STUDiES 6? 50m: A248 W38 PHOSPHORUS
FERTELEERS m THE HELD, GREENHOUSE AND
LABGRATORV‘

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MICfiEGAR S'z'ATE UNIVERSE?!
K. N. Satyapai
1963

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This is to certifg that the
thesis entitled

Studies of solid and liquid phosphorus
fertilizers in the field, greenhouse,
and laboratory

presented by

K. N. Satyapal

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

o- N -
Mil—degree in_§_':_‘_L__~:3 C I EM CL?

7m fiflaé'ize

I Major professor
Date MO?) “3 /‘7’é__O

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LIBRARY

Michigan State
University

 

STUDIES OF SOLID AND LIQUID PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS
IN THE FIELD, GREENHOUSE, AND LABORATORY

BY

K. N. Satyapal

A THE SIS

Submitted to the School for Advanced Graduate Studies of
Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied
Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

DOC TOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Department of Soil Science

1960

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation
and gratitude to Dr. K. Lawton for his helpful suggestions
and guidance in the course of this investigation, and also in
the preparation of the manuscript. Grateful acknowledgment
is also due to Dr. R. L. Cook, and Michigan State University
for providing funds through various sources, which made the
completion of this work possible. The help of Professor
C. M. Hansen of the Agricultural Engineering Department,
who designed and developed the mechanical equipment used in
the application of radioactive solid and liquid fertilizer in the
greenhouse and field is gratefully acknowledged.

::: >1: >§< ::< a}: ::< :3 3:: ::< 3:: :k a}: 2::

ii

STUDIES OF SOLID AND LIQUID PHOSPHORUS F ERTILIZERS
IN THE FIELD, GREENHOUSE, AND LABORATORY

BY

K. N. Satyapal

AN ABSTRACT

Submitted to the School for Advanced Graduate Studies of
Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied
Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Department of Soil Science

,1960

Approved / ‘21-» J2. L<LL.C;CW \.

 

ABSTRACT

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to compare
the effectiveness of solid and liquid fertilizers in different placements
on the yield and phosphorus absorption of several crops. Monoammon-
ium phosphate labelled with P32 was mixed with muriate of potash and
ammonium nitrate to give a material of approximately 142-2 ratio.
Applications included solid-banded, solid-mixed, liquid-banded,
liquid-dribble, and liquid- spray.

Two months after planting in the greenhouse, the relative order
of availability of fertilizer phosphorus to corn plants was solid-banded >
liquid-banded > liquid-dribble > liquid- spray. With field beans the
order of availability was liquid-banded: solid-banded > liquid-dribble >
liquid- spray. Dry matter production was highest when fertilizer
was liquid-banded and lowest when it was Sprayed. In the case of
field beans the method of application did not cause large differences
between the dry weight yields except when fertilizer was mixed with
soil. Data from the field study of corn in 1956 and 1957 showed the
same general trends of fertilizer phosphorus absorption and yield
for both years. Liquid materials appeared to behave similar to solids
when similar methods of application were compared. Corn yields
were highest when liquid was dribbled followed by the banded appli-
cation, while spray and broadcast applications were least effective.

Five high analysis fertilizers, namely, liquid ammonium meta-
phosphate, solid ammonium metaphosphate, liquid ammoniated super-

phosphoric acid, solid diammoniuxn phosphate, and concentrated

iv

 

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superphosphate produced and supplied by the Tennessee Valley
Authority were compared in a greenhouse study on limed and unlimed
Rifle peat, and Metea sandy loam, using corn and millet as the test
crops, the latter being used to measure residual effects. Liquid
fertilizers, especially ammoniated superphosphoric acid proved to
be more effective in increasing corn yields than solid materials on
limed Rifle peat. Solid-banded application was found to be more
beneficial than the solid-mixed placement. Liquid-banded application
proved to be more effective than when the liquid was dribbled. For
millet, yields were much lower for the limed soil than where no
lime had been applied. Substantial increase in uptake of phosPhorus
by plants was noted on the unlimed soil, while the addition of lime
depressed phosphorus absorption, especially in the case of corn.
Liquid-banded placement effected a greater uptake of phosphorus by
the crops, while a much lower uptake of phosphorus by the plants
resulted from the use of the solid materials. On the mineral soil,
Metea sandy loam, the liquids were found to be superior to the solids
when applied in comparable placements. Here again, ammoniated
superphosphoric acid gave the highest corn yields. Phosphorus
absorption by the cr0ps was increased at higher rate of phosphate
application in most cases.

Laboratory incubation studies conducted with Metea sandy loam
and Rifle peat when treated with different rates of solid and liquid
ammonium metaphosphates showed that these two soils behaved dif-

ferently as could be expected. Increased additions of liquid ammonium

metaphosphate brought about an increased fixation or non-hydrolysis
of phosphorus in Metea sandy loam, while release of phosphorus was
obtained from Rifle peat. Solid ammonium metaphosphate applied to
these two soils was fixed or non- recoverable to different degrees
under the laboratory conditions of incubation.

Laboratory experiments set up to determine the vertical and
lateral distribution of phosphorus in Metea sandy loam when treated
with solid and liquid ammonium metaphosphates at 5, 10, and 20
percent moisture levels in the soil showed that the solid moved more
slowly than the liquid. At the 5 percent moisture level phosphate
movement was slow, increasing rapidly at the higher moisture levels.
The vertical migration of phosphorus exceeded that of lateral
distribution, although this disproportion appeared to decrease with

distance and time.

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION. . . .....................
REVIEW OF LITERATURE. . ................

Solid vs. liquid fertilizers ......... . . . . . .
Effect of placement ...................
Movement of phosphorus ................

METHODS AND MATERIALS. . . ...... . . . . . . . .

Greenhouse experiments with corn ' and field beans .
Field experiment with corn (1956) . . . . . . . . . .

Field experiment with corn (1957) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Greenhouse experiments with TVA solid and liquid
fertilizers.......... ......

Phosphorus movement and fixation studies in the
laboratory.......... .........

RESULTSANDDISCUSSION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Greenhouse experiments with corn and field beans .
Field experiments with corn . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greenhouse experiments with TVA solid and liquid

fertilizers O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0

Dry weight yields of corn and millet grown on Metea

sandyloam....................

Laboratory incubation studies . . . . . . . . . . . .
Phosphorus distribution studies in Metea sandy loam

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BIBLIOGRAPHY ..... O O O I O I O O O O O O O O O O 0
APPENDIX..... ..... .....

12
l4

l6

16
21
23

24

28
31
31
4O
49

64
71
77

83
86

9O

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE Page

1. Some physical and chemical properties of the soils
used in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies. 18

2. The dry weights of corn and field bean plants as influ-
enced by method of application of solid and liquid
fertilizers to Metea sandy loam in the greenhouse. . . 32

3. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by
corn plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied
by different methods in the greenhouse. . . ..... . 34

4. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by
field bean plants from solid and liquid fertilizers
applied by different methods in the greenhouse . . . . 36

5. The yield of corn (field) as influenced by method of
application of solid and liquid fertilizers in Metea
sandyloam........................ 41

6. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by
corn plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied
by different placements in the field. . . . . . . . . . . 43.

7. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the dry weight yields of corn
plants grown on limed and unlimed Rifle peat in the
greenhouse (9 weeks after planting). . . . . . . . . . . 50

8. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the uptake of phosphorus by
corn plants grown on limed and unlimed Rifle peat in
the greenhouse (9 weeks after planting). . . . . . . . 55

9. The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers
applied in different placements on dry weight yields
of millet plants grown on limed and unlimed Rifle
peat in the greenhouse (8 weeks after planting) . . . 56

viii

LIST OF TABLES - Continued
TABLE

10.

11.

.12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers
applied in different placements on the uptake of phos-
phorus by millet plants grown on limed and unlimed
Rifle peat in the greenhouse (8 weeks after planting). .

Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in differ
ent placements on the dry weight yields and uptake of
phosphorus by corn plants grown on Metea sandy loam
in the greenhouse ( 9 weeks after planting) . . . . . . .

The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers
applied in different placements on the dry weight
yields and uptake of phosphorus by millet plants grown
on Metea sandy loam in the greenhouse (8 weeks
afterplanting)......................

The amount of fixed and non-hydrolyzed phosphorus in
Metea sandy loam which received different rates of
solid and liquid ammonium metaphosphates . . . . . .

The amount of fixed and non-hydrolyzed phosphorus in
unlimed peat which received different rates of solid
and liquid ammonium metaphosphates . . . ......

Distribution of phosphorus at various distances and
depths from the place of application with time in
Metea sandy loam at 5 percent moisture. . ......

Distribution of phosphorus at various distances and
depths from the place of application with time in
Metea sandy loam at 10 percent moisture . . . . . . .

17. Distribution of phosphorus at various distances and

depths from the place of application with time in
Metea sandy loam at 20 percent moisture . . . . . . .

ix

Page

57

65

69

72

75

79

8O

81

LIST OF PLATES

PLATE Page

1. Mechanical equipment used in the application of radio-
active solid and liquid fertilizer in the greenhouse. . . 17

II. Mechanical equipment used in the application of radio-
active solid fertilizer in the field. . . . . . . . . . . . 22

III. Effect of solid-mixed application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth of
corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence) . . 44

IV. Effect of solid-banded application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth of
corn in the field in 1956 ( 4 weeks after emergence). . 45

V. Effect of liquid-banded application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth of
corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence). . 46

VI. Effect of liquid-dribble application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth of
corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence). . 47

VII. Effect of liquid- spray application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth of
corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence). . 48

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE

Plot diagramI ................. . . . . .
Plotdiagramll... ..... ......

l. The relative absorption of fertilizer phOSphorus by
corn plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied
by different methods in the greenhouse . . . . . . .

2. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by
field bean plants from solid and liquid fertilizers
applied by different methods in the greenhouse . . .

3. Dry weight yields of corn on Rifle peat (limed) as
affected by solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements in the greenhouse . . . . . . .

4. Dry weight yields of corn on Rifle peat (unlimed) as
affected by solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements in the greenhouse . . . . . . .

5. Influence of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the total phosPhorus con-
tent of corn plants grown on Rifle peat (limed) in
thegreenhouse.............

6. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in dif-
ferent placements on the uptake of phOSphorus by
corn plants grown on Rifle peat (unlimed) in the
greenhouse (9 weeks after planting) . . . . . . . .

7. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in dif-
ferent placements on the uptake of phosphorus by
millet plants grown on Rifle peat (limed) in the
greenhouse (8 weeks after planting) . . . . . . . .

8. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in dif-
ferent placements on the uptake of phosphorus by
millet plants grown on Rifle peat (unlimed) in the
greenhouse (8 weeks after planting) . . . . . . . .

35

37

51

52

58

6O

61

62

LIST OF FIGURES - Continued

FIGURE Page

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers

applied in different placements on‘ the dry weight

yields of millet plants grown on Rifle peat (limed)

inthe greenhouse . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . 105

The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers

applied in different placements on the dry weight

yields of millet plants grown on Rifle peat

(unlimed) in the greenhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers

applied in different placements on the total phos-

phorus content of millet plants grown on Rifle peat
(limed) in the greenhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers

applied in different placements on the total phos-

phorus content of millet plants grown on Rifle peat
(unlimed) in the greenhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Influence of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the total phosphorus con-

tent of corn plants grown on Rifle peat (unlimed)
inthegreenhouse... ..... 111

Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in dif-

fe rent placements on the uptake of phosphorus by

corn plants grown on Rifle peat (limed) in the green-
house (9 weeks after planting). . . . . . . . . . . 112

INTRODUC TION

Phosphorus has long been recognized as an indiSpensable
constituent of all living organisms. Because of the tremendously
important role that this element plays in animal and plant nutrition,
the behavior of phosPhorus has received considerable attention at the
hands of biological scientists, nutritionists, and agronomists. Plant
physiologists have, in recent years, contributed a great deal to the
understanding of the manner of utilization of phosPhorus by plants,
including its absorption by the roots, movementand distribution within
the plant, and its physiological function in the storage and transfer of
energy in the metabolic reactions. Agronomists have carried on
extensive investigations on the hitherto little understood behavior of
phosPhorus in soil systems, the importance and effectiveness of dif-
ferent sources of phosphorus, and the most effective method, time,
and rate of application of phosphate fertilizers for various crops to
improve their yield and quality.

In recent years there have been important developments, including
granulation, the development of new fertilizers of higher analysis, and
precision placement of fertilizer with respect to the seed or plant.

A relatively new group of fertilizer materials which have been introduced
commercially are the complete liquid fertilizers. Solutions of highly
soluble fertilizers have been used for many years as starter liquids

for vegetable transplants, but until recently little use has been made of
concentrated complete liquid fertilizers under general farming conditions.
Of late, attempts have been made by agronomists to compare the

relative efficiency of liquid and solid mixed. fertilizers in different

1

placements. However, little information has been published regarding
such comparisons.

Since most nitrogen and potassium carriers of solid fertilizers
are highly water soluble, it is not likely that these components will
differ greatly from those in liquid fertilizers as to their availability.
Most workers feel that if differences exist between liquid and solid
fertilizers such variation in nutrient availability will be the result of
differences in behavior of the phosphate component. At present there
exists a rather wide range in water solubility of phosphorus in mixed
fertilizers and under certain conditions this has been shown to affect
yields and fertilizer phosphorus absorption by crops. In the opinion of
some agronomists, phosphorus fixation by the soil will be greater from
phosphate in the liquid than from solid material, thus reducing the
effectiveness of the liquid. Others, however, feel that little or no
difference exists. From an agronomic standpoint, therefore, information
is needed in answer to the question: How do solid and liquid materials
compare as sources of phosPhorus under different soil conditions and in
relation to various practices? Consequently, this investigation was
undertaken in order to study the following points relative to the use of
solid and liquid fertilizers:

1. The effectiveness of solid and liquid mixed fertilizers of
similar phosphorus composition on yield and fertilizer phos-
phorus absorption by several crops in the greenhouse and
the field.

2. The effect of method of placement on yield and availability of
phosphorus from solid and liquid fertilizer sources.

3. The effect of concentration of phosphorus in liquid fertilizer
sources on the availability of phosPhorus to plants.

4. The diffusion or movement and fixation of phosphate ions
from solid and liquid phosphorus compounds in different
soils under laboratory conditions.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Previous to 1954, commercial production of liquid fertilizers
was limited to nitrogen solutions, and liquid phosphoric acid. In the
last five years there has been an extremely rapid development in the
production and marketing of liquid fertilizers containing nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium (24).1 In 1957 over 165 firms were engaged
in the manufacture of such liquids (21).

At present liquid fertilizers are usually compounded from furnace
grade phosphoric acid (75% H3PO4), ammonia, and potassium chloride.
This composition limits the analysis of the liquids to about 9-9-9 or

without potash to an 8-24-0 analysis (32).

Development of superphosphoric acid:

The phOSphoric acid sold as phosphatic fertilizer solution contains
about 55 percent P205 or 75 percent orthophosPhoric acid. This acid
produced either by the wet process or from phosphorus obtained by the
electric furnace method (27) is used for the production of solid and
liquid fertilizers.

In recent work by TVA, acid containing 76 percent P205, which is
equivalent to 105 percent orthophosPhoric acid is found to have ad-
vantages over acids both of lower and higher concentrations. Acids
containing about 60 to 75 and 77 to 83 percent P205 crystallized at
ordinary temperatures, whereas that containing about 75 to 77 percent

P205 remained liquid at temperatures low enough to be shipped and

 

1Numbers in parentheses refer to literature cited.

stored in tanks exposed to the weather. Acid containing about 84
percent P205 also remained liquid, but it was much more viscous than
the acid containing about 76 percent P205, which has been called
superphosphoric acid (28). A given volume of this acid contains 70
percent more P205 by weight than acid of ordinary concentration,
thereby providing for the transportation and storage of considerably
more plant food in existing equipment. Also, solutions of ammoniated
superphosphoric acid contain polyphosPhates in addition to the‘ ortho-
phosphate present in liquids produced from ordinary acid. As a result
it is possible to produce liquid fertilizers of higher analyses, or
conversely, with lower salting out temperatures. Significant amounts
of minor elements may be dissolved in liquid fertilizers that contain
polyphosphates, whereas such is not true in the case of liquids produced
from ordinary acid. When wet process acid is ammoniated in the
presence of superphosPhoric acid or ammoniated superphosphoric acid,
the polyphosphates serve to sequester the impurities in the wet process
acid, thus liquid fertilizers free of precipitated solids are obtained (27).
Liquid ammoniated superphosphoric acid has been prepared experi-
mentally by reacting superphosphoric acid (76. 5% P205) with ammonium
hydroxide at a temperature of 55°F. In this process about 50 percent
of the P205 is in the ortho form at the time the liquid is prepared (21).
Another liquid fertilizer that has been produced by TVA on an
experimental basis is liquid ammonium metaphosPhate. This material
is a clear liquid produced by dissolving NH3-P205 reaction product of
a 1. 04 N:P atomic ratio in water at a temperature of 125 to 150°F.
while adding ammonia to maintain a neutral solution (29). Analyses of
this fertilizer indicate it contains 16.4 percent N and 79. 9 percent

P2050

Solid vs. Liquid Fertilizers:

While there is considerable literature dealing with the effective-
ness of solid or dry fertilizers, agronomic reports of studies of the
use of liquid fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
are rather limited. Lack of such information is due essentially to the
fact that complete liquid fertilizers have only recently been produced
on a commercial scale. With solid fertilizers, water solubility of
the phosphate fraction is now regarded by agronomists (19) as being
quite advantageous under certain soil and crop conditions. It is now
recognized that the factors of particle size and placement of solid
fertilizers must be carefully considered when specific conclusions or
recommendations are made with respect to phosphate water solubility
(9, l9). Norland it al. (14) grew corn stover and hairy vetch in green-
house cultures on slightly acid Chester soil to determine the effect
of variable proportions of water—soluble phosphorus in fertilizers
upon yield and phosphorus uptake. Their data show that increasing
the proportion of the water-soluble phosphorus fraction of fertilizer
resulted in significantly greater yield and phosphorus uptake. In all
but two of the test fertilizers applied, corn stover and hairy vetch
gave comparable results.

It is possible that the complete solubility of the liquids is an
advantage in some areas where solid fertilizers used have only been
partially water-soluble. There appears to be no evidence, however,
that the liquids are generally superior to water-soluble solid materials
such as diammoniurn and monoammonium phosphates.

The only agronomic criticism of liquids has been that phosphate
is fixed more rapidly when it is in liquid form. Little agronomic data

appears to be available on this subject.

The agronomic effectiveness of liquid mixtures is a point on which
producers differ widely. About a third state without qualification that
liquids are superior to solid mixtures (24). Norland at a_._l. (15) applied
several 12-12- 12 fertilizers with phosphorus water solubility ranging
from 2 to 60 percent of the total phosphorus, calcium metaphosphate,
monoammonium phosphate, and a liquid 9-9-9 mixture to Evesboro
loamy sand and Davidson silty clay loam 4,. 2 and 1 month prior to plant-
ing respectively, and on the date of planting to determine the influence
of water-solubility, soil type, and time of fertilizer application prior
to planting. The first crop of Starr millet indicated a superiority of
the highly water-soluble phosphates on both soils irrespective of the
time of application. While time of fertilization made little, if any,
difference at the first harvest on the Evesboro soil that had a low phos-
phate fixing capacity, preplanting applications of the more soluble
phosphates definitely reduced their effectiveness on the Davidson soil
that had a high phosphate fixing capacity. The second cutting showed
the same trend with smaller differences. The third showed very small
differences between the fertilizers on the Davidson soil, but significant
differences persisted on the Evesboro soil. These investigators noted
that with fertilization at seeding time on the Evesboro soil liquids gave
sensibly the same yields as the solids at the first and second harvests,
at the 100 pound P305 per acre rate, while at the 200 pound application
gave significantly higher yields than the solids. On the Davidson soil
the comparison was generally somewhat less favorable to the liquid.
Mixed placement was recognized as a handicaps to liquids by these
authors. From these studies, these workers concluded that phosphate
in solution and phosphate in the form of very soluble coarse granules
are about equally effective on classes of soils typical of the two soils

they studied.

Some of the conditions listed under which liquids may give

superior results are: 1) Specific crops only, 2) Certain fertilizer

practices such as side-dressing, 3) Dry seasons or cold weather,

and 4) Alkaline soils (for the acidic type of liquid mixtures). Some

producers state that in their opinion the liquids have no agronomic

advantage over the solid type.

The generally recognized advantages of liquid over conventional

dry fertilizers are as follows (22):

1.

Liquid fertilizers can be handled with small pumps with a
saving of labor.

. Uniform broadcast application is easily obtained by spraying.

. Materials are completely soluble in water so they can be

used in irrigation water and as starter solutions.

. Uniform mixtures of plant nutrients results from their use.

. Pesticides are compatible with many liquid fertilizers.

Simultaneous application saves time and insures uniform
application.

. The use of liquids simplifies custom mixing of fertilizer

grades.

. Liquids may be used as foliar sprays.

. The availability of nitrogen and potassium is not decreased

when applied to the soil in the liquid form.

The following disadvantages of liquid over conventional dry ferti-

lizers have been recognized by both producer and agronomist (22).

1.

Special equipment is required.

2. Special storage containers are necessary.

3.

Complete fertilizers in liquid form can be made only in
relatively low grades and they contain very small quantities
of secondary or minor elements.

4. Application equipment for placing fertilizer in recommended

position with respect to the seed in the soil is generally
unavailable.

5. Phosphorus fixation (a decrease in solubility or availability)
in the soil may be increased.

6. Calcium and magnesium contents of liquid fertilizers have
to be kept low to prevent precipitation of other plant nutrients.

7. Rates of actual nutrients applied may be limited because of
the large volume of water needed.

8. Liquid fertilizers corrode certain metals.
9. Liquid fertilizers may be more difficult to merchandise.

10. Completely soluble carriers are required for the manufacture
of solutions; setting a limitation on carriers which may be used.

11. Grades high in potassium, suitable for several crops growing
on light sandy or organic soils are difficult to formulate unless
low grade fertilizers are accepted.

In practice, the quantity of liquid N-P or N-P-K fertilizers now
being used by farmers represents a small proportion of the total
fertilizer consumption. Future developments probably will be determined
by the following factors:

1. Success in raising the nutrient concentration above present
grades.

2. Reducing the cost of raw materials needed in formulation.

3. Economies and improvements in application methods which
may be achieved.

4. Relative effectiveness of solid and liquid fertilizers as a
source of phosphorus to crops.

It may be mentioned in this connection that the Tennessee Valley
Authority is producing on an experimental scale concentrated phosphorus
liquid fertilizers (29). Some of these materials are: liquid ammonium
metaphosphate (AMP) (11.0-37.8-0), AMP - solid ammonium meta-
Phosphate (16. 3—80. 3-0), DAP - liquid diammonium phosphate
(7. 9-20. 0-0), DAP - solid diammonium phosphate (21. 0-53. 0-0), and
ASPA - liquid ammoniated superphosphoric acid (10. 15-36. 8-0).

The investigators of the Tennessee Valley Authority compared
the above five nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers in greenhouse studies
with Brown TOp millet and Anderson winter wheat (29). Millet was
used as a first crop, followed by wheat to measure residual effects
of the materials. In general the liquid fertilizers resulted in higher
dry matter yields than the corresponding solid form of the materials.
In this respect, ammonium metaphosphate was the least effective of
the materials tested, with the liquid being considerably more effective
than the solid form. Liquid ammoniated superphosphoric acid was
found to be more effective than liquid ammonium metaphosphate.
While the yields from the mixed placement of fertilizers were con-
siderably lower than from banding, the same general order of effective-
ness of the materials was observed. The yields of the second crop to
study the residual effect of the fertilizers were much lower and the
response to phosphorus was much less pronounced. Regarding phos-
phorus absorption, solid ammonium metaphosphate gave the lowest
yield of phosPhorus, while liquid ammoniated superphosPhoric acid
was most effective regardless of placement.

Robertson e_t 31. (22) found in one trial on wheat that the solid
and liquid forms of complete fertilizer had equal effects on yield.

The same authors found similar effects in three trials on oats. With
corn grown at one location, the liquid fertilizer plots yielded 20
bushels less corn per acre than did the dry fertilizer plots. At another
location, in a fertilizer rate and placement experiment, corn yields
were 17 bushels lower where N, P205 and K20, each at 50 pounds per
acre, were sprayed on the surface of the soil than where they were
injected in the liquid form into the soil near the row before the first

cultivation. At twice the rate of the same fertilizer, liquid sprayed

10

on the soil surface was as effective as solid fertilizer, and also pro-
duced yields equivalent to those where the lower rate of liquid
fertilizer was injected into the soil.

In trials on organic soils, Khouri (7) found that the use of liquid
fertilizer resulted in lower yields of onions, carrots, and table beets
than were obtained with a similar placement of solid fertilizers.

Many experimental studies comparing fertilizer sources of
phosphorus have been carried out over a number of years. In the
past decade radioactive phosphorus has been incorporated into ferti-
lizers, thereby allowing evaluation of plant absorption of fertilizer
phosphorus. Many reports of comparisons of utilization of phOSphorus
from various P32 labelled phosphate carriers have come from agri-
cultural experiment stations. Using these tracer methods, the
superiority of soluble sources of phosphorus on certain soils has been
demonstrated by several workers. For example, Dion (it a_._l. (3)
found monoammonium phosphate supplied significantly larger amounts
of phosPhorus to wheat and barley than did monocalciuxn phosphate,
and that dicalcium phosphate was inferior to either of these sources
on neutral to alkaline soils. Likewise in Colorado, Olsen :31: 2:1. (16)
found that superphosphate furnished more phosphorus to plants than
dicalcium or tricalcium phosphate. Speer _e_t a_;l. (25) using tracer
procedures showed that superphOSphates, monosodium phosPhate,
monoammonimn phosphate, monomagne sium phosPhate, and phosPhoric
acid were readily absorbed by crops grown on Houston Black Clay.

In recent years several metaphosPhate fertilizers have been
developed by TVA with the idea of stimulating production of high
analysis phosPhates. Calcium metaphosPhate produced in pilot plants
has been compared with superphosphate in many regions. However,

potassium and ammonium metaphosphates are still considered as

11

experimental materials. Godfrey et a1. (5) in studies of comparisons

of the effect of ammonium ort hophosphate, ammonium metaphosphate,
and 20 percent superphosphate on Sweet sudan and Iron-Clay cowpeas
grown on an acid Planosol and a highly calcareous Grumusol, found
ammonium metaphosphate was a very promising high analysis
fertilizer on acid soils, and also equally satisfactory (but not superior)
on calcareous soils. These results seem to be in agreement with the
work of Olson and Dreier (17). In studies of the availability of several
phosphate carriers to small grains and subsequent clover in relation
to nature of soil and method of placement, Olson e1: a_._l. (18) found the
comparative effectiveness of their phosPhate carriers as shown by
yield and phosphorus uptake to be as follows: ammonium phosphate g
concentrated superphosphate 2 ordinary and ammoniated superphosphate,
calcium metaphosphate, and nitric phosphate of high water solubility.
Arnmoniated superphosPhate and calcium metaphosphate were found to
be effective only on acid soils and decidedly inferior on calcareous
soils. Maximum efficiency of these carriers was obtained with seed
placement as compared with broadcast or mixed placement of the phos-
phate. There were no differences in residual values of these carriers.
It must be pointed out that there has been very little published
work on the newer high analysis materials like ammonium metaphosphate
and ammoniated superphosphoric acid, and also little effort appears
to have been made to tag these new materials with P32.
Several reports have been published on the behavior of calcium
and potassium metaphosphates in soils. However, in the literature,
no work has appeared on similar studies with ammonium me taphosphate.
The Tennessee Valley Authority has produced considerable quantities
of calcium metaphosPhate, and now attempts are being made to introduce

potassium and ammonium metaphosphates to the fertilizer industry.

12

These concentrated fertilizers, containing over 55 percent P205,

present a decided advantage to farmers since they have several times
more plant nutrients per ton than ordinary commercial superphosPhate.
Thus, the costs of handling, bagging, storing, shipping, and Spreading
are reduced. While numerous yield comparative tests have been made
with calcium and potassium metaphosPhates in the field and greenhouse,
the chemical pr0perties of the metaphosPhates in general and their
behavior in soil have not received much attention. This is due primarily
to the fact that the metaphosPhates have a strong tendency to polymerize
into complex products with high molecular weights and their commercial
importance has not warranted the requisite research. Nevertheless,

of late, the use of metaphosphates as fertilizers, water conditioners,
emulsifying agents, and detergents has stimulated new interest in these
compounds. There are some reports about the solubility and reversion
characteristics of these metaphosPhates under laboratory conditions,

but little published work is to be found on the behavior of these com-
pounds in soil.

Lysirneter studies by Maclntire e_t a_._l. (11) on the behavior of
potassium metapho sphate shows that this compound is readily hydrolyzed
to the Ortho form. Since the K and NH4 ions have many similarities
in their chemical behavior, it may be inferred that ammonium meta-
phosphate would hydrolyze to the ortho form in the same fashion,

although there is no experimental evidence to corroborate this statement.

Effect of Placement

Placement is an important consideration in studying phosphate
fertilizer efficiency. Dean e_t a1. (2) found in a greenhouse test ryegrass

obtained more phosphorus from superphOSphate when it was mixed with

13

the top third of the soil than by band placement or mixing with the
entire soil. Mixing with all the soil gave the lowest uptake of phos-
phorus from the fertilizer.

Nelson gt a}. (13), working with North Carolina soils, measured
the effect of placement on amount of P32 taken up from superphosPhate
by corn and cotton. For cotton, P32 uptake indicated a higher
efficiency for phOSphate placed in bands 3 inches from the row as
compared with broadcast for both low- and high-phosphorus soils.
However, differences for the sampling dates were generally smaller
for the high phosphorus soil. In the case of corn, fertilizer placed
in bands 3 inches from the row was utilized to a greater extent than
fertilizer broadcast, but it was not appreciably better than when the
fertilizer was mixed in the row. There was an early vegetative growth
re3ponse on both corn and cotton at the 50-1b. rate of P305 and the
magnitude of the response correlated with phosphorus uptake in the
early stages. However, manner of placement at the 50-1b. rate had
no effect on yields.

Stanford and Nelson (26) studied the effect of placement on uptake
of fertilizer phosphorus by corn. Their results showed that placement
of fertilizer at seed depth in bands on one or both sides of the seed
generally resulted in greater utilization of fertilizer phosphorus than
when placed in a single band above or below the seed level. Dry matter
yields during early stages of growth also showed seed level placement
to be superior to other methods.

Blaser and McAuliffe (1) found that in the case of Ladino clover,
superphosPhate and calcium metaphosPhate were taken up to a greater
extent from the drilled than from the broadcast application whereas the

reverse effect was noted with orchard grass.

14

Movement of Phosphorus

When soluble phosphates are added to soil, the phosPhorus is
rendered insoluble almost as soon as it comes in contact with the
soil. It appears that the movement of phosphorus in the soil is quite
inapp r e ciable .

Olsen 31: a}. (16) studying the movement of liquid phosphoric acid
and of treble superphosphate applied to an alkaline soil, found that
82. 3 percent of the phosphoric acid remained in the surface 3 inches
of soil, while 98 to 99 percent of the treble superphosPhate remained
within 2 inches of the zone of application. Ulrich and associates (30)
also found that liquid phosPhoric acid applied at the rate of 2, 300 pounds
P205 per acre to a loam of high phosphorus-fixing capacity penetrated
to a depth of 11 inches in 43 days, although 86 percent of the amount
applied remained in the top 6 inches of soil.

Langguth e_t a_1. (8) used a soil column to study and compare the
chemical availability and movement of phosPhates from liquid and dry
fertilizers in four widely different California soils. The fertilizers
used in this study were a, 2-24-0 liquid fertilizer, a, 11-48-0 dry
fertilizer, and a 0-42-0 superphosphate. These workers found that the
availability of phosphate from liquid fertilizers was either equal to or
greater than the phosphate availability from dry fertilizers having a
highly water-soluble phosPhate source. The movement of the phosphate
from the liquid fertilizer was essentially the same as that obtained
from the dry fertilizers, although the quantity of applied phosPhate
remaining on the soil surface was greater from solid fertilizers than
from the liquid. However, the amount of surface phosphate was only

a small fraction of the total applied phosphate.

15

Extensive investigations have been carried out in order to study

several factors affecting movement of phosphates in soil systems,

and the results can be summarized as follows:

1.

2.

Relatively rapid movement of phosphates occurs only in
light textured soils.

Phosphate movement is slight in soil systems that are
strongly acid or alkaline.

Little phosphate movement is observed in soil systems that
contain appreciable quantities of iron and aluminum oxides.

Greater movement is noted in soil systems which are
continuously wet than if they are allowed to dry.

Greater movement is observed when phosphates are applied
as salts of the monovalent cations or magnesium than when
applied as calcium salts.

If the phosPhates are applied in a water soluble form, the
movement observed is roughly proportional to the rate of
application.

l6

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Greenhouse Experiments with Corn and Field Beans (1956)

The soil selected for study was the surface 0-7 inch layer of
a Metea sandy loam from the University experimental plots at
East Lansing, Michigan, where phosphorus deficiency on corn had
been previously noted when no phosphate was used. Some of the

physical and chemical properties of this soil are given in Table 1.

Soil Containers

Ten wooden boxes having inner dimensions of 45x45x8 inches
were filled with sandy loam soil up to 7 inches deep. Each box was
divided into two equal sections by means of a wooden separator.
The soil was compacted, moistened, and partially dried before

placement of fertilizer and planting seeds.

Fertilizer Materials and Methods of Placement

Monoamrnoniurn phosphate labelled with P32 was supplied by the
Fertilizer and Agricultural Lime Section, A. R. S. , Beltsville,
Maryland. This phosPhorus source was mixed with muriate of potash
and ammonium nitrate to give a material of approximately 12-24-24
analysis. Specified amounts of this fertilizer were dissolved in water
for spray, dribble, and row application. Special equipment designed
by the Agricultural Engineering Department of Michigan State
University was used to apply radioactive solid and liquid fertilizer

in the different placements. This equipment is shown in Plate 1.

17

 

 

 

Mechanical equipment used in the application of radio-
active solid and liquid fertilizer in the greenhouse.

Plate I.

18

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19

Rates of Application

The solid and liquid materials were applied at rates of 100 and
200 pounds of P305 per acre. Where liquid was applied, 500 ml. of
the fertilizer solution was applied to each half box. At the 100
pounds P205 per acre rate, 50 pounds of N and 100 pounds of KZO
were applied, while these two rates were doubled when 200 pounds
P205 per acre was used. The fertilizer treatments (2 replications)
were as follows:

A. Check no fertilizer

B. Solid in row 100 pounds P205

C. Solid in row 200 pounds P205

D. Solid mixed 100 pounds P205 (fertilizer mixed with top
inch of soil)

E. Liquid in row 100 pounds P205

F. Liquid in row 200 pounds P205

G. Liquid dribble 100 pounds P205 (fertilizer dribbled on top

of soil over the row)

H. Liquid dribble 200 pounds P205

1. Liquid Spray 100 pounds P205

J. Liquid spray 200 pounds P205

Test Plants

Corn was planted in each of two rows 12 inches apart at the
rate of 16 seeds per row on April 20, 1956, one day after fertilizer
application. The boxes were irrigated by the addition of a measured
quantity of distilled water at regular intervals. Plants were harvested
at four different stages of growth, namely, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks
after planting.

Field beans were planted in each of two rows 12 inches apart
at the rate of 12 seeds per row on June 28, 1956, the same day as
fertilizer was applied. Plants were harvested at three different

stages of growth, namely, 2, 4, and 7 weeks after planting.

20

Radioactive and Chemical Analysis

Dried plant material of each replicate at each sampling date
was pressed into pellets using a hydraulic press according to the
method employed by Vomocil (31). Specific activity measurements
of the pellets were made using an NMC decade scaler and GM count-
ing tube. Standard pellets were prepared by using a known portion
of the radioactive phosphorus fertilizer mixed thoroughly with non-
radioactive plant material. The activities of the standard pellets
were compared with those of the plant material collected from the
greenhouse and field experiments. Total phosphorus analysis was
made on the same pellet used for radioactive phosphorus analysis
by wet ashing the plant material in a 150 milliliter tall form beaker
with 15 milliliters of concentrated nitric acid. The sample was
digested on an electric hot plate until all the organic matter was
destroyed, leaving a clear solution. Then Six milliliters of 70
percent perchloric acid was added to the solution and the digestion
on the hot plate continued until the oxidation was complete and a clear,
colorless solution was obtained. This solution was then taken almost
to dryness, cooled, and made up to 100 milliliter volume with
0. 05N HCl. The solution was filtered through a Whatrnan No. 42
filter paper. This method closely follows the wet ash procedure
by the perchloric acid method of Piper (20). The phosPhorus in
solution was determined as molybdenum blue. One milliliter aliquot
of the solution was diluted to 10 milliliters, and six drops of ammonium
molybdate-hydrochloric acid reagent was added, followed by the
same quantity of Fiske-Subbarow (4) reagent. The solution was Shaken,
and after 15 minutes, the transmittance of the blue color developed
was measured in a Coleman Universal Spectrophotometer Model 14,

using a red filter (650 mu).

21

Field Experiment with Corn (1956)

Soil Area

Metea sandy loam at the University Experimental Farms, East
Lansing, Michigan, was selected for the comparison of solid and
liquid fertilizers. This was the same soil which was used in the
greenhouse study above. The available phosphorus in this soil was

low, being only 12 pounds per acre using 0. 13N HCl as the extractant.

Fertilizer

Monoammoniurn phosphate labelled with P32 was mixed with KCl
and NH4N03 to give a mixed fertilizer of 1-2-2 ratio. The solid and
liquid materials listed below were applied at rates equivalent to 100
pounds P205 per acre.

Treatments: Liquid Spray NPK

l.

2. Liquid Spray NK
3. Liquid in row NPK
4. Liquid in row NK
5. Liquid dribble NPK
6. Liquid dribble NK
7. Solid in row NPK
8. Solid in row NK
9. Solid broadcast NPK
10. Solid broadcast NK

Method of Application

Special tractor mounted equipment designed by the Agricultural
Engineering Department of Michigan State University was used in
applying the fertilizer. This equipment is shown in Plate II. For
Spray treatments the entire plot was sprayed, while for dribble
treatments, the liquid was dribbled directly over the seed row. For

row treatments, the fertilizer was placed to the side and below the

-._‘.—’

 

22

 

 

 

Plate II.

Mechanical equipment used in the application of radio-
active solid fertilizer in the field.

23

seed. For broadcast treatments, the solid was mixed with a small

amount of soil and the mixture spread back over the entire plot.

Plot Size, Fertilizing, Planting, and Harvesting

The design of the experiment was a randomized block with two
replications per treatment. Each plot consisted of two rows of corn
35 feet long with a 42 inch spacing between rows. Fertilizers were
applied on June 3rd and 4th, 1956. Corn seeds of the 90 day early
maturing variety (Michigan certified 250) were planted after fertili-
zation in a designated line to the side and below the row applications
on June 5th. At the time of planting available moisture was low and
germination was rather slow. The entire above ground plant parts
were sampled 3 weeks after planting, while leaf samples were taken
at periods of 5 and 9 weeks after planting. Corn was harvested on
October 13th.

Radioactive and chemical analyses of the corn plant tissue were

run as for samples from the greenhouse experiments.

Field Experiments with Corn (1957)

In 1957, experiments were conducted at the same location,
namely, the field of Metea sandy loam, which was used in 1956.
The same procedures employed in the 1956 experiment were followed,
but because of a limited supply of P32 labelled monoammonium phos-
phate, phosphate application rate was reduced to 50 pounds P205

per acre in order to have four replications.

Fertilizer
Monoammoniuxn phosphate labelled with P32 supplied by the

Fertilizer and Agricultural Lime Section, A. R. S. , Beltsville,

24

Maryland, was mixed with muriate of potash and ammonium nitrate
to give a mixed fertilizer of 1-2-2 ratio. In addition, nitrogen and
potash fertilizer of a 1-0-2 ratio was used to determine the effect

of phosphate in the presence of nitrogen and potassium. The treat-

ments are listed as follows:

1. Solid in row NPK - 50 pounds P205 per acre
2. Solid in row NK
3. Solid mixed NPK - 50 pounds P205 per acre
4. Solid mixed NK
5. Liquid in row NPK - 50 pounds P205 per acre
6. Liquid in row NK
7. Liquid dribble NPK - 50 pounds P205 per acre
8. Liquid dribble NK

Corn (variety Michigan certified 250) was planted on June 6,
1957 one day after application of the fertilizer. Entire plants were
sampled 3 weeks after planting, and leaf samples were taken 6 to 9
weeks after planting. Corn was harvested on October 20th, 1957.
Radioactive and chemical analyses were carried out as for samples

from the previous year.

Greenhouse Experiments with TVA Solid
and Liquid Fertilizers

Fertilizers and Soils Used

In order to study the relative effectiveness of solid and liquid
fertilizers, five materials supplied by the TVA, the properties of
which are listed in tabular form on the next page, were compared in
a greenhouse study. Two soils, a 0-7 inch layer of Metea sandy loam
from the University experimental plots at East Lansing, Michigan,
and a 0-8 inch layer of Rifle peat from Clinton County were selected
for this experiment in order to evaluate comparative results from

mineral and organic soils. The Metea soil was low in available

25

phosphorus with a pH of 6. 0, while the Rifle peat was strongly acid
(pH 4. 3), and considered very responsive to the application of phosphate.
Some of the chemical and physical properties of these soils are
presented in Table 1.

Some physical and chemical properties of the TVA experimental

fertilizers used in this greenhouse study were as follows:

 

 

Abbreviation ‘ Fertilizer Material Analysis
SAMP Solid ammonium metaphosphate1 16. 3-80. 3-0
LAMP Liquid ammonium metaphosphatez 1 1. 0-37. 8-0
DAP Solid diammonium phosphate3 21. 0-53. 0-0
CSP Solid concentrated superphosphate 0-49-0
ASPA Liquid ammoniated superphosphoric

acid4 10. 5-36. 8-0

 

1This material was a white solid with a bulk density of about 15 pounds
per cubic foot. It was prepared by reacting P205 and gaseous NH3 at

a temperature of 700 F. It had a N:P atomic ratio of 1. 05.
2
This was a clear liquid produced by dissolving NH3-P205 reaction

product of a 1. 04' N:P atomic ratio (16.4A N and 79. 9A P205) in water
at a temperature of 125 F. to 150 F. while adding ammonia to main-
tain a neutral solution. About 85 percent of the N was in the ammonia-
cal form and about 30 percent of the P205 was in the ortho form at the
time the liquid was prepared. The liquid had a specific gravity of

l. 376 and a pH of 7. 1.

3Unconditioned plant product.

4This was a clear liquid prepared by reacting superphosphoric acid
(76. 5A P205) with ammonium hydroxide at a temperature of 55° F.
About 50 percent of the P205 was in the ortho form at the time the
liquid was prepared. All of the nitrogen Should be in the ammoniacal
form. The liquid has a specific gravity of l. 394 and a pH of 5. 3.

For convenience the above abbreviations for the five fertilizer
materials will be used henceforth in this write-up.

26

Rifle peat was set up in a limed and unlimed series in order
to study the effect of lime on phosphorus availability of the several
carriers. The peat which was mixed with precipitated calcium
carbonate at the rate of 15 tons per acre, was incubated for 4 weeks
after being moistened. The soil pH after incubation was found to be
7. 2. Tin cans of a 3 gallon size, which were lined with polyethylene
plastic were used as soil containers. The soils were mixed with
ammonium nitrate and muriate of potash at rates of 50, 200, and
400 pounds of N, and KZO per acre. Adjustments were made for the
nitrogen already present in both solid and liquid ammonium metaphos-
phate, diammonium phosphate, and ammoniated superphosPhoric acid.
Three rates of PzOs-- O, 50, and 200 pounds per acre were used with
SAMP, LAMP, DAP, CSP, and ASPA as the phosphate sources.
Sufficient supplementary nutrients were applied to each container on
an acre basis.

Two hundred and fifty pounds of magnesium sulfate, 300 pounds
of manganese sulfate, 50 pounds of copper oxide, 30 pounds of borax,
25 pounds of zinc sulfate and 1 pound ammonium molybdate were
applied to Rifle peat, while 100 pounds of magnesium sulfate, 500
pounds of manganese sulfate, 10 pounds each of copper and zinc
sulfates, 10 pounds of sodium borate, and 1 pound of ammonium

molybdate were added to Metea sandy loam.

Fertilizer Application

Three methods of applying the solid and liquid materials were
utilized, including: 1) Solid in row, 2) Solid-mixed, 3) Liquid in row,
and 4) Liquid-dribble. Each treatment was replicated three times.
For solid and liquid row applications, circular depressions were

made by pressing the rim of a clay pot into the moist soil.

27

Appropriate amounts of the solid fertilizer were placed uniformly in
the depressions. As for the liquids, specific volumes of the liquid
was delivered by means of a graduated pipette. Since the liquids were
quite viscous, delivery of these through a pipette was not very satis-
factory. Liquid dribble applications were made on the surface in a
circular pattern. Seeds were sown about one inch below and two
inches away from the circular depressions in which the solid and
liquid fertilizer was placed. For solid-mixed application, the
appropriate amounts of the fertilizer material was mixed thoroughly

with the upper six inches of the soil.

Test Cr0ps

Fertilizers were applied on June 14, 1957, and corn was planted
the same day. Twelve seeds were planted in each can. Entire plant
samples were taken 3 and 6 weeks after planting, leaving two plants
in each can. The remaining plants were harvested when they started
to tassel, approximately 8 weeks after planting. The above ground
portion of the plants were dried in an oven at 700 C. , weighed, and
then ground in a Wiley mill. Analyses were made for total phosphorus
in the dried plant tissue. Samples taken at the end of 3 and 6 weeks,
respectively, were made up of material from three replicates, while
the final sampling was of individual replicates.

IInmediately after the harvest of corn and without disturbing
more than the surface inch of soil, millet was planted in the same
cans in order to determine the residual effect of the fertilizers.
Entire plant samples were taken at intervals of 4, 6, and 8 weeks
after planting, the one after 8 weeks being the final harvest. At the
time of planting millet, an additional quantity of nitrogen and potash

were applied to each can at the rate of 50 pounds of N and K20 per acre.

28

As in the case of corn, replicates of the first two samples were
combined for analysis, while the final harvested plants were dried,
weighed, and ground separately for analysis. After wet-ashing the
ground residue, the molybdenum blue method was employed for the
estimation of phosphorus, using amino-naphthol- sulfonic acid as the

reducing agent (4).

Phosphorus Movement and Fixation Studies
in the Laboratory

Experiment 1

In order to study the relative movement of solid and liquid
phosphorus fertilizers, a laboratory experiment was initiated, using
Metea sandy loam.

Experimental Factors:

Fertilizers: 1. Solid ammonium metaphosphate

2. Liquid ammonium metaphosphate

Moisture levels: 5, 10, and 20 percent

Sampling intervals: 2, 4, 8, and 16 days

Containers: Special wooden boxes with inner dimensions
3%x Iii-x 411; inches were procured for this experiment. Soil screened
through a 2 millimeter sieve was mixed with a calculated quantity
of ice flakes to obtain a specific soil moisture level. The soil was
then placed in the wooden boxes and allowed to incubate for a week.
The boxes had grooves cut in the inner two side walls, the distance
between the grooves being 2. 0 centimeters. In addition the boxes
were provided with a top lid and a hinged side which could be opened
or closed as desired. The soil was placed in each box, and compacted
sufficiently. The fertilizers were placed in designated depressions,

and then covered with soil. The boxes were then closed, the lids

29

sealed, and kept in a chamber where 95 percent relative humidity
could be maintained. The samplings at Specified intervals were
obtained by opening the side facing the grooves, and inserting a steel
plate of appropriate dimensions into the grooves. Lateral samplings
were obtained by cutting the section of soil on the steel plate by
means of a metal frame with partitions 2 centimeters apart.

The soil samples thus obtained were analyzed for extractable
phosphorus, using 0. 03N ammonium fluoride and 0. 25N hydrochloric

acid, the soil to extractant ratio being 1:25.

Experiment 2

To evaluate the comparative fixation of phosphorus by soils
when they were treated with varying rates of solid and liquid phosphorus
fertilizers, incubation studies in the laboratory were conducted, using
Metea sandy loam, and Rifle peat, the physical and chemical properties
of which are presented in Table 1.

Rifle peat received solid ammonium metaphosPhate at the rate
of 200, 400, and 800 pounds P205 per acre, while the rates of liquid
armnonium metaphosphate added to the soil were 260, 520, and 1040
pounds P205 per acre. Solid ammonium metaphosphate was added to
Metea sandy loam at the rate of 400, 800, and 1, 600 pounds P205 per
acre, and the rate of application of liquid ammonium metaphosPhate
was 520, 1040, and 2080 pounds P205 per acre.

The necessary amount of fertilizer was mixed with 300 grams
of soil in the case of Metea sandy loam, and 150 grams in the case
of Rifle peat, and after being thoroughly mixed, was left in a deep
freeze for a week. Then the soil was brought to field capacity by

mixing the soil with appropriate quantity of ice flakes. The mixture

30

was placed in a pint jar and sealed. The jars were incubated at room
temperature. Samples were taken after 2, 7, 14, and 28 days of
incubation. The samples were extracted with 0. 03N ammonium

fluoride and 0. 025N hydrochloric acid and analyzed for phOSphorus.

31

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Greenhouse Experiments with Corn and Beans

Dry Weight Yields

The effect of fertilizer applied in liquid and solid form on the
growth of corn and field bean plants in the greenhouse is presented in
Table 2. Two months after planting it was found that at the lower
rate of applied phosphate dry matter production of corn was highest
when fertilizer was liquid-banded followed by solid-banded, and lowest
when it was liquid-dribbled or liquid-sprayed. At the higher phOSphate
application the liquid-dribble treatInent was most effective followed
by the solid-banded application. No logical explanation for this
increase in effectiveness of the liquid-dribble application at the higher
rate can be given, except that it is possible the seeds were probably
placed very close to the line on which the phosphate solution was
dribbled, thereby enhancing the availability of phosphorus to plants.
This increase in availability of phosphorus to plants would account for
the greater growth. Of all the material and application combinations,
the liquid- Spray and solid-mixed treatnnents were found to be least
effective. In these two cases the fertilizer came in contact with a
large volume of soil, thereby minimizing the availability of phosphorus
to plants. On the other hand, in the case of liquid-banded, liquid-
dribble, and solid-banded applications, the fertilizer was localized
in limited areas of close proximity to the developing plants, a Situation
which would increase the availability of phosPhorus to plants.
Statistical analysis of data obtained on the yields showed that there was

a significant increase due to the various treatInents.

Table 2. The dry weights of corn and field bean plants as influenced
by method of application of solid and liquid fertilizers to
Metea sandy loam in the greenhouse.

32

 

 

 

 

Pounds Dry weights of plaapts in
Fertilizer P205 grams per box
treatment per acre Corn Beans
Solid-mixed 200 264 1 12
Solid-banded 100 270 150
200 315 175
Liquid-banded 100 296 158
200 280 170
Liquid-dribble 100 243 159
200 325 165
Liquid- Spray 100 242 158
200 265 162
No fertilizer 115 103

 

*

Average of two replicates;
and field beans are given in Appendix Tables Vii and VIII respectively.

statistical analysis of yield data of corn

33

A comparison of the dry weights of field bean plants as shown
in Table 2 indicates that with the exception of the solid-mixed fertilizer
treatment, little difference in growth resulted with solid and liquid
fertilizer applied by other methods. Compared with these treatments,
a significant depression in growth occurred when solid fertilizer was
mixed with the surface inch of soil. Actually for beans with fertilizer
applied in this manner, growth was little better than for the no ferti-
lizer treatInent.

It iS of interest to note that such poor growth did not result
from the liquid- Spray application, and is somewhat surprising that
the solid-mixed and liquid- spray applications did not produce reason-
ably similar results as they did with corn in the greenhouse. It is
possible the phosphorus applied in the liquid- spray form was more
readily available to the emerging bean seedlings, thereby giving them
a good start, while the phosphorus in the solid-mixed application
was not immediately available to the plants due to the fact that the

solid fertilizer was mixed with substantially large volume of soil.

The Absorption of Fertilizer Phosphorus by Corn and Beans

The absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by corn and field bean
plants from P321abelled solid and liquid phosphorus fertilizers under
greenhouse conditions is presented in Tables 3 and 4 resPectively.
These results shown graphically in figures 1 and 2 appear to be some-
what erratic with respect to the two rates of applied phosphate for the
earlier samplings when plants were 3 to 6 inches tall. For example,
the data show that 100 percent of the phosphorus in two week old plants
of the solid-banded and liquid-dribble treatments (100 pound P205 per
acre rate) came from fertilizer. Although this soil is known to be

phosphate deficient, these values are unusually high, especially since

34

Table 3. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by corn
plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied by
different methods in the greenhouse.

 

 

Pounds *

Fertilizer P305 Percent P in plants from fertilizer
treatment per acre 2 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks

Solid-mixed 200 100. 0 70. 3 84. 2 51. 9

Solid-banded 100 100. 0 100. 0 76. 0 57. 4

200 61.5 93.9 92.7 60.3

Liquid-banded 100 60. 5 60.6 72.6 44. 1

200 58.1 96.5 68.4 61.6

Liquid-dribble 100 100. 0 77. 0 59. 7 32. l

200 75.5 90.2 82.2 75.6

Liquid-spray 100 74.0 82.2 50. 1 31.0

200 100.0 81.6 76.1 54.3

 

:4:
All values are mean of two rephcates; 1nd1v1dual values are g1ven in

Appendix Table V.

 

 

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Table 4. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by field
bean plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied by

different methods in the greenhouse.

36

 

 

 

 

Pounds *
Fertilizer P205 Percent P in plants from fertilizer
treatment per acre 2 weeks 4 weeks 7 weeks
Solid-mixed 200 85. 4 84. 6 42. 5
Solid-banded 100 78. 0 57. 1 30. 7
200 80.3 83. 1 42.6
Liquid-banded 100 100. 0 60. 6 31. 0
200 75.4 73.3 35.3
Liquid dribble 100 64. 1 49. 1 21. 8
200 96.9 58.4 45.9
Liquid Spray 100 58. 8 32. 8 l4. 2
200 56.2 50.3 33.0

 

All values are mean of two replicates; 1nd1v1dual values are given

in Appendix Table VI.

 

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the contribution from fertilizer is somewhat lower for high rate of
applied phosphate. This variation may have been due in part to
settling of the soil mass within some boxes at the start of the experi-
ment with the subsequent development of some cracks and a slightly
irregular surface. It is definitely felt that values for fertilizer
phosphorus absorption for the six and eight week old corn plants are
more reliable and present a more accurate picture of the relative
absorption of soil and fertilizer phosphorus.

Two months after planting the relative order of availability of
fertilizer phosphorus to corn plants for the 100 pound P205 per acre
treatments was solid-banded > liquid-banded > liquid-dribble > liquid-
spray. For the 200 pound P205 rate this order was liquid-dribble >
liquid-banded > solid-banded > solid-mixed > liquid- spray. Upon
comparing dry matter yields with the relative proportion of fertilizer
and soil phOSphorus in corn plants after 8 weeks of growth, the relation
appears rather imperfect. Only in the case where liquid fertilizer
was dribbled on the soil surface was the growth response from increas-
ing phosphate application related to uptake of fertilizer pho Sphorus.
Yet, except for the solid-banded treatment, the percent of phOSpharus
in plants derived from fertilizer was distinctly higher for the greater
amount of soluble phosphate applied. A number of investigators have
obtained similar data with different crops. It has'triot been uncommon
to obtain differential fertilizer phosphorus uptake with various phos-
phate sources, even though yield response obtained from such sources
was nil or was of a positive and uniform character.

In Table 4, a comparison of these same fertilizer treatments
for field beans which were in blossom 7 weeks after planting indicates

that for the lower rate of applied phosphate, the order of availability

 

 

39

was liquid-banded = solid-banded > liquid-dribble > liquid- spray.
This relationship is changed when the 200 pound P205 treatment is
considered being as follows: liquid-dribble > solid-banded > solid-
mixed > liquid-banded > liquid- spray. This sequence is different
from the order of efficiency for the lower phosphate application in
that the liquid-dribble and liquid-banded treatments have reversed
their positions. The exact reason for this rather substantial change
is not understood. Large differences are noted for final values of
percent phosphorus derived from fertilizer for the 100 and 200 pound
P205 per acre application for all treatments except that of liquid-
banded.

As was found for corn, the relative proportion of fertilizer and
soil phosphorus in two week old field bean plants from the liquid-
banded application appears to be reversed for the 100 and 200 pound
P205 per acre rates. However, a more important asPect to note is
that with the lower quantity of applied phosphate, there is a steady
decrease in percent of fertilizer phosphorus in bean plants over the
experimental period. With the higher phOSphate rate, this decline
did not generally occur until at least one month after planting. This
suggests that either phosphate ions from the 200 pound P205 per acre
application migrated into a larger volume of soil or that because of
a greater concentration of ions, the availability of fertilizer phosphorus
was maintained over a longer period.

In general, with the greenhouse experiments the liquid- Spray
application was the least effective, whereas phosphorus from the
banded application was most available to corn plants, except at the
higher rate when the liquid-dribble treatment was most effective in

supplying fe rtilize r pho spho rus .

40

Field Experiments with Corn

The yields of corn in the field experiments for 1956 and 1957
as given in Table 5 followed the same general pattern as that for the
greenhouse data. In 1956 the liquid-dribble treatment was most
effective followed by the banded applications of solid and liquid ferti-
lizer, while yields of corn grown on plots receiving spray and broad-
cast treatments were lowest. Because of the variation within the
small number of replicates, only the liquid-dribble treatment produced
yields significantly higher than those for other fertilizer treatments.

At the end of the 1957 season, the fertilizer treatment which
produced the highest corn yield was solid fertilizer banded along the
corn row. In contrast to results of the previous year, liquid-dribble
treatment was substantially lower than that for the solid-banded
treatment. For other fertilizer comparisons, the pattern of yield
response followed that for 1956, although the yield of corn in 1957 was
considerably lower. One of the reasons for these reduced yields was
probably due to the lower rate of phosphate application of 50 pounds
P205 in 1957, while the rate was just double in the previous year.

A drought or lack of soil moisture at critical periods of growth was
also responsible in part for the low yields.

The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by corn plants
from solid and liquid fertilizers applied by different methods in the
field for two years are presented in Table 6. The general trends of
fertilizer phosphorus uptake were the same as those obtained with corn
plants in the greenhouse with the exception of the solid-mixed and
liquid- Spray applications. For this treatment under field conditions
with well developed plants, the percent phosphorus in corn from

fertilizer was low relative to values obtained in the greenhouse.

.41

Table 5. The yield of corn (field) as influenced by method of
application of solid and liquid fertilizers to Metea sandy

 

 

 

 

 

loam.
1956 1957
Fertilizer Pounds Yield Pounds Yield
mate rial P205 bu Shel 3 P305 bushel 8
per acre per acre1 per acre per acre2

Solid-mixed 100 59. 0 50 33. 4
Solid-banded 100 69. 0 50 54. 6
Liquid- banded 100 68. 5 50 45. l
Liquid-dribble 100 75. O 50 42. 4
Liquid- Spray 100 60. 0 50 37 . Z
No Phosphate - 57.53 - 34. 23

 

1Average of two replicates

2Average of four replicates

3Average of all NK treatments

Statistical analysis of yield data of corn in 1956 and 1957 are given
in Appendix Tables IX and X resPectively.

4-2

It is likely that continued watering in greenhouse tended to move
fertilizer phOSphorus toward the root zone, and thus enhance plant
absorption.

Nine weeks after planting the liquid- spray and solid-mixed
applications were least effective in supplying phOSphorus to corn
plants, whereas the solid and liquid-banded treatments were most
effective followed by the liquid-dribble application. The phosphorus
absorption trends during the periods of three and five weeks of
growth of corn plants show that phosphorus was about equally available
from all fertilizer applications, except that of liquid- spray, which was
specially effective in 1956 in supplying fertilizer phosphorus to the
young plants. Here again, as in the case of field beans grown in the
greenhouse, it appears the phosphorus applied in the liquid- Spray
application was quite readily available to the emerging seedlings,
but after some time declined in availability due to fixation with the
soil.

Absorption of fertilizer by com plants during their early growth
in 1957 was quite similar for both solid and liquid fertilizers applied
by the several methods. However, five weeks after planting, the
availability of P32 labelled solid-fertilizer mixed with the soil surface
had been markedly reduced as shown in Table 6.. Thus the pattern
of plant uptake of fertilizer phosphorus was similar to that for the
previous year. At the end of nine weeks fertilizer phosphorus absorp-
tion was just about the same for solid-banded, liquid-banded, and
liquid-dribble applications, while in the case of solid-mixed and
liquid- spray applications, the fertilizer phosPhorus absorption fell
off markedly.

Table 6. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by corn

43

plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied by different
placements in the field.

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds *
Fertilizer P205 Percent P in corn plants from fertilizer
treatment Per acre 3 weeks 5 weeks 9 weeks
1956 season
Solid-mixed 100 51. 3 l7. 8 l7. 4
Solid-banded 100 55. 3 52. 9 42. O
Liquid-banded 100 50. 9 47. 6 40. 0
Liquid-dribble 100 55. 6 46. 3 28. 9
Liquid- spray 100 8 1. 5 50. 8 18. 8
1957 season
Solid-mixed 50 4o. 9 16. 8** 16.0
Solid-banded 50 49. 6 46. 2 38. 8
Liquid-banded 50 5 1. 9 47. 9 36. O
Liquid-dribble 50 54. 6 44. 8 30. 5
Liquid- spray 50 50. 8 42. 9 18. 5

 

:3
Values in 1956 are mean of two replicates, while in 1957 of four

>'.<>:< replicates.

These were sampled six weeks after planting.

 

————=—=~_XT-- i--,.»..-.-

44

 

Plate III.

 

Effect of solid-mixed application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth
of corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence).

 

45

urrnoctn '
POTASH , .

 

 

Plate IV. Effect of solid-banded application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth
of corn in the field in 1956 ( 4 weeks after emergence).

46

.5
1‘.
.
-
~.

NITROGEN ' '
POTASN

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. 1‘5“” ”‘9 LIQUID '-
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--, ~47 ' ‘ _”.7
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Plate V. Effect of liquid-banded application of NPK and NK
ertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth
of corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence).

 

....

NITROGEN
POTASH

. .
1‘“
‘ -r._ I' .‘- ‘

 

 

Plate VI. Effect of liquid-dribble application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth
of corn in the field in 1956 (4 weeks after emergence).

 

48

NITRbGEN
, pnospw:
ponsn

 

 

Plate VII. Effect of liquid- spray application of NPK and NK
fertilizer (100 pounds P205 per acre) on the growth
of corn in the field in 1956 ( 4 weeks after emergence).

49

In general liquid fertilizers appeared to behave similar to solid
materials, provided the solid materials were highly soluble and

similar methods of placement were compared.

Greenhouse Experiments with TVA Solid
and Liquid Fertilizers

Five fertilizers, namely, liquid ammonium metaphosphate
(LAMP), solid ammonium metaphosphate (SAMP), liquid ammoniated
superphosphoric acid (ASPA), solid diammonium phosphate (DAP),
and concentrated superphosphate (CSP) supplied by the TVA were
compared in greenhouse studies using corn and millet. The placement
of fertilizer included liquid-banded (L-B), liquid-dribble (L-D-R),
solid-banded (S-B), and solid-mixed (S-M).

Dry Weight of Cr0ps

The dry weights of corn grown on limed and unlimed Rifle peat
as influenced by type and placement of solid and liquid fertilizer are
Shown in Table 7 and figures 3 and 4. On limed Rifle peat yield
increases were statistically significant due to materials, placement,
' and rates when LAMP and ASPA were considered. However, there
was no Significant interaction between materials and placement or
rate, materials and placement. When the solids were considered,
Significant increases in yield were noted for materials and placement
and rate. Significant interaction was also found between rate and
material and rate and placement, while none was evident between
material and placement or between rate, material and placement.
For liquids applied to unlimed Rifle peat, yield increases were found
to be significant due to placement and rate and significant interaction

was obtained between placement and rate and between material,

50

 

 

 

 

Table 7. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in different
placements on the dry weight yields of corn plants grown
on limed and unlimed Rifle peat in the greenhouse
(9 weeks after planting).

Pounds *

Fertilizer Placement P205 Dry weight in grams per pot

material per acre Limed soil Unlimed soil

Check 0 23. 1 13. 8

LAMP Liquid-banded 50 47. 3 52. 6

200 60. 0 56. 0

Liquid-dribble 5O 38. O 54. O

200 52. 3 67. 3

SAMP Solid-banded 50 38. 6 43. 3
200 58. 6 55. 3

Solid-mixed 50 26. O 54. 6

200 56. 0 51 . 3

ASPA Liquid—banded 50 26. 0 53. 3
200 71. 3 60. 6

Liquid-dribble 50 22. 6 59. 3

200 62. 0 66. 0

DAP Solid-banded 50 49. 3 17. 3
200 48. 6 19. 3

Solid—mixed 50 25. 3 42. 6

200 49. 3 50. 6

CSP Solid-banded 50 40. 6 20. 6
200 58. 0 30. O

Solid-mixed 50 34. 6 17. 0

200 56. 6 28. l

 

a:
All values are mean of 3 replications.

Statistical analysis of yield data are given in Appendix Tables XI and

XII.

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placement and rate. With solids, yield differences were significant
due to material, placement, and rate, but significant interaction was
noted only between placement and material.

The effect of liming appeared to vary somewhat for fertilizers
and with rates of applied P205. For example, at the 200 pound P205
per acre level, lime was not beneficial except for corn grown on peat
treated with CSP. When considering the lower rate of phosphate,
growth was distinctly reduced where SAMP and DAP were mixed with
limed soil as compared with similar placement on the original acid
soil. Apparently the lime reduced the plant availability of these
phosphates when mixed with soil, perhaps by formation of dicalcium
phosphate or hydroxyapatite. In contrast, for both the 50 pound P305
per acre solid-banded and solid-mixed treatments of CSP, the effect
of lime was to double corn growth. Yet small quantities of ASPA
applied in the row or dribbled on the soil surface were decidedly less
effective on the limed peat and a similar though not such marked
depression was noted for banded LAMP and SAMP at the 50 pound
P205 per acre rate. Lawton and Davis (10) pdinted out the effect of
liming this soil was to increase the growth of corn up to about pH 6. 5
and decrease it with larger quantities of lime. They also suggest
that, the effect of liming on growth and plant absorption of phosphorus
is minimized at high rates of applied fertilizer.

In most cases the liquid fertilizers resulted in higher dry
matter yields than did the solid materials, though this generalization
is not so conclusive for limed soil. Of the two liquid materials studied
and considering rates and methods of placement, LAMP was slightly
more effective than ASPA on limed soil, but of slightly less benefit
under acid conditions. For the solid fertilizers, dry matter production

of corn was highest for CSP on limed soil, while SAMP was decidedly

54

superior when applied to the original acid soil. As regards the
effect of placement, liquid applied in the row was more effective

than liquid-dribble application in three out of four cases. For SAMP,
DAP, and CSP, banded application resulted in greater growth of

corn than when these same phOSphates were used in mixed placement.
This is in agreement with results obtained by Lawton e_t a_._l. (9) who
reported that soluble phosphate particularly those of a pulverant
nature, should be banded for maximum effectiveness.

Data on the dry weights of millet plants grown on limed and
unlimed Rifle peat presented in Table 9 show that with 50 pound P205
per acre application, in all cases liming the soil increased the growth
of millet. This was particularly evident when DAP was mixed with
the soil, and also for the solid-banded and solid-mixed applications
of CSP. But at the higher rate of phosPhate, liming the soil brought
about a consistent decrease in yield with all fertilizer except DAP
and CSP.

When the solid materials were banded at the 50 pound P205 per
acre rate in limed soil, plants receiving CSP produced the highest
yield followed by those grown on soil receiving DAP and SAMP. For
the unlimed soil the order was SAMP > DAP > CSP, but at the higher
rate of phosphate, banded placement of DAP resulted in highest yield
followed by CSP and SAMP on the limed soil. On the unlimed soil,
the highest yield was obtained with the SAMP treatment and similar

results were obtained when the solid materials were mixed with soil.
PhOSphorus Absorption by Crops

The uptake of phOSphorus by corn and millet from the limed and
unlimed series of Rifle peat is given in Tables 8 and 10, and presented

graphically in Figures 4,, '5, C6 and ‘ 7.. Information on the phosphorus

5.5

 

 

 

 

Table 8. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in different
placements on the uptake of phosphorus by corn plants
grown on limed and unlimed Rifle peat in the greenhouse
(9 weeks after planting).

Pounds Uptake of phOSphorus

Fertilizer Placement P205 milligrams per pot>=<

material per acre Limed soil Unlimed soil

Check 0 48. 8 20. 7

LAMP Liquid-banded 50 36. 5 68. 4

200 6 l. 5 151 . 2

Liquid-dribble 50 49. 4 8 1. O

200 86. 3 127. 8

SAMP Solid-banded 50 38. 6 37. 5
200 79. l 132. 7

Solid-mixed 50 28. 6 76. 4

200 6 l. 6 148. 7

ASPA Liquid-banded 50 80. 6 95. 9
200 1 10. 5 215. l

Liquid-dribble 50 39. 2 94. 9

200 80. 6 198. 0

DAP Solid-banded 50 44. 4 25. l
200 58. 3 112. 0

Solid-mixed 50 41. 7 68. l

200 71. 5 166. 9

CSP Solid-banded 50 52. 8 50. 5
200 78. 3 84. 0

Solid-mixed 50 38. 1 28. 0

200 62. 3 84. 3

 

*

Average of three replications.

56

Table 9. The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on dry weight yields of millet plants

grown on limed and unlimed Rifle peat in the greenhouse
(8 weeks after planting).

 

 

 

Pounds
Fertilizer Placement P205 Dry weight in grams per pot”<
material per acre Limed soil Unlimed soil
Check 0 7. 4 6. 5
LAMP Liquid-banded 50 6. 5 5. 5
200 7. l 7. 4
Liquid-dribble 50 8 . 7 6 . 9
200 6. 3 6. 8
SAMP Solid-banded 50 8. 3 6. 8
200 6. 7 9. 0
Solid-mixed 50 8. 1 6. 3
200 5. 6 10. l
ASPA Liquid- banded 50 6. 7 5. 8
200 8. 1 9. 2
Liquid-dribble 50 7. 7 6. 7
200 6. 5 9. 8
DAP Solid-banded 50 8 . 6 6 . 4
200 9. 5 7. 6
Solid-mixed 50 9. Z 3. 9
200 7. 9 6. 3
CSP Solid-banded 50 9. 7 3. 9
200 7. 2 4. 7
Solid-mixed 50 9. 4 3. 7
200 7. 4 6. 9

 

*
All values are mean of 3 replications.
Statistical analysis of yield data are given in Appendix Tables XIII

and XIV.

57

 

 

 

 

Table 10. The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the uptake of phosphorus by millet
plants grown on limed and unlimed Rifle peat in the green-
house (8 weeks after planting).

Pounds Uptake of phosphorus

Fertilizer Placement P205 milligrams per pot

Material per acre Limed soil Unlimed soil

Check 0 10. 7 8. 4

LAMP Liquid-banded 50 l l. 0 8. 2

200 12. 8 l3. 7

Liquid-dribble 50 1 l . 3 8. 6

200 l l . 3 15. 6

SAMP Solid-banded 50 l l . 6 12. 2
200 8. 1 17. l

Solid-mixed 50 l l. 7 10. l

200 7. 6 21. 5

ASPA Liquid-banded 50 8. l 10. 4
200 13. 8 22. 5

Liquid-dribble 50 11. 9 9.4

200 10. 4 23. 0

DAP Solid-banded 50 12. 5 10. 6
200 16. 1 24. 3

Solid-mixed 50 13. 3 7. 0

200 12. 0 14. 8

CSP Solid-banded 50 16. O 6. 0
200 13. 7 12. 7

Solid-mixed 50 13. 6 7. O

200 14. 1 l7. 9

 

4

4
Average of three replications.

58

 

 

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63

contents of these crops receiving lime and the varied fertilizer
combinations can be seen in Tables I to IV in the Appendix.

The addition of lime to the soil drastically reduced the quantity
of phosphorus absorbed by corn for all the fertilizer treatments except
the 50 pound P205 per acre applications of DAP- and CSP-banded and
CSP-mixed. This effect of liming on organic soil was pointed out
earlier by Lawton and Davis (10). In some cases the phosphorus
content of corn was reduced by as much as 4 or 5 times as a result
of liming. It is quite evident that dry matter production and plant
uptake of phosphorus were not closely related for some fertilizer
treatments with unlimed soil. For example, values for phosPhorus
uptake per pot gradually increased two to three times as the P205
applied quadrupled, whereas yield differences for similar comparisons
were small. On the limed soil, dry weight and phosphorus absorption
were rather closely related.

Of the various fertilizers, greatest phosPhorus uptake was
found with ASPA when rates and methods of application are taken into
consideration, although under acid conditions relatively large amounts
of phosphorus were removed by corn from all fertilizers except CSP.
Liquids might be considered as more efficient sources of phosphorus
for corn, although DAP and SAMP were almost equivalent in supplying
plant available phosphorus under acid soil conditions.

At low rates of the solid materials, banding appeared to allow
greater uptake of phosphorus on limed soil than from unlimed soil,
while differences for row and mixed placement at the 200 pound P205
per acre application were not so marked. This relationship again
indicates that with small amounts of applied phosphate, the method of
placement is more critical. In contrast, on acid soils, placement

is of less importance.

64

The effect of liming on phosphorus absorption by millet grown
on peat soil was the opposite of that found for corn. At the low phos-
phate application, millet generally removed more phosphorus when
grown on limed soils, whereas for corn greatest uptake occurred on
unlimed soils. When 200 pounds P205 was applied, the reverse
condition was evident for the millet crop. The addition of lime did
not seem to cause large differences in the uptake of phosphorus by
millet plants in any of the applications of LAMP, SAMP, and ASPA
at the 50 pound P205 per acre rate. However, for DAP solid-mixed
and the CSP treatments, both solid-banded and solid-mixed appli-
cations, greater phosphorus uptake by the plants over those on the
unlimed soil at the low phosphate rate occurred. For these same
fertilizers at the higher phosphate rate, comparing results from limed
and unlimed soils at the 200 pound P205 per acre rate, uptake of
phosphorus by millet plants was depressed by liming for all of the
placements of LAMP, SAMP, ASPA, and DAP, especially in the case
of SAMP, where there was a two to three fold difference in the uptake
of phosphorus.

Dry Weight Yields of Corn and Millet Grown
on Metea Sandy Loam
Corn

Data on dry weight yields of corn presented in Table 11 show
that response to phosphorus application was not very consistent.

In many cases where 50 pounds of P205 was applied, dry matter
produced was less than that obtained from the check treatment. With
solids, SAMP, DAP, and CSP, differences in corn growth were

found to be significant only with a variation in rate of application.

 

 

 

65

Table 11. Effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in different
placements on the dry weight yields and uptake of phos-
phorus of corn plants grown on Metea sandy loam in the
greenhouse (9 weeks after planting).

Pounds Dry weight Uptake of phos-

Fertilizer Placement P205 grams per phorus, milli-*

material per acre 5 grams per pot

Check 0 26. 3 18. 5

LAMP Liquid-banded 50 32. 6 18. 0

200 3 l. 6 33. 2

Liquid-dribble 50 35. 6 28. 5

200 34. O 32. 3

SAMP Solid-banded 50 22. 0 23. l
200 32. 6 37. 5

Solid-mixed 50 23. 6 24. 8

200 35. 0 36. 7

ASPA Liquid-banded 50 31. 3 15. 6
200 44. 0 48. 4

Liquid-dribble 50 25. 0 26. 2

200 28. 6 34. 3

DAP Solid-banded 50 30. O 10. 3
200 30. 3 34. 8

Solid-mixed 50 20. 6 10. 5

200 30. 3 31. 8

CSP Solid-banded 50 27. 3 38. 2
2.00 29. 3 29. 3

Solid-mixed 50 24. 6 34. 4

200 3 l. 0 62. 0

 

>1:
All values are mean of three replications.

66

In general, the application of liquid fertilizers to the soil
resulted in better growth of corn plants than with solid fertilizers.
However, if comparison is made between data for the banded place-
ment of liquids and diammonium phosphate, such variation is small.
With liquid-banded application of LAMP, increasing the rate of
application of phosphate did not result in any appreciable difference
in the yield of corn. In contrast, the dribble application of LAMP
caused an appreciable decrease in dry matter production as the rate
of phosphate applied was increased. When ASPA was applied banded,
there was very significant increase in yield at the 200 pound P205
per acre rate as compared with the 50 pound rate. With the dribble
treatment of ASPA, the yield of corn was considerably less than
that obtained with the banded application, although significant yield
re5ponse was obtained from added phosphate in the case of the
dribbled treatment. These data are in agreement with those for
corn grown on Rifle peat, indicating that phosphorus from the dribble
treatment of ASPA was not as available to plants as a result of its
surface placement and consequent fixation in the surface soil.

Comparing the two liquid fertilizers, it can be seen that when
they are banded in soil at the low rates of application, there was little
difference in yield. However, when 200 pound P205 per acre appli-
cations were made, ASPA resulted in substantially higher yield than
LAMP. However, when the materials were dribbled, LAMP applied
at both rates was. superior.

Regarding the application of solid materials, it can be seen that
with SAMP, there was a substantial increase in yield when the rate
of application was increased from 50 to 200 pounds. The same trend

in yield was found when SAMP was banded or mixed, indicating that

67

placement was not a limiting factor as far as fertilizer phosphorus
was concerned. When CSP was mixed with the soil, there was an
increase in yield with progressive amounts of applied phosphate.
Increasing the application of DAP from 50 to 200 pounds P205 per
acre resulted in no ihcrease in yields. However, the solid-mixed
application was found to be less effective than the solid-banded
application at the low phosphate level. It may be considered that this
difference was due to fixation of fertilizer phosPho‘rus in mixed
placement with the large volume of soil. However, the availability
of phosphorus to corn plants as measured by plant absorption

was similar for both placements, indicating this hypothesis does
not hold true.

Comparing all the three solid materials, it can be seen that
when the fertilizers are banded in soil at the 50 pound P205 per acre
rate, DAP application resulted in best yield of corn followed by CSP
and SAMP. At the 200 pound P205 per acre rate, SAMP produced the
best growth. When the same materials were mixed with the soil, the
results were somewhat different. At both the 50 and 200 pound rates

of phosPhate application, SAMP gave better yields.

Phosphorus uptake

The uptake of phOSphorus in terms of milligrams per pot shows
some interesting results. When LAMP was the phosphorus source,
although increasing rates of application did not have any effect on the
yield of corn, there was an increase in uptake of phosphorus at the
200 pound rate. Similar results were obtained in the case of banded
as well as dribble applications of this phosphate. But in the case of
ASPA at the 50 pound rate, due to some reason or other, the phosphorus

uptake was less than that from the check treatment when the material

68

was banded. With both banded and dribbled placements, the 200 pound
P205 per acre rate resulted in appreciable increase in the absorption
of phosphorus by corn over the lower rate of applied phosphate.

With SAMP when the material was banded or mixed, at the 50
and 200 pound rates, phosphorus uptake was increased. When DAP
was the fertilizer material used, at the 50 pound rate, again phos-
phorus absorption by com plants in milligrams per pot was less than
that obtained from the check plants. This was true in both banded as
well as mixed applications of this material. However, when the high
rate is considered, there was a marked increased uptake of phosPhorus.

With CSP the results were somewhat inconsistent. When the
material was banded in the soil, phosphorus uptake decreased with
increase in rate of application even though growth remained about the
same. But when CSP was mixed with the soil, maximum absorption

of phosphorus by plants was noted at the 200 pound rate.

Millet

Dry weight yields.

Yield data and phosphorus absorption by millet plants used to
determine the residual effect of the applied phosphates are shown in
Table 12. All treatznents except CSP as a solid-mixed placement at
the low rate of application resulted in increased yield as compared
with the check treatment. In contrast to the initial corn crop, yield of
millet grown on soil receiving SAMP was somewhat larger than that
grown where LAMP was the residual phosphate. However, though
reversal of trend cannot be attributed either to differences in phosPhorus
absorbed by the first crop or to variation in nitrogen level. With ASPA
at higher increments of phosPhate application, yields were enhanced

in both banded and dribbled placements. Comparing the liquids, when

69

Table 12. The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the dry weight yields and uptake of
phOSphorus by millet plants grown on Metea sandy loam in
the greenhouse (8 weeks after planting).

.—

 

 

Pounds Dry weight, Uptake of phos-
Fertilizer Placement P205 grains per phorus, milli-y
material per acre pot grams per pot"
Check 0 6. 1 14. 9 A
LAMP Liquid-banded 50 8. 5 18. 7
200 8. 6 2.4. l
Liquid-dribble 50 9. 8 25. 0
2.00 9. 2 25. 8
SAMP Solid-banded 50 l l. 1 23. 9
200 ll. 2 24. 6
Solid-mixed 50 8. 0 19. 6
200 10. 4 24. 9
ASPA Liquid-banded 50 6. 6 21. 8
200 9. 0 21. 6
Liquid-dribble 50 7. Z 20. 2
200 ll. 1 28. 9
DAP Solid- banded 50 l l . 0 l7. 6
200 l l . 1 21 . 6
Solid-mixed 50 9. 7 20. 4
200 10. 6 20. 7
CSP Solid-banded 50 6. 6 10. 8
200 7. Z 18. 4
Solid-mixed 5O 4. 6 10. 0
200 6. 6 l3. 9

 

*
All values are mean of three replications.

70

they are banded, at the low rate, LAMP gave better yield, whereas at
the 200 pound P205 per acre rate ASPA was found to be superior.

When SAMP was banded, yield decreased with increased rate
of application. But when applied mixed, better yield was obtained at
the 200 pound P205 per acre rate. Rate of application did not have
any appreciable effect on yield when DAP was used in banded place-
ment. When mixed with the soil at the 200 pound rate, this fertilizer
produced vigorous growth. In both banded and mixed applications of
CSP increasing rate of application resulted in enhanced growth, a
general yield response of millet to phosphate was less evident than with

corn.

Phosphorus uptake.

In all cases with the exception of CSP, at the low rate of phosphate
application, increased uptake of phosphorus by plants occurred. With
LAMP, phosphorus uptake by millet plants was increased with a higher
increment of phosphate.

With SAMP, increasing the rate of phosphate application from
the 50 to the 200 pound rate enhanced phosphorus absorption by plants
in the solid-mixed placement.

When DAP was used in banded placement, there was an increased
uptake of phosphorus with the higher rate of phosphate application,
but when this material was mixed with soil, there was very little
difference. With CSP applications, there was an enhanced absorption
of phosphorus by millet plants as the rate of added phosPhate was
increased. This increase was noted in both banded as well as mixed
applications of the fertilizer.

Summarizing the residual effect of these solid and liquid phos-

phates on the yields and phosPhorus uptake by millet plants it can be

71

mentioned that differences in yields were quite small due to placement
in most cases. Residual phosphate was absorbed in varying degree by
plants, and an increased uptake of phosphorus as related to rate of
application was noted when CSP was banded or mixed. However, in
the case of corn plants, increased additions of CSP was found to
depress phosphorus uptake. From the results obtained in the case of
millet plants, it is likely that the fertilizer became uniformly dis-
tributed in the soil, thus facilitating more absorption of phosphorus

without causing any apparent ill-effects on the growth of plants.
Laboratory Incubation Studies

Incubation studies were conducted in the laboratory in order to
study the behavior of solid and liquid ammonium metaphosphates
when applied to Rigle peat and Metea sandy loam, the same soils used
in the greenhouse and field experiments. Data in Table 13 indicate
the amount of fixed and non-hydrolyzed phosphorus in Metea sandy loam
which received different rates of solid and liquid ammonium metaphos-
phates. In the case of liquid ammonium metaphosphate at the 227 pound
P per acre rate the amount of fixed and non-hydrolyzed phosPhorus was
fairly constant during the 2, 7, l4, and 28 days of incubation, although
there was some increase in non-recoverable phosphorus at the end of
14 days. It appears that considerable amounts of metaphosphate are
hydrolyzed to orthophosphate. Calculations of the quantity of phosPhorus
fixed of that applied as arnmonimn metaphosphate necessarily precludes
the assumption that there has been complete hydrolysis of metaphosphate
to ortho phosphate forms. This may not be true as pdinted out in the
following discussion. As the rate of added phosphorus was doubled and
quadrupled, the rate of fixation and non-hydrolysis of phosphorus also

appeared to increase. At the 454 pound P per acre rate, the amount of

72

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73

non-recoverable phosphorus was greater during the first 7 days of
incubation after which it diminished. In the case of solid ammonium
metaphosphate at the 175 pound P per acre rate, the amount of fixed
non-recoverable phosphorus was reduced as the length of incubation
was increased. However, as the rate of added phosphorus was
increased two to four times, greatest fixation and non-hydrolysis
occurred after 7 days of incubation followed by a distinct decrease
after the Z and 4 week incubation periods. No explanation with definite
proof can be given for this decrease in fixation and an increase in
hydrolysis. It appears a fair portion of the metaphosphate undergoes
hydrolysis to the orthophosphate form.

Since the phosphorus fixation studies with solid and liquid arnmon-
ium metaphosphates were confined to only one mineral soil, very few
generalizations can be made in regard to the comparative fixation of
liquid and solid phosphates, and also since the rates of applied
phosphorus varied somewhat for the two forms, it is difficult to make
strict comparisons. However, from the results obtained in this study,
it appears likely that solid ammonium metaphosphate is fixed to a
greater extent or is hydrolyzed more slowly than the liquid form when
large additions of these fertilizers to the soil are concerned.

It is interesting to note that as the amount of phosphorus added
as LAMP to the Metea soil was doubled, the percent fixed and non-
hydrolyzed of that added more than doubled. Likewise, as the quantity
of phosphorus mixed with the soil was quadrupled, the percent fixed
and non-hydrolyzed of that added was increased by almost four times.
This means that for the latter comparison, the actual quantity of phos-
phorus fixed and non-hydrolyzed increased 16 times. These data

suggest that the fixing capacity of this soil had by no means saturated

74

with respect to added liquid ammonium metaphosphate. It is questionable
whether all the metaphosphate was hydrolyzed to orthophosphate in the
28 day period.

The same trend is apparent with. solid ammonium metaphosphate,
where in as the amount of added phosphorus was doubled from 175 to
350 pounds per acre, the quantity fixed and non-hydrolyzed amounted to
slightly more than four times. This resulted in non-recovery of 54. 3
percent of the intermediate rate of applied phOSphate. In contrast to
the liquid form, with the rate of SAMP at the 700 pound P per acre rate,
the extent of non-recovery decreased, even though the percent of
phosPhorus fixed and non-hydrolyzed of that added was quite similar
for the two forms (43.7 vs 44. 1 percent).

Values for the fixed and non-hydrolyzed phosphorus from Rifle
peat when treated with different rates of solid and liquid ammonium meta-
phosphates are presented in Table 14. In the case of liquid ammonium
metaphosphate applied at the rate of 114 pound P per acre the amount of
non-recoverable phosphorus increased during the 7 and 14 day periods of
incubation, but decreased sharply at the end of 28 days. However, the
next two treatments, 227 and 454 pound per acre, resulted in release of
phosphorus from Rifle peat. Several explanations may account for this
release of phosPhorus from this soil. First, there may have been a
breakdown of organic phosphates as a result of incubation. Secondly,
since the pH of the medium was around 4. 5, mineralization could have
been stimulated by the addition of the nitrogen and phosphorus in the
fertilizer. These results seem to be in agreement with similar findings
obtained by McCall e_t a_.l. (12). Also, there may have been a greater
hydrolysis of the metaphosphate to the ortho form. However, solid
ammonium metaphosphate appears to behave quite differently when

applied to Rifle peat. The results presented in Table 14 show that the

75

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76

amount of fixed and non-hydrolyzed phosphorus was essentially the same
at both the 87 and 348 pounds _P per acre applications at the end of 28
days of incubation, although there was a 26. 5 percent increase at the
174 pound rate. No release of phosphorus from Rifle peat was

observed when different rates of solid ammonium metaphOSphate was
added. More studies would be required to more clearly evaluate the

behavior of solid ammonium metaphOSphate in organic soils.

77

Phosphorus Distribution Studies in
Metea Sandy Loam

Laboratory experiments were set up to study the vertical and
lateral distribution of phosphorus in Metea sandy loam when treated
with solid and liquid ammonium metaphOSphates at 5, 10, and 2.0
percent moisture levels.

Data on the distribution of phosphorus at various distances and
depths from the place of application with time at 5 percent moisture
are shown in Table 15. The values represent the amount of phosphorus
extracted from the soil after different periods of incubation. It may
be mentioned that this extraction procedure could include phosphorus
in fertilizer residues at the time of sampling and drying.

The results obtained with solid ammonium metaphosphate
indicate that there was a uniform distribution of phosphorus both
laterally as well as vertically at the end of 4 days. During the 8 and
16 days incubation periods the amount of extractable phOSphorus in
the lateral distribution decreased indicating fixation exceeded
diffusion.durin"g this period. In the vertical distribution phosPhorus
concentration as measured remained more or less the same. The
distribution of phosphorus with solid ammonium metaphosphate at 10
and 20 percent moisture levels are shown in Tables 16 and 17
respectively. It can be seen that increase in soil moisture has
enhanced the distribution values of phosphorus both in the vertical
and lateral samplings. Here again, phosphorus concentration within
lateral distribution decreased with time, while for the vertical
distribution values for phosphorus were slowly reduced with both

distance and time .

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The distribution values for phosphorus with liquid ammonium
metaphosphate at the 5, 10, and 20 percent moisture levels are shown
in Tables 15, 16, and 17 respectively. At 5 percent moisture, the
amount of extractable phosphorus in the vertical dimension decreased
gradually with distance from the fertilizer source, although the de-
crease was more rapid and more marked with time. Within the
lateral distribution considerably less phosphorus was found with
progression of time of incubation and distance from the fertilizer
source. Lawton e_t 2}}. (9) suggest that fertilizer phosphorus concen-
tration increases with time in the dissolution of superphosPhate
granules. However, their measurements were based on the total
fertilizer phosphate ions present and not just those extractable by a
specific solution.

As the moisture content of the soil increased, greater diffusion
of phosphorus occurred in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions.
Here also, the same general distribution pattern was observed,
although the values were appreciably increased due to higher soil
moisture levels.

In summary, data obtained in this laboratory phosphorus dis-
tribution studies seem to indicate that in the soil studied, phosphate
ions from solid fertilizer move more slowly than from the liquid form.
Movement was slow under conditions of low soil moisture. The extent
of vertical and lateral movement of phosphorus was enlarged considerably
at higher soil moisture contents. The vertical distribution of phos-
phorus was found to be more extensive than the lateral distribution.
The concentration of extractable phosphorus at a specific distance
from the fertilizer source decreased with time. Likewise, as the dis-

tance from the fertilizer source increased, the quantity of fertilizer

phosphorus extracted was found to decrease. From the results of
this study it is apparent that applied phosphorus is retained pretty

much within the first few inches of soil.

82

83

SUMMARY AND C ONCLUSIONS

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to compare
the effectiveness of‘solid and liquid fertilizers in different place-
ments on the yield and phosphorus absorption of several crops.
Monoammonium phosphate labelled with P32 was mixed with muriate
of potash and ammonium nitrate to give a material of approximately
1-2-2 ratio. Applications included solid-banded and solid-mixed,
liquid-banded, liquid—dribble, and liquid- spray.

Two months after planting in the greenhouse, the relative order
of availability of fertilizer phosphorus to corn plants was solid-
banded > liquid—banded > liquid-dribble > liquid spray. With field
beans the order of availability was liquid-banded = solid-banded >
liquid-dribble > liquid- spray. Dry matter production was highest
when fertilizer was liquid-banded and lowest when it was sprayed on
the soil surface. In the case of field beans, the method of application
did not effect large differences between the dry weight yields except
when fertilizer was mixed with soil resulting in growth rather
similar to the no fertilizer treatment.

Data from the field study of corn in 1956 and 1957 showed the
same general trends of fertilizer phosphorus absorption and yield as
found in the greenhouse. Liquid materials appeared to behave similar
to solids when similar methods of application were compared. Corn
yields were highest when liquid was dribbled followed by the banded
application of solid or liquid, while spray and broadcast applications

were least effective .

 

84

Five TVA fertilizers, solid ammonium metaphosphate, liquid
ammonium metaphosphate, solid diammonium phosphate, solid con-
centrated superphosphate, and liquid ammoniated superphosphoric
acid were compared in greenhouse studies with corn and millet, the
latter crop being used to measure residual effect of these fertilizers.
The soils studied were limed and unlimed Rifle peat and Metea sandy
loam. The applications included liquid-banded, liquid-dribble, solid-
banded, and solid-mixed.

Liquid fertilizers, especially ammoniated superphosphoric
acid increased the dry weight of corn much more than the solid
materials on the limed Rifle peat. Diammonium phosphate, and in
particular, concentrated superphosphate, decreasedgrowth of corn
on the unlimed soil. For corn plants solid-banded application was
found to be more beneficial than the solid-mixed treatment, and liquid-
banded application proved to be more effective than the liquid-dribble
treatment. In the case of millet, the yields were much lower for the
limed soil than where no lime was applied. On the unlimed soil the
phosphorus content of crops was substantially higher than where lime
had been applied, and this depression was especially notable for corn.
With the use of liquid fertilizers, the uptake of phosphorus by the crops
was substantially higher especially for the liquid-banded application,
while a much lower uptake of phosphorus by the plants resulted from
the use of the solid materials.

On the mineral soil, Metea sandy loam the liquids were found
to be superior to the solids applied in comparable placements. Here
also ammoniated superphosphoric acid gave the highest corn yields.
With few exceptions the phosphorus absorption by corn and millet

increased as greater amounts of phosphate were applied.

85

Laboratory incubation studies conducted with Metea sandy loam
and Rifle peat treated with different rates of solid and liquid ammon-
ium metaphosphates showed that these two soils behaved differently
as could be expected. Increased additions of liquid ammonium
metaphosphate enhanced the amount of fixed and non-hydrolyzed phos-
phorus with progression of incubation time, while release of phosphorus
was obtained from Rifle peat. Solid ammonium metaphosphate applied
to these two soils was fixed or hydrolyzed to different degrees under
the laboratory conditions of incubation. The results showed that the
solid form was fixed or non- recoverable to a greater extent on the
mineral soil than on the organic soil. .

Laboratory experiments set up in order to determine the vertical
and lateral distribution of phosphorus in Metea sandy loam when
treated with solid and liquid ammonium metaphosphates at 5, 10, and
20 percent moisture levels show that phosphate ions from solid
fertilizer move more slowly than from the liquid form. Movement was
slow under conditions of low soil moisture. The extent of vertical
and lateral movement of phosphorus was enlarged considerably at
higher soil moisture contents. The vertical distribution of phosphorus
was found to be more extensive than the lateral distribution, and the
concentration of extractable phosphorus at a specific distance from
the fertilizer source decreased with time. Likewise, as distance
from the fertilizer source increased, the quantity of fertilizer phos-

phorus extracted was found to increase.

86

BIBLIOGRAPHY

. Blaser, R. E., and McAuliffe, C. Utilization of phosphorus from

various fertilizer materials. I: Soil Sci. 68: 145-50 (1949).

Dean, L. A., Nelson, W. L., Mackenzie, A. J., Arminger, W. H.,
and Hill, W. L. Application of radioactive tracer techniques to
studies of phosphatic fertilizer utilization by crops. 1. Greenhouse
experiments. Soil Sci. Amer. Proc. 12:107-112 (1948).

Dion, H. G. Tracer studies with phOSphate fertilizers. Canadian
Chem. and Proc. Ind. Nov: 1-7 (1950).

. Fiske, C. H., and Subbarao, V. S. The colorimetric determination

of phosphorus. Jour. Bio. Chem. 66:325 (1925).

. Godfrey, C. L., Fisher, F. L., and Norris, M. J. A comparison

of ammonium metaphosphate and ammonium orthophosphate with
superphosPhate on the yield and chemical composition of crops
grown under field conditions. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc.
23:43-46 (1959).

. Henderson, W. J., and Jones, U. S. The use of radioactive

elements for soil and fertilizer studies. Soil Sci. 51:283-88 (1941).

Khouri, P. S. The effect of liquid and dry fertilizers on the
phosphorus content at early stages of growth and on the yield of
several crops. M. S. Thesis. Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan (1956).

. Langguth, R. P., Brautigarn, G. F., Jr., and Loveless, L. E.

A soil-colurnn study to compare the chemical availability and move-
ment of phOSphates from liquid and dry fertilizers. Soil Sci. Soc.
Amer. Proc. 21:416-419 (1957).

Lawton, K., Apostolakis, C., Cook, R. L., and Hill, W. L.
Influence of particle size, water solubility, and placement of
fertilizers on the nutrient value of phosphorus in mixed fertilizers.
Soil Sci. 82:465-3476 (1956).

10.

ll.

12.

13.

14.

15.

l6.

l7.

18.

87

Lawton, K. , and Davis, J. F. The effect of liming on the
utilization of soil and fertilizer phosphorus by several crops
grown on acid organic soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc.
20:522-526 (1956).

Maclntire, W. H., Shaw, W. M., and Robinson, B. Experimental
behavior of potassium metaphosphate and sulfate incorporations in
soils. Soil Sci. 75:69-80 (1953).

McCall, W. W., Davis, J. F., and Lawton, K. A study of the
effect of mineral phosphates upon the organic phosphorus content
of organic soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 20:81-83 (1956).

Nelson, W. L., Krantz, B. A., Welch, C. D., and Hall, N. S.
Utilization of phOSphorus as affected by placement II. Soil Sci.
68:137-44 (1949).

Norland, M. A., Starostka, R. W., and Hill, W. L. Influence
of water soluble phosphorus on agronomic quality of fertilizer

mixtures containing two phOSphorus compounds. Jour. Agri. 81
Food Chem. 5:217 (1957).

Norland, M. A., Starostka, R. W., and Hill, W. L. Crop response
to phosphate fertilizers as influenced by level of phosphorus solu-

bility and time of placement prior to planting. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer.
Proc. 22:529-533 (1958).

Olsen, S. R., Schmehl, W. R., Watanabe, F. 3., Scott, C. O.,
Fuller, W. H., Jordan, J. V., and Kunkel, R. Utilization of
phosphorus by various crops as affected by source of material
and placement. Colorado Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 42 (1950).

Olson, R. A., and Dreier, A. F. Influence of nitrogen and phos-
phate placement on phosphorus carrier effectiveness for small
grains and corn. Proc. 7th PhOSphorus Conference of the North
Central Region, January 8, 1957, Ames, Iowa.

Olson, R. A., Dreier, A. F., Lowrey, G. W., and Flowerday,
A. D. Availability of phosphatic carriers to small grains and
subsequent clover in relation to: I. Nature of soil and method of
placement. Jour. Amer. Soc. Agron. 48:106-111 (1956).

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

88

Owens, L., Lawton, K., Robertson, L. S., and Apostolakis, C.
Laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies with mixed fertilizers
varying in water soluble phOSphorus content and particle size.

Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 19:315-319 (1955).

Piper, C. S. Soil 81 Plant Analysis. Interscience Publishers, Inc.,
New York (1944).

 

Proceedings of Liquid Fert. Conf. Tennessee Valley Authority,
Wilson Dam, Alabama, June, 1959.

Robertson, L. S., Davis, J. F., and Hansen, C. M. Factors
affecting the evaluation of liquid fertilizers. Economic and Technical
Analysis of Fertilizer Innovations and Resource Use. Iowa State
College Press. Pp. 57-60 (1957).

Slack, A. V. Production and use of liquid fertilizers. J. Agri. 81
Food Chem. 3:568 (1955).

Slack, A. V. Liquid fertilizers. Commercial Fert. 95(2):28
(1957).

Speer, R. J., Seward, A. M., Margaret, M., and Roberts, A.
Phosphatic fertilizers for the Texas Blacklands. Soil Sci.
72:459-464 (1951).

Stanford, G., and Nelson, L. B. Utilization of phosphorus from
various fertilizer materials. I. Soil Sci. 68:129-35 (1949).

Striplin, M. M. Phosphoric acid of high concentration. J. Agri. 81
Food Chem. 6:298 (1958).

Striplin, M. M. Liquid Fert. Conf., TVA, Wilson Dam, Alabama,
June, 1959.

Tennessee Valley Authority. Mimeographed Circular
(Unpublished) 1958.

Ulrich, A., Jacobson, L., and Overstreet, R. Use of radioactive
phosPhorus in a study of the availability of phosPhorus to grape
vines under field conditions. Soil Sci. 64: 17-28 (1947).

89

31. Vomocil, J. A. The effect of granulation and placement on the
relative uptake of phOSphorus from superphosphate by beans and
wheat as measured by tracer techniques. M. S. Thesis. Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan (1951).

32. Waggaman, W. H. Phosphoric Acid, Phosphate, and Phosphatic
Fertilizers. 2nd Ed. Reinhold Pub. Corp., New York, 1952.

 

APPENDIX

Table 1. Influence of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in different
placements on the total phosphorus content of corn plants
grown on limed Rifle peat in the greenhouse.

 

I
_

 

 

 

Pounds *

Fertilizer Placement P205 Percent total Phosphorus

material per acre 3 weeks 6 weeks 9 weeks
Check 0.17 0.125 0.11
LAMP Liquid—banded 50 0. 24 0. 29 0. 13
200 0.26 0.14 0.08
Liquid-dribble 50 0. 22 0. 13 0.13
200 0.23 0.15 0. 16
SAMP Solid-banded 50 0. 185 0. l3 0. 10
200 0.29 0.14 0.13
Solid mixed 50 0. 185 0.16 0. 11
200 0.195 0.18 0.11
ASPA Liquid-banded 50 0. 195 0. 16 0. 31
200 0.23 0.15 0.15
Liquid-dribble 50 0. 26 0. 13 0. 08
200 0.26 0.18 0.13
DAP Solid-banded 50 0. 195 0. 17 0. 09
200 0.34 0.22 0.12
Solid-mixed 50 0. 23 0. 16 0. 16
200 0.21 0.18 0.14
CSP Solid-banded 50 0. 28 0. l7 0. 13
200 0.20 0.17 0.13
Solid-mixed 50 0. 26 0. l4 0. 11
200 0.24 0.16 0.11

 

9.:

Average of three replications.

Table II. Influence of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in different
placements on the total phosphorus content of corn plants
grown on unlimed Rifle peat in the greenhouse.

 

 

 

 

Pounds *

Fertilizer Placement P205 Percent total PhOSphorus

material per acre 3 weeks 6 weeks 9 weeks
Check 0.17 0.17 0.15
LAMP Liquid-banded 50 0. 39 0. 22 0. 13
200 0.50 0.39 0.27
Liquid-dribble 50 0.44 0. 21 0. 15
200 0.66 0.43 0. 19
SAMP Solid-banded 50 0. 36 0. 22 0. 12
200 0.76 0. 50 0. 24
Solid-mixed 50 0. 39 0. l7 0. 14
200 0.57 0.13 0.29
ASPA Liquid-banded 50 o. 66 o. 23 o. 18
200 0.57 0.43 0. 35
Liquid-dribble 50 0. 52 0. 25 0. 16
200 0.63 0.51 0.30
DAP Solid-banded 50 0.66 0. 80 0. 14
200 1.34 0.76 0.58
Solid-mixed 50 0.46 0. 36 0.16
200 0.72 0.48 0. 33
CSP Solid-banded 50 0. 55 0. 27 0. 24
200 0.60 0.39 0.28
Solid-mixed 50 0. 19 0. 24 0. 16
200 0.36 0.62 0.30

 

* . .
Average of three replications.

93

Table III. The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the total phosPhorus content of
millet plants grown on limed Rifle peat in the greenhouse.

 

 

 

 

Pounds I p *

Fertilizer Placement P205 Percent total Phosphorus

material per acre 4 weeks 6 weeks 9 weeks
Check 0.23 0.18 0.14
LAMP Liquid-banded 50 0. 23 0. 18 0. 17
200 0.24 0.17 0.18
Liquid-dribble 50 0. 24 0. 23 0. 13
200 0. 28 0. l4 0. 18
SAMP Solid-banded 50 0. 26 0. 27 0. 14
200 0.18 0.15 0.12
Solid-mixed 50 0. 26 0. 18 0. 14
200 0.24 0.14 0.13
ASPA Liquid-banded 50 0. 23 0. l6 0. 12
200 0.19 0.19 0.17
Liquid-dribble 50 0. 28 0. 27 0. 15
200 0.18 0.15 0. 16
DAP Solid-banded 50 0. 26 0. 15 0. 14
200 0.21 0.14 0.17
Solid-mixed 50 0. 27 0. 16 0. 14
200 0.23 0.16 0.15
CSP Solid-banded 50 0. 21 0. 16 0. 16
200 0.21 0.16 0.19
Solid-mixed 50 0. 25 0. 12 0. 14
200 0.19 0.15 0.19

 

J
r

,<
Average of three replications.

94

Table IV. The residual effect of solid and liquid fertilizers applied in
different placements on the total phosphorus content of
millet plants grown on unlimed Rifle peat in the greenhouse.

 

 

 

 

Pounds *
Fertilizer Placement P205 Percent total Phosphorus

material per acre 4 weeks 6 weeks 9 weeks
Check 0 0. 19 0. 18 0. 13
LAMP Liquid- banded 50 0. 32 0. 14 0. 15
200 0.23 0.23 0. 18
Liquid-dribble 50 0. 34 0. 16 0. 12
200 0.24 0.26 0.23
SAMP Solid-banded 50 0. 50 0. 15 0. 18
200 0.23 0.21 0.19
Solid-mixed 50 0. 47 0. l3 0. 16
200 0.11 0.25 0.21
ASAP Liquid-banded 50 0. 53 0. 14 0. 18
200 0.22 0.21 0. 24
Liquid-dribble 50 0.42 0. 15 0. 14
200 0.20 0.20 0. 23
DAP Solid-banded 50 0. 26 0. l4 0. 16
200 0. 18 0.23 0. 32
Solid-mixed 50 0. 16 0. 13 0. 18
200 0.25 0.19 0.23
CSP Solid-banded 50 0. 16 0. 12 0. 15
200 0.17 0. 17 0.27
Solid-mixed 50 0. 23 0. 13 0. 19
200 0.16 0.17 0.26

 

>'.<

Average of three replications.

Table V. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by corn
plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied by
different methods in the greenhouse.

 

 

 

 

Pounds
Fertilizer P205 Percent P in plants from fertilizer
treatInent per acre 2 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks
Solid-mixed 200 100. 0 75. 4 82. 0 51. 9
100.0 65.2 86.4 51.9
Solid-banded 100 100.0 100.0 79.0 55.4
100.0 100.0 73.0 59.4
200 78.0 90.8 96.6 57. 1
55.0 100.0 88.8 63.5
Liquid-banded 100 52. 0 54. 3 74. 6 45. 2
69.0 66.9 70.6 43.0
200 54.0 100.0 72.0 60.6
62.2 93.0 64.8 62.6
Liquid-dribble 100 100. 0 84. 0 61. 2 32. 6
92.0 70.0 58.2 31.6
200 70.0 86.2 86.0 75.2
81.0 94.2 78.4 76.0
Liquid-spray 100 68. 0 76. 0 52. 0 30. 5
80.0 88.4 48.2 31.5
200 100.0 91.0 80.0 53.1
100.0 72.2 72.2 55.5

 

96

Table VI. The relative absorption of fertilizer phosphorus by field
bean plants from solid and liquid fertilizers applied by
different methods in the greenhouse.

 

 

 

 

Pounds
Fertilizer P205 Percent P in plants from fertilizer
treatment per acre 2 weeks 4 weeks 7 weeks
Solid-mixed 200 90. 8 82. 0 43. 0
80. 0 87. 2 42. 0
Solid-banded 100 82. 1 64. 3 31. 7
73. 9 53.6 29. 9
200 78.2 86.2 43.6
82.4 80. 0 41. 6
Liquid-banded 100 100. 0 64.6 31. 9
100. 0 56.6 30. l
200 . 72.6 70.0 36.2
78. 2 76.6 34.4
Liquid-dribble 100 66. 8 52. 4 21. 0
61.4 45.8 22. 6
200 100.0 60.0 46.7
93.8 56.8 45. 1
Liquid- spray 100 52. 3 30. 0 15. 9
65. 3 35.6 12. 5
200 59. 1 52.9 32.5

63.3 47.7 33.5

 

97

Table VII. Analysis of variance of the dry weights of corn plants as
influenced by method of application of solid and liquid
fertilizers t0 Metea sandy loam in the greenhouse.

 

 

Source DF SS MS F L. S. D.*
5%

Total 19 63071

Reps l 224 224 1. 11

Treatment 9 61040 6782 3. 37* 32.1

Error 9 1807 201

 

Table VIII. Analysis of variance of dry weights of field bean plants
as influenced by method of application of solid and liquid
fertilizers to Metea sandy loam in the greenhouse.

- —

 

 

Source DF SS MS F L. S. D.
1%

Total 19 11917

Reps l 328 328 2. 71

Treatment 9 10502 1167 9.64** 24. 9

Error 9 1087 121

 

Table IX. Analysis of variance of the dry weights of field corn as
influenced by method of application of solid and liquid
fertilizers to Metea sandy loam (1956).

 

 

Source DF SS MS F L. S.D.
Total 19 257.75

Reps. l 48.67 48.67 74.88

Fertilizer 1 39.20 39.20 60.31

Error A 1 0.65 0.65 N. S.
Placement 4 23.89 5. 97 0. 567

FXPI 4 61.20 15.30 1.45

Error B 8 84.14 10. 52

 

Table X. Analysis of variance of dry weight yields of field corn as
influenced by method of application of solid and liquid
fertilizers to Metea sandy loam (1957).

 

 

Source DF SS MS F L. S. D.
1% 5%

Total 39 3797.88

Reps. 3 473.97 157.99 3.60

Fertilizer 1 637.60 637.60 14.51* 6.67

Error A 3 131.78 443.93

Placement 4 1215.58 303.90 6.30M< 7.17

F x P1. 4 180.36 45.09 0.934

Error B 24 1158.59 48.27

 

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