Variation in content of available P and K (bray I) in soil samples from a cropped N, P, and K fertility experiment over 8 years

Abstract

Plots from a N, P, and K field fertility experiment were soil sampled each spring and fall from 1971 to 1979 to study the effect of cropping and different rates of added P and K on the content of available soil P and K (Bray I). Phosphorus and K fertilization was in the spring after soil sampling and before planting in 1971, 1972,and 1973 and in the fall after sampling in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1978. Over the 8‐year period, available soil P increased 1 kg/ ha for every 2.3 kg/ha of added P; while available soil K increased 1 kg/ha for every 5.7 kg/ha of added K. However, within a growing season and between growing seasons, contents of available soil P and K showed cyclic patterns, increasing and decreasing to a greater extent than the long‐term response. Changes in available P and K from spring to fall and from fall to spring are presented. Variability in the content of available soil P and K for 32 plots receiving a similar treatment of either P or K was greater for P as compared to K.