bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN SOIL TILTH AND RAPESEED EMERGENCE BY LIME APPLICATIONS ON ACID SOILS IN THE PEACE RIVER REGION
Authors: HOYT P. B.
Published: March 2010

The tilth of two acid soils, a Gray Luvisol and a Gleysol, was assessed in field experiments in which CaCO3 was applied 5–6 yr previously and fertilizer applied annually. The CaCO3 caused a major shift in distribution of dry aggregates towards coarser fractions in the Gray Luvisol and a smaller shift in the Gleysol, indicating that the CaCO3 increased the resistance of these soils to pulverization by preceding cultivations. Also, the CaCO3 increased soil moisture in one instance and increased rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) plant emergence in general. Both CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2 in this and other field experiments darkened the soil color and altered soil cracks, even as quickly as over winter. In contrast the fertilizer applications did not affect soil appearance, dry aggregates, soil mositure or emergence of rapeseed. In a second set of field experiments, Ca(OH)2 applied 9 yr previously shifted dry aggregates to coarser sizes and increased rapeseed emergence for the Gleysol, and it tended to increase rapeseed emergence on three of four other soils. Organic matter in the soils was decreased by the Ca(OH)2. The direct improvement in tilth by these liming materials is strongly indicated, even though the soils had low ESP and normal exchangeable Mg/Ca ratios. The apparently rapid, though long-lasting improvement in tilth by lime may have important agronomic significance.
INCUBATION OF PULVERIZED HOUSEHOLD REFUSE WITH SOIL AND SEWAGE SLUDGE, POULTRY MANURE OR (NH4)2SO4
Authors: LOEWEN-RUDGERS L.A. , KING LARRY D. , WEBBER L.R.
Published: March 2010

Pulverized household refuse (C/N ratio of 60:1) was incubated with Guelph loam (refuse rate of 3.5 or 7%) and sufficient anaerobically digested liquid sewage sludge, liquid poultry manure or (NH4)2SO4 to result in an added waste C/N ratio of 45:1 to 15:1. Most decreases in dry weight occurred during the first 168 days, suggesting that the more readily decomposable organic materials were nearly decomposed by 168 days. Dry weight decreases suggested that rate of refuse decomposition was not influenced by amount of supplemental N or by N carrier, probably because the soil and/or the refuse supplied substantial N. Incubation of refuse and high-N waste with soil resulted in considerably lower nitrate levels than incubation of high-N waste with soil. Incubation of refuse with soil resulted in lower nitrate levels than incubation of soil alone. In most treatments including refuse, nitrate N decreased from 108 ppm to less than 10 ppm at 28 days, remained low until 168 days and then increased. At incubation termination (224 days), nitrate levels in most treatments including refuse were similar to or lower than that for the control (~130 ppm NO3−-N). However, nitrate N levels varied from 214 ppm to 534 ppm at 224 days for those treatments which included 3.5% refuse and the highest level of high-N waste. Decreases in total inorganic N increased with increasing amounts of inorganic N applied, suggesting that immobilization and/or losses through processes such as NH3 volatilization increased with amount of inorganic N applied. Results supported the conclusion derived from associated field and lysimeter studies that were reported elsewhere, that simultaneous land disposal of pulverized municipal refuse and high-N wastes such as liquid sewage sludge or liquid manure is feasible. However, the inorganic N supplying power of the soil should be determined before waste application so that waste levels can be adjusted to avoid large accumulations of nitrate.
MEASUREMENT OF CO2 EVOLVED FROM ORGANIC SOIL AT DIFFERENT DEPTHS IN SITU
Authors: CAMPBELL J. A. , FRASCARELLI L.
Published: March 2010

A new technique for measuring CO2 evolved from organic soil at different depths in situ was used to monitor CO2 evolution in four experimental sites in southwestern Quebec and in an undisturbed soil column in the laboratory. The technique can be used in conjunction with in situ measurements of surface evolution of CO2, which are used as indicators of total subsidence by oxidation. Subsurface measurements of CO2 evolution provide more detailed estimates of where oxidation is occurring within the profile in organic soils. It also provides a simpler, more direct way of measuring CO2 fluxes below the soil surface than modelling from concentration profiles.
SOME EFFECTS OF DEEP PLOWING AND FERTILIZING A SOLONETZIC SOIL UNDER IRRIGATION
Authors: KARKANIS P.G. , CAIRNS R.R.
Published: March 2010

A 5-yr study showed that deep plowing under irrigation is a promising reclamation procedure for Solonetzic soils containing a calcium-enriched Csk horizon within a depth to which the soil may be plowed. The liberal application of nitrogen-phosphate fertilizers on irrigated soils after deep plowing may cause leaching of calcium.
A DEVICE FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENT OF SUBSIDENCE OF ORGANIC SOILS
Authors: WILSON G. , WIRES K. C.
Published: March 2010

The study of subsidence of organic soils requires measurements of changes in thickness of various layers in the deposit. This was achieved by drilling a bore hole to place magnetic targets at different levels. Using a fabricated detecting device, variations of thickness to 0.05 mm could be detected.
ORGANIC CARBON DYNAMICS IN GRASSLAND SOILS. 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SIMULATION
Authors: VEEN J. A. VAN , PAUL E. A.
Published: March 2010

The decomposition rates of 14C-labelled plant residues in different parts of the world were characterized and mathematically simulated. The easily decomposable materials, cellulose and hemicellulose, were described as being decomposed directly by the soil biomass; the lignin fraction of aboveground residues and the resistant portion of the roots entered a decomposable native soil organic matter. Here it could be decomposed by the soil biomass or react with other soil constituents in the formation of more recalcitrant soil organic matter. The transformation rates were considered to be independent of biomass size (first–order). Data from 14C plant residue incorporation studies which yielded net decomposition rates of added materials and from carbon dating of the recalcitrant soil organic matter were transformed to gross decomposition rate constants for three soil depths. The model adequately described soil organic matter transformations under native grassland and the effect of cultivation on organic matter levels. Correction for microbial growth and moisture and temperature variations showed that the rate of wheat straw decomposition, based on a full year in the field in southern Saskatchewan, was 0.05 that under optimal laboratory conditions. The relative decay rates for plant residues during the summer months of the North American Great Plains was 0.1 times that of the laboratory. Comparison with data from other parts of the world showed an annual relative rate of 0.12 for straw decomposition in England, whereas gross decomposition rates in Nigeria were 0.5 those of laboratory rates. Both the decomposable and recalcitrant organic matter were found to be affected by the extent of physical protection within the soil. The extent of protection was simulated and compared to data from experimental studies on the persistence of 14C-labelled amino acids in soil. The extent of protection influenced the steady-state levels of soil carbon upon cultivation more than did the original decomposition rates of the plant residues.
ORGANIC C DYNAMICS IN GRASSLAND SOILS. 2. MODEL VALIDATION AND SIMULATION OF THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CULTIVATION AND RAINFALL EROSION
Authors: VORONEY R. P. , VEEN J. A. VAN , PAUL E. A.
Published: March 2010

The amounts of organic matter in native prairie and in an adjacent cultivated field were compared with the output from a simulation model describing organic matter dynamics. The effects of past and possible future soil management practices, and the loss of organic C through rainfall erosion were incorporated into the simulation study. Seventy years of cultivation increased the bulk density of the A horizon by an average of 16% along the catena of a Black Chernozemic soil. Organic C had decreased by 36% in the soil profile at the mid-slope position. Losses of organic N were 5–10% less. Depletion of organic C and N from the Ah horizon accounted for > 90% of the total loss from the soil profile. Therefore, extrapolation of data from surface soil, based solely on changes in the concentration of organic C and N, could result in an overestimation of organic matter losses from soils. Microbial biomass in the Ap horizon of the crop-summer-fallow site was 30% less than in the Ah horizon of the native prairie. The model predicted an immediate rise in microbial biomass C upon cultivation of the native prairie due to a large initial input of grassland litter and roots. Subsequently, the microbial biomass C decreased and approached a steady-state level which was 25% less than in the native prairie. The model indicates that large quantities of N released during the initial years of cultivation would not have been totally utilized by the cultivated crops, therefore resulting in major losses to the environment. However, now the organic matter is reaching a steady-state level and only small net release of N can be expected; external N sources are required for optimum crop production. Management practices such as straw removal and cropping sequence have short-term effects on the rate of depletion of soil organic C. Similar equilibrium levels of soil organic matter were predicted after 100 yr of cultivation in simulation studies that did not consider erosion losses. The inclusion of rainfall erosion losses indicated that major organic C and other nutrient losses will occur in management practices that include significant portions of fallow in the cropping sequence.
EFFET DU MODELAGE DES CHAMPS SUR L’HETEROGENEITE DES SOLS ET LES RENDEMENTS EN MAIS-GRAIN
Authors: KIMPE C. R. DE , LAVERDIERE M. R. , ZIZKA J.
Published: March 2010

Rounding of the lands in a field involves changes in the surface horizons. The thickness of Ap horizons at various sites in corn fields varied from 15 to 41 cm. In these horizons, the organic matter content that ranged between 10 and 250 t/ha influenced the real density of the particles, the bulk density of soils with similar texture, and also the shape of the water retention curves at tensions from 0 to 1.5 MPa. Maximum available water in the Ap horizons between 33.3 kPa and 1.5 MPa varied from 0.5 to 4 cm H2O. Yield differences reached 74% while the standard deviations were generally lower than 15%. Higher yields were observed at higher, intermediate and lower sites of the fields. The differences in the yield were not entirely accounted for by the variations in the chemical and physical properties of the soils.
CARACTERISTIQUES MINERALOGIQUES ET CHIMIQUES DE QUELQUES SOLS SABLEUX DU QUEBEC EN REGARD DE LEUR EVOLUTION PEDOLOGIQUE
Authors: LAVERDIERE M. R. , KIMPE C. R. DE , D’AVIGNON A.
Published: March 2010

A, B and C horizons of 13 sandy soil series were sampled in the lowlands of southern Quebec. From the amounts of pyrophosphate-extractable Fe and Al and clay contents, nine of these profiles were classified as Podzolic soils while the others were Brunisols. Formation of montmorillonite and dissolution of chlorite in Ae horizons indicate intense weathering of the minerals at this level. In the B horizons, vermiculite that was present in the parent material or resulted from the alteration of illite was often chloritized. Values of pH measured in 1 M NaF were generally higher than 10.2 for the B horizons. The amounts of phosphorus retained by the samples varied in the following ranges: 23–397 μg P/g of soil for A horizons, 301–1578 μg P/g of soil for B horizons and 71–296 μg P/g of soil for C horizons. Cation exchange capacity of the soils was lower than 10 meq/100 g of soil, except in those horizons that contained high amounts of organic matter and where values up to 27.6 meq/100 g were measured. Using regression equations, values were obtained for the CEC of the organic matter and the clay fraction of these sandy soils.
EFFECT OF PLACEMENTS AND RATES OF BAND-APPLIED PHOSPHORUS ON GROWTH AND UPTAKE OF SOIL AND FERTILIZER PHOSPHORUS BY FLAX
Authors: SADLER J. M. , BAILEY L. D.
Published: March 2010

Growth chamber studies were conducted on the effects of placing NH4H232PO4 either in a single band below and/or to the side of the seed at rates of 10–30 kg P/ha, or with the seed at 5 kg P/ha, on growth and on uptake of soil and fertilizer P by flax (Linum usitatissimum L. ’Linott’). Two P-deficient Chernozemic soils were used; one calcareous, the other non-calcareous. On both soils, all placements of applied P significantly increased yield of flax. For all application rates, P placed 2.0 cm directly below the seed (taproot placement) was more efficient in increasing yield than P placed 1.5 cm to the side at 0.5 or 2.0 cm below the seed (shallow- and deep-side placements). The greatest yield increase occurred with taproot placement of 10 kg P/ha. Maximum yield for the deep-side placement also occurred at this rate, whereas a two- to threefold higher rate was required for maximum yield for the shallow-side placement. Only taproot placement of 10–30 kg P/ha and shallow-side placement of 30 kg P/ha gave significantly greater yields than seed placement of 5 kg P/ha. However, crop uptake of fertilizer P for all away-from-seed placements was at least double that for P banded with the seed.
PODZOLIC SOILS WITH LUVISOLIC-LIKE MORPHOLOGIES IN THE UPPER SUBALPINE SUBZONE OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES. 1. STRATIGRAPHY AND MINERALOGY
Authors: SMITH C.A.S. , COEN G.M. , PLUTH D.J.
Published: March 2010

A lithological and textural discontinuity within the sola of Podzolic soils of the upper subalpine bioclimatic subzone at Sunwapta Pass, Alberta was investigated. The physical and mineralogical variability of parent materials, and the origin and mode of deposition of an overlying silty deposit were evaluated. Evidence supported an eolian origin for the extensive, thin silty surficial deposits observed in the central Rockies. This material was composed of a mixture of volcanic ash and local detritus. Optical identification of the fine plus very fine sand fraction, separated according to specific gravity, indicated volcanic glass, quartz, and plagioclase to be abundant in the surficial material, and primary carbonate and quartz to be abundant in the underlying till. The clay-sized fractions in the surficial material were equally distinct from the underlying material, with amorphous material and chloritic intergrades present in the former, muscovite and chlorite below.
EFFECT OF IMMOBILIZATION ON NITROGEN TRANSFORMATIONS AND TRANSPORT IN A FIELD 15N EXPERIMENT
Authors: KOWALENKO C. G.
Published: March 2010

A microplot trial conducted between 31 May 1977 and 11 May 1978 containing straw alone and with 15NH4+, glucose alone, with 15NH4+ or with 15NO3−, 15NH4+ alone, and control treatments examined the interplay of N processes, particularly immobilization and clay fixation of 15NH4+ under field conditions. The dynamics of the changes were examined by sampling the soil profiles 4 Oct. 1977 and 11 May 1978. In October 1977, total 15N recovery to 75 cm (avg 84%) was not affected by the treatments, but the distribution of inorganic 15N was affected by the treatments. The 15NH4+-only treatment showed greater leaching than organic + 15N treatments. By May 1978, the organic + 15N amended treatments retained more 15N than the 15NH4+-only treatment and the difference was attributed to less leaching in the organic amended treatments. All apparent immobilization and clay fixation of 15N occurred between May 1977 and October 1977. The type of organic amendment influenced the amount of immobilization and clay fixation of 15N. Addition of straw resulted in greater fixation of 15NH4+ than in a treatment with 15NH4+ only. There was more immobilization with glucose than with straw. Glucose amendment reduced the fixation of 15NH4+ showing that immobilization can effectively compete against fixation for 15NH4+ if adequate available carbon is present. The results showed that the type of amendment (straw vs. glucose or NH4+ vs. NO3−1) added to a soil influences immobilization and clay fixation processes and thus changes the retention of N against leaching and denitrification.
ON PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION AND EFFECTIVE STRESS IN UNSATURATED SOILS
Authors: GROENEVELT P. H. , KAY B. D.
Published: March 2010

A theory is presented for the distribution of load pressures over the different phases in an unsaturated soil. It provides differential and integral relations between the equilibrium liquid pressure, the equilibrium solid pressure and the load pressure. Mechanical and thermodynamic models are presented by which the effective stress in unsaturated soils is defined. The value of the effective stress is then calculated for a certain state of a clay soil.
SOIL EROSION LOSSES FROM WINTER RUNOFF IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
Authors: VLIET L. J. P. VAN , WALL G. J.
Published: March 2010

Soil loss prediction models such as the universal soil loss equation do not usually reflect the influence of snowmelt events on annual soil loss estimates. Plot studies (2% and 6% slopes) conducted over three winters in Southern Ontario to measure runoff and soil loss from spring-plowed corn crops revealed that winter soil erosion losses represented up to 10% of annual soil loss.
MICROMORPHOLOGIE DE SOLS BRUNS ACIDES SUR MATERIAUX GRANITIQUES
Authors: FEDOROFF N. , AUROUSSEAU P.
Published: March 2010

The authors have studied brown acid soils on granites in Morvan (northeastern Massif Central). On granites, the fine material of A and B horizons results from: (1) the collapse of deeply weathered plagioclases altered in small secondary micas and in kaolinite; (2) the clay and silt clay coatings present in the B horizon and in the saprolith, (3) an intense comminution of micas, orthoclases and even quartz, and also plant remnants. On granites, vermiculite and hydroxy aluminous vermiculite increase considerably in the A and B horizons due to a rapid weathering of fine-textured micas, mostly biotites. Fine and silty material (mineral and organic) is randomly aggregated into small peds, 70–100 μm in size. These are called ocric aggregates. Often they are packed into secondary, blocky peds. The cement of ocric aggregates was assumed to be amorphous organic matter. All A and B horizons of brown acid soils have eluvial properties. On granites, such properties are weakly expressed, being limited to the edges of mica flakes. Clay and silt clay coatings can be found in a denser zone at the very base of the B horizon, but mostly as coatings in thinner voids of the saprolith. They can be found at great depth but the percentage of illuviated material in the saprolith is always low. In brown acid soils, comminution and weathering of mineral is more important than eluviation, thus preventing the development of an albic epipedon.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM IRRIGATION ON SOIL SALINITY AT SELECTED SITES IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Authors: CHANG C. , OOSTERVELD M.
Published: March 2010

The effects of long-term irrigation on soil salinity were studied at 13 selected sites within four major irrigation districts in southern Alberta. Of these sites, 10 have been under irrigation for over 60 yr and three for 25 yr. Soil textures ranged from sandy loam to clay. The total soluble salts in the soil profiles were either reduced or unchanged after long-term irrigation at all sites except one, which had an 11% increase but an EC of the saturation extract still less than 1 mS∙cm−1. The magnitude of reduction in soluble salts of the other soil profiles was related to the initial salt content and ranged from 0 to 82% of the original content. The SAR decreased in the subsoil at all sites. It is evident that long-term irrigation did not salinize the soils at these sites, which are considered to be representative of much of the irrigated land in this area.
APPROXIMATING THE POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION REQUIREMENT OF COTTON ON SOME REPRESENTATIVE SEMIARID TROPICAL SAVANNAH SOILS OF NIGERIA
Authors: LOMBIN GANYIR
Published: March 2010

Potassium fertilizer requirement of rain-fed cotton was evaluated in a 3-yr field study conducted at three locations using four rates (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg∙ha−1)of K. Significant response was not obtained above 25 kg∙ha−1 applied K. Quadratic polynomials, using leaf K, exch. K, exch. (Ca + Mg)/K and applied K as independent variables, were fitted to the seed-cotton yield. As a single parameter, leaf K emerged the best predictor of yield with a coefficient of multiple determination (R2) of 86% and a corresponding regression equation of: Y (yield) = 3099.2 + 6031.6%K − 1643.3 (%K)2, followed by fertilizer K with a coefficient of multiple determination of 81% and a yield equation of: Y = 1302.3 + 53.96 app. K − 0.54 (app. K)2. Soil exch. K and (Ca + Mg)/K ratio were slightly less efficient in predicting yield giving R2 values of 0.62 and 0.76, respectively, when both the linear and quadratic terms were entered into their respective yield equations. When all the 12 possible entries (linear, and second-order terms and their square root transformations) were fed into the computer and regressed over cotton yield using a step-wise regression procedure, only two variables, leaf %K and (Ca + Mg)/K, significantly fitted the yield equation giving a predictive value of 87%. But the improvement in the precision of yield predictability as measured by the R2 value was only marginal and would not justify recommending the equation considering the extra laboratory work that will be needed to obtain the relevant variables. Critical values of 1.84% in index leaf, 0.19 meq/100 g exch. K and 50 kg∙ha−1 applied K were approximated for a maximum predicted yield range of 2440–2700 kg∙ha−1.
EFFECTS OF LOW TEMPERATURE AND NITRIFICATION INHIBITORS ON UREA HYDROLYSIS
Authors: GUTHRIE T.F. , BOMKE A.A.
Published: March 2010

The results of a urea hydrolysis study conducted at 2 and 12 °C using a silt soil indicated that there was no effect of the nitrification inhibitors ATC (4-amino-1,2,4-triazole) and N-Serve [2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine] on urea hydrolysis at 2 or 20 times the recommended application rate. The rate of hydrolysis at 2 °C was about half that at 12 °C, suggesting that leaching of urea might occur following its application to a cold soil. However, use of nitrification inhibitors should not increase leaching of urea.
RESPONSES OF 6-YEAR-OLD DIAMOND GRAPEVINES TO THE CHANGE FROM SPRINKLER TO TRICKLE IRRIGATION AND TO THE TIME AND METHOD OF APPLYING NITROGEN
Authors: STEVENSON D. S.
Published: March 2010

Under trickle irrigation. Diamond grapes (Vitis labrusca L.) showed no significant yield differences between fall and spring broadcast nitrogen fertilizer or between either of those treatments and spot-placement of N under trickle emitters in two of three seasons. Soluble solids and titratable acidity of the grape berries and percent petiole N were not affected by any treatment. The change from sprinkler to trickle irrigation caused no detectable growth or yield changes of the grapevines or fruit. The vines were 6 yr old at the time of the change.
CONVERSION OF ORGANIC SOIL pH VALUES MEASURED IN WATER, 0.01M CaCl2 or 1N KCl
Authors: LIEROP W. VAN
Published: March 2010

Regression equations were derived for converting pH values of organic soils determined by five procedures. Data were obtained by measuring the pH of 30 soils using the following volumetric ratios and solutions: 1:1, soil to water; 1:2 and 1:4, soil to 0.01M CaCl2; and 1:2 and 1:4 soil to 1N KCl. Average pH values measured in 0.01M CaCl2 and 1N KCl were 0.44 and 0.70 pH units lower than those measured in water (pH 5.21). Converting data by merely adding or subtracting the average difference between methods was not as accurate as using appropriate regression equations. These equations are provided in the text and indicated that differences between soil pH values measured by different procedures increased as soil pH increased. Similar pH values were found with the 1:2 and 1:4 soil to 0.1M CaCl2 solution ratios, though a small dilution effect was observed when 1N KCl was used at these ratios.
ILLUVIATED CLAY IN SANDY PODZOLIC SOILS OF NEW BRUNSWICK
Authors: WANG C. , MCKEAGUE J. A.
Published: March 2010

Satisfactory uniformity with depth was established in sandy materials of marine, till and alluvial origin and a Podzolic soil was sampled in each of the materials. Marked maxima of clay, organic C, and pyrophosphate-extractable Fe and Al occurred within the podzolic B horizon of each soil. These maxima were least pronounced in the youngest soil developed in alluvium. In general, organic C and pyrophosphate Fe maxima occurred above clay and pyrophosphate Al maxima. Calculations of gains and losses of constituents showed marked gains of clay, organic C and extractable Fe and Al in the podzolic B horizons. Though weakly oriented, silt and clay cutans occurred on some grains in the B horizons of these soils, micromorphological evidence was not conclusive in indicating clay illuviation. The results are interpreted as indicating that clay was probably translocated and deposited with organic complexes of Fe and Al in these acid, sandy soils.
EFFECT OF APPLIED SELENIUM ON THE SELENIUM CONTENT OF BARLEY AND FORAGES AND SOIL SELENIUM DEPLETION RATES
Authors: GUPTA UMESH C. , WINTER K. A. , McRAE K. B.
Published: March 2010

Two separate field experiments were conducted on several crops to determine the effect of selenium (Se) applied to soils with pH levels between 5.7 and 6.6. Tissue Se levels after a single application of Se and lime, were monitored for up to six cropping years or until the tissue Se fell below 0.1 ppm, the level considered to be necessary for animal nutrition. For applications of 1.12 and 2.24 kg Se/ha, the minimal tissue Se concentration (> 0.1 ppm) was maintained in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for two cropping years, but with a very sharp decrease for the first 3 yr. In the case of timothy (Phleum pratense L.), tissue levels greater than 0.1 ppm were maintained for 3 yr at the higher rate of Se without lime and up to 5 yr at high soil pH levels. At the applied rates of 0.28 and 0.56 kg Se/ha, the tissue Se levels above 0.1 ppm in timothy, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were maintained for one and two cropping years, respectively. In spite of the sharp decrease in plant tissue Se levels, little decrease in total soil Se was noted at rates of 1.12 and 2.24 kg Se/ha after successive croppings of barley and timothy. Although not always significant, liming, in general, increased the plant Se concentration. The Se concentration (log ppm) for tissues (or depletion of Se availability) in the Se-applied plots decreased linearly for at least the first three cropping seasons.
COMPACTION AND SETTLING OF QUEBEC SOILS IN RELATION TO THEIR SOIL-WATER PROPERTIES
Authors: KIMPE C. R. DE , BERNIER-CARDOU M. , JOLICOEUR P.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-one topsoils, with texture varying from sandy loam to clay and organic matter content ranging from 1.6 to 11.9%, were submitted to compaction and settling at different moisture contents where dry bulk density was determined. Under compaction, the density curve went through a maximum while a minimum was observed in the case of settling. Optimum moisture contents corresponding to these two characteristic densities were almost the same. The most important physical properties affecting soil behavior under compaction and settling were found to be water retention properties at low matric potential which themselves depended primarily on organic matter content. Samples submitted to compaction had saturated hydraulic conductivities less than 1 cm/h, while after settling, Ksat measurements ranged from 0.8 to 234 cm/h. Organic matter played an important role in reducing the effects of compaction, and moisture content alone was not sufficient to predict the best conditions for workability in the fields.
INFLUENCE OF SELECTED HERBICIDES IN PHAGES OF SOME SOIL BACTERIA
Authors: ROSLYCKY E. B.
Published: March 2010

Various concentrations of paraquat, atrazine, simazine, linuron, diuron, and paraquat in combinations with each including simazine + diuron, and terbacil alone, did not inhibit lytic activity of four bacteriophages of Agrobacterium radiobacter, three bacteriophages of Rhizobium meliloti, three bacteriophages of R. trifolii, or two bacteriophages of Streptomyces chrysomallus. Generally, the herbicides had no effect on the neutralization of radiobacterphage PR-1001 with its homologous antiserum, the length of the latent period, the percent adsorption or the average burst size. In contrast, paraquat concentrations from 20 to 400 μg∙mL−1 gradually reduced the adsorption from 38 to 21% and the average burst size from 67 to 9 in the PR-1001:R-1001 phage: host system. The same concentrations, however, showed no effect on the particle attachment or the length of the latent period.
A MALFUNCTION OF SOIL TEMPERATURE SENSORS AT STE. ANNE DE BELLEVUE
Authors: DOUGLAS R. H.
Published: March 2010

Anomalous behavior of soil temperatures at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, affecting long-term statistics, appears to have been rectified by replacement of the sensors. The primary symptom of the malfunction was an apparent precipitous cooling under melting snow; the long-term effect was an apparent cooling trend of about 0.5 °C∙yr−1.
HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION BY SOME VEGETABLE CROPS GROWN ON SEWAGE-SLUDGE-AMENDED SOILS
Authors: ZWARICH M. A. , MILLS J. G.
Published: March 2010

The use of sewage sludge on vegetable gardens is a public health concern. A growth chamber experiment was employed to investigate the effect of sewage sludge application on the copper, zinc, lead and cadmium content of lettuce, carrot and pea crops. No yield reduction or other toxicity symptoms were noted, although tissue levels of several metals were elevated. There were small increases in copper in the three vegetables, but zinc and cadmium increased considerably with sludge application. The higher Zn levels present no problem, but the higher Cd levels are undesirable. Cadmium uptake by vegetables and the increased dietary intake of Cd should be considered when sewage sludge is used on vegetable gardens.
THE EFFECT OF DRAINAGE, ROTATION AND FERTILIZER ON CORN YIELD, PLANT HEIGHT, LEAF NUTRIENT COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BROOKSTON CLAY SOIL IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Authors: BOLTON E. F. , DIRKS V. A. , McDONNELL M. M.
Published: March 2010

Yield of corn on Brookston clay increased 0.45 t∙ha−1∙yr−1 as distance from subsurface drain was reduced by 2 m (2.5 vs. 0.5 m). Yield increases associated with this drain-spacing interval were significant [Formula: see text] in eight of the individual years 1971–1980. While drain spacing affected yield and plant height, it had little effect on plant leaf percent NPK, soil porosity and compaction. Variation in soil measurements appeared to be primarily due to climate and rotation. Analysis of the yield data suggests that the effects of soil drainage, crop rotation and use of fertilizer are primarily additive, and that each of these practices is essential to achieving high yields of corn on southwestern Ontario clay soils. The response of rotation corn to applied fertilizer was lower than that of continuous corn, indicating that adjustment of N application in accordance with cropping history of soil may be cost effective.
SOIL TEMPERATURE AND SOIL WATER UNDER ZERO TILLAGE IN MANITOBA
Authors: GAUER E. , SHAYKEWICH C. F. , STOBBE E. H.
Published: March 2010

The influences of zero and conventional tillage on soil temperature and soil moisture were investigated on three soil types in Manitoba. When the straw was spread on the soil surface, zero-tilled fields were usually cooler than conventionally tilled fields. When the straw was removed by raking, the opposite was true. No consistent soil temperature differences occurred between conventional and zero-tilled soils when the straw was burned. Soil moisture was higher on the zero- than on conventionally tilled plots both when straw was spread on the surface and when the straw was removed by raking. No moisture differences occurred between the tilled and zero-tilled plots when the straw was burned. As the season progressed, differences in moisture and temperature decreased as the crop canopy developed, and as the straw and stubble disintegrated.
RECLAMATION OF SOILS CONTAMINATED BY SODIUM CHLORIDE
Authors: JONG E. DE
Published: March 2010

Soil samples contaminated in the laboratory with a NaCl solution were leached with water after various amendments had been added. With no amendments added, percolation rates were reduced more on a light-textured Dark Brown Chernozemic A than on a medium-textured Black Chernozemic A. Undisturbed B horizon cores showed a smaller decrease in percolation rate than the A horizons, but natural gypsum or carbonates were of no benefit in maintaining percolation through the unamended contaminated subsoils. Percolation generally increased as more Ca-amendment was added to the contaminated A horizons, but rate of (surface-applied) amendment had no effect on the percolation through the B horizon cores. Gypsum mixed into the contaminated soil was much more effective than gypsum applied on the surface; adding NH4NO3 to the gypsum had no effect. The efficiency of incorporated amendments decreased in the order: gypsum > MgSO4 > Ca(NO3)2. Surface-applied Ca(NO3)2 was a better amendment than mixed-in Ca(NO3)2. Caching losses decreased in the order: Cl > Na > Mg > Ca > K. Initial losses of Cl, Na, Mg and Ca were faster than expected from the rule of thumb that one pore volume of water reduces the salt content by about one-half. Subsequently, losses were much slower than in the rule of thumb as most of the remaining cations are in exchangeable form.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN Ca, Mg, and K IN SOIL, LEAF, AND FRUITS OF OKANAGAN APPLE ORCHARDS
Authors: NEILSEN G. H. , EDWARDS T.
Published: March 2010

In 1979–1980, Ca, Mg, and K were measured in soil, leaf and fruit samples from 48 ’Starkrimson Red Delicious’ (Malus domestica Bork.) and 48 ’Summerland Red McIntosh’ (Malus domestica Bork.) apple trees located in 16 Okanagan orchards from Osoyoos to Vernon. The relationship Ca>Mg>K was generally found in the soils examined although, for nine sites, soil Mg content comprised from 5 to 10% of exchangeable bases while for 15 sites soil K exceeded 10% of exchangeable bases. The ’Delicious’ trees accumulated higher leaf Ca, Mg, and K and higher fruit Ca and K compared to ’McIntosh’ on a similar range of soils. A significant correlation between ’McIntosh’ leaf and soil Mg (expressed as a percent of exchangeable bases) was found in the 2 yr of the study. No direct positive plant-soil relationships were found for Ca or K. Significant negative correlations were measured in both years between soil Ca (expressed as a percent of bases) and leaf Mg for both cultivars, and between leaf Ca and K and between leaf K and Mg for ’Delicious.’ The results emphasized the importance of balanced orchard cation nutrition, particularly with respect to local soil Mg.
SPATIAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND THE SOIL RESOURCE IN CANADA
Authors: DUMANSKI J. , BRITTAIN L. , GIRT J. L.
Published: March 2010

A study was undertaken to characterize the spatial relation between agriculture and the soil resource in Canada. Cluster analysis was used to develop crop groups, using data from a large, computerized soils, climate and census data base. The crop groups were interpreted spatially and relative to soil Great Groups. Good spatial grouping was found with land-based agricultural activities such as crop type, crop acreage profiles and extent of cultivation. Poor association was found with livestock and amount of off-farm work. The study demonstrates the regional specialization in Canadian agriculture, and shows that particular physical environments are best suited to certain kinds of agriculture.
DRAINAGE OF AN IRRIGATED SALINE SOIL IN ALBERTA
Authors: BENNETT D. R. , WEBSTER G. R. , PATERSON B. A. , HARKER D. B.
Published: March 2010

A shallow subsurface drainage system effectively controlled a high water table and reduced salinity in an irrigated soil near Magrath, Alberta. Plastic corrugated tubing was installed in 1976 at depths of 1.1–1.5 m and spacings of 15 and 30 m in a moderately saline soil. During the irrigation period, the water table rose to within 0.3 m of the surface but was lowered to pre-irrigation levels within 48 h. The water table was maintained at, or below, the depth of the drains between irrigations. The 15- and 30-m spacings of the drain lines were equally effective in providing water table control in this lacustrine soil which was underlain by a coarse sand and gravel layer. Salinity levels were decreased substantially only within the surface 0.3-m soil depth. Quality of the drainage effluent remained constant throughout the growing season with only small dilution effects detected during irrigations. Barley yields increased to 3900 kg/ha in 1978, 2 yr following drainage of this saline soil which had been out of crop production for 20 yr.
UNRELIABILITIES OF PRESSURE PLATE 1500 KILOPASCAL DATA IN PREDICTING SOIL WATER CONTENTS AT WHICH PLANTS BECOME WILTED IN SOIL-PEAT MIXES
Authors: STEVENSON D.S.
Published: March 2010

The 1500-kPa pressure plate extraction procedure for estimating the wilting percentage was an unreliable predictor of water remaining in soil-peat mixes when plants wilted. Quantities of water remaining in the mixes when corn and sunflowers wilted increased as the percentage of peat increased reaching more than 1/3 of the volume of the medium in some of the mixes and in pure peat.
COMPUTER-GENERATED TIME AND DISTANCE OF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS UNDER PURE DIFFUSION CONDITIONS WITH APPLICATION TO TIMED-RELEASE CAPSULES
Authors: O’BRIEN R. N. , FORGACS C.
Published: March 2010

The refractive index change caused by KCl diffusing from a cylinder into agar gel was found to distort a grid projected through it by laser light. By ray tracing and Fermat’s Principle it was shown that values of concentration of KCl at various times and distances were within experimental error of those calculated from the transient diffusion equation for diffusion from a cylindrical source. The diffusion equation was derived for the first time using Eyres’ method. Since the model and mechanism were confirmed as correct by experiment it was then possible to design a computer program to predict transient concentration gradients and hence concentration at any distance and time. The program has built into it flexibility to deal with such expected variables in soil as tortuosity, water content, etc., as well as different diffusion coefficients for different nutrients and also multiple sources. Such a program should be very valuable to fertilizer suppliers in designing timed release capsules and to those using them to obtain optimum nutrient concentrations in a volume of concern of soil.
THE AVAILABILITY OF RESIDUAL FERTILIZER NITROGEN IMMOBILIZED AS CLAY-FIXED AMMONIUM AND ORGANIC N
Authors: PRESTON CAROLINE M.
Published: March 2010

A study of plant uptake, incubation-extraction and acid hydrolysis was carried out on soil samples from a field study using 15N. The samples had varying proportions of residual fertilizer 15N (15Nex) as clay-fixed ammonium and organic N. Availability of 15Nex to plants was positively correlated with percent of 15Nex as clay-fixed ammonium, and negatively correlated with percent of 15Nex as organic N. A similar relationship was noted for recovery of 15Nex in acid hydrolysates. The relationship was reversed for recovery of 15Nex in aqueous extracts following incubation, although this may have been due to lack of removal of N by plant uptake or leaching, and limitation of microbial activity by lack of readily available carbon. This direct comparison of availability of residual fertilizer N as clay-fixed ammonium N and organic N demonstrates that fertilizer N, once incorporated into organic forms, is much less available to plants than fertilizer N in the form of clay-fixed ammonium.
ALIPHATIC CARBOXYLIC ACIDS IN CHERNOZEMIC SOILS
Authors: Dormaar J. F.
Published: March 2010

For Chernozemic soils, published information on the aliphatic carboxylic acid fraction of the organic matter is scarce. Yet, geologically they are chemically stable and persist for long periods of time. The distribution of chloroform/methanol-extractable aliphatic carboxylic acids in five uncultivated and three cultivated Chernozemic soils and the roots of four grass species was, therefore, determined. Twenty-three organic acids (up to C30) were tentatively identified by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Hexanedioic acid and dioctyl phthalate were suspected of being contaminants. The relative proportions of aliphatic carboxylic acids varied for different soils. Tree invasions, overgrazing, and cultivation decreased the total aliphatic carboxylic acid content at the expense of the lower weight aliphatic carboxylic acids. Since the aliphatic carboxylic acids formed only a small portion of the total solvent-extractable organic matter and decreased after cultivation, the results do not explain the observation reported earlier that solvent-extractable organic matter of Chernozemic soils increased as a result of cultivation.
APPLICATION OF AN OXYGEN PLASMA METHOD TO DECOMPOSITION OF ORGANIC MATTER IN THE CLAY FRACTION OF TWO PODZOLIC SOILS
Authors: KIMPE C. R. DE , LAVERDIERE M. R. , MILES N. , LAFLAMME G.
Published: March 2010

Complete removal of organic matter from clay samples was achieved by oxygen plasma treatment. Little effect was subsequently observed on the extractability of Fe, while Al and Si were somewhat less soluble. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples containing low amounts of amorphous material showed a better orientation of the particles and additional minerals were identified.
SEASONAL PATTERN OF GASEOUS MERCURY EMANATIONS FROM FORESTED SOILS IN ALBERTA
Authors: CANNON K. , DUDAS M. J.
Published: March 2010

Degassing of mercury from two forested soils located in central Alberta was monitored for 2 yr. Gaseous mercury emanations were consistently detected as Hg-purges beginning in August and ending in October. The degassing rate measured over forest litter layers was near 180 μg Hg/(m2∙yr).
WITHIN-PEDON VARIABILITY IN SOIL PROPERTIES
Authors: PATTERSON G. T. , WALL G. J.
Published: March 2010

Replicate soil samples (2–20) from the A, B and C horizons of 41 pedons were collected to measure within-pedon variability of particle size distribution, organic matter content, calcium carbonate equivalent and pH. Variability in soil properties was examined in relation to the mode of origin of the soil material, soil horizonation and soil drainage. Variance in particle size distribution was significantly influenced by mode of deposition as well as by soil horizons, while soil drainage had no significant influence on the variation in particle size distribution. Variance in calcium carbonate equivalent and organic matter content was not influenced by soil drainage or mode of deposition. The number of replicate samples required for statistically reliable evaluation of a pedon at given confidence limits was determined for the soil properties studied. The results of these calculations indicate the need for up to five replicate samples to achieve satisfactory levels of accuracy at the 95% confidence level for some of the soil properties studied.
EFFECT OF TILLAGE IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMICAL AMENDMENTS ON RECLAMATION OF A SOLONETZIC SOIL
Authors: ALZUBAIDI A. , WEBSTER G. R.
Published: March 2010

The effects of different tillage methods (normal, chiselling and deep plowing) on chemical characteristics and reclamation of a Duagh, Black Solonetz, soil were evaluated separately and in combination with chemical amendments of lime and gypsum. It was found that within the tillage treatments, deep plowing was the most effective in reducing exchangeable sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratios and alkalinity potential in most soil layers. Also, deep plowing changed the chemistry of the soil solution thereby improving plant nutrition conditions in the root zone. There was only one significant difference in exchangeable sodium percentage values within the chemical amendments under tillage treatments, namely for the Ap and Bnt horizons of the chiselling treatment where lime and gypsum lowered the ESP. This indicates that chiselling hastened the penetration of the amendments. However, the amended values were not markedly lower than the ESP for the normal tillage treatment without chemical amendments.
LOSS OF ORGANIC MATTER AND POTENTIALLY MINERALIZABLE NITROGEN FROM SASKATCHEWAN SOILS DUE TO CROPPING
Authors: CAMPBELL C. A. , SOUSTER W.
Published: March 2010

Although it is known that considerable loss in total organic matter has occurred due to cultivation of prairie soils, there is little information on changes in the fertility-related fraction of the organic matter. Twelve prairie surface soils representing paired virgin and cultivated coarse-, medium-, and fine-textured soils from the Brown, Dark Brown, and thin Black Chernozem and Gray Luvisol soil zones were analyzed and used to assess changes in total C, N and potentially mineralizable N. Cropping caused large losses of organic C (41–53%) and N (31–56%), but losses of potentially mineralizable N (N0) were even greater for the Chernozems (55–67%) though not for the Gray Luvisols. N0 in virgin soils ranged between 133 and 401 μg N/g soil and increased from Gray Luvisol to Brown to Dark Brown to thin Black Chernozem. In cultivated soils, N0 was generally similar among soil zones and values ranged between 66 and 141 μg N/g soil. Medium-textured soils generally had the greatest organic matter content and N0. The active N fraction (N0/N) ranged between 4 and 20.5% and was greatest in Brown soils and in the coarser-textured soils. Losses of organic matter, N0, and N0/N were greatest from the coarser-textured soils. The findings of this study help to explain why a significant portion of prairie soils now require N fertilizer even after being summer-fallowed.
VARIABILITY OF SOIL PROPERTIES IN RELATION TO SIZE OF MAP UNIT DELINEATION
Authors: WANG C.
Published: March 2010

The results of a study which compared some selected soil characteristics of small and large map unit delineations are presented. Color, organic carbon, pH, cation exchange capacity and clay content were measured. Properties, such as pH and CEC of surface soil and pH of subsoil, were found to be significantly different between large and small delineations. Although Brandon is selected to be a simple and relatively uniform map unit, the range of variation was wide for all of the selected soil properties. For each property measured the coefficient of variability was always larger in surface soils than in subsoils. However, variance of measured soil properties did not differ between the two groups of delineations. Consequently, the soil boundary effect is considered to be insignificant for the Brandon unit of the Dalhousie association studied.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS ON THE USE OF 137Cs TO ESTIMATE EROSION IN SASKATCHEWAN
Authors: JONG E. DE , BETTANY J. R. , VILLAR H.
Published: March 2010

Records of radioactive fallout on the Canadian Prairies indicate that 137Cs should be present in soils at levels that can be counted relatively accurately. Less than 7% of total 137Cs appears to have fallen during the winter months, so that redistribution of 137Cs with blowing snow should not seriously impair the possibility of using 137Cs as a tracer for soil erosion. Methodology for measuring 137Cs in soil samples is described, as is a semi-empirical method for correcting for the effect of bulk density of the sample on counting efficiency. Preliminary data indicate that noneroded soils in the Saskatoon area contain about 6.4 pC 137Cs/cm2. There was little variation in 137Cs with slope position on gently rolling sites under native vegetation, whereas there was considerable redistribution in cultivated fields. It was estimated that a knoll in one cultivated field had lost about 10% of its topsoil since the early 1960s when most 137Cs was deposited.