over a 25-yr period. Concentrations of exchangeable potassium (1 N NH4OAc, pH 7.0) in soils ranged from 28 to 462 kg K/ha. About 68% of the soils were classed as having a poor supply of available potassium, according to the criteria used until now in Quebec, because they contained less than 200 kg K/ha. A Mitscherlich exponential equation was fitted to the relationship between the percent of maximum yield and the concentration of available K in soils (R2 = 35.9%). The Cate-Nelson procedure was also used for ranking soils in three potassium fertility classes as indicated by their relative yields without K fertilization. The following classification of soil K levels was obtained: poor, soils containing less than 140 kg K/ha; intermediate, those containing between 141 and 300 kg K/ha; and sufficient, those containing more than 300 kg K/ha. The percent of maximum yield ranges obtained without K fertilization by these different soil fertility classes were: poor, from 34 to 98% with an average of 74%; intermediate, from 88 to 100% with an average of 95: and sufficient, from 93 to 100% with an average of 98%. The fertilization rates required to obtain or maintain maximum yields by these respective classes were 175, 130 and 80 kg K/ha. Potassium fertilization increased yields significantly on the soils that had a poor K supply only. Nonetheless, the average tuber yield indicated that a 5% increase in yield might be obtained with K fertilization on the intermediate soils and this increase would easily be profitable. Potassium fertilization of the soils classed sufficient would, however, only maintain soil fertility by supplying part of the K requirement of this crop.
RECOVERY OF PRODUCTIVITY OF ONTARIO SOILS DISTURBED BY AN OIL PIPELINE INSTALLATION
Authors: CULLEY J. L. B. , DOW B. K. , PRESANT E. W. , MacLEAN A. J.
Published: March 2010

Measurement of soil properties and field-crop yields on cropland traversed by the Sarnia-Montreal oil pipeline indicated that pipeline isntallation detrimentally affected both crop yields and soil physical-chemical properties in the first year after construction. After 5 yr, relative yields improved although reductions still persisted at most row-cropped sites. However, alfalfa yields at two sites appeared to be unaffected by pipeline construction. Soil mixing and compaction on the right-of-way were most prevalent on medium- to fine-textured soils. Compaction did not appear to be a problem at a coarse-textured site. Soil chemical data indicated that spoil (subsoil) materials from the trench were spread across the right-of-way at most sites. Diluted soil organic matter levels in the right-of-way adversely affected nitrogen status. Medium- to fine-textured right-of-way soils had reduced porosities and hydraulic conductivities, but increased strengths compared with undisturbed adjacent soils.
CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITIES AND SURFACE AREAS OF HUMIC GLEYSOLIC Ap HORIZONS FROM SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Authors: EVANS L. J.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-four samples from the Ap horizons of heavy-textured Orthic Humic Gleysols (Typic Haplaquolls) were sampled in southwestern Ontario. Surface areas of the soils ranged from 79–223 m2/g and multiple regression analysis indicated that the surface area of the clay fractions was 207 m2/g and that of the organic matter 805 m2/g. Approximately 74% of the variability in cation exchange capacity could be attributed to their clay and organic C contents at pH 4 and about 86% at pH 8. A value of 181 meq/100 g was calculated as the cation exchange capacity of organic matter at pH 4 and of 316 meq/100 g at pH 8. Mean cation exchange capacities at pH 4 were 20.3 meq/100 g and 31.6 meq/100 g at pH 8.
THE FORMATION AND COEXISTENCE OF GIBBSITE, BOEHMITE, ALUMINA AND ALUNITE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Authors: SINGH S. SHAH
Published: March 2010

The formation and coexistence of four aluminum compounds, namely, gibbsite (Al(OH)3), boehmite (AlOOH), alumina (Al2O3) and alunite (NaAl3(OH)6(SO4)2) is reported under laboratory conditions. These solid phases were formed as hydrolytic products of aluminum sulphate solutions at room temperature. These results provide evidence that thermal conditions are not essential and not the only conditions under which boehmite and alumina are formed.
DENITRIFICATION IN SEVERAL ALBERTA SOILS: INHIBITION BY SULFUR ANIONS
Authors: GOULD W. D. , McCREADY R. G. L.
Published: March 2010

The microbial potential for denitrification and the effects of sulfur anions on this process were assessed in five Alberta soils. The denitrification potential of the various soils was ranked as follows: Black > Dark Brown > Brown [Formula: see text] Gray Luvisol [Formula: see text] Solodized Solonetz. The rate of denitrification in any soil was dependent on the chemical characteristics of that soil and the availability of a suitable carbon substrate for the denitrifying microorganisms. Denitrification was stimulated in three of the last four soils by adding 300 μg glucose-C/g of soil. Addition of 100 or 500 μg SO42−-S/g of soil had little or no effect on the rate of denitrification. In contrast, soils with added Na2SO3, Na2S2O3, and Na2S had reduced rates of denitrification and nitrite accumulated. The data suggest that microbial reduction of these sulfur anions to S2− occurred, and that S2− blocked the terminal steps of the enzyme pathway for denitrification, resulting in the accumulation of NO2−. The inhibition of denitrification by the sulfur anions could be overcome by adding 900 μg glucose-C/g of soil.
EMPIRICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SOIL COMPONENTS AND WATER RETENTION AT 1/3 and 15 ATMOSPHERES
Authors: JONG R. DE , LOEBEL K.
Published: March 2010

Regression equations, developed to predict the water content at 1/3- and 15-atm tension for various soil Orders in Canada, were tested against a set of independent data with generally a good degree of success. Some of the discrepancies between predicted and observed values could be attributed to the mineralogical and/or textural distribution of the prediction vs. test data, but in other cases causes of inconsistency were unclear. The equations which were not tested, due to insufficient available test data, should be used with caution.
SOLUBLE Al, EXCHANGEABLE Al, BASE SATURATION AND pH IN RELATION TO BARLEY YIELD ON CANADIAN ACID SOILS
Authors: WEBBER M.D. , HOYT P.B. , CORNEAU D.
Published: March 2010

Seven surface and eight subsurface acid soils, sampled from six Canadian provinces, were cropped to barley in a greenhouse experiment. The soils were limed at determined rates to produce the following soil conditions: I, soluble Al to 8 ppm; II, exchangeable Al to 2 meq/100 g soil; III, base saturation to 60%; and IV, full base saturation. The adjustments were not as precise as intended, but they did provide means for finding relations between soil acidity measurements and barley yield response to lime. Both a 5-day equilibration method and a rapid method for soil analysis showed that soluble Al and percent base saturation correlated better with barley yields than did exchangeable Al and pH. The 5-day equilibration method gave the better correlations, with soluble Al, percent base saturation, exchangeable Al and pH accounting for 68, 73, 40 and 39% of the variation in barley yields, respectively. Although this study indicated that soluble Al and percent base saturation gave equally good predictions of Al-sensitive crops to liming, the soluble Al measurement is simpler and, therefore, more suitable for general diagnostic purposes.
FROZEN BEACH RIDGE SOILS IN THE HUDSON BAY LOWLAND, ONTARIO
Authors: COWELL D.W. , WICKWARE G.M. , SIMS R.A.
Published: March 2010

Two beach ridge soils are described from the area west of Winisk, Ontario, in the Hudson Bay Lowland. These soils, although frozen, are podzolic and incipient-podzolic. The occurrence of frozen podzols in the Lowland indicates vegetational and pedological changes related to regional paludification.
Review Article: Prepared upon Invitation of the CSSS: HERBICIDES AND THE SOIL ENVIRONMENT IN CANADA
Authors: SMITH ALLAN E.
Published: March 2010

In this review, the fate of herbicides in Canadian field soils and their effects on soil fertility are discussed. Pertinent data are summarized for field persistence studies involving single and repeated annual applications, for the movement of herbicides in and from the soil, for the incorporation of metabolites into soil colloids, and for their effects on soil microflora and fauna.
EFFET DES DOSES, DES SOURCES ET DU MODE D’APPORT DE L’AZOTE SUR RENDEMENT ET LA MATURITE DE LA POMME DE TERRE CULTIVEE SUR DIFFERENTS TYPES DE SOLS DU QUEBEC
Authors: GIROUX MARCEL
Published: March 2010

The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of N-fertilizer sources, rates and fractionation on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yields, petiole-N content, defoliation and tuber specific gravity. To achieve these ends, urea and ammonium nitrate were side-dressed at 0, 70, 140 and 210 kg N/ha, by applying either all at planting or by fractionating the applications into half at planting and the other half a month later. The field experiments were carried out on eight sites consisting of six soil series. Nitrogen fertilization increased yields on all sites; the rate required for attaining maximum yields varied for 130 to 210 kg N/ha, according to the experimental site, with an average of 180 kg N/ha. Generally, both N-sources and fertilization methods had similar effects on yields defoliation, petiole N-content and tuber specific gravity. A 210-kg urea-N application at planting on the Lapointe loamy sand, however, decreased yields significantly. The importance of soil type, available water and total soil-N are discussed in relation to the quantities of fertilizer-N required to achieve maximum yields.
EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATE ADDITIONS ON THE CHARGE PROPERTIES OF A PODZOLIC B HORIZON
Authors: LAVERDIERE M. R.
Published: March 2010

The Podzolic B horizon of the Calder series sampled in Quebec was incubated at field capacity for 2 yr in the presence of various amounts of P (0–1500 ppm). Total and available P measured after incubation ranged from 179 to 1627 ppm and from 26 to 489 ppm, respectively, following the different P additions. Charge properties were determined using 1 N NH4OAc at pH 4.8 and 7.0, potentiometric titration and ion adsorption techniques. The CEC of the sample measured at pH 4.8 varied from 7.2 to 11.4 meq/100 g, while at pH 7.0 it ranged from 9.1 to 16.3 meq/100 g following the 0- to 1500-ppm P additions. This increase in negative charges was attributed to the progressive lowering of the pHzpc (from 4.30 to 3.35 in NaCl) determined by potentiometric titrations of the P-treated samples and as a result of specific P adsorption. Ion adsorption in 0.01 N NaCl showed a gradual increase in Na+ adsorbed as a function of pH and amount of P added while an opposite trend was observed for Cl− as a function of pH. P added did not seem to change the amount of Cl− adsorbed or compete for adsorption sites; this would rather demonstrate the specificity of these sites for anion adsorption.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO TREATMENTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF IRON OXIDES FROM THIN SECTIONS OF A SOIL
Authors: PAGLIAI M. , SEQUI P.
Published: March 2010

Iron has been removed by two extradants (dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate and acid ammonium oxalate) from iron pedological features present in thin sections of undisturbed samples of a red-mediterranean soil. The effect of treatments has been investigated both optically and chemically. Dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate appeared more efficient on concretions, while iron of nodules was removed more efficiently by the oxalate treatment. The combination of optical and chemical methods seems to be a very promising approach in this kind of experiment.
EFFECT OF CHLORIDE AND SULFATE ANIONS ON THE CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME ACID SOILS
Authors: SINGH S. SHAH
Published: March 2010

Experiments were done to compare the cation exchange and soil solution chemistry characteristics of seven acid soils in the presence of chloride and sulfate ions. The pH of the soil suspensions and degree of base saturation of equilibrated soil samples in CaSO4 solutions were higher than those of CaCl2-equilibrated samples. A comparison of the soil solution chemistry of Al in the presence of Cl and SO4 ions showed significant differences in the distribution of aluminum ion species. Even though the total aluminum (AlT) was greater in CaSO4 suspensions than in corresponding CaCl2 suspensions, trivalent Al (Al3+) was much smaller in CaSO4 suspensions, e.g. 93.4% of aluminum was present as Al3+ in CaCl2 suspensions compared to 36.0% in CaSO4 suspensions. In CaSO4 suspensions, 60.0% of aluminum was present as monovalent AlSO+4, which was probably not as effective as trivalent Al in competing with basic cations in occupying exchange sites. This reveals that in SO4 systems, a substantial amount of Al (60%) was present in a form which could easily move in the soil profile or could leach out of the soil profile and thus to the aquatic environment.
HYDROLYTIC REACTIONS AND PROPERTIES OF DILUTE ALUMINUM SALT SOLUTIONS
Authors: SINGH S. SHAH
Published: March 2010

Experiments were done to characterize the hydrolyzed solutions of aluminum nitrate, aluminum chloride and aluminum sulfate. The hydrolysis of the dilute solutions (10−3M) was accomplished under reflux process at 92 °C. The results showed that anions associated with Al have an effect on hydrolysis of aluminum and the order of ease of hydrolysis for similar concentrations of Al was NO3 > Cl > SO4. The average composition of the hydroxyaluminum cation (Aln(OH)m) was calculated as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for hydrolyzed solutions of Al(NO3)3, AlCl3, and Al2(SO4)3, respectively. The infrared spectra of the hydrolyzed species of aluminum were obtained by a subtraction technique and infrared peaks at 1410 cm−1 and 1085 cm−1 in the AlCl3 system and at 1435 cm−1 and 1070 cm−1 in the Al2(SO4)3 system were assigned to polynuclear hydroxyaluminum species having been formed due to reflux process.
ACTIVITE BIOLOGIQUE DANS LES SOLS DE SIX ECOSYSTEMES FORESTIERS DU QUEBEC MERIDIONAL
Authors: COUTURE MICHEL , FORTIN J. ANDRE
Published: March 2010

Dynamics of woody material degradation were studied in the soils of six forest ecosystems of meridional Quebec. This comparative study was performed measuring weight losses of wood samples, buried for long periods of time in the different horizons of each soil studied. In all cases, degradation was much faster close to the soil surface; thus a more or less marked decreasing vertical gradient was observed in the activity for most of the soils studied. The lengths of time necessary for half decomposition (50%) were calculated for the samples buried in each station. For the hardwood forests, values of about 1.7, 2.8 and 2.3 yr were obtained for half decomposition in the Melanic Brunisol, the Sombric Brunisol and the Dystric Brunisol, respectively. A value of 4.6 yr was calculated for the Minimal Humo-Ferric Podzol of the mixed forest to reach half decomposition. Similarly about 35 and more than 40 yr would be necessary for half decomposition of the samples in the Orthic Ferro-Humic Podzol and the Ortstein Ferro-Humic Podzol of the two coniferous forests, respectively. The influence of major environmental factors, such as climate, soil and vegetation on the dynamics of microbial and faunal soil communities is discussed.
PREDICTION DES BESOINS EN ENGRAIS N, P ET K DES LEGUMES CULTIVES EN SOL MINERAL: POIS ET HARICOTS
Authors: CHAMBERLAND EMILE
Published: March 2010

Recommendations of N, P and K fertilization presently made for vegetable production in Quebec need to be verified through local field studies. To this end field trials were made on 11 soils located in the Montreal, Nicolet and Quebec-Portneuf areas, through the year 1978–1980. Fertilization increased green pea yields in seven trials out of 16; most of these increases were caused by phosphorus applications. Similar results were obtained with snap beans, except that this crop tended to require a somewhat greater quantity of applied N. Fertilizer requirements of these crops were obtained by fitting Mitscherlich or polynomial equations to field data. Accordingly 15–30 kg N/ha seem to be required by green peas and snap beans, respectively, to obtain optimum yields. Modification of present soil test norms is suggested for phosphorus and potassium fertilization. For these crops the suggested rates are 20, 40 and over 60 kg P/ha for soils with high, moderate or low levels of available P and the minimum rate of 20 kg K/ha for every level of K except for the low level which would require about 40 kg K/ha for green peas.
COMPARISON AMONG AND EVALUATION OF CERAMIC POROUS CUP SOIL WATER SAMPLERS FOR NUTRIENT TRANSPORT STUDIES
Authors: NAGPAL N. K.
Published: March 2010

The use of commercially available porous cup soil water samplers for soil solution extraction was evaluated. Ortho-P, (NO3 + NO2)-N and potassium (K) were adsorbed by the porous cup during extraction of soil water samples, but the retention of (NO3 + NO2)-N was minimal. The screening of NO3− by the cup was not obvious. The retention of ortho-P and K was a function of solution concentration and the time of contact between soil solution and the cup. A rest period between extractions, during which samplers remained in contact with solution at zero tension, appeared to enhance phosphorus sorption capacity of the ceramic cup. Furthermore, phosphorus sorption was reversible in nature. The porous cup subjected to high solution concentration initially, released phosphorus when flushed with soilsolution of low concentration. It is recommended that several consecutive soil water extractions be carried out at high (0.6 bar) tension, using high flow rate porous cups. The sample collected in the last extraction should be used to determine true soil water quality.
EFFECTS OF TILLAGE METHODS ON EARTHWORM POPULATIONS IN MONOCULTURE CORN
Authors: ST. REMY E. A. DE , DAY-NARD T. B.
Published: March 2010

The numbers and weights of earthworms were measured in the top 20 cm of soil in a long-term monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) experiment involving different tillage treatments. There was a marked seasonal trend in earthworm concentrations, with number and weight of worms being higher in spring and autumn than in summer. Spring tillage reduced earthworm numbers; however, the incorporation of surface residues per se had no effect.
QUANTIFICATION OF THE EFFECTS OF OVER 35 YEARS OF INTENSIVE CULTIVATION ON FOUR SOILS
Authors: COOTE D. R. , RAMSEY J. F.
Published: March 2010

Soils ranging in texture from loamy sand to clay that had been tilled annually for at least 35 yr were compared with adjacent unfilled soils. Properties considered important to plant growth were measured: water-stable aggregate size distributions, bulk density (BD), organic carbon (OC), penetrometer resistance (PR), oxygen diffusion rates (ODR), pH, hydraulic conductivity (Kaep), air-filled porosity (AFP), total porosity (TP), degree of air occupation of pores (AFP/TP) and soil moisture desorption curves. AFP, AFP/TP, ODR, BD, Kaep and soil moisture desorption curves suggested that the tilled sites in all soil types had become compacted below 10-cm depth relative to the undisturbed sites. OC, PR, BD and aggregate size distributions were strongly influenced by soil textural differences. OC appeared to increase with cultivation in sandy soils compared with the undisturbed. PR was increased by tillage in the coarse-textured soils, but decreased in the fine-textured soils. Acidity increased under long-term tillage in all soils except the clay. Large degrees of variability of ODR data require further investigation. Rapid in situ techniques for measuring Kaep and AFP are needed, as these parameters appeared to best reflect the effect of long-term tillage on soil physical quality. Key words: Soil structure, soil degradation, soil compaction, soil management, tillage effects
SOIL TRAFFICABILITY IN SPRING. 2. PREDICTION AND THE EFFECT OF SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE
Authors: PAUL C. L. , VRIES J. DE
Published: March 2010

Effects of subsurface drainage on trafficability of farmland were assessed over a 2-yr period. When compared with undrained land, drainage by drains spaced at 30.5 m resulted in earlier trafficability by 2–4 wk in a silty clay loam and by up to 5 wk in a muck. Halving the spacing did not increase benefits. Drainage intensity exerted its greatest influence on trafficability when the intensity was low, that is, at large drain spacings. Prediction of trafficability by two procedures revealed close agreement with one another and compared extremely well with dates on which measured water table depth and soil water tension were considered by farmers to be adequate for trafficability. Key words: Trafficability prediction, subsurface drainage, drain spacing, drainage intensity
MEASURING WATER CONTENT OF SOIL COLUMNS IN THE LABORATORY: A COMPARISON OF GAMMA RAY ATTENUATION AND TDR TECHNIQUES
Authors: KENG J. C. W. , TOPP G. C.
Published: March 2010

Volumetric water content was measured by time domain reflectometry (TDR) and by a single-beam γ-ray attenuation at eight positions on each of three soil columns. Both methods measured equally well at single locations and both showed some position dependence, which was greater for γ-ray attenuation than for TDR. An error analysis showed the major contributor to variance in the γ-ray measurement was the unknown variability of bulk density which gave rise to uncertainty of ± 0.05 cm3∙cm−3 for three soils. For the TDR technique all sources of variance resulted in a total uncertainty of ± 0.02 cm3∙cm−3. The greater sampling volume of the TDR as used in this experiment was advantageous with the naturally structured heterogeneous soils. Key words: Soil structure, error analysis, γ-ray attenuation, time domain reflectometry.
SOIL GENESIS ON THE CANADIAN SHIELD NEAR MACHESNEY LAKE, EASTERN ONTARIO
Authors: RUTHERFORD G. K. , KEMP R. A.
Published: March 2010

Five soils along a 300-m transect on the Canadian Shield in Eastern Ontario are investigated. The soils have been formed in a coarse-textured Wisconsin till derived from the local granodiorite bedrock. They are acidic, moderately weathered and generally show morphological evidence of sesquioxide formation, eluviation and illuviation. This is confirmed by the analytical data which also reveal a number of clay mineral weathering transformations. The dominating influence on pedogenesis has been the macroenvironment, although local variations in drainage characteristics have resulted in gleying and some rock fragment disintegration at depth. Key words: Pedogenesis, clay development, granodioritic till
THE EFFECT OF A SUBSURFACE HYDROPHOBIC LAYER ON WATER AND SALT MOVEMENT
Authors: JONG E. DE
Published: March 2010

Experiments were conducted on the effect of a hydrophobic layer, a 1:4 mixture of crude oil:soil, on water and salt movement in columns of brine-contaminated and uncontaminated soil. The mixing of oil with soil lowered water retention at low suctions, and increased saturated permeability and water repellency of the mixture. The hydrophobic layer reduced capillary rise, and increased waterholding capacity of the overlying soil. After 6 wk of intermittent leaching the salt content of the soil above and below the hydrophobic layer was lower than in the absence of this layer. The hydrophobic layer prevented resalinization of the overlying soil during a subsequent 4-wk evaporation period. The thickness of the hydrophobic layer (0.5 or 1.0 cm) did not seem important. Key words: Salt movement, hydrophobic layers, redistribution of water and salt
RELATIONSHIPS OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY WITH TOTAL DISSOLVED SALTS AND CATION CONCENTRATION OF SULFATE-DOMINANT SOIL EXTRACTS
Authors: CHANG C. , SOMMERFELDT T. G. , CAREFOOT J. M. , SCHAALJE G. B.
Published: March 2010

Simple equations for accurate estimation of total dissolved salts (TDS) and cation concentration (CΣ) from electrical conductivity (EC) measurements (ranging from 0 to 16 mS/cm) were developed for sulfate-rich soils in southern Alberta. Soil extracts were obtained by the saturation extract method from 879 samples. From 260 of these samples, the 1:10 extraction method was also used. Electrical conductivity and TDS in the solution (by summation of the ions and/or by evaporation) were determined. Several regression equations were fitted. The following equation is recommended for estimating TDS (in mg/L):[Formula: see text]For estimating the cation concentration (CΣ in meq/L), the equation[Formula: see text]is recommended. Total soluble salts determined by summation of ions was about 16% less than that by the evaporation method. The amount of salts extracted from the soil was greater with 1:10 extraction than with the saturation extract method, but considerable discrepancy was found between the two extraction methods. Key words: Electrical conductivity, soluble salts, soluble cations, total dissolved salts, sulfate-dominant salts, soil extracts
THE RELATIONSHIP OF SOIL AND PHYSIOGRAPHIC ATTRIBUTES TO AN ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Authors: SONDHEIM M. W. , KLINKA K.
Published: March 2010

The ability of a phytosociologically based, ecological classification system to explain the variability of soil and physiographic properties is tested. Sixty stands from a research forest in southwestern British Columbia are defined in terms of three categorical levels of the ecosystem taxonomy of V. J. Krajina. The stands belong to 14 associations, eight alliances, and three orders. Using these taxa, nested and one-way analyses of variance are performed on 40 soil and physiographic properties of the included ecosystems. Because the hierarchy tested is unbalanced and the samples are of unequal size, the estimates and significance of the variance components for both analyses are determined by approximation techniques. The results from the one-way analyses show that for mineral soil pH and for most physiographic factors between one-half and two-thirds of the variability can be explained by the classification of the ecosystems into associations. For the other properties and for the alliances and orders, this proportion is typically much lower. The study suggests that for general pedologic and environmental characterization there may be little justification for using the alliance and order categories. Key words: Soil-plant relationships, taxonomy, biogeocoenose, integrated classification
FERRUGINOUS SWELLING CLAY MINERALS IN A GABBRO SAPROLITE FROM MOUNT MEGANTIC, QUEBEC
Authors: KODAMA H. , KIMPE C. R. DE
Published: March 2010

Reexamination of a "nontronitic" smectite from Mount Megantic indicates that it consists largely of a ferruginous (Fe3+ greater than Fe2+) smectite-like mineral with a small amount of a vermiculite-like mineral. The major component has a high substitution of Si by Al in the tetrahedral sheet and an excess charge in the octahedral sheet, as indicated by the overall chemical formula[Formula: see text]In many aspects, this mineral resembles so-called "cardenite." Key words: Di-trioctahedral minerals, gabbro saprolite, smectite, vermiculite
EFFECT OF A NITRIFICATION INHIBITOR ON N IMMOBILIZATION AND RELEASE OF 15N FROM NONEXCHANGEABLE AMMONIUM AND MICROBIAL BIOMASS
Authors: JUMA N. G. , PAUL E. A.
Published: March 2010

The disposition of 15N-aqua NH3 and 15N-solution urea in the presence and absence of a nitrification inhibitor [4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATC)] was measured under field conditions. ATC caused a 15% greater recovery of fertilizer N in the soil-plant system (95 vs. 80%) but no changes in wheat N uptake (37%). The 0- to 15-cm layer of ATC-treated soils contained 52–55% of the fertilizer N. The same layer of the non-ATC-treated soils contained 28–30%. The recovery of fertilizer N in the soil profile was 55–59% in ATC treatments compared to 40–42% in non-ATC treatments. Five to eight percent of fertilizer N was recovered in the non-exchangeable NH4+ fractions of A horizons of ATC-treated soils compared to ~ 1% in non-ATC treatments. Laboratory incubations and isotopic analysis of the 15N-enriched soil, a Dark Gray Chernozem, showed that the nonexchangeable 15NH4+ was released at rates equivalent to a half-life of 38 wk (k = 0.018 wk−1) at 28 ± 1 °C and soil pore water potential of 34 kPa. Particle size and mineralogical analyses showed that the coarse clay fraction composed of mica, vermiculite and smectites contained 49% of the labeled nonexchangeable NH4+; the coarse silt fraction contained 26% of the labeled nonexchangeable NH4+. After growth of wheat fertilized with NH4OH treated with ATC, the microbial biomass accounted for 41% of the organic 15N remaining in soil. Soil samples from the ATC-treated plots contained almost two times the amount of 15N in the microbial biomass compared to non-ATC treatments; this accounted for 46% of the organic 15N remaining in the soil. The average half-life of microbial biomass 15N was 27.6 wk in all the treatments. Thus, ATC caused a greater immobilization of fertilizer 15N but no change in the rate of release of 15N-microbial biomass. The conserved fertilizer would be slowly released over a long period of time. Key words: Nitrogen immobilization, soil biomass, 15N
PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION OF SOYBEANS AS AFFECTED BY PLACEMENT OF FERTILIZER PHOSPHORUS
Authors: BULLEN C. W. , SOPER R. J. , BAILEY L. D.
Published: March 2010

Growth chamber and field experiments were conducted on Southern Manitoba soils, low in available soil phosphorus, to investigate the effects of various placement methods and levels of phosphorus fertilizer on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill ’Maple Presto’). It was found that soybean responded well to applied phosphorus on low-P soil in growth chamber studies. In the first growth chamber experiment, P was applied in solution to 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 1% of the total soil volume. Dry matter yields, total phosphorus uptake and utilization of fertilizer P increased at each level of applied P as the size of the phosphated band was decreased. The results were partly attributed to greater chemical availability of P in the smaller zones of P fertilizer reaction. In a second growth chamber experiment, soybeans responded differently to phosphorus banded in six different locations. Placement of the fertilizer 2.5 cm directly below the seed was more effective in increasing dry matter yield, total phosphorus uptake and fertilizer P utilization than placement 2.5 cm and 5 cm away at the same depth or placement 5 cm below the seed, whether the band was directly below, 2.5 cm away or 5 cm away. Soybean yield responses in the field were greatest with P banded 2.5 cm directly below the seed on low-P soils. Placement of P 2.5 cm below the seed resulted in grain yields that were 64% and 50% higher (at the two sites) than those obtained in control plots. Sidebanding P, 2.5 cm below and 2.5 cm away from the seed at the same level of application, improved grain yields of control plots by 40% and 39%. Seed placement and broadcast applications of P were not as effective in increasing grain yields. Broadcasting P in fall or in spring at rates of up to 52.38 kg P/ha did not result in significantly higher grain yields than those obtained in control plots. Placement of P in contact with the seed appeared to reduce seedling emergence, resulting in depressed yields when 52.38 kg P/ha were applied. Key words: Glycine max L. Merrill, ’Maple Presto’
A STUDY OF ONIONS GROWN IN MICROPLOTS ON THREE ORGANIC SOILS EACH CONTAINING FOUR LEVELS OF COPPER
Authors: MATHUR S. P. , SANDERSON R. B. , BELANGER A. , VALK M. , KNIBBE E. , PRESTON C. M.
Published: March 2010

To assess effects of soil Cu on the yield and nutrition of a crop, onions (Allium cepa ’Autumn Spice’) were grown in field microplots at sites A (peat), B (muck) and C (mucky peat). The surface layers (0–20 cm) of the plots contained four levels of residual fertilizer Cu up to 1200 ppm (wt/wt) at sites A and B and up to 600 ppm at site C. The highest Cu treatment at sites A and B contained about 4–6 times the Cu required for mitigating the excessive decomposition and subsidence of such organic soils. Neither the Cu treatment level nor the total soil Cu concentration influenced crop yields at sites B or C. Crop yield responded positively to the two highest Cu treatment levels at site A where the background level of soil Cu was the lowest among the three sites. The Cu concentrations in the crop at all sites were below the level considered to be phytotoxic (20 ppm). Fe and Zn contents in plants were also not depressed by higher Cu concentrations except for foliar Fe on the highest Cu treatment plots at site A. These plots were intrinsically poorer in Fe than those treated with lesser Cu. Foliar Fe:Cu and Zn:Cu ratios were also lowest, but not below adverse levels, for the highest Cu treatment levels at sites A and B, respectively. Even the highest levels of soil Cu did not reduce N supply for, or N nutrition of, the onion crop, or alter the crop concentrations or uptakes of P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn. Key words: Copper, onions, subsidence, histosol, muck, peat
CARBONATE MINERALOGY OF LAKE SEDIMENTS AND SURROUNDING SOILS 1. BLACKSTRAP LAKE
Authors: GHEBRE-EGZIABHIER K. , ST. ARNAUD R. J.
Published: March 2010

The carbonate mineralogy of the Blackstrap Lake sediments in central Saskatchewan indicates that the lake deposits are composed of carbonatic minerals similar to those found in surrounding soils and glacial deposits. Textural differences reflect the transport of finer materials (silts and clay) from the adjacent eroding landscapes. In particular the persistence of dolomite in the silt fractions of the lake sediment is a good indication that part of the calcite together with the dolomite are derived from surrounding soils. The sediment sand fraction contains appreciable Mg-bearing calcite and mollusk shells of pure calcite. Changes in the ionic concentrations of the lake water indicate that dissolution-precipitation processes have affected sediment composition. The increased calcium carbonate equivalent percentages and the presence of secondary magnesium-bearing calcites in the lake sediments suggest that this is so, particularly since erosional processes could not account entirely for the differences observed between the sediments and surrounding soils. The presence of gypsum and the nature of the secondary calcites in the Blackstrap Reservoir sediment tie in well with the known historical background of the Reservoir. The increased ionic concentration of the lake water over the last 15 yr or so since the original inception of the Reservoir is attributed to the influx of drainage waters, evaporation and possibly the effects of groundwater entry from below. Key words: Mg-bearing calcite, dolomite, IAP, erosion