Do different agronomic soil tests identify similar nutrient deficiencies?

Mattila, Tiina; Rajala, Jukka

doi:10.1111/sum.12738

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…The above results should be interpreted after taking into consideration that the measurement protocol, the Haney test, is still undergoing field evaluation and refinement in contrasting soils and climates across the United States. However, multiple recent reports support the usefulness of this test to characterize soil health (Ansley et al, 2021;Bavougian et al, 2019;Mattila & Rajala, 2022). Bavougian et al (2019) reported the appropriateness of the Haney soil health test for quantifying the effects of a change in management such as cover cropping to replace fallow periods in annual systems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fall–winter cover crops promote soil health and weed control in the southeastern clayey soils

2023

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Seven winter cover crops including grasses, legumes, and brassicas were evaluated for biomass production and effects on weed presence, stored soil water, soil health indicators, and the performance of a subsequent soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop in the clayey soils of South Carolina during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. A mixture of Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and oat (Avena sativa L.), a mixture of crimson clover and rye, and single rye ranked high for biomass production. Cover crops did not deplete more soil water than a fallow did (-22 to 8% difference in soil water retention, compared to fallow with or without herbicide application), controlled weeds equally well or better than herbicides (>90% reduction in weed presence, compared to herbicide control), and reduced soil penetration resistance (>40%, compared to fallow with or without herbicide application in the second season). The five-species mixture also improved soil biological activity (>43% increase in soil respiration at cover-crop termination, compared to that under a chemical fallow). The subsequent soybean crop's yield was never negatively affected if not improved by the above cover crops (9-173% increase, compared to that following a chemical fallow). Our results indicate the suitability of the above cover crops for the southeastern clayey soils based on biomass production, weed suppression, and improvements in soil health and the subsequent soybean crop's performance and provide the rationale for planting them rather than keeping the land under a chemical fallow.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fall–winter cover crops promote soil health and weed control in the southeastern clayey soils

2023

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“…However, neither the total nor Mehlich extractable soil concentrations are a true measure of the availability of a nutrient to a plant. Total concentrations include all of the nutrients strongly sorbed to organic or mineral components of the soil that might only be available over long timescales [ 34 ], whereas the Mehlich extractant is a better proxy for availability but cannot possibly replicate the intricacies of soil chemistry and plant and microorganism biology that combine to make nutrients available to plants [ 35 ]. Furthermore, Mechlich extraction uses an acidic extractant, and therefore may not have had an equal effect on the AH and AL soils.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of soil type on yield and micronutrient content of pasture species

Darch

Blackwell²,

Evans³

et al. 2022

PLoS ONE

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The use of multispecies swards on livestock farms is growing due to the wide range of benefits they bring, such as improved biomass yield and animal performance. Preferential uptake of micronutrients by some plant species means the inclusion of legumes and forbs in grass-dominated pasture swards could improve micronutrient provision to livestock via careful species selection. However, although soil properties affect plant micronutrient concentrations, it is unknown whether choosing ‘best-performing’ species, in terms of their micronutrient content, needs to be soil-specific or whether the recommendations can be more generic. To address this question, we carried out an experiment with 15 common grass, forb and legume species grown on four soils for five weeks in a controlled environment. The soils were chosen to have contrasting properties such as texture, organic matter content and micronutrient concentrations. The effect of soil pH was tested on two soils (pH 5.4 and 7.4) chosen to minimise other confounding variables. Yield was significantly affected by soil properties and there was a significant interaction with botanical group but not species within a botanical group (grass, forb or legume). There were differences between botanical groups and between species in both their micronutrient concentrations and total uptake. Micronutrient herbage concentrations often, but not always, reflected soil micronutrient concentrations. There were soil-botanical group interactions for micronutrient concentration and uptake by plants, but the interaction between plant species (within a botanical group) and soil was significant only for forbs, and predominantly occurred when considering micronutrient uptake rather than concentration. Generally, plants had higher yields and micronutrient contents at pH 5.4 than 7.4. Forbs tended to have higher concentrations of micronutrients than other botanical groups and the effect of soil on micronutrient uptake was only significant for forbs.

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“…maintain target ranges of plant available nutrients in soil (phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) specifically; Steinfurth et al, 2022;Mattila & Rajala, 2022;Zbíral, 2016). It has been recognised for many years that there are a number of different soil test methods available.…”

Section: Highlightsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fertiliser recommendations and advice to farmers are primarily based on agronomic requirements, specific to soil and crop type and generated individually within each country. The general common principle is to reach or maintain target ranges of plant available nutrients in soil (phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) specifically; Steinfurth et al, 2022; Mattila & Rajala, 2022; Zbíral, 2016). It has been recognised for many years that there are a number of different soil test methods available.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been recognised for many years that there are a number of different soil test methods available. More than one soil test for specific nutrients frequently operates within a single country, and between neighbouring countries, with several published research articles detailing differences in soil P tests in particular (Mattila & Rajala, 2022; Neyroud & Lischer, 2003; Steinfurth et al, 2022; Vero et al, 2021). There have been far fewer published comparisons of methodologies for assessing other plant available nutrients and trace elements between countries in Europe.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Stocktake study of current fertilisation recommendations across Europe and discussion towards a more harmonised approach

Higgins,

Keesstra,

Kadziuliene

et al. 2023

European J Soil Science

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The European Commission has set targets for a reduction in nutrient losses by at least 50% and a reduction in fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030, while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility. Within the mandate of the European Joint Programme EJP Soil “Towards climate‐smart sustainable management of agricultural soils”, the objective of this study was to assess current fertilisation practices across Europe and discuss the potential for harmonisation of fertilisation methodologies as a strategy to reduce nutrient loss and overall fertiliser use. A stocktake study of current methods of delivering fertilisation advice took place across 23 European countries. The stocktake was in the form of a questionnaire, comprising 46 questions. Information was gathered on a large range of factors, including soil analysis methods, along with soil, crop and climatic factors taken into consideration within fertilisation calculations. The questionnaire was completed by experts, who are involved in compiling fertilisation recommendations within their country. Substantial differences exist in the content, format and delivery of fertilisation guidelines across Europe. The barriers, constraints and potential benefits of a harmonised approach to fertilisation across Europe are discussed. The general consensus from all participating countries was that harmonisation of fertilisation guidelines should be increased, but it was unclear in what format this could be achieved. Shared learning in the delivery and format of fertilisation guidelines and mechanisms to adhere to environmental legislation were viewed as being beneficial. However, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to harmonise all soil test data and fertilisation methodologies at EU‐level due to diverse soil types and agro‐ecosystem influences. Nevertheless, increased future collaboration especially between neighbouring countries within the same environmental zone was seen as potentially very beneficial. This study is unique in providing current detail on fertilisation practices across European countries in a side‐by‐side comparison. The gathered data can provide a baseline for the development of scientifically based EU policy targets for nutrient loss and soil fertility evaluation.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Do different agronomic soil tests identify similar nutrient deficiencies?

Cited by 7 publications

References 53 publications

Fall–winter cover crops promote soil health and weed control in the southeastern clayey soils

Fall–winter cover crops promote soil health and weed control in the southeastern clayey soils

The effect of soil type on yield and micronutrient content of pasture species

Stocktake study of current fertilisation recommendations across Europe and discussion towards a more harmonised approach

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