Soil sulfur—crop response calibration relationships and criteria for field crops grown in Australia

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey C. Anderson ◽  
Ken I. Peverill ◽  
Ross F. Brennan

Accurate definition of the sulfur (S) soil test–crop grain yield increase (response) relationship is required before soil S test measurements can be used to if there are likely to be responses to S fertilisers. An analysis was done using the Better Fertiliser Decision for Crops (BFDC) National Database using a web application (BFDC Interrogator) to develop calibration relationships between soil S tests (KCl-40 and MCP) using a selection of sampling depths and grain relative yields (RY). Critical soil test values (CSTV) and critical soil test ranges (CSTR) were defined at RY 90%. The ability of the KCl-40 extractable S soil test to predict grain yield response to applied S fertiliser was examined for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in Western Australia (WA), New South Wales (NSW), and Victoria and canola (Brassica napus L.) grown in WA and NSW. A smaller dataset using MCPi-extractable S was also assessed. The WA-grown wheat KCl-40 S CSTV, using sampling depth to 30 cm for soil types Chromosols (Coloured), Chromosols (Sesqui-Nodular), Kandosols (Grey and Yellow), Tenosols (Brown and Yellow), and Tenosols (Grey, Sesqui-Nodular), was 2.8 mg kg–1 with an associated CSTR 2.4–3.2 mg kg–1 and a correlation coefficient (r) 0.87. Similarly, KCl-40 S CSTV was defined using sampling depth to 10 cm for these selected soil types and for wheat grown on Vertosols in NSW. The accuracy of the KCl-40 S CSTV for canola grown in WA was improved using a sampling to a depth of 30 cm instead of 10 cm for all soil types. The canola KCl-40 S CSTV using sampling depth to 30 cm for these soil types was 7.2 mg kg–1 with an associated CSTR 6.8–7.5 and an r value 0.70. A similar KCl-40 S CSTV of 7.0 mg kg–1 was defined using a sampling depth of 10 cm, but the CSTR was higher (6.4–7.7 mg kg–1) and the r value lower (0.43). A lower KCl-40 S CSTV of 3.9 mg kg–1 or 31.0 kg ha–1 using a sampling depth of 60 cm was defined for canola grown in NSW using a limited number of S-rate calibration treatment series. Both MCPi (r = 0.32) and KCl-40 (r <0.20) soil S test–NSW canola response relationships using a 0–10 cm sampling depth were weak. The wheat KCl-40 S CSTR of 2.4–3.2 mg kg–1 can be used widely on soil types where soil sulfate is not leached during the growing season. However, both the WA canola CSTR of 6.4–7.2 mg kg–1 using a sampling depth of 30 cm and NSW canola CSTR of 25–39 kg ha–1 or 3.1–4.9 mg kg–1 using a sampling depth of 60 cm can be considered in regions outside of WA and NSW.

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross F. Brennan ◽  
Michael J. Bell

The Better Fertiliser Decision for Crops (BFDC) National Database holds historic data for 356 potassium (K) fertiliser rate experiments (431 treatment series) for different rain-fed grain crops and soil types across Australia. Bicarbonate-extractable K (Colwell soil-test K) is the most extensively used soil test reported in the database. Data are available for several crop species grown on a range of soil types from all states except Tasmania. Species represented and number of treatment series in the database are: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 254; barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), 5; canola (Brassica napus L.), 130; lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), 32; sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), 10; sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), 5; and faba bean (Vicia faba L.), 2. About 77% of the available soil-test K (STK) data on wheat, canola, and lupin are from Western Australia. The usual sampling depth of 0–10 cm is recorded for all treatment series within the database, while 68% of experiments have STK information from other soil horizons down the profile, usually in 10-cm increments. The BFDC Interrogator, a comprehensive data search and calibration support tool developed for use with the BFDC National Database, was used to examine STK–yield relationships for each crop across Australia, with more detailed analysis by state/region and then by soil type if data were available. The BFDC Interrogator was used to determine a critical STK concentration to achieve 90% of the maximum relative yield (90%RY) for each crop species, with a critical range (determined by the 70% confidence limit for the 90%RY) also reported. The STK for 90%RY for wheat was 40–41 mg/kg on Tenosols and Chromosols, ~49 mg/kg on Kandosols, and ~64 mg/kg on Brown Ferrosols. There was some evidence of critical values increasing with increasing crop yield and on soils with no acidity constraints to root growth, with effects presumably driven by increased crop K demand. The STK for 90%RY for canola, grown mainly on Tenosols, was similar to that for wheat, ranging from 43 to 46 mg K/kg, but for lupin, also grown mainly on Tenosols, the STK for 90%RY was a relatively low ~25 mg K/kg. Data for sunflower were limited and the STK for 90%RY was poorly defined. A comparison of critical STK concentrations for different crops grown on Tenosols suggested that critical ranges for 90%RY of lupin (22–27 mg K/kg) were significantly lower than that for wheat (32–52 mg K/kg) and canola (44–49 mg K/kg). Critical STK values were not determined for sorghum and faba bean.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beza Woldearegay Shewangizaw ◽  
Shawl Assefa ◽  
Kenzemed Kassie ◽  
Getanh Shegaw

Abstract Background: A field experiment was conducted at Basonawerana district, Amhara regional state on two major soil types for three consecutive years to determine the effect of application of potassium fertilizer on yield and yield components of wheat and to verify the soil fertility and fertilizer recommendation Atlas of the study site. Six levels potassium were applied (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 kg K ha-1). At each potassium levels, a balanced nutrient of 92 kg N, 30 kg P, 30 kg S, 2 kg Zn, 0.5 kg Cu and 0.5 kg B ha-1 were applied. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with tree replications. Result: The analysis of variance showed that all the measured parameters were Significant influenced by year, soil type and the interaction of year x soil type. The highest grain yield, which was observed from cambisols during the first year was increased grain yield by 176.7 % (3954 kg ha-1) compared with the lowest yield observed from vertisols during the third year. Similar trend was also observed in straw yield and harvest index. On the other hand, all the measured parameters was non-significant influenced by K rate, interaction of K rate x soil type and year x K rate x soil types. Numerically, the highest yield (3878.9 kg ha-1) was observed from the highest K rate. However, the trend was not consistent. Conclusion: application of different rates of potassium fertilizer brings any significant growth and yield response on two soil types of the study sites. So, application of this fertilizer is not recommended for the crop with such high K soil status.


2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 675 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Brennan ◽  
M. D. A. Bolland

The predominantly sandy soils of south-western Australia have become potassium (K) deficient for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production due to the removal of K from soil in grain and hay. The K requirements of canola (rape, Brassica napus L.) grown in rotation with wheat on these soils are not known and were determined in the study reported here. Seed (grain) yield increases (responses) of canola to applications of fertiliser K occurred at sites where Colwell soil test K values (top 10 cm of soil) were <60 mg/kg soil. Grain yield responses to applied K occurred when concentrations of K in dried shoots were <45 g/kg for young plants 7 and 10 weeks after sowing and <35 g/kg for 18 weeks after sowing. Application of fertiliser K had no significant effects on either oil or K concentrations in grain.


2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 435 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. B. Dyson ◽  
M. K. Conyers

Comprehensive data on grain yield responsiveness to applications of the major nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur in Australian cropping experiments have been assembled in the Better Fertiliser Decisions for Cropping (BFDC) National Database for scrutiny by the BFDC Interrogator. The database contains the results of individual field experiments on nutrient response that need to be collectively integrated into a model that predicts probable grain yield response from soil tests. The potential degree of grain yield responsiveness (relative yield, RY%) is related to nutrient concentration in the soil (soil test value, STV) across a range of experimental sites and conditions for each nutrient. The RY% is defined as RY = Y0/Ymax *100, where Y0 is the yield without applied nutrient, and Ymax is the yield which could be attained through adequate application of the nutrient, given sufficiency of all other nutrients. The raw data for RY and STV are transformed so that a linear regression model can be applied. The BFDC Interrogator uses the arcsine-log calibration curve (ALCC) algorithm to estimate a critical soil test value (CSTV) for a given nutrient. The CSTV is defined as the value that would, on average for the broad agronomic circumstances of the incoming crop, lead to a specified percentage of Ymax (e.g. RY = 90%) without any application of that nutrient. This paper describes the ALCC algorithm, which has been developed to ensure that such estimated CSTVs, with safeguards, are reliable and to as high a precision as is realistic.


2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Brennan ◽  
M. D. A. Bolland

The sulfur (S) requirements of canola (Brassica napus L.) grown in rotation with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) in south-western Australia are not known. This study, involving 59 experiments, was conducted from 1993 to 2003 to determine soil and tissue test values for canola grain production below which S deficiency is likely. Extraction of S from soil using 0.25 mol KCl/L at 40°C (KCl-40 procedure) for the top 10 cm of soil is the standard soil test for S in the region. We measured KCl-40 values for soil samples collected at soil depths of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm and related the values to canola grain yield responses to applied fertiliser S measured at the end of the growing season. Total S measured in dried shoots at about 90 days after sowing (DAS) was related to shoot yields at 90 DAS and grain yields. In addition, the concentration of oil in canola grain was measured to see if applications of S affected oil concentrations. Soil test S was higher in the subsoil than in the top 10 cm of soil at about half the sites comprising sandy duplex soils with larger capacities to sorb sulfate in the subsoil. Significant grain yield responses to applied S occurred for soil test values <7 mg/kg to 30 cm. At many sites when soil test S was <7 mg/kg in the top 10 cm of soil, shoots showed grain yield responses to applied S, but canola roots eventually accessed sufficient S in the subsoil for grain production, so that no grain yield responses to applied fertiliser S occurred. Therefore, tissue test values for dried shoots at 90 DAS poorly predicted S deficiency for grain production. Responses of shoots and grain to applied S occurred for S concentrations in shoots <4 g/kg. We conclude that shallow soil tests and early tissue testing may both overestimate the magnitude of an S deficiency for grain production of canola grown in sandy WA soils. Deeper soil tests need to be seriously considered. Applications of fertiliser S mostly had no consistent effect on concentrations of oil in canola grain.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. T. GEHL ◽  
L. D. BAILEY ◽  
C. A. GRANT ◽  
J. M. SADLER

A 3-yr study was conducted on three Orthic Black Chernozemic soils to determine the effects of incremental N fertilization on grain yield and dry matter accumulation and distribution of six spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Urea (46–0–0) was sidebanded at seeding in 40 kg N ha−1 increments from 0 to 240 kg ha−1 in the first year and from 0 to 200 kg ha−1 in the 2 subsequent years. Nitrogen fertilization increased the grain and straw yields of all cultivars in each experiment. The predominant factor affecting the N response and harvest index of each cultivar was available moisture. At two of the three sites, 91% of the interexperiment variability in mean maximum grain yield was explained by variation in root zone moisture at seeding. Mean maximum total dry matter varied by less than 12% among cultivars, but mean maximum grain yield varied by more than 30%. Three semidwarf cultivars, HY 320, Marshall and Solar, had consistently higher grain yield and grain yield response to N than Glenlea and Katepwa, two standard height cultivars, and Len, a semidwarf. The mean maximum grain yield of HY 320 was the highest of the cultivars on test and those of Katepwa and Len the lowest. Len produced the least straw and total dry matter. The level of N fertilization at maximum grain yield varied among cultivars, sites and years. Marshall and Solar required the highest and Len the lowest N rates to achieve maximum grain yield. The year-to-year variation in rates of N fertilization needed to produce maximum grain yield on a specific soil type revealed the limitations of N fertility recommendations based on "average" amounts and temporal distribution of available moisture.Key words: Wheat (spring), N response, standard height, semidwarf, grain yield


Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Boring ◽  
Kurt Thelen ◽  
James Board ◽  
Jason De Bruin ◽  
Chad Lee ◽  
...  

To determine if current university fertilizer rate and timing recommendations pose a limitation to high-yield corn (Zea mays subsp. mays) and soybean (Glycine max) production, this study compared annual Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizer applications to biennial fertilizer applications, applied at 1× and 2× recommended rates in corn–soybean rotations located in Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), Michigan (MI), Arkansas (AR), and Louisiana (LA). At locations with either soil test P or K in the sub-optimal range, corn grain yield was significantly increased with fertilizer application at five of sixteen site years, while soybean seed yield was significantly increased with fertilizer application at one of sixteen site years. At locations with both soil test P and K at optimal or greater levels, corn grain yield was significantly increased at three of thirteen site years and soybean seed yield significantly increased at one of fourteen site years when fertilizer was applied. Site soil test values were generally inversely related to the likelihood of a yield response from fertilizer application, which is consistent with yield response frequencies outlined in state fertilizer recommendations. Soybean yields were similar regardless if fertilizer was applied in the year of crop production or before the preceding corn crop. Based on the results of this work across the US and various yield potentials, it was confirmed that the practice of applying P and K fertilizers at recommended rates biennially prior to first year corn production in a corn–soybean rotation does not appear to be a yield limiting factor in modern, high management production systems.


2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Therese M. McBeath ◽  
Evelina Facelli ◽  
Courtney A. E. Peirce ◽  
Viran Kathri Arachchige ◽  
Michael J. McLaughlin

The ability to utilise foliar-applied phosphorus (P) as a strategy to increase the P status and yield of grain crops grown in dryland regions with variable climates is attractive. Several P formulations with varying pH, accompanying cations and adjuvants were tested for their effectiveness as foliar fertilisers for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants, first under controlled and then under field conditions. Experiments under controlled conditions suggested that several formulations with specific chemistries offered promise with respect to wheat fertiliser-P recovery and biomass responses. These formulations were then evaluated in two field experiments, and although wheat grown at the sites showed substantive responses to soil-applied P, there was no significant grain-yield response to foliar-applied P. Following the limited responses to foliar-applied fertiliser in the field, we used an isotopic dilution technique to test the hypothesis that the variation in responses of wheat to foliar addition of P could be explained by a mechanism of substitution, whereby root P uptake is downregulated when P is taken up through the leaves, but this was proven not to be the case. We conclude that foliar P application cannot be used as a tactical fertiliser application to boost grain yield of wheat in dryland regions.


2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 983 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
R. F. Brennan

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), and canola (Brassica napus L.) are the major crop species grown in rotation on the predominantly sandy soils of south-western Australia. Comparisons among the species for yield responses to applied phosphorus (P), effects of applied P on growth rates of shoots, P response efficiency for shoot and grain production, and the pattern for accumulation of P into shoots during growth and into grain at maturity are rare, or are not known, and were quantified in the glasshouse study reported here. Size and P content (P concentration multiplied by yield) of sown seed were in the order canola < wheat < lupin. Therefore, yield responses to applied P were first observed at ~10 days after sowing (DAS) for canola, ~17 DAS for wheat, and ~60 DAS for lupin. Lupin shoots showed no yield response to applied P at the first harvest at 51 DAS. Otherwise all species showed large yield, P concentration, and P content responses to applied P for all harvests at 51, 78, 87, 101, 121, and 172 DAS. To produce 90% of the maximum grain yield, the relevant data for cropping, lupin required ~67% less P than wheat, canola required ~40% less P than wheat, and canola required ~75% more P than lupin. Growth rates, and P response efficiency, were generally largest for canola, followed by wheat, then lupin. For shoots, P accumulation was in the order lupin > wheat > canola at 51 DAS, canola > wheat > lupin at 78 and 87 DAS, canola > wheat = lupin at 101 DAS, and all 3 species were about similar at 121 DAS. For accumulation of P into shoots plus grain at maturity (172 DAS) the order was canola > lupin > wheat, and for grain only was canola > wheat = lupin.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey C. Anderson ◽  
Shahab Pathan ◽  
James Easton ◽  
David J. M. Hall ◽  
Rajesh Sharma

Surface (0–10 cm) and subsoil (soil layers below 10 cm) acidity and resulting aluminum (Al) toxicity reduce crop grain yields. In South Western Australia (SWA), these constraints affect 14.2 million hectares or 53% of the agricultural area. Both lime (L, CaCO3) and gypsum (G, CaSO4) application can decrease the toxic effect of Al, leading to an increase in crop grain yields. Within the region, it is unclear if G alone or the combined use of L and G has a role in alleviating soil acidity in SWA, due to low sulfate S (SO4–S) sorption properties of the soil. We present results from three experiments located in the eastern wheatbelt of SWA, which examined the short-term (ST, 2 growing seasons), medium-term (MT, 3 growing seasons), and long-term (LT, 7 growing seasons over 10 years) effects of L and G on grain yield and plant nutrient concentrations. Despite the rapid leaching of SO4–S and no self-liming impact, it was profitable to apply G, due to the significant ST grain yield responses. The grain yield response to G developed even following relatively dry years, but declined over time due to SO4–S leaching. At the LT experimental site had received no previous L application, whereas, at the ST and MT sites, L had been applied by the grower over the previous 5–10 years. For the LT site, the most profitable treatment for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, was the combined application of 4 t L ha−1 with 2 t G ha−1. At this site, the 0–10 cm soil pHCaCl2 was 4.6, and AlCaCl2 was greater than 2.5 mg kg−1 in the 10–30 cm soil layer. In contrast, at the ST and MT sites, the pHCaCl2 of 0–10 cm soil layer was ≥5.5; it was only profitable to apply G to the MT site where the soil compaction constraint had been removed by deep ripping. The use of L increases soil pHCaCl2, resulting in the improved availability of anions, phosphorus (P) in the LT and molybdenum (Mo) at all sampling times, but reduced availability of cations zinc (Zn) in the LT and manganese (Mn) at all sampling. The application of G reduced Mo concentrations, due to the high SO4–S content of the soil.


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