bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXISTING AND POSSIBLE NEW GLEYSOLIC ORDER CRITERIA APPLIED TO FIVE PEDONS FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: McKEAGUE J. A. , TARNOCAI C. , LUTTMERDING H. A.
Published: March 2010

Use of the current criteria for distinguishing Gleysolic soils from gleyed intergrades to other soil classes resulted in the apparent misclassification of some soils in British Columbia. Pedologists of the area selected five pedons encompassing several degrees of expression of gley features. Current classification criteria based on soil color and possible new differentiating features based on chemical and micromorphological analyses were applied in considering the classification of the soils. Application of the current specific color criteria involving low chromas and prominent mottling result in the classification of three pedons in the Gleysolic order and two in gleyed subgroups of other orders. This classification was appropriate in the view of B.C. pedologists except for one Gleysolic pedon in which the water table is rarely within 1 m of the surface. Prior to drainage, however, the soil was probably saturated to the surface and under reducing conditions for prolonged periods each year. Thus, classification as a Gleysolic soil is appropriate as it probably reflects the prevailing conditions and processes during most of the period of soil genesis.Segregation of iron and manganese as nodules and coatings was most marked in the Gleysolic pedons. Walls of some voids were bleached due to depletion of iron oxides. Though study of thin sections, bulk chemical analysis and analysis of specific features by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDXRA) were useful in providing information on soil properties, they did not indicate an improved basis for differentiating Gleysolic soils from others. The color criteria used to distinguish soils of the Gleysolic order do not necessarily reflect the current soil water regime, and they are not intended to do so. The current criteria resulted in the appropriate classification of the five soils. Key words: Gleying, reduction, iron, manganese, micromorphology, SEM-EDXRA
AMELIORATION OF A CALCAREOUS SOLONETZIC SOIL BY IRRIGATION, DEEP RIPPING, AND ACIDIFICATION WITH ELEMENTAL SULFUR
Authors: BOLE J. B.
Published: March 2010

The effect of leaching, deep ripping, and acidification by bacterial oxidation of elemental sulfur on the amelioration of a calcareous Solonetzic soil over four seasons was investigated by measuring changes in soil chemical properties, infiltration, and crop yields. Weekly applications of 12–25 mm of irrigation water for 9 wk in 1981 and 11 wk in 1982 leached over half of the soluble salts from the surface 60 cm of a Solonetzic soil. Sodium was more readily leached than Ca + Mg so that the SAR was reduced from more than 20 to less than 10 throughout the surface 60 cm. Further amelioration resulted from normal irrigation practices consisting of three 4-h applications of 50–60 mm of water in 1983 and 1984. Ripping with a subsoiler to a depth of 50–60 cm did not significantly affect the reclamation but the surface infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity remained higher 3.5 yr after tillage compared with the control. Oxidation of elemental S (3.3 t ha−1) applied in 1981 resulted in a decrease in pH of the surface 15 cm of soil from 7.2 to 5.3 after two irrigation seasons. Naturally occurring lime was dissolved by the S treatment, increasing the soluble Ca + Mg and total salts and decreasing the SAR. These effects were no longer evident after the 1984 irrigation season. Yields of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ’Johnston’) were not affected by the tillage or S treatments. Key words: Solonetzic soil, sulfur, deep ripping, tillage, Thiobacillus thioparus, irrigation
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND TENURE AND SOIL PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: VUUREN W. VAN , YSSELSTEIN P.
Published: March 2010

Renting of agricultural land is gaining in importance in Canada. The impact of rental on soil conservation and on long-term soil productivity was examined in central southwestern Ontario. Prevailing leasing contracts were short-term, with a minimum of contractual obligations on both parties. A difference in soil management practices was found between owner-operated land and rented land. Both recurrent and nonrecurrent practices upgrading the soil were carried out to a lesser extent on rented than on owner-operated land, while the quality of the rented land was in fact lower and in greater need of ameliorative practices. This resulted in a difference in grain corn yield; the lower yield being obtained from rented land. Key words: Land tenure, tenancy, rental contract, soil conservation, soil productivity, soil quality
EXTRACTION OF BORON FROM CSSC REFERENCE SOILS BY HOT WATER, DILUTE CaCl2 AND MANNITOL-CaCl2 SOLUTIONS
Authors: SCHUPPLI P. A.
Published: March 2010

Soils were extracted by hot water, dilute CaCl2, and by mannitol-CaCl2 solutions and boron was determined by either azomethine-H or the curcumin method. Results were strongly method dependent; in particular results by the simplest method, mannitol-CaCl2, were generally lower and not highly correlated (r = 0.64) with those by the recommended procedure. This procedure involves extraction with hot distilled H2O (2:1 solution:soil), centrifugation, filtration, color development with azomethine-H and correction for background color. Extractable boron values by this procedure ranged from 0.1 to 1.4 mg kg−1. Background color can be further reduced by the substitution of 0.02 M CaCl2 for distilled water. Key words: CSSC reference soil samples, hot-water-soluble boron
EFFETS DES REGIMES HYDRIQUES ET DES pH DU SOL SUR LA REPONSE AU MOLYBDENE DE LA LUZERNE
Authors: DIONNE J. L. , PESANT A. R.
Published: March 2010

The objectives of this study were to determine the changes in response of alfalfa (cv. Saranac) to molydbenum applications from variations in soil pH and soil moisture. To achieve these ends the test crop was grown on three replicates of the following treatments: Three soils (Ste Rosalie clay, Greensboro loam and Danby sandy loam) adjusted to approximately pH 5.0, 6.5, and 7.5 fertilized at 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg Mo kg−1 of soil and maintained at three moisture levels: dry, optimal and saturated. Yields were not affected by molybdenum applications regardless of soil type, soil pH or soil moisture regimes. Mo content of alfalfa increased linearly with rates of Mo from 0.2 ppm to 23 ppm Mo. Liming soil to pH 7.2 produced the same increase of Mo content in alfalfa as applying Mo at the rate of 0.2 mg kg−1 to acid soils. Mo content of alfalfa was also slightly increased by soil moisture. A Mo content of 20 ppm or more was obtained as a result of the combined effect of molybdenum application, liming and soil moisture regimes. The exchangeable Mo content found in soils after the experiment increased with rate of Mo but decreased with increasing soil pH. The uptake of molybdenum was increased so much by liming that the Mo left in soil after cropping was decreased as soil pH increased. Key words: Mo content of soil, Mo content of alfalfa, soil pH, soil moisture, alfalfa
SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY OF SUBSTRATES: EFFECTS ON HYDROLYSIS, IMMOBILIZATION AND NITRIFICATION OF UREA-N
Authors: MONREAL C. , McGILL W. B. , NYBORG M.
Published: March 2010

Hydrolysis, immobilization and nitrification of urea-N was measured in samples of Ap horizons of a Black Chernozemic and a Luvisolic soil incubated in the laboratory. Urea was either placed as a nest or mixed throughout the soil. Samples were removed over time to determine the two-dimensional redistribution of urea, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. Localizing urea in a nest reduced both its rate of hydrolysis and subsequent nitrification, and increased recovery of added N in the presence of straw equivalent to 4 t ha−1. In contrast, urea mixed into the soil was nearly completely hydrolyzed and oxidized in 8 d or completely immobilized in the presence of straw. Kinetic studies showed urea hydrolysis was inhibited in a Luvisolic soil sample with increasing substrate concentration beyond 5 mM. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Ka) was 19 mM; the inhibition constant (Ki) was 7 mM; and apparent maximum velocity (Va) was 34.5 μg N g−1 h−1. Urease activity in the Black Chernozemic soil was described by normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Km value of 3.4 mM and Vmax equal to 18.2 μg N g−1 h−1. When urea was localized in a nest, most of the nitrite oxidizers originally present in the soil were killed during the first 24 d of incubation. Factors such as solubilized organics, in addition to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were considered to be involved. It was concluded that nest placement of urea influenced N transformations in two ways. First, the low surface area:mass ratio reduced exposure of urea to the soil, thereby slowing processes such as immobilization by organisms on decomposing straw. Second, at the microsite level, high concentrations of urea can inhibit urease; and NH3, once generated in such concentrated localized areas, can itself inhibit nitrification through direct toxic effects or possibly through dissolution of inhibitory organics. Key words: Kinetics, Michaelis-Menten, inhibition, nest placement, nitrification, urea
ADSORPTION AND RELEASE OF PHOSPHATE IN CHERNOZEMIC AND SOLODIZED SOLONETZIC SOILS
Authors: GOH TEE BOON , PAWLUK S. , DUDAS M. J.
Published: March 2010

Phosphate adsorption-release curves were determined for clay (< 2 μm) and silt (2–20 μm) fractions of surface and subsurface horizons of a Black Chernozem and two Solodized Solonetz soils. The clay fractions from the Chernozem adsorbed about one and one-half times more phosphate than silt at comparable equilibrium concentration and in the case of the Solodized Solonetz soils between two and ten times more was adsorbed. Zeolite (clinoptilolite) in the silt fractions of the two Solodized Solonetz reduced phosphate adsorption markedly and in one case resulted in a negative adsorption. It is believed that either previously adsorbed phosphate or even structural phosphate proxying for silicate in the mineral was released upon dissolution of the zeolites. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that zeolites in one profile dissolved whereas that in another profile was more resistant to dissolution under the same chemical conditions. The phosphate release patterns coincided with the instability of the zeolites in these two soils. These results have important considerations in soil-test methods for available P when applied to Solonetzic soils containing zeolites. Key words: Chernozem, Solod, phosphate, adsorption, release, zeolite
AN ASSESSMENT OF SOIL EROSION IN WEST-CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN USING CESIUM-137
Authors: KISS J. J. , JONG E. DE , ROSTAD H. P. W.
Published: March 2010

Soil erosion in five Rural Municipalities of west-central Saskatchewan was assessed using cesium-137 as an indicator of soil redistribution. Native, noneroded soils across the study area were sampled to determine a baseline value for cesium-137 (2877 Bq m−2), which was used to predict the erosion of cultivated soils since the early 1960s. Soil redistribution estimates were calculated for idealized positions (upper, middle, lower) on medium-textured cultivated hillslopes, and for the total erosional portion of the hillslopes. Mean hillslope soil erosion rates were 23 ± 8 t ha−1 yr−1 for slopes with 0–3% gradient, 27 ± 9 t ha−1 yr−1 for 3–10% slopes, and 48 ± 16 t ha−1 yr−1 for 10–24% slopes, representing a soil removal of 3.8 cm, 4.4 cm, and 7.8 cm, respectively, since 1960. These soil losses represented between 27 and 67% of the topsoil and between 8 and 35% of the solum currently present within the eroding upslope areas. A significant positive correlation existed between the thickness of soil horizons and solums, and the rate of soil erosion on the upper and middle slope positions. The greatest erosion rates were determined for the upper slope positions, probably because of a dominance of wind and tillage erosion within the area. Soil erosion rates within slope classes decreased with increasing slope length, particularly on 10–24% slopes. Erosion by overland flow was considered to be of minor importance, especially on level landscapes (0–3% gradient) where erosion averaged 23 ± 8 t ha−1 yr−1. Erosion rates ranging between 23 and 48 t ha−1 y−1 occurred over approximately 2/3 of the cultivated study area. High rates of soil erosion over such a large portion of the landscape are alarming, considering that the accepted tolerable soil loss is 11.2–4.5 t ha−1 yr−1. Key words: Soil erosion, cesium-137, water erosion, wind erosion, hillslope
EFFECT OF FERTILIZER FORM, METHOD AND TIMING OF APPLICATION ON BARLEY YIELD AND N UPTAKE UNDER DRYLAND CONDITIONS IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Authors: KUCEY R. M. N.
Published: March 2010

Urea, ammonium nitrate, and anhydrous ammonia were compared as sources of N for barley in southern Alberta in spring and fall, using broadcast and banded applications. No significant difference in effect was found among fertilizers when they were banded at a depth of 15 cm. When broadcast, the granular forms of N were not as effective as equivalent rates and forms added in a band. Spring-applied N was more effective than fall-applied N in three of the eight comparisons made. N uptake accounted for between 18 and 54% of the added N in the 2 yr of the experiment. Fertilizer additions had no effect on barley yield when water was limited over the growing season. Key words: Nitrogen, urea, ammonium nitrate, anhydrous ammonia, yield response
DENITRIFICATION, DENITRIFYING BACTERIA, AND IRON REDUCTION IN A SOIL SUPPLEMENTED WITH SULFIDE AND ACETYLENE
Authors: ADKINS ANNE M. , KNOWLES ROGER
Published: March 2010

Populations of denitrifying bacteria were estimated using MPN enrichment culture methods with nitrate, nitrite, and nitrous oxide (N2O) as electron acceptors. Nitrate and nitrite respirers predominated in untreated soil, and anaerobic preincubation with glucose and nitrate stimulated nitrate respirers 10-fold. During subsequent incubation with N2O and various combinations of acetylene (C2H2) and sulfide the numbers of nitrate and nitrite reducers decreased, and N2O reducers increased in treatments in which N2O reduction occurred. In the presence of N2O and C2H2 without sulfide there was no reduction of N2O and no change in the N2O-utilizing population. Incubation with N2O, C2H2, and sulfide caused a marked enrichment of N2O reducers in the denitrifying population. The addition of sulfide to anaerobic non-sterile or sterile soil caused an increase in reduced iron (Fe2+) and there was a relatively rapid conversion of free to acid-soluble sulfide. Key words: Denitrification, denitrifiers, sulfide, iron reduction, nitrous oxide reduction
INFLUENCE OF SITE TOPOGRAPHY ON PALEOSOL FORMATION IN THE HIGHWOOD RIVER BASIN, SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Authors: PENNOCK D. J. , VREEKEN W. J.
Published: March 2010

Soil stratigraphical and pedological techniques were used to examine the evolution of paleosols in the Highwood River Basin of southern Alberta. The paleosols were located on three types of glacial deposits: glacio-lacustrine, glacio-fluvial, and diamicton. Before the deposition of Mazama tephra at 6600 year B.P. (prior to 6600 years B.P.) episodic colluviation occurred on sloping sites, with paleosols forming during depositional hiatuses. Level surfaces were stable, allowing formation of thick, well-developed paleosols. Eolian deposition occurred on all surfaces during the last 6600 yr. The morphological and analytical characteristics of the paleosols differ depending on the influence of topography on the geomorphic processes occurring at the site. The variability in paleosols in this area limits the type of paleoenvironment information which can be inferred from paleosols. Key words: Holocene soil, paleosol, soil genesis, landscape position, soil geomorphology
CORN RESPONSE TO RESTRICTED NODAL ROOT GROWTH WITH RELEVANCE TO ZERO TILLAGE
Authors: BARRY D. A. J. , MILLER M. H.
Published: March 2010

In Ontario, corn (Zea mays L.) yields with zero tillage are 10–15% lower than those with conventional tillage. Slower growth with zero tillage usually begins at the four-or five-leaf stage and continues until the 10- to 12-leaf stage. We hypothesized that restriction of nodal root development occurs with zero tillage and causes the reductions in shoot growth and final yield. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted in which nodal root development of corn plants was restricted by soil compaction or dry soil while the seminal roots grew in flowing nutrient culture. Compaction reduced nodal root length by 54%, and dry soil reduced it by 90% at the 10-leaf stage. Shoot dry weight at the 12-leaf stage was significantly reduced by dry soil but not by compaction. Leaf water potential and stomatal conductance at the 12-leaf stage were reduced by dry soil despite a negligible drop in pressure potential across the mesocotyl. Dry soil reduced shoot growth in terms of plant height after the eight-leaf stage. It was concluded that restriction of nodal root growth in zero tillage systems probably would not account for the reduced yields. Key words: Corn, Zea mays L., growth regulator, seminal roots, mesocotyl, xylem resistance
MONOLITH COLUMNS FOR STUDYING ORGANIC SOIL PROFILES
Authors: MILLETTE J. A. , BROUGHTON R. S.
Published: March 2010

Monolith column construction and sampling procedures were described for organic soil profiles and used to measure the variation with depth of saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and fiber content. The top 0.30 m of the organic soil was more permeable, had a greater bulk density and had a greater fiber content than the soil layer between 0.60 and 0.90 m from the soil surface. These columns can be used for correlations studies between physical properties and studies of the dynamic nature of the physical properties of organic soils. Key words: Saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, fiber content, organic soil, monolith columns
LEACHING OF HEAVY METALS FROM COMPOSTED SEWAGE SLUDGE AS A FUNCTION OF pH
Authors: TACKETT STANFORD L. , WINTERS ELLEN R. , PUZ MICHAEL J.
Published: March 2010

The relative short-term leaching rates of the metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn from composted sewage sludge was determined over the pH range of 2.5–7.0 at 0.5 pH unit intervals. Only Zn and Cd leached significantly faster as the pH was lowered, with both showing the greatest solubility increase over the pH range of 5.5–6.0. Key words: Metal leaching, heavy metals, sewage sludge, soil pH
A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION AND DRAINAGE COMPONENTS OF THE SOIL WATER BALANCE
Authors: MAULÉ C. P. , CHANASYK D. S.
Published: March 2010

Two simple techniques for separating soil moisture loss into drainage and evapotranspiration for cropped conditions were compared. The study was conducted during May through September 1983 at Ellerslie, Alberta. One technique, the field capacity method, utilized soil tension at − 4 kPa to demarcate the cessation of drainage; the other technique, the gradient method, utilized changes in soil moisture status relative to fallow conditions, to mark the onset of moisture extraction by roots. Both methods estimated similar amounts of drainage and evapotranspiration for the barley plots. Application and thus proper evaluation of these two methods were limited as more than 83% of the total drainage occurred during a 3-wk period in which only the Penman method for estimating evapotranspiration could be used. Key words: Water balance, drainage, evapotranspiration, field capacity method, gradient method
SOIL INCUBATIONS IN POLYETHYLENE BAGS: EFFECT OF BAG THICKNESS AND TEMPERATURE ON NITROGEN TRANSFORMATIONS AND CO2 PERMEABILITY
Authors: GORDON ANDREW M. , TALLAS MEREDITH , CLEVE KEITH VAN
Published: March 2010

Ground, sieved forest floor material, collected from an interior Alaskan white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss) stand was incubated in polyethylene bags of three thicknesses (0.015, 0.020 and 0.032 mm) at three temperatures (5, 15 and 25 °C) for periods of up to 28 d. Temperature and length of incubation proved to be more important factors affecting nitrogen mineralization than thickness of bag over the range of thicknesses tested. Regardless of temperature and time of incubation, all thicknesses of bags remained permeable to CO2. All bag thicknesses remained impermeable to H2O loss, thus ensuring constant moisture content over the duration of the experiment. An additional experiment which utilized a urea-amendment to stimulate CO2 production indicated that, even under circumstances of high CO2 evolution, the bags remained well oxygenated. Key words: Spruce (white), soil incubation, polyethylene bags, nitrogen mineralization
METHANE AND CARBON DIOXIDE EVOLUTION FROM SUBARCTIC FENS
Authors: MOORE T. R. , KNOWLES R.
Published: March 2010

Rates of net methane and carbon dioxide evolution from four subarctic fens over one summer ranged from 0 to 7 mmol CH4 m−2 d−1 and from 2 to 29 mmol CO2 m2 d−1. Average molar ratios of carbon dioxide to methane ranged from 3 to 10. Partially because of the high spatial variability in evolution rates, the temperature dependence of carbon dioxide was weak, but stronger for methane, with significant (P < 0.05) positive correlations at two sites, especially with peat temperatures. Annual flux of methane is estimated to be 0.1–0.6 g C m−2 which, although low compared to other wetlands, becomes a substantial atmospheric contribution when the large area occupied by subarctic peatlands is taken into account. Key words: Methane, carbon dioxide, peatlands, fens
A STUDY OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOIL SURVEY DATA AND AGRICULTURAL LAND USE USING INFORMATION THEORY
Authors: DUMANSKI J. , PHIPPS M. , HUFFMAN E.
Published: March 2010

The significant advances which have been made on inventories of agricultural land use and in updating soil survey information provide an opportunity to compare these new sources of information to identify which of the various land factors shown on soil survey maps correlate most closely with agricultural land use. Three study areas representing three levels of land use intensity were used. Statistics of information theory were evaluated for application in studies of this type. Results demonstrate that a statistically significant correlation (adjustment) between physical land conditions and land use has occurred in all three areas. However, the degree of correlation varied according to the land use and the types of land factors considered. Increased correlation was achieved when land uses were weighted by economic investment. The factor called "soil association" was identified as correlating best with land use, but factors such as surface texture, capability class, slope and "spatial interaction" were also significant. Key words: Land use, soil survey, statistics, information theory, capability, economic investment
EFFECT OF IRON ON THE NATURE OF PRECIPITATION PRODUCTS OF ALUMINUM
Authors: GOH TEE BOON , DUDAS M. J. , PAWLUK S. , HUANG P. M.
Published: March 2010

Solutions Of AlCl3 (5 × 10−3 mol L−1) and FeCl2 were mixed and aged for 3 yr under ambient conditions at the initial pH of 7.0 and Fe:Al molar ratios of 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and ∞ (Fe at 5 × 10−3 mol L−1). Fe2+ was readily oxidized in this experiment so that only the mutual interaction between Fe3+ and Al3+ can be reported. The initial Fe:Al molar ratio was an important parameter in determining the rate and amount of hydrolysis and precipitation of Fe and Al. At Fe:Al molar ratios ≤ 0.3, hydrolysis was delayed when compared to that in pure Al suspensions. At higher ratios more acidity was produced by hydrolytic reactions. The acidity was contributed by both Al and Fe. The fractions of Fe and Al precipitated were greater at lower Fe:Al molar ratios. Aluminum and iron were mutually interfering cations during crystallization. In mixed systems, the fractions of crystalline materials were greatly reduced. Between the crystalline compounds, gibbsite was more abundant than bayerite and this evolution was governed by pH and the interference of Fe on the subsequent rate of hydrolysis and crystallization. Iron substitution was not evident in the crystalline Al(OH)3 polymorphs. Crystalline Fe oxides could not be detected even at the Fe: Al molar ratio of 0.1. Two discrete oxide phases were formed in the mixed Fe-Al systems consisting of crystalline Al(OH)3 and a mixed Fe-Al oxide of indeterminate composition. In the pure ferric suspension, maghemite was formed. The results presented are used to explain the distribution of aluminum hydroxide polymorphs in soil and the genesis of gibbsite and iron oxide containing horizons of Oxisols. Key words: Iron, aluminum, gibbsite, bayerite, maghemite, Fe-Al surface coatings
INFLUENCE OF TEXTURE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE FORMS AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL PHOSPHORUS
Authors: STEWART J. W. B. , O'HALLORAN I. P. , KACHANOSKI R. G.
Published: March 2010

Changes in soil phosphorus (P) forms, as determined by a sequential fractionation procedure, were used to assess the influence of soil texture and management practices on the forms and distribution of soil P in a Brown Chernozemic loam soil at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Significant proportions of the variability of all P fractions except residual-P could be attributed to changes in sand content. Changes in the forms and distribution of soil P with decreasing sand content followed patterns similar to those associated with a weathering sequence. The proportion of total soil P in inorganic and organic extractable forms that were extractable sequentially with anion exchange resin (resin-Pi), sodium bicarbonate (bicarb-Pi and -Po), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH-Pi and -Po) increased with decreasing sand content. Acid-extractable inorganic P (HCl-Pi) was the only P fraction positively correlated with sand content. The presence of a crop increased the proportion of soil P present as the more labile organic-P fractions (bicarb-Po and NaOH-Po) but not as total soil organic P (soil-Po). The presence of a crop also increased the proportion of soil P present as the labile inorganic fractions (resin-Pi and bicarb-Pi), possibly due to a decrease in soil pH. Application of inorganic-P fertilizer caused significant increases in the proportion of soil P as these labile inorganic-P fractions (resin-Pi and bicarb-Pi) and as total soil organic-P (soil-Po), but did not affect the more labile organic-P fractions. Key words: P fractionation, labile P, organic P, inorganic P, texture, management practices
EFFECT OF FERTILIZER ON SOIL PRODUCTIVITY IN LONG-TERM SPRING WHEAT ROTATIONS
Authors: JANZEN H. H.
Published: March 2010

Surface soil samples taken from two long-term crop rotations at Lethbridge, Alberta were used to assess the influence of fertilizer N and P on total and mineralizable concentrations of organic C and N in a Dark Brown Chernozemic soil. Rotations sampled were continuous wheat and fallow-wheat-wheat initiated in 1912. In 1967 and 1972, N fertilizer and P fertilizer treatments, respectively, were superimposed over the rotation treatments (which had received no previous fertilizer) to produce a factorial of two N rates (0 and 45 kg N ha−1) by two P rates (0 and 20 kg P ha−1). After 18 yr of application, N fertilizers increased organic C content in both rotations by approximately 14% over that observed in soil receiving no N fertilizer. Organic N contents, similarly, were increased by 15 and 11% in the continuous wheat and fallow-wheat-wheat rotations, respectively. As well, N fertilization increased relative N mineralization potential by 22% in the continuous wheat rotation and by 44% in the fallow-wheat-wheat rotation. Phosphorus fertilization had no significant influence on either total or mineralizable C and N concentrations. Soil pH (measured in dilute CaCl2) was reduced, on average, from 7.2 to 6.9 by 18 annual N applications. These results demonstrate that N fertilization can make significant contributions to the replenishment of organic matter in soil and to the maintenance of indigenous soil N fertility. Key words: Organic matter, nitrogen, carbon, mineralizable nitrogen, mineralizable carbon, pH
INFLUENCE OF IN SITU TWO-PHASE POLYMERS ON AGGREGATE STABILIZATION IN VARIOUS TEXTURED NORTH DAKOTA SOILS
Authors: RICHARDSON J. L. , GUNNERSON W. T. , GILES J. F.
Published: March 2010

Two-phase in situ condensation polymers formed from amine and aldehyde monomers were tested on three differing soil textures for aggregating effectiveness and were compared to polyvinyl alcohol treated soils. The amine and aldehyde monomers differed in functionality (number of amines or carbonyl groups participating in the cross-linking polymerization reaction), molecular structure (branched versus straight chains and the number of polar structural groups) and molecular weight. Straight-chained molecules were more effective in aggregating soil than branched-chain molecules if a certain critical molecular weight was exceeded. The branched-chained and lower molecular weight molecules were less plastic. The number of polar monomer structural groups, notably ether, alcohol and amide oxygen, capable of bonding to clay particles determined aggregation effectiveness. PVA was effective at 0.1% concentration; two-phase polymers with long straight chains were effective at 5.0% by weight. Key words: Microaggregates, macroaggregates, amine, aldehyde, polyvinyl alcohol
PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATION OF FTVE SOILS ON ALLUVIAL LANDFORMS IN CENTRAL NIGERIA
Authors: OKUSAMI T. A. , RUST R. H. , JUO A. S. R.
Published: March 2010

Five soils formed in alluvium in central Nigeria are described, characterized and classified. One soil is on the present floodplain of the River Benue, while the others are on terraces of both the River Niger and the River Benue and their tributaries. Soils have a preponderance of mottles, sesquioxidic nodules and/or concretions and grayer colors of low chromas. Particle size distribution on a clay-free basis was used in addition to morphology and organic carbon distribution to determine the homogeneity of parent materials. The soil on the floodplain and two others on terraces are all formed in two different parent materials. Two other soils on terraces are formed in homogeneous parent materials. Most soils have a generally low effective cation exchange capacity, but higher values are found in neutral to moderately alkaline profiles containing smectite. The clay fractions are a mixture of kaolinite, smectite and some hydrous mica. Two soils are classified as Ustifluvents. The others are Tropaquepts, Plinthaquults and Argiaquolls. Equivalent FAO/UNESCO classifications are Dystric Fluvisols, Dystric Gleysols, Eutric Planosols, Plinthic Gleysols and Mollic Gleysols. Key words: Alluvium, hydromorphic, Nigeria, mixed clay mineralogy, classification
THE DYNAMICS OF INORGANIC NITROGEN IN A FRASER VALLEY SOIL WITH AND WITHOUT SPRING OR FALL AMMONIUM NITRATE APPLICATIONS
Authors: KOWALENKO C. G.
Published: March 2010

Nitrogen in fallow soil in four field trials was monitored at Agassiz to examine the response of N processes under humid weather conditions of south coastal British Columbia. Inorganic N in the soil profile of control and ammonium-nitrate-treated plots were compared at various time intervals. In two trials (Spring-78 and Spring-81) treatments were applied in late May and in two (Fall-79 and Fall-82) in early November. Leaching of spring-applied N was quite limited during the spring and summer. In the Spring-78 trial, there was negligible nitrate movement until September whereas in the Spring-81 trial there was some movement in June. In the Spring-81 trial, upward movement of nitrate was detected in late August. Nitrate leaching in the summer of 1981 was associated with an unusually high amount of precipitation during June. Leaching of nitrate was significant in late October to December. Nitrogen applied in early November showed extensive leaching by late December. The ammonium appeared to have been nitrified quickly to enable leaching of the applied N as nitrate. Leaching of nitrate appeared to be associated with net water surpluses (precipitation less pan evaporation). Clay fixation of applied ammonium was detected immediately after fertilizer application in the fall but not in the spring trials. The applied ammonium that was fixed by clay was apparently released during the monitoring period. An increase of surface acidity due to ammonium nitrate application was detected in the Fall-79 trial. Comparison of nitrate leaching with long-term precipitation and pan-evaporation records shows that there is low risk of nitrate leaching during the spring and summer but high risk during the fall and winter in south coastal British Columbia. It was concluded that residual inorganic N after the growing season would not be available for crop growth in the spring due to nitrification and leaching over the winter. Development of a soil test for N would have to concentrate on the potential of the soil to mineralize soil N in the spring and early summer. Key words: Nitrogen leaching, nitrogen transformations, clay fixed NH4+, nitrification, fall nitrogen application
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANIC HORIZONS FROM SELECTED SOILS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: LOWE L. E. , SCAGEL A. M. , KLINKA K.
Published: March 2010

In order to assess the extent to which chemical properties of organic horizons support their differentiation on the basis of morphological characteristics, as used in the Canadian System of Soil Classification (CSSC), a total of 265 samples of organic horizons (including L, F, H, Of, Om and Oh) were analyzed for 26 chemical properties (organic and inorganic). One-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis and tests of normality were used to select variables for canonical variates analysis (CVA). The results of CVA indicated that the six types of horizon could be distinguished by a combination of chemical properties, and that the grouped upland (L-F-H) horizons could be distinguished from the grouped wetland (Of-Om-Oh) horizons. The results provided support for the present usage in the CSSC, based on field morphology. It was concluded that there remained a need to improve definitions, to review designations, and to develop quantitative diagnostic criteria for organic horizons. Some problems in the classification of organic horizons are discussed, particularly in relation to a hierarchical system. Key words: Organic horizons, horizon classification, British Columbia, chemical properties
THE BRAY, MEHLICH AND KELOWNA SOIL P TESTS AS AFFECTED BY SOIL CARBONATES
Authors: YEE A. R. , BROERSMA K.
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted with five soil P tests (Bray P1 (1:10), Bray P1 (1:50), Mehlich II, Kelowna I and Kelowna II) to determine the effect of soil carbonates on postextraction pH and on the correlation between soil and plant P concentration. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was grown on five calcareous and six noncalcareous soils fertilized at 0 and 90 μg P mL−1 in a growth room experiment. The ability of the extradants to maintain a low pH with calcareous soils was poorest for the Bray P1 (1:10) followed by the Mehlich II, Kelowna I, Kelowna II and Bray P1 (1:50). The Bray P1 (1:10) did not give a statistically significant correlation coefficient between soil and plant P concentration with the calcareous soils, while the other methods did. Key words: Soil testing, calcareous soils, Bray P1, Mehlich II, Kelowna I, Kelowna II
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN, SULPHUR AND BORON ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF RAPESEED (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.)
Authors: NUTTALL W. F. , UKRAINETZ H. , STEWART J. W. B. , SPURR D. T.
Published: March 2010

In northeastern Saskatchewan on Gray Luvisolic soils, rapeseed (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.) grown on many fields does not set seed, possibly because of deficiencies of S and B. Therefore, experiments were begun in 1979 to determine (1) the effect of N, S and B fertilizers on yield and quality of rapeseed; (2) if cultivars (B. napus and B. campestris L.) responded differently to these nutrients; and (3) nutrient and nutrient interaction effects of five rates of N, S and B in a composite rotatable design on yield and quality of the cultivar Regent (B. napus L.). Rates of up to 200 kg N ha−1, 50 kg S ha−1 and 2.8 kg B ha−1 were applied. The experiments were conducted on 13 sites. Nine were in N.E. Saskatchewan on Sylvania f1, Waitville 1 (Luvisolic) and Melfort sicl (Black Chernozemic) soils. Four were in N.W. Saskatchewan on Loon River 1 and Waitville 1, (Luvisolic) soils. In N.W. Saskatchewan there was a significant yield increase because of N (1.00 t ha−1) and S (1.06 t ha−1). In N.E. Saskatchewan on Sylvania f1, rapeseed yields were increased by 0.38 t ha−1 by a combination of S and B and by 0.78 t ha−1 by N. Sylvania f1 soils were lower in soluble B than other experimental sites. At other sites in N.E. Saskatchewan, N but not S increased rapeseed grain yield significantly. Significant response to a combination of S and B was obtained with the cultivar Regent, and both species of rapeseed responded to S fertilizer. Sulphur fertilizer increased the glucosinolate concentration in rapeseed meal at all sites. Sulphur increased oil concentration of rapeseed on all sites except one where frost damaged the crop and increased protein of grain on sites where there was yield response to S. Nitrogen increased protein of rapeseed grown on all sites whereas N combined with B decreased protein and increased oil percentage on all sites except Sylvania f1. The yield response of the cultivar Regent to B was not significantly related to soluble soil B. The combined yield response to S and B in relation to soluble soil S and B was significant (R2 = 0.60). Yield response of rapeseed to S was significantly related to soluble soil S (R2 = 0.35). In conclusion, S fertilizer solved the problem of poor seed set in rapeseed cultivars, but B also enhanced yield by decreasing the number of sterile florets and improving pod development. Key words: Nitrogen, sulphur, boron, rapeseed, oil, protein, glucosinolates
USE OF ACETIC ACID IN SOXHLET WEATHERING PROCEDURES
Authors: SINGLETON G. A. , LAVKULICH L. M.
Published: March 2010

Modified soxhlet extractors using 0.3 M acetic acid were used to leach parent material from a sandy soil. Three extractors were run at a low leaching rate of 2.2 L d−1 and three others at a high leaching rate of 4.3 L d−1 for a total of 8 wk. Soil residues, leachates, suspended sediments and adhered precipitates on the sides of the collection flasks were analyzed for basic cations and Fe, Al and Si. Leaching reduced original sample weights 2.1% and 6.0% for the low and high rates, respectively, and resulted in podzolic weathering for both treatments. Although the low and high leaching rates did not differ in their ability to remove Mg and Fe from the soil samples, the extract-ability of these elements was greater in residues for the low versus the high leaching-rate treatments. It was concluded that extractable measures may not always predict the teachability of elements. In conjunction with routine soil chemical analyses, this acetic acid procedure shows promise for predicting behavior of soil materials that are to be placed in podzolic soil environments where fluctuating water tables are present. Key words: Soxhlet, podzolization, soil weathering, leaching studies
CATION NUTRITION OF BARLEY AS INFLUENCED BY SOIL SOLUTION COMPOSITION IN A SALINE SOIL
Authors: JANZEN H. H. , CHANG C.
Published: March 2010

Identification of nutritional disorders in crops growing on saline soils may facilitate the development of breeding or agronomic practices that improve yields in saline areas. An investigation was conducted under controlled environment conditions to identify possible cation deficiencies in barley (Hordeum vulgare 'Gait') grown under sulfate-dominated salinity stress. Soil was artificially salinized to produce a factorial of five salinity levels (ranging from approximately 6.5 to 17.5 dS m−1) and five salt types containing various ratios of Na:Mg:Ca. A control treatment (3.1 dS m−1) was also included. Barley was grown for 75 d and harvested for analysis of dry matter yield and tissue composition. Yield response of barley to salinity stress was not differentially affected by the type of salt used in salinization. Concentrations of sodium and magnesium in the plant tissue were generally increased by salinity stress, but these accumulations did not restrict yield since no consistent relationship was found between the concentrations of these cations and barley yield. Potassium concentration in the plants was inversely related to level of soil salinity, apparently because of an antagonistic effect of sodium, but was not consistently related to barley dry matter yield. Calcium uptake was also suppressed by soil salinity. In contrast to the results observed for other cations, a very strong relationship indicative of a yield response curve was observed between yield and calcium concentration in the plant tissue, particularly when the latter was expressed as a ratio of total cation concentration (R2 = 0.94). Furthermore, calcium concentration in the plant tissue and estimated calcium activity in the soil solution in highly salinized treatments were well below those considered adequate. These results suggest that calcium deficiency may have played an important role in restricting yield under salinity stress. The apparent calcium deficiency induced by salinity stress was attributed to reduced activity of calcium in the soil solution because of precipitation with sulfate and high ionic strength. Key words: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, salinity
A MODEL TO ESTIMATE THE TIME TO EMERGENCE FOR CORN UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Authors: CUTFORTH H. W. , SHAYKEWICH C. F. , CHO C. M.
Published: March 2010

A computer simulation model was used to estimate the time to emergence of corn under field conditions. The mathematical equations used in the model were developed from a previous controlled environment study. Daily emergence rates were calculated as a function of daily maximum-minimum seed depth soil temperature and soil moisture on soil types from sands to heavy clays. Initially, calculated emergence rates were significantly greater than actual emergence rates. The model assumed a square wave temperature-time relationship whereas the actual temperature curve follows a sine function. When calculating emergence rates the error involved using this assumption was minimal when the base temperature for emergence was less than the minimum daily soil temperature. However, under cooler conditions when the base temperature approached the maximum daily soil temperature, the emergence rates were substantially overestimated. When this error was corrected, the model accurately estimated the time to emergence for field corn. Key words: Corn emergence, field, moisture, temperature
MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF SOIL TEMPERATURE REGIMES FOR SOIL CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: HAYHOE H. N. , BOOTSMA A. , DWYER L. M.
Published: March 2010

Records of soil temperature for two depths (0.10 and 0.50 m) at Swift Current, Saskatchewan and Ottawa, Ontario were used to assess the effects of the length of sampling period on the estimation of soil climate parameters. Data were obtained from published records of soil temperature. The calculated soil climate parameters included mean annual soil temperature, mean summer soil temperature, and length of season and accumulated degree days above 5 °C and 15 °C. Data were sampled from long-term daily records based on what was assumed to be a typical frequency at a soil temperature monitoring site for periods ranging from 3 to 8 yr with different starting dates. Annual variations were fitted with a Fourier series function with both one and two harmonics. The study indicated that reasonably accurate estimates of soil climate parameters were obtained with as little as 3 yr of sampled data. Key words: Fourier series function, sample period, mean annual soil temperature, mean summer soil temperature, length of season, degree days
RATE OF HYDROLYSIS AND NITRIFICATION OF UREA AND IMPLICATIONS OF ITS USE IN POTATO PRODUCTION
Authors: MacLEAN A. A. , McRAE K. B.
Published: March 2010

The effect of soil temperature on urea hydrolysis and subsequent nitrification in an acid Podzolic soil was investigated under laboratory conditions to determine the transformation rate parameters. More than 90% of applied urea was hydrolyzed within 5 d at temperatures between 9 and 18 °C. Subsequent nitrification rates were more temperature dependent and increased from 4 up to 18 °C. Nitrification was limited at 4 °C, was extensive at 9 °C, and it was essentially complete after 48–68 d at 18 °C and 90% complete after 92 d at 9 and 13 °C. The nitrate-N produced during the cropping season from a spring application of urea was predicted, with a model based on the laboratory determined transformation rates, for field conditions at normal soil temperatures. Following spring-applied urea (20 May), the model indicated that nitrification would be virtually complete by 31 July. In a field experiment, total N uptake by Kennebec potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) from applied ammonium nitrate was 95% complete within the same period and with a similar seasonal pattern to that predicted for nitrate N produced from urea. It was concluded that urea can be a suitable source of nitrogen fertilizer for the production of potatoes. Key words: Urea hydrolysis, nitrification, potatoes, modelling, prediction
EFFECT OF ADDED MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE MONOHYDRATE AND AERATION ON NITROGEN RETENTION BY LIQUID HOG MANURE
Authors: MACKENZIE A. F. , TOMAR J. S.
Published: March 2010

Retention of nitrogen in manure to be used for crop production and to reduce environmental pollution is an essential management component. The effects of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and aeration on N retention in liquid hog (Sus scrofa domesticus) manure (LHM) were investigated under laboratory conditions. The manure received 0, 20 or 40 g of MCPM kg−1 of LHM (0, 250 or 500 g MCPM kg−1 manure solids) and was incubated over a 15-d period with and without aeration. Manure pH decreased with added MCPM and then remained constant, but pH increased with time when MCPM was not added. Losses of NH3 from hog manure were significantly reduced by added MCPM, but increased significantly with aeration where MCPM was not added to the manure. The NH4-N content of LHM was higher where MCPM was added to the manure. Conversely, the NH4-N content tended to decrease with aeration in the absence of MCPM. Total N content of LHM was significantly decreased where MCPM was not added to the manure. Aeration had no significant effect on total N. It was concluded that addition of MCPM can increase the NH4-N content of LHM by decreasing NH3-N losses through acidification of the manure. Key words: Aeration, Ca(H2PO4)2∙H2O, hog manure, pH reduction, NH3 loss
A MULTI-SAMPLE HOLDER ASSEMBLY FOR THE QUANTASORB® SURFACE AREA ANALYZER
Authors: KODAMA H. , JAAKKIMAINEN M. , DUCOURNEAU R.
Published: March 2010

An inexpensive and simple multi-sample holder assembly was designed and constructed for the Quantasorb® surface area analyzer which is based on the BET gas adsorption isotherm principle. Four sample holder U-tubes were connected in parallel in order to maintain all samples equidistant from the detector. This arrangement keeps high gas detection sensitivity and minimizes the occurrence of unwanted turbulent gas flows in the system. The system was tested by measuring surface areas of reference standard samples. Excellent agreement was obtained. Key words: BET method, gas adsorption, gas flow sytem, parallel connection