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Thesis {‘m' We Degree 05 pk. D.
MECEEGAN STATE UNE‘JERSITY

Kuldip Singh Bains
1959

MINI WI‘TW!WW1WIIWM

3 1293 01729 7874

This is to certify that the

thesis entitled

ts, Slant

ips Between Applied Nutrien
Vulgaris,

Composition, and Yield of Beans (D.
L., Var. Sanilac) and Wheat (I. Vulgare
Alborubrum, Koern Var. Genesee)

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presented bg

Kuldip Singh Rains

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

Doctorat degree in Soil S"icnce

Ma' r professor

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TO AVOID FINES return on or before date due.
MAY BE RECALLED with earlier due date if requeSted.

 

DATE DUE DATE DUE DATE DUE

 

JULD TENN?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/01 cJCIRC/DateDuepes-pJ 5

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN APPLIED NUTRIENTS, PLANT
COMPOSITION, AND YIELD OF BEANS (P. YULGARIS,IH,
VAR. SANILAO) AND WHEAT (T. VULGARE
ALBORUBRUM,‘KOERN, VAR. gENESEE)

by

KULDIP SINGH BAINS

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

,- I
Approved by LL/ ;<ELZ%5L2:;;DAJ2

 

KULDIP SINGH BAINS ABSTRACT

A study was initiated in 1956 with field beans and
wheat to determine relationships between applied nutrients,
plant composition, and yield. The experimental work was
carried out on a Sims loam soil to which nitrogen, phosphate,
and potash were applied at specified levels and in various
combinations. Different plant parts were sampled for
chemical analysis.

Additional increments of nitrogen, phosphate, and
potash increased the concentrations of nitrogen, phOSphorus,
and potassium, respectively, in beans and wheat plant
tissues as well as in wheat grain. Concentrations of other
elements were affected by these changes. Inter-relationships
of a high degree, which varied with the crop species,were
found.

Applied nitrogen significantly increased the calcium
and magnesium concentrations in the wheat plants and in the
grain. Nitrogen additions also increased the magnesium
levels in the bean plants.

The nitrogen contents of the bean plants, wheat plants,
and wheat seed were highly correlated directly with the
calcium and magnesium concentrations. An inverse relation-
ship existed between the potassium and magnesium contents of
bean plants. This relationship was not present in the wheat.
The phosphorus contents of wheat plants and grain were

directly related to the magnesium concentrations. No such

KULDIP SINGH BAINS ABSTRACT

association was present in the bean plants. A direct rela-
tionship between the potassium versus calcium and magnesium
contents of wheat grain was present. Moreover, positive
inter—relationships between calcium, magnesium, and sodium
concentrations were noted in the wheat but not in the beans.

Successive increments of applied nitrogen increased
the bean yields but lowered wheat yields when used at rates
in excess of 20 pounds per acre. No response to potash
fertilization was observed for the wheat crop.

The estimated coefficients of regression for nitrogen,
phosphorus, calcium, and sodium concentrations in the bean
plants, in multiple regression analysis to estimate yield,
were significant. It indicated that applied nutrients
affected bean yields by changing plant chemical composition.
Furthermore, it was shown that the chemical composition of
wheat grain was closely related to the yield. The estimated
coefficients of regression for per cent nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium in wheat grain, in multiple regression analysis
to predict yield, were significant.

Practical application of the data suggest that the
chemical composition of plants or grain is a more reliable
basis for predicting crop yields than are applied nutrients

or soil test values.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN APPLIED NUTRIENTS, PLANT
COMPOSITION, AND YIELD OF BEANS (P. VULGARIS,L.,
VAR. SANILAc) AND WHEAT (T. VULGARE

ALBORUBRUM, KOERN, VAR. GENESEE)

by

KULDIP SINGH BAINS

A THESIS

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

1959

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation
to Dr. L. S. Robertson for the valuable suggestions, assis—
tance, and supervision given throughout the course of this
study.

He is indebted to Drs. J. F. Davis and R. L. Cook
for their constant support, encouragement, and valuable
advice in the preparation of this manuscript. Acknowledg—
ment is also due to Dr. W. B. Sundquist for his help in
statistical analysis.

The financial assistance received from different
sources through Michigan State University is gratefully

acknowledged.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
LITERATURE REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MATERIALS AND METHODS. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Description of Soil . . . . . . . . . . 12
Experimental Design . . . . . . . . . . 12
Fertilizer Materials and Rates. . . . . . . 13
Experimental. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Field Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Greenhouse Experiments . . . . . . . . . 14
Materials for Correlation Studies. . . . . . 15
Sampling Procedures . . . . . . . . . . 15

Soil Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Plant Material Samples . . . . . . . . . 16
Laboratory Studies. . . . . . . . . . . 16

Soil Analysis Procedures. . . . . . . . . 17

Plant Material Analysis Procedures . . . . . 17

Wet Digestion . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Analysis and Interpretation of Data . . . . . 18

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . 21

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on pH
and Available Plant Nutrients in the Soil. . . 21

Results with Field Beans. . . . . . . . . 23

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on Plant
Composition and Yield of Beans . . . . . . 23

Field Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Greenhouse Experiment. . . . . . . . . . 24

Relationships between Applied Nutrients, Total
Plant Nutrients, Chemical Composition, and

Yield of Beans. . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Field Experiment. . . . . . . . . .
Greenhouse Experiment . . . . . . . .

Inter—relationships between Plant Composition
and Yield of Beans under Field and Greenhouse
Conditions

Predicting Bean Yields from Applied Nutrients,
Soil Tests, and Plant Chemical Composition.

Results with Wheat . . . . . . . . .

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on
Plant Composition and Yield of Wheat. . . .

Field Experiment. . . . . . . . . . .
Greenhouse Experiment . . . . . . . .

Relationships between Applied Nutrients, Total
Plant Nutrients, Plant Composition, and Yield
of Wheat . . . . . . . . . . . .

Field Experiment (Analysis of Entire Plant). .
Greenhouse Experiment (Analysis of Straw) .
Field Experiment (Analysis of Grain) . .
Greenhouse Experiment (Analysis of Spikes).

Inter-relationships between the Chemical
Composition and Yield of Wheat. . . .

Field Experiment. . . . . . . .
Greenhouse Experiment . . . . .

Predicting Wheat Yields from Applied Nutrients,
Soil Tests, and Plant Chemical Composition. .

SUMMARY. . .
LITERATURE CITED. . . . . . . . . . .
APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iv

PAGE

25
27

28

31
38

38

38
40

A5
As
47
A9
61
6A
68

TABLE

II.

III.

IV.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

LIST OF TABLES

Simple Correlation Coefficients between Applied
Nutrients, Total Plant Nutrients, Chemical
Composition of Bean Plants, and Yield on Sims
Loam Soil, 1956. . . . . . . . . . .

Simple Correlation Coefficients between the
Chemical Composition of Bean Plants and Yield
on Sims Loam Soil, 1956 . . .

Simple Correlation Coefficients between Applied
Nutrients, Total Plant Nutrients, Chemical
Composition of Wheat Plants, and Yield on Sims
Loam Soil, 1957. . . . . . . . . .

Simple Correlation Coefficients between Applied
Nutrients, Total Plant Nutrients, Chemical
Composition of Wheat Grain, and Yield on Sims
Loam Soil, 1957. . . . . . .

Simple Correlation Coefficients between the
Chemical Composition of Wheat Plant Materials
and Yield on Sims Loam Soil, 1957.

Simple Correlation Coefficients between the
Chemical Composition of Wheat Grain and
Yield on Sims Loam Soil, 1957

The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the pH and
Available Plant Nutrients in the Soil under
Field (F) and Greenhouse (G) Conditions
during 1956-1957 . . . . . . . . .

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
pH and Available Plant Nutrients in the Soil
under Field (F) and Greenhouse (G) Conditions
during 1956—1957 . . . . . . . . . .

The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the Chemical
Composition of Bean Plants and Yield in the
Field Experiment, 1956 . . . . . .

PAGE

26

29

42

AA

46

AS

69

71

72

vi
TABLE PAGE

X. The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Bean Plants and Yield
in the Field Experiment, 1956. . . . . . 74

XI. The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Bean Plants and Total
Dry Matter Yield in the Greenhouse Experiment,

1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

XII. The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Bean Plants and Total
Dry Matter Yield in the Greenhouse Experiment,

1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

XIII. Statistical Estimates of Bean Yield from
Significant Relationships of Individual
Variables with Yield, 1956. . . . . . . 78

XIV. The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the Chemical
Composition of Wheat Plants and Yield in the
Field Experiment, 1957 . . . . . . . . 79

XV. The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Wheat Plants and Yield
in the Field Experiment, 1957. . . . . . 81

XVI. The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the Chemical
Composition of Wheat Grain and Yield in the
Field Experiment, 1957 . . . . . . . . 82

XVII. The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Wheat Grain and Yield
inthe Field Experiment, 1957 . . . . . . SA

XVIII. The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the Chemical
Composition of Wheat Straw and Total Dry
Matter Yield in the Greenhouse Experiment,1957 85

XIX. The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Wheat Straw and Total
Dry Matter Yield in the Greenhouse Experiment,

1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

XX. The Effect of Applied Nutrients on the Chemical
Composition of Wheat Spikes and Total Dry
Matter Yield in the Greenhouse Experiment,
1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

XXI. The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on the
Chemical Composition of Wheat Spikes and Total

vii

TABLE PAGE

Dry Matter Yield in the Greenhouse Experiment,
1957 o o o o o o o o e o o o o o 90

XXII. Statistical Estimates of Wheat Yield from
Significant Relationships of Individual
Variables with Yield, 1957. . . . . . . 91

INTRODUCTION

Justus von Liebig (41)* first advanced his mineral
theory of plant nutrition in 1840. Since that time consid—
erable attention has been devoted to this aspect of soil
fertility in solving practical problems related to crop
production. He first demonstrated the essential nature of
potassium for plant growth. The list of essential elements
for plant growth since then has considerably enlarged and
now include 16 or more elements. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium occupy prominent places in this list due to the
significant rolevdflxfllthese elements play in the metabolic
processes of a plant during its life cycle as well as to
the large amounts utilized by crop species.

It is well recognized that soil is a highly complex
dynamic system. Soils differ in their physical, chemical,
and biological properties, and are classified on the basis
of these properties. They may be grouped and integrated
on the transient similarity of these properties. Variations
in chemical properties impart to the soil (types) the
inherent capacity to supply available nutrients in varying
amounts for plant growth.

The final yield of a crop is the outcome of three

factors: (1) The genetic constitution and internal

*Numbers in parentheses refer to literature cited.

environment of a plant; (2) The soil with its complex
environment which reflects artificial amendments and manage-
ment practices; (3) The climatic and environmental factors
associated with the geographic location of the soil. These
factors influence individually and through their inter-
actions the response of a crop to a given management
practice. This complexity makes difficult the task of
establishing clear cut relationships between soil and plant.
Liebig's statement (41) "by the deficiency or absence
of one necessary constituent, all others being present, the
soil is rendered barren for all those crops to the life of
which that one constituent is indespensible" is the basis
for the "law of the minimum." Later the concept of
"available nutrients" was developed. In considering
available nutrients in the soil, Spurway (36) stressed the
importance of "level and balance" for maximum production.
He pointed out that fertilization should both raise the
level of nutrients and bring them into a better physio-
logical balance for a plant. Studies by Power gt El- (29)
suggest that crops differed in their behavior to unbalanced
nutrient levels, and that "nutrient level and balance" cause
changes in plant composition. This suggests need for
expansion of research programs to better understand the
relationships between applied nutrients, plant composition,

and yield.

The purpose of this research was to examine relation-
ships between applied nutrients, chemical composition, and
the yield of field beans and wheat. This was a field,

greenhouse, and laboratory project.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The importance of applied nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium in successful crop production is well recognized.
This is evident in the extensive and ever increasing use of
these elements in synthetic fertilizers and the attention
given to these in soil fertility programs. A voluminous
amount of literature has accumulated on the inter-relation—
ships of various plant nutrients and their effect on the
composition of specific crops. A complete coverage of the
subject is beyond the scope of this manuscript. The
literature review is, therefore, restricted to the relation—
ships generally accepted for the elements studied with
particular reference to the wheat and bean crops.

Von Liebig (Al) revolutionized plant nutrition concepts
and thought by advancing the mineral theory of nutrient up—
take. He suggested mineral analysis of plant ash in order
to determine nutrient removal from the soil by a crop and
further to replenish the nutrients thus taken up by the
application of synthetic fertilizers. By 1855 Liebig‘s
theory for the determination of nutrient needs of a crop on
the basis of these tests was disproved. Further studies
added the concept of plant nutrients absorbed by the soil

complex which are considered to be available for plant use.

This concept lead to the development of soil tests for
"available plant nutrients."

Shear 33 a1. (33) considered "nutrient—element—balance"
as a fundamental concept in plant nutrition. He defined
'"nutrient—element—balance" as the relative balance and
intensity of nutrient elements that provide for the optimum
desired growth.

Lundegarth (20) and Emmert (l4) emphasized the rela-
tionship between nutrient concentration within the plant and
yield. They used this concept to predict the response of a
crop to applied nutrients. Legatu and Maume (l8) advocated
a procedure of comparative nutrient need diagnosis. They
used foliar chemical analysis of poor, low yielding plants,
and healthy, high yielding plants. Macy (21) and Ulrich (38)
used foliar analysis and developed methods to determine
"critical concentrations" of a nutrient element below which
the crop would theoretically respond to the fertilizer con-
taining that element.

In soil fertility research it is common to determine
soil reaction as it indicates, in general, the availability
of many plant nutrients, e. g. phOSphorus, manganese, and
boron. Cherng gt 21. (7) in research on soil reaction con-
cluded that pH values may be transposed into corresponding
H+ ion concentrations and averaged to find sample means.
They suggested, however, that pH values may be used for
other statistical analysis as soil reaction in H+ ion form

lacks normal distribution.

So far as the mineral content of plants is concerned,
a generalized trend of the variations in relationships
between soil fertility and plant composition was diagramed
by Beeson (1). This diagram shows a varying effect of
nutrients applied to the soil on the mineral content of
plants. Furthermore, it was shown that fertilizer response
was a function of soil characteristics as well as fertilizer
itself.

Data from many investigations suggest that applied
nitrogen increases the percxnn;nitrogen in plants, especially
where higher rates have been used. Black (3) recorded
increases in yield of wheat in 12 out of 15 experiments.

The nitrogen content of both grain and straw was appreciably
increased.

Smith (34) found that applied nitrogen and phosphate
increased forage yields of wheat whereas potash had no
significant effect. Applied nitrogen increased the per cent
nitrogen in the forage while decreasing the percentvphos-
phorus and potassium. The calcium content decreased where
levels up to 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre had been used
but increased linearly for greater amounts of applied
nitrogen. The use of phosphate fertilizer increased the
perrxnn:phosphorus in the plant but had no effect on nitrogen,
potassium, or calcium contents. Potash had no effect on the
nitrogen content but increased the potassium content and

decreased the calcium content of the plants.

Williams et a1. (45) found that the use of nitrogen
and phosphate fertilizers increased wheat yields whereas
the use of potash had no effect. The protein content of
grain increased with the application of nitrogen alone or
in combination with phosphorus and/Or potash fertilizer.
This tendency was most pronounced with heavier applications
of nitrogen.

Investigations on the effect of phosphate fertilizer
utilization by various species have shown less change in
plant composition. Blair and Prince (4) found only a slight
increase in the phosphorus content of alfalfa where ferti-
lizer phosphate had been used. Williams (46) showed that
the application of superphosphate increased the total
phosphorus content of wheat, field beans, and sugar beets.
Wedin et a1. (44) observed the same effect.

Truog at al. (37) found that the phosphorus content
in peas was increased by the application of phosphate
fertilizer. An increase in the phosphorus content was also
noted with an increase in the supply of available magnesium.
An increase in applied magnesium resulted in a greater up-
take of phosphorus than was obtained by adding phosphorus
to the media. Beeson (2) observed a positive correlation
between phosphorus and magnesium contents of plants.

Sufficient data on the potassium content of agronomic
plants are available to show that the potassium content Of

plant tissue varies widely with plant species. Van Slyke (no),

and Morrison (24) have compiled data pertaining to the
average potassium contents of several agronomic and horti-
cultural crops. Important factors contributing to this
variability were the level of exchangeable potassium in the
soil, the level and balance of other nutrients, the physical
conditions of the soil as related to air and water, and the
variety of the species under consideration.

Snider (35) reported an increase of about 100 per cent
in the potassium content of wheat and oat straw as a result
of potash fertilization on four Illinois soils relatively
low in available potassium. Drake gt al.(lO) recorded a
several fold increase in the potassium content of wheat,
barley, and cat plants grown where potash had been applied.

Fraser (16) noted very little effect on the growth of
bean plants fertilized with potassium. However, the potas-
sium uptake was significantly increased and was accompanied
by a decrease in the magnesium and calcium contents. In
this study potassium additions, significantly increased the
cation content of the bean plants on five soil types.

Many other investigators (13, 22, 25) working on dif-
ferent crops have reported an increase in the potassium
content of plants which were grown on soils which had been
treated with potassium containing salts.

In a critical evaluation of soil fertility as it
influences uptake of various elements by a plant, it is

logical and necessary to separate the interactive effects

of other important ions that enter into the composition of
a plant. This, however, is not possible in most cases.
There are considerable data to substantiate the statement
that significant changes in the level and balance of any
of the plant nutrients cause changes in the plant composition.
Spurway (36), Shear gt_gl. (32, 33), and many other workers
have therefore emphasized the importance of "nutrient level
and balance" and ”nutrient—element—balance" in plant
nutrition.

The concentration of potassium in a plant is generally
reduced if the soil has a low level of available potassium
and if only nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers are used.
This reduction in the potassium concentration may be attri-
buted to the increased growth as a result of nitrogen-
phosphorus fertilization and the dilution of potassium
within the plant.

Lorenz (19) working on the potato crop found that the
use of nitrogen decreased the percmnNJpotassium. Lawton gt
gt. (17) recorded a 0.2 percxnn3reduction in the potassium
content of legume hay when superphosphate was applied to
soils already treated with potash. The removal of potassium
by the first cutting hay was 72 pounds on the phosphate plus
potash plots but only 55 pounds on the potash plots.

Drouineae gt gt. (12) working with corn, beans, and
peas observed that the potassium content of the plant after

six weeks depended primarily on the potassium concentration

10

of the nutrient solution. The calcium content was reduced
by increasing the concentration of potassium in the nutrient
solution, even in the presence of large quantities of
calcium carbonate.

Van Itallie (39) studied the influence of various
levels and balance of exchangeable calcium, magnesium,
potassium, and sodium on the cations absorbed by oat plants.
He found that the uptake of potassium was affected only by
the rate of potassium fertilizer used.

Boynton and Burrel (5) in a study on apple trees noted
that an increased potassium uptake caused a magnesium defici—
ency. Walsh and Clarke (42) had similar results with tomato
plants. Carlous (6) reported that potassium absorption by
beans was primarily a function of the amount of applied
potassium.

Walsh and O'Donohoe (43) in extensive studies upon
the effect of potash fertilization on wheat, barley, and
some other crops found that in most cases high potash ferti—
lization induced magnesium deficiency even when this element
was abundant in the soil. It was, therefore, concluded that
the potassium—magnesium ratio of both soil and plant be con-
sidered in any study on magnesium deficiency.

Seatz (31) showed that bean yields were not affected

by the application of potassium, magnesium, and certain

micro—nutrients. Potash fertilizers influenced the magnesium

contents of the bean plant, decreasing at high levels of

11

potassium fertilization and increasing at low levels of
potassium fertilization. An increase in the potassium
content was recorded with the additions of potash.

Millar gt 21° (23) suggested that the location of the
field bean area in Michigan and the lack of consistent
response of this crop to commercial fertilizers might be
due to the climatic factors. This is also substantiated
by the data obtained by Davis (9). He recorded differential

response of the bean crop to environmental factors under

field and greenhouse conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field experimental plots were established in Gratiot
County on the Kenneth Thompson farm located two and one—half
miles east of Ithaca in Section 4 of North Star Township. A
typical rotation of beans, wheat, and corn was established
with one crop grown on the plots each year. These plots
were part of a project on nutrient level and balance studies
and were designed particularly for an economic evaluation of
the response obtained from the use of commercial fertilizers.
The plots on this farm were used to study the relationships

between applied nutrients, plant chemical composition, and

crop yield.

Dgscription of Soil

The soil, Sims loam, was developed under poor drainage
conditions and,therefore, is relatively high in organic
matter as indicated by the dark color of the surface soil.
The field is both tiled and open ditch drained, but the
tight subsoil impedes the rate of water removal. This soil

type is considered to be one of the more productive in

Michigan.

Egperimental Desigg
The field experiment employed 258 individual plots in

an incomplete 7 x 7 x 7 factorial design. This project

13

included a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial with two replications for

the first, fourth, and sixth treatment levels, and the rest
of the treatments at other specified levels and combinations.
The design was considered appropriate for the study of inter-
relations or intergactions for several rates and ratios of
the fertilizer elements, and to estimate the effect of
fertilizer elements on crop yields by constructing a con-

tinuous production function for the data thus obtained.

Fertilizer Materials and Rates

The fertilizer materials included ammonium nitrate
(33.5%N),triple superphOSDhate (45% P205), and potassium
chloride (60% K20). Fertilizer rates and ratios were the
same for each crop in the crop sequence. The seven nutrient
levels, including the "0" level, and the rates of appli-

cation in the field experiments are listed as follows:

 

 

Nutrient Level and Rate in Pounds per Acre
O l 2 3 A 5 6
N: O 20 4O 80 160 240 320
P205 : 0 4O 80 160 320 480 640
K20 : 0 2O 4O 80 160 240 320

The rate of application for each nutrient in the green-
house experiments was doubled, taking note of the work by
Cook (8) on the relationship of nutrient response under

field and greenhouse conditions.

14

Experimental

Field Experiments
The bean experiment was planted on June 22, 1956 and

harvested on September 26-27, 1956. The Sanilac navy bean
variety was planted in the experiment using 40 pounds of
seed per acre. All of the nitrogen and potash was broadcast
and plowed down before planting. Similarly all but 40
pounds of phosphoric acid was broadcast and plowed down on
those plots receiving superphosphate. The 40 pounds of
phosphoric acid not plowed down was applied as a starter
fertilizer at planting time and was placed one inch to the
side and one and one-half inches below the seed.

Wheat was planted on October 4, 1956, keeping the
same plot boundries and experimental layout, and was

harvested on August 5—6, 1957. The fertilizer treatments

were made as has been described for beans except that at the

planting time phosphate was located in contact with the

wheat seed.

Grain harvest for field beans and wheat were made

with a self—propelled combine.

_§eenhouse Experiments

Soil from each of the field plots was brought in the
greenhouse, air dried, screened through a 2 mm screen, and

then thoroughly mixed. A 15,500 gram sample of soil was

used for each pot. The fertilizer was mixed with the entire

15

sample. The soilvas then placed in a cellophane lined four
gallon tin container. The Sanilac navy bean variety was
planted in these cans during the third week of February,
1956 and the crop harvested on April 29, 1956. The dry
weight of plant material from each pot was recorded after
drying in an oven at 900E. to a constant weight.

After bean harvest, the soil was taken out of the pots,
screened through a 2 mm screen, sampled for soil analysis,
fertilized, and again placed in the cans for wheat planting.
The planting was done on December 18-19, 1956 and harvested
during the first week of April, 1957. Distilled water was
added to each pot during the course of the greenhouse
studies to maintain optimum moisture level for plant growth.

The oven dry weights of straw and wheat heads were obtained.

Mgterials for Correlation Studies

Fifty-six of the treatments were selected for the
study on the relationships between applied nutrients, plant
composition, and yield. These plots included eight repli-
cations of each of the seven levels of nitrogen, phosphoric

acid, and potash. The treatments are listed in Table VII

(appendix).

Sampling Procedures

§gil Samples
The soil samples were collected from field plots

before fertilizer treatments were made. Twenty cores of

l6

soil, each eight inches deep, were taken from each plot,
composited, screened through a 2 mm screen, mixed, and
subsampled. Representative soil sample from each pot of
greenhouse soil was also taken before the fertilizer appli—

cation for each crop.

Plant Material Samples

 

Five individual normal bean plants were harvested
from each field plot on August 14, 1956. These were com—
posited, dried in a drying chamber, ground, and mixed. A
subsample was then collected for each plot and stored in
sample bottles. Similarly all plants harvested from each
pot in the greenhouse were collected, dried, and subsampled
for chemical analysis.

Plant samples from the field experiment on wheat
were taken on June 25, 1957. The crop was in dough stage.
Three individual samples from one foot length row were
collected for each plot and composited. The plant material
was oven dried, ground, and a representative subsample
taken. Seed samples were obtained at harvest from each
plot, ground, and stored in cardboard boxes. Wheat straw
and heads were collected separately at harvest in the green-
house experiment and were handled in the manner already
described.

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies included soil tests and plant

material chemical composition determinations. Soil reaction,

17

reserve phosphorus and potassium were determined for each

soil sample. The whole plant and seed samples were analyzed
for total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
and sodium. The procedures followed in these determinations

are briefly outlined as follows:

Soil Analysis Procedures

 

Soil reaction of each soil sample was determined in
a 1:1 soil-water suspensionlsing a Beckman pH meter with a
glass electrode.

Available phosphorus and potassium was determined by
the Spurway reserve test procedure (37). A soil-extracting
solution of 1:4 ratio was employed using 0.135 N hydrochloric
acid as an extracting agent. Phosphorus and potassium in
the soil extracts were determined with the ammonium molybdate

and cobaltinitrite procedures (15, 26), respectively.

Plant Matergal Analysis Procedures

The total nitrogen was determined on oven dried plant
materials by the Kjeldahl method as outlined by Pierce and

Haenisch (27) and modified by Prince (30).

Wgt Digestion

 

The plant materials were oven dried. A two-gram
subsample was weighed and wet ashed by the nitric acid-
perchloric acid digestion procedure described by Piper (28).
The crystalline residue was dissolved in 0.1 N hydrochloric

acid, diluted to 100 milliliters, filtered through a Whatman

18

No. 42 filter paper, and saved for all chemical determin-
ations.

Phosphorus concentrations in the stock solution were
determined calorimeterically with the ammonium molybdate method
using Fiske-Subarrow reagent (l5). Magnesium determinations
were made with the thiazole yellow procedure as outlined by
Drosdoff and Nearpass (11).

Calcium, potassium, and sodium were determined from
the stock solutions with the Beckman DU spectrophotometer

equipped with a photomultiplier.
Analysis and Interpretation of Data

Variation is a general phenomenon in nature, especially
with biological materials collected from different environ-
ments. This becomes very evident when plant species are
influenced by a modified environment created by human action.
Since variability in materials and their response to modified
environment exists, the problem of evaluating effects and
rdationships between cause and effect arises. When causal
factors are artificially introduced and can be controlled,
these become independent variables. The effect of such
factors can be evaluated if the result can be accurately
measured.

It is well known that crop yields are influenced by
fertilization. There is also considerable data to Show

that fertilization affects the chemical composition and yield

19

of plants. It is feasible to use various rates and com-
binations of plant nutrients; to analyze chemically the
plants that are grown; and to accurately evaluate yields.
This leadsin the problem of logically evaluating systematic
and describable relationships, if any, between nutrient
content of the soil, plant chemical composition, and yield
of crops.

The primary concern in this thesis is to relate cer-
tain studied variables. In doing so statistics expressing
variance relationships have been calculated. These
include simple correlations and multiple correlations between
studied variables. The main objective in the calculation
of these statistics was to draw inferences with respect to
populations by the study of random samples of treatments
and materials. In quantifying these relationships tests
of significance and errors of estimates for the appropriate
statistics were calculated. It may be remembered that
statistical procedures do not take care of the shortcomings
inherent in the performance of an experiment. The cal-
culated statistics define the relationships and place con-
fidence limits which indicate the probability of occurrance
of similar results,if the experiment is repeated again
under the same conditions. Inter-relationships between
applied nutrients, total plant nutrients, plant chemical
composition, and yield were also evaluated by employing

simple correlation procedures.

20

Regression equations were fitted to the data for
predicting yields from the other studied variables in this
investigation. The better the fit of a prediction equation,
the closer will be the agreement between experimental values
and the predicted values of Y (yield). This relationship
is shown by the simple correlation coefficient between
experimental and predicted Y‘s and in essence is the coeffi-
cient of multiple correlation denoted by the symbol "R."

The square of this correlation coefficient, "R2,” indicates
that portion of the variance in observed yields which is
associated with the studied variables used in calculating
that particular regression equation. The coefficients of
multiple correlation and the coefficients of multiple
determination were adjusted for the number of variables and
observations included in the regression analysis and are
denoted by the symbols "R" and “R2,“ respectively.* The
standard error of estimate for each prediction equation is

also reported. The significance of these statistics was

used in interpreting experimental results.

 

* R2 = l - (1 - R2) (N—l /’N - M) where N = number of

observations, and M = number of variables.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on pH
and Available Plant Nutrients in the Soil

Soil test information as to pH, available phosphorus,
and available potassium is presented in Table VII (appendix).
These tests were made on soil samples taken before fertilizer
applications during 1956 and 1957. The average effects of
applied nutrients on pH, available phosphorus, and available
potassium for both field and greenhouse experiments are
shown in Table VIII (appendix). In considering the green-
house data it should be remembered that the amount of each
nutrient element applied on the basis of pounds per acre
was twice the amount applied in the field experiments. The
data in Table VIII (appendix) Show that under field condi-
tions no change in pH occurred as a result of the use of
commercial fertilizer. In the greenhouse experiment, however,
an appreciable decrease in pH was recorded where heavy
application of acid forming fertilizer salt, ammonium
nitrate, was used.

A slight decrease in available phosphorus, as indicated
by the soil test, occurred in 1957 as compared to 1956.
(Table VIII, appendix.) This may be due to phosphorus
fixation by the soil and to crop removal in addition to

the dilution effect caused by deeper plowing for the wheat

22

crop. An appreciable increase in the available phosphorus
occurred in the greenhouse experiment. This ranged from

40 per cent at the lower level to as high as 400 per cent

at the higher levels of applications. The limited amount

of soil in a four gallon pot and the heavy phosphorus appli-
cations contributed to these results.

Potash fertilization also produced dissimilar results
in the available potassium content in the soil under field
and greenhouse conditions. The data in Table VIII(appendix)
indicate a decrease of about 35 per cent in available
potassium in the soil under field conditions during 1957 as
compared to 1956 soil tests. The previously mentioned
reasons for a reduction in phosphorus soil test levels
together with leaching likely account for this reduction in
potassium soil test levels. No appreciable change in available
potassium was recorded in the greenhouse experiments where
O, l, or 2 levels of potash fertilizer had been used. How-
ever, at higher levels of applied potassium an increase in
the available potassium, as high as 400 per cent, was
recorded. High potassium applications, a limited amount
of soil, and the use of cellophane bags, to avoid leaching
of plant nutrients in greenhouse experiments, may explain
the high soil test levels for potassium.

None of the correlation coefficients between pH and
the chemical composition of beans grown in the field were

significant. Because of this, and because only Slight

23

variation in pH occurred in the field, no attempt was made

to correlate pH with wheat composition and yield.

Results with Field Beans

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on
Plant Composition and Yield of Beans

Field Experiment

 

The chemical composition of bean plants was affected
by fertilizer treatments as is seen in Table IX (appendix).
The data in Table X (appendix) indicate the average effect
of applied nutrients on the chemical composition and yield
of been plants. The average yield and chemical composition
refer to a given level of N, P205, and K20 and disregards
the levels of the other two applied nutrients.

Nitrogen applications at the rate of 40 pounds of
nitrogen per acre resulted in a decrease in the nitrogen
content of bean plants from 2.54 per cent to 2.35 per cent.
Subsequent additions of nitrogen fertilizer increased the
per cent of nitrogen in the plant tissue. It appears that
nitrogen additions at lower rates of applications contri-
buted more to crop growth and yield but resulted in lower
nitrogen concentrations. Applied potash also resulted in
an increase in the nitrogen content of the plants but the
increase in nitrogen content was not consistent.

The phosphorus content of the bean plants increased

with the use of higher rates of phosphate. Potash

24

fertilization also increased the phosphorus content of the
plants. The increase, however, was not consistent. The
average phosphorus content at different levels of nitrogen
varied.

The potassium fertilization increased the potassium
content of the bean plants and varied from 1.49 per cent
potassium at no fertilizer level to 3.11 per cent at the
highest level. Phosphate applications also increased the
potassium content of bean plants. The increase in potassium
content at the higher levels of nitrogen, however, was incon-
sistent.

An increase in the calcium content of the bean plants
was associated with nitrogen applications. Applied potassium,
on the other hand, decreased the per cent of magnesium in
the plants.

The average yield at different individual levels of
applied nitrogen, phosphate, and potash reflected the ferti-
lizer treatments; however, the response was not consistent

over the wide range in levels of nutrients used.

Greenhouse Experiment

 

The data in Table XI (appendix) show the chemical
analysis of bean plants grown in the greenhouse. The
average effect of applied nutrients on the chemical composi-
tion and yield of beans is presented in Table XII (appendix).
The changes in chemical composition were similar to those

obtained under field conditions.

The nitrogen applications increased the nitrogen con—
tent of the plants. The calcium and sodium percentages in
the plants increased in some cases, although the increases
'were not consistent with extra increments of nitrogen.

Applied phosphorus increased the phosphorus and
potassium percentages in the plants. Potash fertilizer
increased the potassium and calcium concentrations. A
reduction in the magnesium content was associated with high
potassium levels.

The yield response to the fertilizer treatments did
not suggest any specific pattern. The data indicated that
nitrogen applications increased the yield; however, the
response of phosphate and potash was erratic.

Relationships between Applied Nutrients, Total

Plant Nutrients, Chemical Composition
and Yield of Beans

Field Experiment

 

The data presented in Table I indicate that highly
significant correlations exist between pounds of applied
nitrogen and percentages of nitrogen and calcium in the
plants. A highly significant correlation coefficient existed
between applied phosphorus and the phosphorus content of the
plants. Also applied phosphorus was positively related to
the potassium content. Applied potash was positively
correlated with per cent potassium and phosphorus in plants.

A significant correlation of -.391 was obtained between

applied potassium and per cent magnesium in the plants tissue.

TABLE I

SIMPLE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN APPLIED
NUTRIENTS OR TOTAL PLANT NUTRIENTS, CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF BEAN PLANTS, AND YIELD ON
SIMS LOAM SOIL, 1956

Elemental Composition of Bean Plants,

Plant (Per Cent) and Yield
Nutrient

 

N P K Ca Mg Na Yield

Field Experimentl

 

Na .6A2** -.061 .195 .566** .169 .175 .434**
Pa -.106 .751** .36A** .043 -.005 e.lll .232
Ka .130 .292* .792**-5082 -.391** .086 .267

Pa + PSt _,100 .758** .366** .060 .001 -.093 .2A3

Ka + KSt .192 .336* .806**'1077 -.381** .031 .275*

 

Greenhouse Experiment2

 

Na .7l6**—.106 .104 .656** .023 .AA1** .30A*
Pa .091 .813** .366** .106 -.039 .056 .100
Ka -.076 .148 .800** .385**-a615** .012 -.018

Pa + PSt .101 .821** .369** .098 -.O34 .047 .100

Ka + Kst -.044 .165 .805** .385**-.593** .013 —.O52

—k

 

—-1—

1Chemical composition of entire bean plants and yield
in bushels per acre.

2Chemical composition of entire bean plants and total
dry matter yield in grams per pot.

:a"—--Subscript refers to applied nutrient.
St"--Subscript refers to Spurway reserve soil test results.

* Significant at 5 per cent probability level.
** Significant at l per cent probability level.

Only applied nitrogen gave a statistically significant
correlation of .434 with bean grain yields. Applied phos-
phorus and potassium were not significantly correlated
with yield.

Correlation coefficients between applied nutrients and
composition were relatively high. However, it was theorized
that the relationships might be improved if the supply of
available nutrients in the soil, as measured with soil tests,
were added to those supplied in the fertilizer. The term
"Total Plant Nutrients" refers to a value obtained by adding
together theenuivalent fertilizer rates and soil test results
from given field plot or greenhouse pot.

Simple correlation coefficients between the total plant
nutrients, phosphorus and potassium, plant composition, and
yield revealed the same relationships as stated above for
applied nutrients. The correlation coefficient between
total plant nutrient, potassium versus yield, improved

slightly and was found to be significant.

Greenhouse Experiment

The correlations existing between plant nutrients,
plant chemical composition, and yield are reported in Table
I. The relationships as were present in the field agree
very closely with those obtained in the greenhouse with
certain deviations. A highly significant correlation

between applied nitrogen and per cent sodium in the bean

28

plant tissues was observed under greenhouse conditions
whereas the correlation coefficient in the field experiment,
though positive, was not sufficiently high for statistical
significance.

Applied potassium was closely associated with the
calcium content of bean plants in the greenhouse experiment.
This was just the opposite as was obtained under field con—
ditions, although the correlation coefficient in the latter
case was not significant. The explanation for this is
theorized to be related to the high application rates of
potash. Potassium probably replaced calcium on the exchange
complex and made it more available for plants uptake. The
correlation coefficient between applied potassium versus
phosphorus in the plants, though significant in field experi—
ment, was not significant under greenhouse conditions.

The total plant nutrient potassium also showed close asso-
ciation with the calcium content of greenhouse plants.

Applied nitrogen rates were closely related to the
total dry matter yield. The phosphate and potash applica—
tions did not greatly affect yield.

Inter—relationships between Plant Composition and

Yield of Beans under Field and Greenhouse
Conditions

The inter-relationships between various chemical

elements in the bean plants and yield in both the field and

greenhouse experiments are presented in Table II.

29

TABLE II

SIMPLE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN THE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BEAN PLANTS AND
YIELD ON SIMS LOAM SOIL, 1956

 

 

Elemental Elemental CompOSItlon of Bean Planto(Per Cent)

 

 

 

 

 

Composi- and Yield

tion‘

(Per Cent)

N P K Ca Mg Na Yield
Field Experimentl
N 1.000 .172 .368** .539** .395** .033 .657**
P 1.000 .565** .029 .129 -.217 .497**
K 1.000 -.097 -.247 .009 . 30**
Ca 1.000 .544** .076 .483**
Mg 1.000 -.l79 .195
Na 1.000 —.l62
Greenhouse Experiment2

N 1.000 .135 —.110 .452** .279* .391** .192
P 1.000 .226 -.046 .114- -.O26 —.045
K 1.000 .244 -.628** .087 —.074
Ca 1.000 .029 .317* .029
Mg 1.000 -.044 -.067
Na 1.000 .254

 

 

1Chemical composition of entire bean plants and yield
in bushels per acre.

’3

CChemical composition of entire bean plants and total dry
matter yield in grams per pot.
* Significant at 5 per cent probability level.
** Significant at l per cent probability level.

30

Results recorded under field and greenhouse conditions
varied widely. The nitrogen content of the bean plants
showed highly significant positive correlations of .539 and
.452 with calcium concentrations in the plants in the field
and greenhouse experiments, respectively. Significant cor—
relations between plant nitrogen versus magnesium contents
were obtained under field and greenhouse conditions. This
was also the case for nitrogen and. potassium in the field
but not in the greenhouse. Similarly, a highly significant
positive correlation between the nitrogen contents of plant
materials and the sodium was found in the greenhouse experi-
ment but not in the field.

A highly significant correlation of .565 was found
between the phosphorus and . potassium contents of bean
plants under field conditions. In the greenhouse experi-
ment the correlation coefficient, though positive, failed
to reach the 5 per cent level of significance.

Increases in the potassium content of the bean plants
were associated with lower levels of magnesium. This rela-
tionship was much more evident in the greenhouse than in
the field.

A highly significant correlation existed between the
calcium and magnesium contents of the bean plants produced
under field conditions. However, under greenhouse conditions
the correlation coefficient was almost zero. Calcium con-

tents were significantly correlated with the sodium

31

percentages in the greenhouse experiment but not in the
field.

Under field conditions total nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, and calcium percentages in the plant tissues
were significantly correlated with bean grain yields. Grain
yields were not determined in the greenhouse experiment.
The aerial portion of the plant was used as an indication
of yield. None of the elements in the plant chemical com-
position showed any significant correlations with yield in
the greenhouse. In this experiment the total dry matter of
the aerial parts of the plants (yield) was not a satisfactory
indicator of yield.

Predicting Bean Yields from Applied Nutrients,
Soil Tests, and Plant Chemical Composition

The statistical estimates of bean yield were obtained
from the other studied variables and are reported in Table
XIII (appendix). In order to predict bean yield from the
data pertaining to all studied variables, four sets of
regression equations using different sets of studied
variables were calculated. The first formulation of a
functional relationship was obtained for a regression
equation using applied nitrogen, phosphate, and potash and
their square roots and the soil tests for phosphorus and
potassium in pounds per acre and their square roots. The
values listed below the estimated parameters and included

in parentheses are standard errors of the respective

32

parameters. The letters N, P, and K represent pounds per
acre of applied nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, respectively.
This designation is used in all equations unless otherwise
indicated. The subscripts "a" and "st" identifies applied
nutrients and soil test values respectively. As was men-

tioned previously, "R2"

represents the square of the co—
efficient of multiple determination, "R" the coefficient of
multiple correlation,"R2" the adjusted coefficient of
multiple determination, "R" the adjusted coefficient of
multiple correlation, and "S" is the standard error of
predicted yield. The coefficients of multiple correlation

and determination were adjusted for the number of variables

and observations included in regression analysis.

Equation If—(Beans Grown in the Field)

Pg = 55.908287 + .023058 Na — .067602JN; _ .002676P a
(.031444) (.642568) (. 123872)

’ ~252““9(_;'- 013998 P st + .6418334P P;-'
(3.391241) (. 018822)S ( 558348)

+ .238408 Ka - 5.942793ixa - .018841 K
(.228594) (5.977581) (.037174)

.338996JK
(. 706944)S
2

R = .309 R = .556 R = .145 R = .381 s = 5.663

 

st

+

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation, R,
for this regression equation was .381. The coefficient of
multiple determination,R2,indicated that about 15 per cent

Of the variance in bean yield under field conditions was

__

*N Equations I-IV = 53

33

associated with variance explained by the regression equa-
tion. None of the estimated coefficients in regression
equation were significant.

Because of the large amount of variation not asso—
ciated with the regression equation I and the nonsignifi—
cant magnitude of the various estimated parameters, a second
prediction equation using applied nitrogen and total plant
nutrients, phosphorus and potassium in the soil, was cal-
culated. The subscript "t" denotes total plant nutrients

as have already been defined.

Equation II-—(Beans Grown in the Field)

 

9b = —7.l74048 + .009998 Na + .202862JN_ .010634 Pt
(. 026188) (. 525948)a (. 024698)
+ 5945O9JP”'— .064775 Kt + 2. 421763(——_
(. 990171) (. 062870) (2. 206401)t
R2 = .306 R = .553* R2 = .216 R = .464 S = 5.424

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the above equation was .464 and the coefficient of multiple
determination indicated that about 22 per cent of the
variance in bean yieldsves associated with regression.
Obviously neither equation I nor II is satisfactory for
predicting yields. These analyses point out that other fac-

tors may be involved in the prediction of bean yields.

9(-
Significant at 5 per cent level in all equations.

**Significant at l per cent level in all equations.

34

A third regression equation for the estimation of
bean yield from the chemical composition of bean plants
was then calculated. In this equation the subscript "p"
with each element means the per cent concentration of the

element in the plant tissue.

Equation III-—(Beans Grown in the Field)

 

A
Yb = ~5.709550 + 6.039279 Np + 26.258481 Pp
(1.863776) (10.450081)
+ 2.062404 Kp + 5.651090 Cap — 7.331778 Mgp
(1.219433) (1.540321) (4.373927)

822.154901 Nap
(385.801168)

R2 = .701 R = .837** R2 = .662 R = .814 s a 3.560

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the above equation was .814. The coefficient of multiple
determination pointed out that about 66 per cent of the
variance in bean grain yields under field conditions was
associated with the regression. It indicated that bean
grain yield was highly related to chemical composition of
bean plants. In this equation, the coefficients for
nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium were significant.
It is also seen that standard errors of estimates for
phosphorus and especially for sodium were high. The explana-
tion for this may be related to the low levels of these
elements in the plant tissue.

Finally an attempt was made to use data on all

studied variables and to calculate regression equation for

35
the prediction of beans yield under field conditions.

Equation IV——(Beans Grown in the Field)

 

Q; = —l5.950286 - .000664 Na + .050765JN’
( 018563) (. 359817)
— .013578 Pt + .571347JP’- .039566 Kt
(.017257) (. 697512) (.040983)
+ .899354JE;'+ 5. 927788 N + 20.817640 Pp
0.445337) (2.768745) p (18.156186)
+ 4.380991 K + 5.543207 Ca - 9.298144 Mg

p

(1.989522) (1.825103) p (4.457576) p

897.094106 Na
(390.631619)
_2

.760 R = .872** R = .688 R = .830 S = 3.419

p

R2

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the above equation was .830. The coefficient of multiple
determination indicated that about 69 per cent of the
variance in bean yield was associated with regression.

In this equation coefficients for applied fertilizers
were not significant. The coefficients for chemical contents
of the plants in regard to the per cent nitrogen, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, and sodium were significant. The
significant coefficients of regression indicated that these
variables had statistically significant effects on the yield
of beans.

The bean experiment was duplicated in the greenhouse
by using the soil from respective plots. Total dry matter
in grams per pot was used as a measure of yield. The

functional relationship between yield and variables

studied is shown intne following regression equations.

Equation VL—(Beans Grown in the Greenhouse)

 

A
Y = —5.596713 - .032370 N + 1.127787.fif"“
dm (.010300) a ( .293690) a
- .123838 Pa + 3. 6O9915JP;' + .000666 PSt
(. 080615) (1.923386)a (.005918)
- .O83962JP .082308 Ka + 1. 413385JKa
(. 244191) (. 143107) (3 74513;)
+ .011146 KSt - W308005J
(.011704) (. 308663)

R2 = .467 R = .683** R2 = .337 R = .580 s = 3.587

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was
.580. The adjusted coefficient of multiple determination
pointed that about 34 per cent of the variance in total dry
matter yield was associated with regression. The first two
coefficients in this regression equation were significant
to the l per cent probability level. The rest of the
coefficients were not statistically significant.

A second regression equation using applied nitrogen
and total plant nutrients, phosphorus andtntassium in the

soil, was calculated.

Equation VI--(Beans Grown in the Greenhouse)

A
Ydm = 18.707342 - .025415 Na + ”8956847

 

(. 009141) (. 254783)
- .007489 Pt + .392502IFE- .005997 Kt
(. 008669) (. 434481) (.020595)
+ .107825J—_'
(- 848390) 2

R2 = .414 R = .644** R = .336 R = .580 s = 3.588

*N Equations V-VIII = 52

37

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was
.580. The adjusted coefficient of multiple determination
indicated that 34 per cent of the variance in yield was
associated with the regression. In this equation the
coefficients for applied nitrogen and its square root were

also significant.

Equation VII-—(Beans Grown in the Greenhouse)

 

93m = 24.776603 + 2.261950 Np + .471277 Pp
(2.258208) (8.333159)
- 1.443176 Kp - .336255 Cap - 7.039441 Mgp
(1.470443) (.983500) (5.945183)

+ 581.579344 Nap
(431.888362)

R2 = .117 R = .343 R = O E = 0 S = 4.404

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation and
coefficient of multiple determination were zero. This
indicated that the regression equation failed to associate
any variance in dry matter yield with the regression. None
of the coefficients were significant.

The prediction equation for dry matter yields under
greenhouse conditions using applied fertilizer variables,

soil tests, and plant chemical composition is presented

in Equation VIII.

38

Equation VIII-—(Beans Grown in the Greenhouse)
A.

 

Y = 41.585487 - .024874 Na + .99353aflf;
d
m ( 008959)3 (.253615)3
- .004677 Pt + .394897JPt .003756 Kt
( 098519) ( 430757) (.024425)
+W006161J 1.599649 Np - 14.009516 Pp
(1.095505)t (2.623747) (12.559376)
- 2.153397 Kp - .965695 Ca — 9.869729 Map
(1.631223) (.895054) p (4.959524)

+ 63.792041 Nap
(376.431511)

32 = .568 a = .754** 32 = .435 a = .660 s = 3.309

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was
.660. The coefficient of multiple determination indicated
that 44 per cent of the variance in total dry matter per
pot was associated with regression. The only significant

coefficients pertained to applied nitrogen.
Results With Wheat

The Average Effect of Applied Nutrients on Plant
Chemical Composition and Yield of Wheat

Eield Experiment

 

The data in Table XIV (appendix) show the chemical
composition of entire plants at dough stage. The average
effect of applied nutrients on the chemical composition of
wheat plants and yield is presented in Table XV (appendix).
The per cent of nitrogen in plant tissue increased with an
increase in applied nitrogen. However, with the application

of 20 pounds and 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre, a slight

39

decrease in the concentration of nitrogen in wheat plants
tissue was recorded. This might be expected as such
moderate amounts of applied nitrogen would tend to accel—
erate more vegetative growth and thereby tend to dilute the
nitrogen concentrations in plants tissue. No definite
trend in the concentrations of nitrogen in plant tissues
was recorded for successive levels of phosphate or potash
applications.

The phosphorus content of the plants increased with
successive applications of phosphate. Nitrogen and potash
fertilizers did not consistently affect the phosphorus con-
tent. Potash fertilization increased the potassium content
of the plants. The potassium content showed an increase
at higher levels of nitrogen fertilization, whereas at
lower levels, a depression in the potassium content occurred.

Nitrogen and phosphorus applications affected the
calcium content of the wheat plants. The former increased
and the latter decreased the calcium level. The magnesium
and sodium contents increased with nitrogen applications.

Fertilizer applications, in general, showed no
favorable effect on grain yields due to wet weather and
severe lodging prior to harvest, especially in plots where
high nitrogen rates were used. 0n the contrary, the use
of nitrogenous fertilizer appreciably depressed the yield,
especially at higher levels of application. Applied
phosphate appeared to increase yields. Potash additions

did not cause any yield variations.

40

The effect of the use of fertilizer on the chemical
composition of wheat grain and yield is seen in Table XVI
(appendix). The data in Table XVII (appendix) show the
average effect of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertili-
zers. As nitrogen applications increased the per cent of
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in
wheat grain increased.

Phosphorus fertilization, in general, increased the
phosphorus concentration in the seed. The use of potash

fertilizer also increased the potassium content of the grain.

Greenhouse Experiment

 

The data in Table XVIII (appendix) show the chemical
analysis of wheat straw and total dry matter yield. The
average effect of applied nutrients on the chemical com-
position is presented in Table XIX (appendix). Increasing
the amount of nitrogenous fertilizer applied,in general,
increased the per cent of nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium
in wheat straw.

A gradual increase in the phosphorus content of straw
was recorded with each increment of phosphate fertilization.
An increase in the magnesium content was also obtained with
phosphate fertilization.

The use of potash increased the potassium and calcium
concentrations in the straw.

Phosphorus applications, in general, increased the

total dry matter yield (straw and heads). The nitrogen

41

fertilizer increased the yield at lower levels of appli-
cation but depressed the yield at the higher levels.

The individual chemical analysis and the average
effect of applied nutrients on the chemical composition of
wheat heads and total dry matter yield are shown in Tables
XX and XXI (appendix), respectively. The data indicate
that applied nitrogen, in general, increased the concen-
trations of nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and
sodium, in the wheat heads.

Applied phosphate and potash increased the phosphorus
and potassium levels in the wheat heads. Phosphorus
accumulation was depressed slightly at the higher rates,
960 and 1280 pounds per acre, of phosphate fertilization.

Relationships between Applied Nutrients, Total

Plant Nutrients, Plant Composition, and
Yield of Wheat

Field Experiment-~(Analysis of Entire Plant)

 

The data presented in Table III indicate that highly
significant relationships exist between applied nitrogen
and the per cent of nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
and sodium in the whole wheat plant tissues. The relation-
ship between applied phosphate and potaSh with the respective
phosphorus and potassium contents of the plants was highly
correlated but was not related to the concentrations of any
other ion in the plants. The correlation coefficient

between phosphorus and calcium was increased by adding the

42

TABLE III

SIMPLE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN APPLIED
NUTRIENTS, TOTAL PLANT NUTRIENTS, CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT PLANTS, AND YIELD ON
SIMS LOAM SOIL, 1957

Elemental Composition (Per Cent) and Yield

 

 

 

Plant
Nutrient N P K Ca Mg Na Yield
Field Experimentl
Na .872** .258 .629** .827** .336* .599**-.733**
Pa -.044 .746** .073 -.255 .094 .133 .201
Ka .117 .069 .480** .007 -.l42 -.090 -.095
Pa + Pst -.080 .747** .048 -.284* .057 .110 .231

.050 .049 .491** —.077 -.184 -.l66 -.044

 

 

Ka + Kst
Greenhouse Experiment2
Na .712** .154 .074 .866** .367** .064 —.255
Pa .199 .779**-.04O .122 .375** .232 .275*
Ka .133 .230 -733** .329* .035 -.ll8 .057
Pa + Pst ~.158 .707**—.018 .122 .321* .205 .241
Ka + KSt .086 .208 .725** .267* .027 -.171 .051

 

 

1Chemical composition of entire wheat plants and yield
in bushels per acre.

2Chemical composition of wheat straw and total dry
matter yield in grams per pot.

Ta" Subscript refers to applied nutrients.
'St” Subscript refers to Spurway reserve soil test results.

* Significant at 5 per cent probability level.
** Significant at 1 per cent probability level.

43

soil test value to the applied phosphate value. This
procedure increased the coefficient to a statistically
significant level.

Applied nitrogen was negatively correlated {-.733)
with grain yield. Phosphorus fertilizer rates were posi—
tively correlated with yield, but failed to reach statistical

significance at the five per cent probability level.

Greenhouse Experiment--(Analysis of Straw)

 

The data in Table III show that significant corre-
lations existed between applied nitrogen and the nitrogen,
calcium, and magnesium concentrations in the wheat straw.
Phosphorus application rates were closely associated with
the phosphorus and magnesium contents of the straw. Potash
additions significantly increased the potassium and calcium
contents of the straw.

The coefficient .275 indicates a positive relationship

between applied phosphorus and the total dry matter per pot.

Field Experiment-~(Analysis of Grain)

 

The relationships reported in Table IV indicate that
significant correlations existed between applied nitrogen
and the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
calcium, and magnesium in the wheat grain. Applied phos-
phate and potash were closely associated positively with
the phosphorus contents of the seed. No improvement in

the magnitude of correlation coefficients between total

44

TABLE IV

SIMPLE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN APPLIED
NUTRIENTS, TOTAL PLANT NUTRIENTS, CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRAIN, AND YIELD ON
SIMS LOAM SOIL, 1957

 

 

Elemental Composition (Per Cent)and Yield

 

 

 

 

 

Plant
Nutrient P K Ca Mg Na Yield
Field Experimentl
Na .900** .502** .786** .363** .539** .090 -.742**
Pa -.091 .519** .022 —.060 .050 .022 .197
Ka .264 .291* .205 .094 .024 .178 —.054
Pa + Pst -.107 .535** .035 -.066 .035 .007 .223
Ka + KSt .199 .271* .165 .072 .016 .159 -.003
Greenhouse Experiment2
Na .406** .024 .492** .752** .368** .398**—.255
Pa -.123 .649** .214 .066 .273* .159 .275*
Ka .034 .171 .427** .182 -.002 .175 .057
Pa + PSt —.144 .602** .197 .062 .256 .156 .248

Ka + Kst -.008 .136 .389** .142 -.062 .144 .051

 

1Chemical composition of wheat grain and yield in
bushels per acre.

2Chemical composition<yfwheat heads and yield of total
dry matter in grams per pot.

" " ° '9 utrients.
a Subscript refers to applied n
"st” Subscript refers to Spurway reserve soil test results.

* Significant at 5 per cent level.
** Significant at l per cent level.

45

plant nutrients versus the elements in the grain were
shown, over the one's obtained against applied nutrients.
Applied nitrogen was negatively associated with

wheat gain yield.

Greenhouse Experiment-—(Analysis of Spikes)

 

The data in Table IV show that highly significant
correlations existed between applied nitrogen and the
percentages of nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
and sodium in the spikes (wheat heads). Phosphorus appli-
cations were closely related to the per cent of phosphorus
and magnesium in wheat heads. Potash additions were
significantly correlated with the potassium content of the
wheat heads. Highly significant correlations were obtained
between the total plant nutrients, phosphorus and potassium
in the soil, versus their respective concentrations in the
heads, but did not show any improvement over those coeffi—
cients for applied nutrients.

Inter—Relationships between the Chemical Composition

and Yield of Wheat
Field Experiment

The data in Table v show that significant relation-
Ships existed between the per cent nitrogen in the wheat
plant tissues and the concentrations of phosphorus, potas-
sium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. A significant

association existed between the plant phosphorus and the

46

TABLE V

SIMPLE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT PLANT MATERIALS AND YIELD 0N
SIMS LOAM SOIL, 1957

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

giggigifil Elemental Composition (Per Cent) and Yield

tion (Per
cent) N P K Ca Mg Na Yield

Field Experiment1
N 1.000 .292* .597** .815** .473** .743** -.785**
P 1.000 .130 .003 .373** .442** -.022
K 1.000 .465** .032 .273* -.528**
Ca 1.000 .371** .654** -.757**
M8 1.000 .535** _,321*w
Na 1.000 -.568**
Greenhouse Experiment2

N 1.000 .524**-.159 .758** .565** .232 -.428**
P 1.000 -.169 .229 .444** .901 .094
K 1.000 .035 -.249 -.516** .048
Ca 1.000 .539** .328* -.375**
Ms 1.000 .436** -.367**
Na 1.000 -.240

 

 

1Chemical composition of entire wheatgianUSand yield
in bushels per acre.

2Chemical composition of wheat straw and total dry
matter yield in grams per pot.

*-

Significant at 5 per cent probability level.
**

Significant at l per cent probability level.

47
per cent magnesium and sodium. Potassium concentrations in
the wheat plants were significantly related to the calcium
and sodium concentrations. The calcium contents were
directly related to the magnesium and sodium contents of
the plants. A positive relationship existed between
magnesium and sodium concentrations.

In this experiment, grain yields were negatively cor-
related with the nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
and sodium contents of the plants.

The inter-relationships between the mineral elements
of the grain are shown in Table VI. Statistically signifi-
cant correlations were found between nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, calcium,and magnesium concentrations. The
phosphorus content of the grain was significantly cor-
related with the potassium and magnesium levels. Potassium
was directly related to the calcium and magnesium concen-
trations. Other significant relationships existed between
sodium and calcium and magnesium levels. 5

Grain yields were negatively correlated with the
nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents of
the grain. These correlations are similar to those found

between yield and plant composition except for sodium.

Greenhouse Experiment

 

Similar relationships existed in the greenhouse as
were found in the field except that in the greenhouse there

was no association between nitrogen and the potassium

48

TABLE VI

SIMPLE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRAIN OR SPIKES AND YIELD 0N
SIMS LOAM SOIL,1957

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elemental

Composi- Elemental Composition (Per Cent) and Yield

tion (Per
Cent) N P K Ca Mg Na Yield

Field Experimentl
N 1.000 .437** .691** .303* .564** .031 -.733**
P 1.000 .561** .137 .645** .189 -.l49
K 1.000 .515** .610** .118 -.7l3**
Ca 1.000 .156 .380** —.489**
Mg 1.000 .278* -.464**
Na 1.000 -.110
Greenhouse Experiment2

N 1.000 .015 .278* .462** .449** .319* -.277*
P 1.000 .225 .057 .439** .010 . 017
K 1.000 .641** .514** .231 -.325**
Ca 1.000 .661** .551** -.401**
Mg 1.000 .515** -.38l**
Na 1.000 — .176

 

 

1Chemical composition of wheat grain and yield in
bushels per acre.

2Chemical composition of wheat spikes and total dry
matter yield in grams per pot.

-)(-

Significant at 5 per cent level.
**

Significant at l per cent level.

49

and sodium concentrations in the wheat straw, Table V. Also
phosphorus--sodium, potassium-—calcium, and sodium versus
yield were not related. The corrlation between potassium
and sodium in the greenhouse was negative.

In regard to the composition of the spikes, essentially
the same relationships were found in the greenhouse as in
the field with grain. The deviations occurred between
nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrogen and sodium, phosphorus
and potassium, and calcium and magnesium.

Predicting Wheat Yields from Applied Nutrients,
Soil Tests, and Plant Chemical Composition

Statistical estimates of yield for field and green-
house conditions were obtained from the other studied
variables and are reported in Table XXII (appendix).

Similar regression equations, as have been described
for beans, were fitted to the data to predict wheat yields.
These equations were calculated to examine yield responses
to plant nutrients and changes in plant materials chemical
composition. In the field experiment chemical composition
of whole wheat plant at dough stage and chemical composition
of wheat grain at maturity were selected for correlating
with grain yield. In the greenhouse experiment the chemical
composition of wheat heads and wheat straw were used for

estimating the total dry matter yield per pot.

50

The data presented in equations IX to XII predict

wheat grain yield from the information obtained under field

conditions.

Equation IXf?(Wheat Grown in the Field)

 

A
Y = 65.585924 - .020645 N — .629843JN;'+ .054492 P
W (.026205) a (. 541827) (. 115189) a
- 1.148138JPa .013608 P + .559842JP
(3.094066)a (.015265) St (. 432564) PSt
+ .216625 K - 4.922067TE— — .020744 K st
(.252346) a '(5.654858) 3 (. 026997)
+ .55304431KS
(.527309)
2 -2

R = .630 R = ,794** R = .546 F = .739 s = 4.929

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the above equation was .739. The coefficient of multiple
determination indicated that about 55 per cent of the vari-
ance in yield was associated with variance in applied plant
nutrients and available phosphorus and potassium soil tests.

Estimated parameters, however, were not significant.

Equation X--(Wheat Grown in the Field)

9w = 21.945636 - .044367 Na - .1053907N;'— .019817 Pt
(.022390) (. 431878) (. 020667)

 

+ 1.00587OJPt ~ .013479 Kt + ”5149914
( .816290) (.048075) (1 518967)

R = .611 R = .782** fig = .563 fi’: .750 s = 4.836

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for

the above equation was .750. The adjusted coefficient of

* Equations IX to XVI No. of observations = 56

51

multiple determination indicated that 56 per cent of the
variance in wheat grain yield was associated with the vari-
ance in applied nitrogen and total plant nutrients, phos-
phorus and potassium, in the soil. None of the parameters
were significant. This indicates that factors other than
plant nutrients greatly affected yield.

The third equation was calculated by using wheat

plant chemical composition variables as shown in equation XI.

Equation XI—-(Wheat Grown in the Field)

§; = 50.299513 - 13.080244 Np + 26.967753 Pp

( 4.737430) (15.354962)

- 35.638291 Cap - 2.406188 Mgp
(27.234239) (18.844625)

 

2.476908 K
(2.530989)

22.180475 Na
(43.640723)

p

p

R2 = .685 R = .828** fig = .646 fi = .804 s 2 4.350

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was
.804. The adjusted coefficient of multiple determination
indicated that 65 per cent of the variance in wheat grain
yield was associated with the variance in the chemical
composition of wheat plants. The estimated coefficient for
the nitrogen content of the wheat plants was significant at
one per cent probability level. Other coefficients were
not significant.

Regression equation XII shows the relationship between

plant nutrients, plant chemical composition, and yield.

52

Equation XII—-(Wheat Grown in the Field)

/\
Yw = 36.489618 - .009231 N - .026502JNa
(.026466) a (. 463679)

.019255 P + .9304581?‘ - v.024480 K
(.022397) t (.988623) t (.048541) t

+ W741507J 9724553 Np+ 5. 820376 Pp
(1 551302) (6. 731452) (31. 455334)

 

- 2.667633 K - 20.284454 0 - .436149 Mg
(3.338893) p (36.317976) ap (26.309529) 9
_ 42.384684 Nap
(51.083215)

R2 = .704 R = .839** RE = .619 E = .787 s = 4.511

The adjusted coefficients of multiple correlation and
multiple determination for equation XII are .787 and .619,
respectively. None of the coefficients were statistically
significant at the 5 per cent level of significance.

The wheat grain chemical composition variables were
selected for the study of relationships with grain yield
under field conditions. The functional relationships
between plant nutrients, wheat grain chemical composition,
and yield are reported in equations XIII to XVI. Deviations
in taking four plot samples occurred between whole plant
samples and grain samples. Therefore, regression equations
predicting grain yield were calculated taking into con-

sideration this fact.

53

Equation XIII--(Wheat Grown in the Field)
/\

 

Yw = 80.814437 — .020049 Na — .630177J—;'+ .060719 Pa
(.025061) (. 526072) (. 114367)

- 1.378305J_;'- .019819 Pst .708470JP
(3.089308) (.014512) (. 421049)

+ .377768 Ka _ 7949440JE;‘ .028112 Kst
(.277362)a (6.001649) (.027829)

+W645511J
(. 526612)

2 .

= .648 R = .805** E = .568 fi = .754 S = 4-853

None of the parameters were statistically significant.
However, the adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation
was .754. The coefficient of multiple determination was
.568 which indicated that 57 per cent of the variance in
wheat yield was associated with variance either as an
aggregate effect of all plant nutrients or due to their
effect on some other variables in plant environment which
may be more directly associated with yield.

The regression equation XIV was recalculated using
applied nitrogen, total plant nutrients, phosphorus and

potassium, in the soil and their square roots as indepen-

dent variables.

Equation XIV--(Wheat Grown in the Field)

/\
Y = 21. 70946 - .044264 Na — .102961Jfi__- .018061 Pt
w 5 (. 022510) (.435821) 3 (.023076)

+ .912465 P — .018364 Kt + .695600 K
(.893224)—;. (.051191) (1.613256

R2 = .620 R = .788** fig = .573 fi = .757 s = 4.829

 

5H

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the regression equation was .757. The adjusted coefficient
of multiple determination explained association of about 57
per cent of the variance in yield with the regression. None
of the individual coefficients were significant. This also
suggested that some other variables in plant environment
might be more directly associated with yield variance.

The formulation of equation XV takes into account
wheat grain chemical composition. Subscript "g" identifies

per cent of respective elements in wheat grain.

Equation XV--(Wheat Grown in the Field)

 

Qk. = 68.943197 - 11.736u58 N8; + 81.891912 Pg
( 2.580389) (17.597240)
— 63.563296 Kg - 75.612562 Gag — 51.695358 Mgg
(17.927257) (55.440532) (31.260157)
- 55.921103 Nag
(188.078658)

R2 = .758 R = .870** fi2 = .727 8 = .853 S = 3.855

Coefficients of the variables nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium in the above regression equation were highly
significant. The adjusted coefficient of multiple correla—
tion was .853. The adjusted coefficient of multiple deter—
mination was .727. It indicated that 73 per cent of vari—
ance in yield was associated with the variance in the wheat
grain chemical composition.‘

Equation XVI takes into account plant nutrients and

wheat grain chemical composition in predicting wheat grain

55

yield for the field experiment.

Equation XVI—~(Wheat Grown in the Field)

/\

Yw

 

10.277672 - .021521 Na + 184981Jfi"- .003201 P
(. 021656) (. 379599)a ( 023490)

.021638JF'- .02 6838 Kt + 1. 011741JE_—
(. 982682) (. 042600) (1.355114)

9. 760702 N8; + 91. 771846 P - 58.083452 K
(4. 978627) (36.155299) g (21 453402) g

77.255549 Cag - 52.458019 Mgg — 106.267114 Nag
(57.720817) (38.004797) (211.669488)

= .784 R = .885** 82 = .722 E = .850 s = 3.893

t

The adjusted coefficients of multiple correlation and
multiple determination were .850 and .722, respectively.
It indicated that 72 per cent of the variability in wheat
grain yields was accounted for by its association with soil
nutrient content and the chemical composition of wheat grain.
The coefficients of the per cent phosphorus and per cent
potassium in wheat grain were significant. None of the
other coefficients were statistically significant.

The following six equations pertain to the data col—
lected in the greenhouse. Data were collected separately
on the chemical composition of wheat heads and straw. Total
dry matter per pot was used as a yield measure.

Regression equations XVII to XX explain association

of yield variance due to soil nutrient content and chemical

composition of the wheat heads.

56

Equation XVII*—(Wheat Grown in the Greenhouse)

‘9 16.957419 — .045684 N + 1. 001907 N - .008500 P
dm (. 020176) a ( .574258¥_—' (.021004) a

+ .414524J§_-+ .006539 P st - .165882JPSt

 

ll

( 932622) ( 011343) (.479998)
- .003805 Ka + .201147JKa .021253 KSt
(. 029686) (1.092112) (.022182)
+ .624632JKS t
( 567454)
R2 = .282 R = .531 fig = .119 8 = .345 s = 7.215

The estimated parameter for applied nitrogen was
statistically significant at five per cent probability
level. All other coefficients were not significant. The
adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was .345. The
coefficient of multiple determination was .119. This indi—
cated that variance in the soil nutrient content failed to
account for the variance in total dry matter yield under

greenhouse conditions.

Equation XVIII-(Wheat Grown in the Greenhouse)

 

A
y = 16.677 - .051359 Na + 1.166541Jfi_”4 .0040 5P
dm L 017471) ( 494575) a L 099826) t
- .111857JP .019214 Kt +.876390.1Kt
( 576452) (.017787) L 778636)

R2 = .272 R = .521 fi = .181 fi = .425 s = 6.957

The above statistical estimates indicated a poor
association between the variance in soil nutrient content
and yields. The coefficient of applied nitrogen was statis-

tically significant at the one per cent probability level.

 

*Equations XVII to XXIII No. of observations = 55

57

The coefficient for the square root of applied nitrogen was
statistically significant at the five per cent probability
level. None of the other parameters were significant.

The regession equation XIX was calculated by using
the chemical composition of the wheat heads. The subscript

'“h” denotes wheat heads.

Equation XIX--(Wheat Grown in the Greenhouse)

 

A~
Ydm = 41.432550 - 21.418869 Nh + 18.576160 Ph
( 5.798916) (14.235884)
— 4.635021 Kh — 36.790553 Cah
(8.120407) (51.210745)
- 60.642034 Mgh + 312.536293 N2h
(37.124436) (376.232718)
_2

R2 = .229 R = .478 R = .132 E = .364 s = 7.159

None of the estimated parameters are significant in
the above equation,<axcept for per cent nitrogen in the spikes.
A twelve variable regression equation was fitted to
the data using information on soil nutrient content and
chemical composition of wheat heads. The estimated coef-

ficients for different variables are reported in equation XX.

Equation XX—-(Wheat Grown in the Greenhouse)

A
Ydm = 58.435100 - .040288 Na + 1.1672064N - .001001 P

(.018755) ( .503303) a (.009160) t

.285515JP - .017251 K + .7802624K
(.538241) t (.016880) t (.737018) t

8.826469 Nh ~ 17.139331 Ph - 7.453543 Kh
(6.197947) (16.691822) (8.335017)

39.228357 Cah - 18.563752 Msh ~ 49.157054 Nah
(60:49799) (40.311510) (360.871390)

R2 = .459 R = .685 R2 = .317 ‘R = .563 s = 6.352

 

+

58

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the equation was .563. The adjusted coefficient of multiple
determination indicated that about 32 per cent of the varia-
bility in yield was accounted for by its association with
soil nutrient content and chemical composition of the wheat
heads.

The chemical composition of wheat straw from the green-
house experiment was determined. The regression relation-
ships between total dry matter yield and chemical composi-
tion of straw are reported in equation XXI. The subscript

’“s" with each element denotes its percentage in straw.

Equation XXI-~(Wheat Grown in the Greenhouse)

 

Y m = 60.770145 - 17. 768251 NS + 57. 762863 PS
( 4 716534) (13. 875246)

— 5. 811148 KS + 4. 697292 CaS - 27.117847 Mgs
(4. 003365) (2.675266) (13. 393807)

- 154. 775073 NaS
( 87. 375245)

R? = .432 R = .657“'§2 = .361 8 = .601 s = 6.142

The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation for
the above regression equation was .601. The adjusted coef-
ficient of multiple determination indicated that 36 per cent
of the variance in yield was associated with variance in the
chemical composition of wheat straw. The coefficients of

. the nitrogen and phosphorus contents of wheat straw were
significant at the one per cent level of probability. The

coefficient for magnesium was significant at the five per

59

cent level of probability. All other coefficients were not
statistically significant.
Equation XXII shows the regression relationships for

certain variables and yield.

Equation XXII--(Wheat Grown in the Greenhouse)

 

p.
Ydm = 53.392765 - .026737 Na + 1. 010456.]Na - .004323 Pt
(. 017993) ( .412988) (. 008400)
+.369409.1Pt 01043 +.566704JK
(. 493215) (. 016060) Kt (. 782844) t
- 17.150224 NS + 31. 763533 PS - 9. 369652 KS
( 5 178470) (22. 464206) (6. 371650)S
+ .615970 CaS - 23.180420 Mgs — 147.564011 Nas
(4 094158) (12.132208) (88.997432)
R2 -_- .612 R =.782(+112 :- .501 P = .708 s = 5.426

Consideration of all studied variables improved the
predicting power of the regression equation. The adjusted
coefficient of multiple correlation was .708. The adjusted
coefficient of multiple determination accounted for 50 per
cent of the variance in yield with this regression.

The coefficient of per cent nitrogen in wheat straw
was statistically significant at the one per cent probability
level. The coefficient of the square root of applied
nitrogen was significant at the five per cent probability
level.

A significant regression coefficient would indicate
a high association. However, it is noted that the magnitude

and statistical significance of a variable in regression

6O

analysis is subject to the effects of other associated
variables. This affects the reliability of the testing
procedure for an individual variable. Factors related to
plant growth, but not statistically significant, should
not be dropped from a regression analysis unless previous
knowledge and experience justifies it.

One can not expect to account for 100 per cent of the
variance in yield unless all of the factors that influence
plant growth can be controlled. This is usually far from
possible. In addition to the studied variables, there
were other factors such as temperature, wind velocity, rain-
fall, relative humidity, et cetera, which may have influ-
enced the development of the plants and caused variations
in yield. The highly possible effects of such variables
should not be ignored. Experimental errors, as may unfor-
tunately occur in chemical analysis as well as in taking
representative samples, et cetera, are also important
factors. In these experiments changes in the chemical
composition of the plants accounted for a great part of
the variance in yield. The nitrogen, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, and sodium levels in the bean plants accounted
for as high as 66 per cent of the yield variance. The
variance in the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels
in wheat grain accounted for as high as 73 per cent of the

yield variance.

SUMMARY

Field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies were carried
out to examine relationships between applied nutrients, the
chemical composition of the plant materials, and the yield
of field beans and wheat. Nitrogen, phosphate, and potash
fertilizers were used at different rates and combinations
on a Sims loam soil. The plant portions sampled for
chemical analysis were: (1) whole plants of beans and
wheat and wheat grain grown in the field, and (2) whole
bean plants, wheat straw, and wheat heads grown in the
greenhouse.

1. Under field conditions, nitrogen increased the
grain yields of beans, but decreased the yields of wheat.
Phosphate and potash fertilizers did not significantly
affect the grain yields of these crops.

2. In the greenhouse experiments nitrogen applications
significantly increased the total dry matter yields in
beans but had no effect on the wheat crop. Applied phosphate
significantly increased the wheat yields but did not affect
the bean yields. Yieldwise, no response was observed from
the use of potash fertilizer on either crop.

3. In both crops a slight but insignificant decrease
occurred in the nitrogen concentrations with low levels of

applied nitrogen but a significant increase resulted with

subsequent additions of fertilizer.

62

Applications of phosphate, and potash fertilizers
increased the concentrations of the fertilizer elements in
plant and seed materials of the crops grown under both field
and greenhouse conditions.

4. Nitrogen additions were directly associated with
the magnesium contents in wheat plants and grain of the crop
grown in the field as well as in the straw and spikes of
wheat grown in the greenhouse. No such relationship existed
in the bean plants. Nitrogen levels were associated with the
percentages of calcium in the bean plants, in the wheat plants,
in the wheat grain, and in the wheat spikes as well as in the
straw.

5. Applied phosphorus was positively related to the
potassium contents of bean plants grown in the field and in the
greenhouse but no such relationsmp was present in the wheat.

6. Potash fertilization depressed the magnesium uptake
in the bean plants grown in both field and greenhouse experi-
ments. No such association existed in wheat.

7. Nitrogen concentrations were positively associated
with the calcium and magnesium levels of bean plants, and
phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium levels of wheat plants
and grain grown in the field, and the wheat straw grown in
the greenhouse.

8. Potassium levels in the bean plants grown in the
greenhouse were negatively correlated with the magnesium
levels. The wheat did not exhibit such an association.

9. In both field and greenhouse experiments, the

phosphorus contents of the wheat were associated positively

63

with magnesium contents in respective tissues. This was
not the case with beans.

10. Potassium levels in wheat grain grown in the
field and wheat spikes grown in the greenhouse were directly
related to the calcium and magnesium contents.

ll. The magnesium and sodium levels increased as
the calcium levels increased in wheat plants and wheat
straw grown both under field and greenhouse conditions. In
the grain grown in the field there was a close relationship
between calcium and sodium.

12. Magnesium concentrations in the wheat plants
and grain were positively associated with the sodium con-
tents. This was not the case for beans.

13. The estimated parameters in the regression
analysis revealed that the yield increased with increases
in nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium concentrations in
the bean plants grown in the field. Increase in sodium
levels decreased yields.

14. The regression coefficients for nitrogen and
potassium levels of wheat grain were negatively related to
yield. Increases in the phosphorus levels occurred as
grain yields increased.

15. Practical application of field experimental
data suggested that the chemical composition of plants
or grain is more reliable a basis for predicting crop

yields than are applied nutrients or soil test values.

lO.

LITERATURE CITED

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The effect of mineral supply on the mineral
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Black, C. A., Nelson, L. B., and Pritchett, W. L.
Nitrogen utilization by wheat as affected by rate of
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Blair, A. W., and Prince, A. L. Studies on the nitrogen,
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Boynton, D., and Burrell, A. B. Potassium-induced
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Carlous, R. I. Effect of certain ions, used singly and
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Cherng-Jiann S., and Nai, L. C. Direct use of pH values
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Cook, R. L., and Millar, C. E. Some techniques which
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Davis, J. F. The effect of temperature, humidity,
fertilizer, soil moisture, and leaf area on the set of
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Drake, M., Wengris, J., and Cobly, W. G. Cation
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65

Drosdoff, M., and Nearpass, D. C. Quantitative micro-
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Drouineae, G., Gouny, P., and Mazoyer, R. Physiogie veg—
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Dunn, L. E., and Rost, C. 0. Effect of fertilizers on
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Fiske, G. H., and Subarrow, V. S. The colorimetric
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Fraser, W. S. The influence of magnesium, potassium,
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P. J. Green tissue testing with the Spurway soil
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Mich. Agr. Exp. Sta. Quart. Bull. 34 (4): 466-471. 1952.

Legatu, H., and Maume, L. Investigations on leaf diag-
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Lorenz, 0. A. Studies on potato nutrition: 1. The
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Lundegardh, H. Leaf analysis as a guide to soil
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Macy, P. The quantitative mineral nutrient require-
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Mehlich, A., and Reed, J. F. The influence of degree
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Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 10: 87—93. 1945.

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35.

66

Millar, C. E., Cook, R. L., and Davis, J. F. Fertili—
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Morrison, F. B. Feeds and Feeding. 2lst. ed. The
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Nelson, W. L., Burkhart, L., and Colwell, W. L. Fruit
development seed quality, chemical composition, and

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Peech, M., Alexander, L. T., Dean, L. A., and Reed,
J. F. Methods of soil analysis for soil fertility
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Pierce, W. C., and Haenisch, E. L. Quantitative
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Piper, C. S. Soil and Plant Analysis. IntersCience
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Seatz, L. F., Gilmore, T. R., and Sterges, A. J. Effect
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Shear, C. B., Crane, H. S., and Myres, A. T. Applica-
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67

Spurway, C. H. Soil testing a practical system of
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Von Liebig, J. Organic Chemistry in its Applications
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Univ. 108 pp. 1955.

 

APPENDIX

TABLE VII

69

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE pH AND AVAILABLE
PLANT NUTRIENTS IN THE SOIL UNDER FIELD (F) AND
GREENHOUSE (G) CONDITIONS DURING 1956-1957

 

 

 

 

 

Levelsl of pH Spurway Reserve Soil Test
Applied
Nutrients Plot 1956 1957 F&G 1956 F 1957 G 1957
N P K O NO- ‘7‘

205 2 F8cG F G P K P K P K
0 O 0 768 6.5 6.6 6.1 96 132 90 96 88 76
O O 0 843 7.1 7.2 7.0 144 272 132 165 209 206
0 O 2 650 6.5 6.5 6.2 120 120 132 110 187 82
O O 3 781 6.8 6.8 6.5 78 132 66 103 77 76
O O 5 811 6.5 6.5 6.2 102 176 90 154 77 206
1 O 0 731 7.0 6.9 6.5 96 144 84 69 110 76
4 0 O 760 6.9 7.0 6.0 53 112 48 55 44 34
6 O O 685 6.2 5.9 5.0 96 116 96 96 297 89
0 1 O 675 6.8 6.6 6.2 108 112 84 82 198 76
1 1 1 776 6.4 6.5 5.8 132 156 108 103 110 48
2 1 1 719 6.5 6.8 6.0 90 132 108 76 110 82
3 1 1 833 6.5 6.4 5.9 78 156 90 89 110 89
4 1 3 644 6.5 6.6 5.7 150 156 102 103 187 165
5 1 4 615 6.7 6.8 5.1 180 132 102 89 374 137
5 1 6 655 6.3 6.2 5.2 96 272 102 165 242 576
6 1 5 716 6.5 6.4 5.1 114 224 108 96 110 534
2 2 2 635 6.6 6.9 5.2 138 144 132 117 726 137
2 2 5 748 6.6 6.4 5.8 84 144 120 165 187 398
3 2 2 689 6.5 6.6 6.0 132 132 132 89 209 96
4 2 3 754 7.1 7.2 6.7 114 104 96 82 143 151
5 2 2 624 6.5 6.5 4.6 114 112 132 96 319 82
5 2 6 691 6.5 6.3 5.3 138 280 126 165 187 414
6 2 3 740 6.4 6.2 5.0 120 176 96 110 165 275
6 2 5 684 6.3 6.3 5 O 132 200 132 96 330 220
O 3 O 640 6.8 6.8 --- 180 112 180 117 --- --—
1 3 2 849 7.2 7.0 6.8 102 132 78 76 275 110
1 3 6 755 7.2 7.1 6.5 114 132 96 130 198 254
2 3 1 772 6.3 6.4 5.7 156 132 144 110 594 82
2 3 4 646 6.6 6.5 5.9 204 200 120 124 462 275
3 3 1 625 6.1 6 3 5.5 144 156 138 117 396 89
3 3 3 854 6.6 --- 5.1 132 156 --- --- 143 62
5 3 5 666 6.8 6.7 5.3 144 192 126 124 440 343
1 4 4 832 6.4 6.7 5.9 288 144 84 96 924 316
3 4 4 779 6.5 6.7 5.6 144 84 120 103 374 110
4 4 2 708 6.6 6.6 5.3 192 120 132 76 682 124
4 4 4 679 6.4 6.3 5.5 150 156 138 103 198 130
4 4 5 622 6.6 6.6 5.2 150 120 162 82 583 268

 

 

70

TABLE VII (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levels1 of H
Applied p ——‘ Spurway Reserve Soil Test
Nutrients §i8t1956 1957 F&G 1956 F 1957 G 1957
N P283 K2O F&G F G P K P K P K
5 4 3 703 6.6 6.7 5.2 144 120 168 103 242 89
6 4 3 741 6.5 6.2 4.9 220 156 138 96 858 103
6 4 4 688 6.2 6.3 5.4 288 224 150 117 462 172
1 5 4 656 6.5 6.5 5.8 192 156 132 124 550 165
2 5 2 758 7.1 7.2 6.2 204 120 198 96 418 69
3 5 2 828 7.0 711 6.0 324 200 192 89 627 110
3 5, 5 673 6.6 6.6 6.0 240 156 150 110 715 288
4 5 1 714 6.6 6.6 5.4 192 168 174 61 462 89
5 5 3 616 6.6 6.7 5.0 288 144 156 117 792 151
5 5 5 649 6.5 6.3 5.3 252 200 192 137 660 240
6 5 4 850 6.9 6.6 5.1 288 192 138 69 286 178
0 6 0 658 6.3 6.4 5.7 252 120 198 124 1188 69
1 6 1 633 6.4 6.5 5.3 240 144 330 117 660 89
1 6 6 701 6.4 6.6 5.6 204 224 234 206 1320 990
2 6 1 637 6.7 6.7 5.7 216 132 360 _124 682 89
2 6 6 670 6.3 6.5 5.7 120 200 192 151 462 618
3 6 6 820 6.9 6.9 6.0 300 256 174 144 1320 741
4 6 6 823 6.7 6.6 5.5 300 296 174 178 495 288
6 6 6 793 6.9 6.6 5.4 252 256 138 158 1518 700
Key:
Nutrient Level and Rate‘in Pounds per Acre
O 1 2 3 4 5 6

N: 0 20 40 80 160 240 320
P205: 0 40 80 160 320 480 640
K20 : 0 20 40 80 160 240 320

 

*Double fertilizer rate in greenhouse experiments than field
experiments as listed above.

TABLE VIII

AND GREENHOUSE (G) CONDITIONS DURING 1956-1957

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE pH AND
AVAILABLE PLANT NUTRIENTS IN THE SOIL UNDER FIELD (F)

71

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levels of pH Spurway Reserve Soil Test
Nfififii;§§51 1956 1957 F&G 1956 F 1957 G 1957

N P205 K20 F&G F G P K P K P K
v* 0 v* 6.7 6.7 6.2 98 --- 92 -—- 136 ---
‘" 1 " 6.5 6.5 5.6 119 --- 101 --- 180 -—-
‘" 2 " 6.6 6.6 5.5 122 --- 121 --- 283 ---
" 3 " 6.7 6.7 5.8 147 --- 126 --- 358 —--
" 4 " 6.5 6.5 5.4 197 --- 137 --- 540 -—-
" 5 ” 6.7 6.7 5.6 248 -—- 167 --- 564 ---
" 6 " 6.6 6.6 5.6 236 --- 225 --- 950 ---
V* v* 0 6.7 6.7 6.1 ——- 140 --— 101 -—- 90
" “ 1 6.4 6.5 5.7 --- 147 -—- 100 —-- 82
" " 2 6.8 6.8 5.8 —-- 135 --- 94 --- 101
" " 3 6.4 6.6 5.5 --- 143 -—- 102 --- 134
" " 4 6.5 6.6 5.5 —-- 161 -—- 104 -—- 185
" “ 5 6.6 6.5 5.5 --- 177 -—- 122 --- 312
" " 6 6.7 6.6 5.7 --— 240 -—- 162 --- 573
0 V* v* 6.7 6.7 6.3 --- --— --- -—- --- -—-
1 " " 6.7 6.7 6.0 --- --- --— —-- --- ---
2 " " 6.6 6.7 5.8 --— --- --- --- --- ---
3 " " 6.6 6.7 5.8 --- --- --- --- --- ---
4 " " 6.7 6.7 5.7 --- -—- —-— -—- --- -—-
5 " " 6.6 6.5 5.1 --- -—- -—~ --- --- ---
6 " " 6.5 6.3 5.1 —-— -—- --- --- --- ---

 

 

*V--Varies

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

TABLE IX

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF BEAN PLANTS AND YIELD IN THE

FIELD EXPERIMENT, 1956

 

2

Levels of
Applied
Nutrients

P205 K

1

2

O

Elemental Composition2
Plot (Per Cent)
No. Yield

K Ca Mg Na Bu/ A

 

Z
’11

 

tkttkbtwwwwwwwwmmMMNMMMHHHHHHHHOOOOOO

U‘l-Ir-D'JTIDF-‘OCDUIUTJI‘UUUOIDHONQWWWDDMHmmm-DWWHOQl—‘OOOO

HUI-D'RDWUOOCDU‘IIDEWHMI—‘ml—‘mtHWMHmHt-PCNNHOOOWMOO

768 2.70 .253 1.38 1.68 .618 .008 16.3
843 2.88 .315 2.50 1.13 .550 .005 24.6
650 2.43 .265 1.84 1.29 .608 .007 16.4
781 2.97 .248 1.93 1.78 .660 .007 18.1
675 2.63 .300 1.38 1.61 .660 .006 20.0
658 2.19 .305 1.34 1.69 .695 .007 23.1
731 2.73 .265 1.15 1.38 .660 .006 18.3
776 2.86 .260 1.76 1.88 .660 .006 21.4
849 2.76 .371 2.20 1.78 .718 .007 27.0
755 2.72 .325 2.83 1.73 .538 .007 27.4
832 2.59 .413 3.08 1.59 .728 .007 23.8
656 2.03 .340 2.18 1.50 .565 .006 20.7
633 2.46 .379 1.66 1.80 .593 .007 23.7
701 2.28 .331 2.71 1.23 .463 .008 14.3
719 2.12 .216 1.26 1.08 .343 .009 8.4
635 2.53 .290 1.56 2.06 .508 .007 22.4
748 2.18 .253 2.25 1.55 .415 .006 17.2
772 2.60 .275 1.86 1.55 .253 .006 23.6
646 2.20 .300 2.03 1.50 .350 .011 20.2
758 1.78 .290 1.31 1.15 .538 .008 7.2
673 2.38 .360 1.86 1.93 .508 .007 23.8
670 3.04 .413 3.34 1.46 .508 .006 26.0
833 3.17 .325 2.25 1.68 .415 .010 30.1
689 2.72 .253 1.61 2.13 .750 .007 22.7
625 2.57 .265 1.38 1.68 .565 .006 17.9
854 3.00 .328 2.60 2.03 .640 .008 33.0
779 3.04 .390 3.14 2.36 .660 .007 32.7
828 2.94 .460 2.50 1.90 .800 .007 23.0
673 2.45 .360 2.55 1.55 .550 .007 31.5
820 2.76 .408 3.34 1.88 .443 .007 29.4
760 3.37 .260 1.24 2.45 1.035 .009 19.1
644 2.32 .253 1.68 1.93 .443 .007 25.5
754 2.88 .281 2.18 2.25 .825 .006 31.6
708 2.95 .331 1.41 2.55 1.020 .006 28.0
679 3.44 .379 3.14 1.44 .675 .007 33.4
622 2.70 .315 2.18 2.06 .540 .006 28.0
714 3.10 .350 1.31 3.36 .795 .008 27.8

 

73

TABLE IX (Continued)

 

Levels of

Elemental Composition2

 

 

Applied Plot

Nutrientsl No. (Per Cent) Yield
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Bu/ A
4 6 6 823 3.20 .424 3.50 2.04 .500 .007 28.4
5 1 4 615 2.88 .210 1.76 1.73 .425 .012 20.1
5 1 6 655 2.94 .216 2.63 1.99 .470 .007 22.8
5 2 2 624 2.92 .300 1.66 2.41 .743 .007 22.6
5 3 5 666 2.78 .290 2.43 1.71 .508 .007 18.2
5 4 3 703 2.95 .275 1.66 2.31 .728 .007 25.0
5 5 3 616 2.86 .390 1.61 2.50 .645 .007 30.0
5 5 5 649 2.69 .374 2.68 1.72 .415 .007 24.4
6 0 O 685 3.21 .210 1.50 2.11 .795 .008 21.1
6 1 5 716 3.32 .223 2.58 2.06 .315 .007 30.6
6 2 3 740 3.42 .306 2.09 2.36 .755 .006 34.0
6 2 5 684 3.28 .255 3.30 2.36 .550 .012 27.2
6 4 3 741 3.38 .379 2.50 2.00 .675 .006 32.5
6 4 4 688 2.86 .281 2.06 2.36 .665 .007 23.1
6 5 4 850 3.39 .315 2.38 2.63 .825 .008 29.7
6 6 6 793 3.49 .473 3.45 1.68 .608 .007 34.5

A

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

Levels of Applied

TABLE X

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BEAN PLANTS AND YIELD

IN THE FIELD EXPERIMENT, 1956

W

Elemental Composition of Bean

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrients Plants (Per Cent)
Yield
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Bu/.A
O Varies Varies 2 54 .287 1.69 1.52 .611 .006 19.5
1 " " 2.55 .325 2.07 1.61 .588 .007 21.8
2 " " 2.35 .300 1.93 1.53 .416 .007 18.6
3 " ” 2.83 .349 2.42 1.90 .603 .007 27.5
4 " " 3.00 .339 2.19 2.07 .729 .007 28.3
5 " " 2.86 .294 2.06 2.05 .562 .008 23.3
6 '" " 3.29 .305 2.48 2.20 .649 .007 29.1
Varies O Varies 2.82 .259 1.65 1.69 .704 .007 19.1
" 1 " 2.78 .253 1.91 1.74 .466 .008 22.4
" 2 -" 2.85 .276 2.09 2.16 .649 .007 25.4
" 3 " 2.61 .306 2.10 1.68 .507 .007 23.2
" 4 " 2.99 .338 2.30 2.16 .709 .006 29.0
" 5 " 2.66 .360 2.06 1.91 .642 .007 24.3
" 6 " 2.73 .392 2.70 1.70 .561 .007 26.2
ar 5 aries O 2.75 .279 1.49 1.69 .662 .007 20.1
V ”12 V“ 1 2.66 .311 1.67 1.74 .517 .007 21.1
" " 2 2.63 .313 1.91 1.87 .713 .007 22.4
" " 3 2.97 .307 2.03 2.14 .671 .007 28.7
" " 4 2.80 .316 2.38 1.93 .595 .008 25.7
" -" 5 2.71 .295 2.56 1.86 .470 .007 25.3
“ " 6 2.55 .370 3.11 1.71 .501 .007 26.1

1See page 70 for key.

TABLE XI

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF BEAN PLANTS AND TOTAL DRY MATTER

YIELD IN THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT, 1956

75

 

Levels of

Elemental Composition2

 

 

Applied Pot, Per Cent) .

Nutrientsl No. ( Yleld
N P205 K20 P K Ca Mg Na Gms/Pot
0 O 0 768 3.17 .340 2.27 2.34 .780 .008 18
O O O 843 3.14 .425 2.82 1.08 .620 .009 26
O 0 2 650 3.10 .38 2.42 1.85 .643 .008 20
O O 3 781 2.69 .300 2.21 2.48 .588 .006 20
0 O 5 811 2.59 .353 3.10 1.77 .468 .008 24
O 1 O 675 3.29 .385 1.28 1.81 .670 .010 24
0 6 0 658 3.35 .525 2.56 2.31 .620 .008 23
1 O 0 731 2.99 .480 1.62 2.09 .843 .009 26
1 1 1 776 3.28 .370 1.98 2.34 .758 .008 24
1 3 2 849 3.15 .463 2.33 2.26 .870 .009 26
1 3 6 755 2.62 .333 3.52 3.14 .538 .010 26
1 4 4 832 2.42 .443 3.10 1.38 .643 .006 26
1 5 4 656 2.48 .430 3.28 2.27 .400 .009 34
1 6 1 633 3.31 .550 2.33 1.19 .788 .009 24
1 6 6 701 2.94 .508 3.78 3.14 .525 .009 24
2 1 1 719 2.55 .308 1.32 1.80 .705 .008 30
2 2 2 635 3.09 .368 1.65 1.30 .595 .007 36
2 2 5 748 2.98 .380 3.13 2.34 .620 .009 28
2 3 1 772 3.35 .430 1.85 2.51 .880 .007 32
2 3 4 646 3.02 .370 3.22 1.23 .370 .009 32
2 5 2 758 3.22 .520 2.12 2.27 .893 .010 32
2 6 1 637 3.26 .565 1.80 1.53 .880 .008 30
2 6 6 670 2.97 .470 3.76 2.83 .330 .008 30
3 1 1 833 3.52 .338 2.27 2.48 .833 .008 30
3 3 1 625 3 5 .365 2.33 2.24 .788 .011 33
3 3 3 854 2.80 .340 2.93 2.34 .688 .010 28
3 4 4 779 3.33 .463 2.18 1.79 .628 .006 32
3 5 2 828 3.43 .498 2.45 2.26 .805 .008 28
3 5 5 673 3.43 .508 3.52 2.89 .415 .009 30
3 6 6 820 3.55 .583 3.46 2.51 .738 .008 24
4 O 0 760 3.65 .250 1.42 3.57 .880 .008 32
4 1 3 644 3.52 .345 2.80 2.00 .483 .009 27
4 2 3 754 3.46 .480 2.56 3.01 .820 .007 26
4 4 2 708 3.35 .433 2.09 2.95 .798 .010 32
4 4 4 679 3.41 .458 3.80 3.08 .633 .009 31
4 4 5 622 3.40 .405 3.10 2.09 .458 .013 3g
4 5 1 714 3.56 .525 2.43 3.51 .820 .012 2

 

 

 

TABLE XI (Continued)

76

 

 

 

 

Levels of 2
()

Nutrientsl No, Yield
N P20 5 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Gms/Pot
4 6 6 823 3.38 .493 3.62 3.18 .630 .008 24
5 1 4 615 3.36 .343 2.99 2.96 .605 .008 36
5 1 6 655 3.53 .308 3.17 4.08 .420 .011 24
5 2 2 624 3.66 .340 2.33 2.94 .680 .011 38
5 3 5 666 3.68 .483 3.04 1.90 .370 .009 30
5 4 3 703 3.62 .455 2.30 3.39 .680 .012 27
5 5 3 616 3.57 .493 2.69 3.35 .660 .010 32
5 5 5 649 3.59 .505 3.07 3.23 .620 .010 34
6 0 0 685 3.62 .220 1.93 2.34 .680 .012 34
6 1 5 716 3.60 .345 2.80 3.98 .688 .009 24
6 2 3 740 3.76 .333 2.75 2.39 .855 .009 24
6 2 5 684 3.53 .345 2.93 4.70 .600 .009 28
6 4 3 741 3.77 .490 2.33 3.45 .733 .010 26
6 5 4 850 3.60 .508 2.69 3.48 .688 .011 30
6 6 6 793 3.56 .470 2.69 3.33 .733 .007 32

 

 

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

77

TABLE XII

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF BEAN PLANTS AND TOTAL DRY MATTER YIELD
IN THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT, 1956

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q Elemental Composition of Bean

vafiiirifnégilied Plants (Per Cent) Yield
V Gms/
2 5 2 N P IK‘ Ca Mg Na

0 Varies Varies 3.05 .388 2.38 1.95 .627 .008 22.1
1 " *" 2.90 .431 2.74 2.37 .670 .009 26.3
2 " -" 3.06 .426 2.36 2.26 .659 .008 31.3
3 " " 3.38 .442 2.73 2.36 .699 .009 29.3
4 " " 3.47 .409 2.60 2.92 .690 .010 29.1
5 " " 3.55 .403 2.84 3.15 .583 .010 31.6
6 " -" 3.58 .380 2.57 3.16 .684 .010 28.8
Varies O Varies 3.12 .328 2.22 2.19 .688 .008 25.0
" 1 “ 3.33 .343 2.33 2.68 .645 .009 27.4
" 2 " 3.41 .346 2.64 2.87 .681 .009 30.0
" 3 ” 3.16 .398 2.75 2.23 .643 .009 29.6
" 4 " 3.30 .434 2.55 2.47 .634 .010 29.9
" 5 ‘" 3.36 .498 2.78 2.96 .663 .010 31.0
" 6 -" 3.29 .520 3.00 2.59 .655 .008 26.4
es 0 . 2 .357 1.99 2.22 .728 .009 26.1
vafies Vfiri 1 3.30 .431 2.04 2.29 .806 .009 28.9
" " 2 3.29 .429 2.20 2.26 .755 .009 30.3
“ “ 3 3.40 .389 2.57 2.80 .688 .009 26.3
" " 4 3.09 .418 2.84 2.28 .558 .009 31.6
" " 5 3.35 .415 3.09 2.86 .530 .009 28.9
" " 6 3.24 .433 3.39 3.20 .563 .009 26.3

 

1See page 70 for key.

TABLE XIII

STATISTICAL ESTIMATES OF BEAN
SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIPS OF

 

 

YIELD FROM
INDIVIDUAL
1956

65b =

tissue)

0)
U
u

61
U
u

tissue)

65b

Gib

63b

VARIABLES WITH YIELD,
Field Experiment
A
I. Yb = f (applied N)
.A
Yb = 21.274 + .023237 x
I” = .434 S = 6,066
A 0
II. Yb = f (Per cent N In plant
/Y\b = - 4.108 + 10.129199
r = .657 S = 6.066
/\
III. Yb = f (Per cent P in plant
{9b = 9.409 + 47.045952 x
r a .497 S = 5.364
A 0
IV. Yb = f (Per cent K In plant
9b = 13.650 4 4.912526 x
r _ .530 S = 5.243
V. Yb = f (Per cent Ca in plant tissue)
A.
Yb = 11.516 + 6.747881 X
r = .483 S = 5.414
Greenhouse Experiment
A-
VI. Ydm = f (applied N)
Yam = 26.868 + .005998 X
r = .304 S = 4.237

.006842

1.62755O

11.489788

1.099805

1.711249

.002654

TABLE XIV

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL

COMPOSITION OF WHEAT PLANTS AND YIELD IN THE

 

FIELD EXPERIMENT, 1957

79

 

 

 

Levels of - Elemental Composition2

Applied Plot Per Cent

Nutrientsl No. ( Yield
N P205 K2O P K. Ca Mg Na Bu/ A
O 0 0 768 1.19 .170 1.69 .138 .133 .036 26.1
0 O 0 843 0.80 .185 1.35 .075 .119 .010 40.9
0 0 2 637 0.85 .240 1.39 .090 .117 .018 40.0
0 0 3 781 1.02 .163 1.24 .105 .114 .031 31.6
0 0 5 811 1.05 .175 1.69 .103 .123 .020 31.9
0 1 0 675 0.82 .208 1.18 .100 .131 .020 34.8
0 3 0 641 1.05 .288 1.91 .072 .148 .021 37.8
0 6 0 658 1.17 .285 1.61 .075 1148 .028 32.2
1 0 0 731 0.96 .190 1.23 .090 .135 .024 25.8
1 1 1 776 1.22 .180 1.54 .128 .172 .054 33.0
1 3 2 849 0.99 .220 1.30 .098 .156 .028 44.5
1 3 6 755 0.94 .200 1.61 .100 .158 .014 35.5
1 4 4 832 0.77 .240 1.41 .085 .125 .014 43.3
1 5 4 656 1.09 .290 1.63 .078 .118 .026 37.1
1 6 1 633 1.11 .335 1.50 .082 .134 .029 34.5
1 6 6 701 0.67 .215 1.15 .058 .126 .017 45.8
2 1 1 719 0.76 .200 1.24 .075 .105 .014 36.0
2 2 2 635 0.98 -200 1.21 .095 .161 .022 37.7
2 2 5 748 1.06 .208 1.76 .075 .126 .020 29.6
2 3 1 772 1.01 .235 1.44 .127 .151 .033 35.2
2 3 4 647 1.23 .225 1.76 .088 .131 .022 34.5
2 5 2 758 0.92 .243 1.46 .090 .162 .040 39.7
2 6 1 638 1.10 .275 1.53 .058 .103 .021 39.4
2 6 6 670 0.91 .268 1.53 .065 .110 .013 30.3
3 1 1 833 1.38 .243 1.21 .123 .170 .029 46.2
3 2 2 689 1.21 .208 1.30 .133 .172 .030 27.9
3 3 1 625 1.34 .235 1.41 .133 .201 .077 21.8
3 3 3 854 1.45 .220 1.79 .145 .180 .041 34.2
3 4 4 779 1.13 .255 1.21 .095 .161 .033 36.2
3 5 2 828 0.92 .253 1.53 .110 .077 .024 0.3
3 5 5 673 0.98 .278 1.04 .078 .135 .017 36.
3 6 6 820 0.93 .255 1.61 .085 .126 .015 3 .0
4 O O 760 1.45 .170 1.21 .178 .174 .045 21.9
4 1 3 645 1.41 .205 2.10 .160 .152 .040 24.fi
4 2 3 754 1.42 .185 1.65 .190 .188 .044 26.
4 4 2 708 1.42 .273 1.32 .165 .145 .085 24.3
4 4 4 679 1.64 .285 1.39 .133 .186 .050 27.3

 

80

TABLE XIV (Continued)

 

 

 

 

Levels of Elemental Composition2
Applied Plot (Per Cent)

Nutrientsl No. Yield
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Bu/ A
4 4 5 622 1.39 .285 1.78 .138 .180 .046 28.1
4 5 1 714 1.53 .318 1.54 .185 .233 .128 29.4
4 6 6 823 1.34 .280 1.98 .138 .193 .047 27.2
5 1 4 615 1.60 .218 1.91 .163 .167 .058 24.4
5 1 6 655 1.54 .183 2.14 .140 .175 .040 25.2
5 2 2 624 1.61 .280 1.46 .188 .211 .047 19.6
5 2 6 691 1.55 .205 2.11 .158 .045 .047 26.9
5 3 5 666 1.48 .230 2.04 .113 .161 .041 22.0
5 4 3 703 1.59 .310 1.58 .178 .133 .091 20.7
5 5 3 616 1.60 .335 1.89 .138 .215 .076 2 .4
5 5 6 650 1.67 .300 2.11 .133 .168 .077 24.8
6 0 0 685 1.65 .178 1.83 .185 .193 .037 19.4
6 1 5 716 1.56 .170 2.33 .222 .050 .043 23.3
6 2 3 740 1.53 .220 1.76 .207 .162 .041 21.9
6 2 5 684 1.55 .193 2.01 .207 .138 .051 22.9
6 4 3 741 1.60 .333 1.51 .180 .236 .081 28.6
6 4 4 688 1.63 .300 1.94 .148 .117 .061 21.3
6 5 4 850 1.85 .335 1.98 .163 .217 .087 27.8
6 6 6 793 1.49 .333 2.35 .180 .208 .038 24.2

 

 

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

TABLE XV

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT PLANTS AND YIELD

IN THE FIELD EXPERIMENT, 1957

81

 

Elemental Composition of Wheat

 

 

 

 

Levels of Applied
Nutrients Plants (Per Cent) Yield
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Bu/ A
0 Varies Varies 1.03 .214 1.51 .095 .129 .023 34.4
1 " " 0.97 .234 1.42 .089 .141 .026 37.4
2 " , ” 0.96 .232 1.49 .084 .131 .023 36.1
3 " " 1.19 .243 1.44 .113 .153 .034 34.6
4 " " 1.45 .250 1.62 .171 .181 .061 26.1
5 " " 1.58 .258 1.90 .151 .172 .059 23.6
6 " " 1.61 .258 1.96 .186 .165 .054 23.7
Varies 0 Varies 1.15 1184 1.46 .120 .139 .027 2 .7
" 1 " 1.29 .201 1.70 .139 .140 .037 30.9
" 2 " 1.36 .212 1.66 .156 .150 .037 26.6
" 3 '" 1.19 .232 1.66 .109 .161 .034 33.2
" 4 " 1.40 .285 1.52 .140 .160 .057 28.7
" 5 " 1.32 .294 1.70 .122 .166 .059 32.6
" 6 " 1.06 .281 1.66 .093 .144 .026 34.2
Varies Varies 0 1.14 .209 1.50 .114 .148 .027 29.9
“ " 1 1.15 .253 1.42 .114 .159 .048 34.4
" " 2 1.14 .239 1.37 .121 .150 .037 34.3
" " 3 1.45 .246 1.69 .163 .173 .055 26.6
'" " 4 1.37 .268 1.65 .119 .153 .044 30.2
" " 5 1.30 .220 1.87 .133 .130 .034 27.7
" " 6 1.23 .249 1.95 .117 .145 .034 31.1

 

 

1See page 70 for key.

TABLE XVI

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRAIN AND YIELD IN THE
FIELD EXPERIMENT, 1957

82

 

 

 

Levels of Elemental Composition2
Applied 1 Bot (Per Cent)

Nutrients No. Yield
N P 205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Bu/ A
0 0 0 768 2.08 .383 .531 .052 .213 .020 26.1
0 0 0 843 1.85 .442 .475 .031 .206 .018 40.9
0 O 2 637 1.79 .455 .531 .029 .199 .020 40.0
0 0 3 781 2.02 .370 .475 .018 .188 .018 31.6
0 0 5 811 2.02 .393 .519 .018 .203 .018 31.9
0 1 0 675 1.64 .438 .506 .023 .213 .019 34.8
0 4 0 649 1.78 .472 .531 .022 .196 .017 41.5
0 6 0 658 1.90 .468 .556 .031 .226 .019 32.2
1 O 0 731 1.79 .373 .475 .035 .165 .021 25.8
1 1 1 776 2.12 .400 .500 .018 .213 .017 33.0
1 3 2 849 1.88 .468 .475 .015 .216 .021 44.5
1 3 6 755 2.01 .430 .531 .034 .175 .018 35.5
1 4 4 832 1.87 .450 .506 .034 .206 .021 43.3
1 5 4 656 1.84 .468 .543 .029 .173 .018 37.1
1 6 1 633 1.84 .468 .550 .034 .223 .020 34.5
1 6 6 701 1.59 .442 .531 .021 .183 .017 45.8
2 1 1 719 1.88 .403 .531 .025 .169 .019 36.0
2 2 2 635 1.80 .420 .519 .023 .199 .018 37.7
2 2 5 748 2.16 .487 .595 .031 .248 .024 29.6
2 3 1 772 1.89 .450 .543 .024 .234 .018 35.2
2 3 4 758 1.84 .447 .531 .021 .183 .018 39.7
2 5 2 670 1.79 .408 .506 .015 .144 .018 6.3
3 1 1 833 2.25 .442 .495 .013 .209 .019 6.2
3 2 2 689 2.09 .455 .588 .023 .234 .021 27.9
3 2 6 646 2.03 .462 .575 .033 .199 .020 34.7
3 3 1 625 1.99 .425 .595 .072 .223 .025 21.8
3 3 3 854 2.41 .438 .495 .029 .216 .031 34.2
3 4 4 79 2.21 .487 .556 .018 .230 .019 36.2
3 5 2 28 2.00 .472 .495 .018 .216 .018 40.3
3 5 5 673 1.88 .500 .540 .050 .216 .038 36.4
3 6 4 640 1.90 .475 .575 .072 .193 .020 34.8
3 6 6 820 2.14 .465 .495 .018 .216 .020 34.0
4 O O 760 2.21 .338 .513 .029 .175 .020 21.9
4 2 3 754 2.44 .425 .550 .042 .186 .018 26.4
4 4 2 708 2.29 .505 .608 .029 .230 .017 24.3
4 4 4 679 2.35 .495 .625 .038 .248 .020 27.3
4 4 5 622 2.25 .487 .625 .042 .230 ,.022 28.1

 

83

TABLE XVI (Continued)

 

Levels Of
Applied 1 Plot
Nutrients No.

N P205 K20

Elemental Composition2
(Per Cent)
Yield

 

N P K Ca Mg Na

9?
\\
:1:-

 

O\O\O\O\O\O\O\O\O\U1U‘IU1UIUIUTUIU1 4341’

owntntnimrekJOLDOItxDAJmPJFJOAD

714
823
615
655
624
691
666
703
616
650
685
644
716
740
684
741
688
850
793

outwmwmmomwwmmmmrmH

.24 .508 .608 .035 .248 .021 29.
.56 .505 .563 .029 .241 .018 27.
.32 .462 .625 .034 .226 .021 24.
.43 .458 .595 .050 .254 .030 25.
.34 .458 .613 .042 .230 .019 19.
.37 .438 .625 .044 .209 .018 26.
.34 .495 .563 .041 .230 .020 22.
.34 .482 .608 .029 .241 .018 20.
.33 .505 .625 .038 .213 .019 25.
. .523 .608 .035 .241 .020 24.
.43 .455 .681 .042 .274 .020 19.
.50 .465 .625 .034 .226 .019 21.
.69 .468 .629 .055 .203 .016 23.
.65 .468 .595 .034 .234 .023 21.
.69 .468 .656 .050 .216 .019 22.
.62 .505 .588 .049 .213 .020 28.
.46 .522 .681 .035 .250 .021 21.
.51 .523 .585 .023 .261 .020 27.
.63 .522 .588 .025 .248 .021 24.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
.L‘:
O\
MCDWCHKOKOWW-P—‘mF—‘NOKOONTD «PhD-(1‘

 

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

 

4

TABLE XVII

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRAIN AND YIELD
IN THE FIELD EXPERIMENT, 1957

J

Elemental Composition of Wheat

 

84

 

 

 

LevfiiirignigIlied Grain (Per Cent ) .
Yield
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Bu/.A
O Varies Varies 1.88 .429 .516 .028 .206 .019 34.9
1 " -" 1.87 .438 .514 .028 .194 .019 37.4
2 " " 1.89 .436 .538 .023 .196 .019 35.8
3 *" " 2.09 .462 .541 .035 .215 .023 34.7
4 " " 2.33 .481 .585 .035 .220 .019 26.4
. 5 " " 2.36 .478 .595 .039 .231 .021 23.6
6 " " 2.58 .489 .625 .039 .236 .020 23.4
Varies 0 Varies 2.02 .401 .525 .032 .203 .020 29.1
“ 1 '" 2.23 .442 .563 .032 .214 .020 31.4
" 2 " 2.29 .454 .580 .036 .217 .020 27.5
" 3 ‘" 2.09 .451 .534 .036 .216 .022 32.2
" 4 " 2.29 .487 .592 .033 .227 .019 30.1
" 5 " 2.01 .493 .567 .031 .219 .022 32.2
" 6 " 2.04 .469 .558 .031 .209 .019 33.6
Varies Varies O 1.96 .421 .534 .033 .210 .019 30.3
" " 1 2.03 .442 .546 .032 .216 .020 33.7
" “ 2 2.06 .461 .554 .026 .215 .019 32.8
" " 3 2.40 .456 .562 .034 .213 .021 26.9
" " 4 2.23 .486 .587 .036 .223 .020 31.5
“ " 5 2.29 .471 .590 .041 .221 .022 27.4
" " 6 2.20 .465 .562 .030 .211 .020 31.5

 

1See page 70 for key.

85

TABLE XVIII

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT STRAW AND TOTAL DRY MATTER
YIELD IN THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT, 1957

 

 

 

 

tkrfi'P-fiwwwwwwwwmmmMNRJHDIDF-‘l—‘l—Jf—‘HHl—‘HOOOOOOO

Levels of Elemental Composition2

Applied Pot (Per Cent) Yield

Nutrientsl No. GmS/

P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na POP

0 0 768 1.14 .153 1.32 0.33 .125 .021 33.3
0 0 843 0.88 .053 1.81 0.38 .088 .015 28.6
0 2 650 0.95~ .063 1.75 0.43 .150 .021 27.8
0 3 781 1.05 .115 1.81 0.35 .200 .015 23.7
0 5 811 0.78 .046 1.96 0.55 .125 .030 27.9
1 0 675 1.26 .062 1.36 0.93 .300 .048 17.1
6 0 658 1.17 .203 1.06 0.58 .300 .061 29.9
0 0 731 1.03 .043 1.68 0.50 .175 .038 17.5
1 1 776 1.15 .083 1.61 0.55 .125 .025 28.3
3 2 849 1.07 .102 1.48 0.58 .275 .045 29.1
3 6 755 0.83 .028 2.09 1.08 .225 .045 23.4
4 4 832 0.94 .172 2.06 0.68 .250 .023 29.0
5 4 656 1.55 .213 1.56 1.30 .150 .045 20.4
6 1 633 1.42 .235 1.36 1.13 .250 .005 32.5
6 6 701 1.29 .228 1.88 0.63 .175 .018 32.1
1 1 719 1.09 .055 1.61 0.60 .225 .035 26.6
2 2 635 1.63 .093 1.64 0.63 .150 .025 25.2
2 5 748 1.05 .083 2.09 0.65 .225 .020 32.7
3 1 772 1.04 .080 1.35 0.90 .200 .033 30.1
3 4 646 0.99 .055 1.84 0.75 .113 .030 33.5
5 2 758 1.17 .180 1.33 0.68 .200 .053 31.6
6 1 637 1.43 .288 1.09 0.43 .400 .050 31.1
6 6 670 1.46 .273 2.07 0.68 .275 .021 35.6
1 1 833 1.31 .110 1.48 0.65 .175 .028 29.0
2 2 689 1.22 .055 1.58 1.18 .225 .050 23.5
3 1 625 1.40 .129 1.33 0.60 .225 .051 40.7
3 3 854 1.66 .140 1.75 1.05 .225 .013 35.7
4 4 779 1.26 .205 1.66 0.63 .200 .028 33.8
5 2 828 1.32 .236 1.54 0.60 .275 .021 32.1
5 5 673 1.45 .258 1.75 0.60 -150 .020 33.5
6 6 820 1.29 .180 1.23 1.02 .250 .025 32.1
0 0 760 1.40 .033 1.44 0.75 .113 .036 21.6
1 3 644 1.17 .048 1.68 0.93 .225 .025 33.0
2 3 754 1.26 .075 2.06 0.85 .225 .025 31.3
4 2 708 1.74 .195 1.06 1.55 .363 .058 21.2
4 4 679 2.08 .291 1.64 1.58 .338 .043 24.6
4 5 622 1.23 .148 1.78 1.20 .175 .023 51.0

 

TABLE XVIII (Continued)

86

 

 

Levels of

Elemental Composition2

 

 

Applied Pot (Per Cent) Yield

Nutrientsl No. Gms/
N P205 K2O N P K Ca Mg Na POt
4 5 1 714 1.45 .270 1.56 0.88 .225 .025 34.8
4 6 6 823 1.57 .195 2.07 1.65 .225 .038 32.8
5 1 4 615 1.53 .178 1.56 1.63 .150 .044 33.0
5 1 6 655 1.29 .063 1.81 1.38 .200 .028 24.0
5 2 2 624 1.18 .039 1.42 1.50 .225 .036 45.2
5 2 6 691 1.53 .108 2.09 1.18 .125 .025 28.8
5 3 5 666 1.65 .180 1.69 1.95 .275 .045 20.6
5 4 3 703 1.54 .163 1.61 1.18 .300 .014 31.4
5 5 3 616 1.48 .175 1.44 2.20 .338 .043 33.2
5 5 5 649 1.39 .180 1.78 1.48 .150 .035 42.6
6 0 0 685 2.10 .050 1.54 2.03 .300 .021 11.2
6 1 5 716 1.66 .098 1.88 2.25 .250 .040 22.8
6 2 3 740 1.61 .071 1.81 1.65 .200 .025 24.1
6 2 5 684 2.42 .235 1.71 2.40 .425 .053 7.6
6 4 3 741 1.65 .205 1.61 1.55 .150 .023 24.3
6 4 4 688 2.31 .275 1.50 2.25 .300 .048 18.3
6 5 4 850 2.13 .224 1.54 2.60 .525 .043 17.3
6 6 6 793 1.51 .185 2.03 1.98 .338 .040 21.9

 

 

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

87

TABLE XIX

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT STRAW AND TOTAL DRY MATTER YIELD
IN THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT, 1957

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levels of Applied Elemental Composition of Wheat
Nutrients Straw (Per Cent)
Yield
N P205 K20
N P K Ca Mg Na Gms/Pot

O Varies Varies 1.03 .099 1.58 0.30 .184 .030 26.9
1 " " 1.16 .138 1.71 0.80 .203 .038 27.3
2 " " 1.23 .138 1.63 0.66 .224 .034 30.8
3 " " 1.37 .164 1.66 0.79 .216 .029 32.6
4 " " 1.49 .157 1.66 1.17 .236 .034 31.3
5 " " 1.45 .136 1.68 1.56 .220 .034 32.6
6 '" “ 1.92 .168 1.70 2.09 .311 .036 18.4

Varies 0 Varies 1.17 .070 1.66 0.66 .160 .025 24.0
" 1 " 1.31 .087 1.62 1.12 .206 .034 26.7
" 2 " 1.49 .095 1.80 1.25 .225 .032 27.3
" 3 " 1.23 .102 1.65 0.99 .220 .038 30.4
" 4 " 1.59 .207 1.61 1.34 .259 .032 29.2
" 5 -" 1.49 .217 1.56 1.29 .252 .036 31.4
" 6 " 1.39 .223 1.72 1.01 .264 .040 31.0

Varies Varies 0 1.28 .085 1.46 0.78 .200 .034 22.7
" -" 1 1.29 .156 1.42 0.72 .228 .039 31.6
" " 2 1.29 .120 1.48 0.88 .233 .039 29.5
" " 3 1.43 .124 1.72 1.22 .233 .023 32.1
" " 4 1.60 .202 1.67 1.43 .253 .039 27.0
" " 5 1.45 .154 1.83 1.38 .222 .033 29.8
" " 6 1.35 .158 2.16 1.20 .227 .030 28,8

 

 

lSee page 70 for key.

TABLE XX

THE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT SPIKES AND TOTAL DRY MATTER
YIELD IN THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT, 1957

 

 

Levels of Elemental Composition2

 

 

Applied Pot (Per Cent) Yield
Nutrients No. Gms/
N P205 K20 P K Ca Mg Na Pot
0 0 0 768 2.62 .613 0.76 .021 .241 .007 33.3
0 0 0 843 2.77 .515 0.70 .017 .203 .014 28.6
0 0 2 650 2.89 .535 0.70 .019 .203 .008 27.8
0 0 3 781 2.91 .560 0.86 .013 .245 .012 23.7
0 0 5 811 2.72 .528 0.79 .016 .196 .012 27.9
0 1 0 675 2.76 .503 0.79 .036 .226 .009 17.1
0 6 0 658 2.64 .608 0.69 .024 .229 .015 29.9
1 0 0 731 2.71 .560 0.96 .025 .193 .009 17.5
1 1 1 776 3.02 .520 0.70 .017 .245 .013 28.3
1 3 2 849 2.97 .540 0.84 .020 .241 .010 29.1
1 3 6 755 2.96 .495 1.19 .033 .257 .017 23.4
1 4 4 832 3.01 .648 0.84 .021 .233 .012 29.0
1 5 4 656 3.01 .625 0.76 .042 .224 .010 26.4
1 6 1 633 3.05 .630 0.82 .048 .266 .012 32.5
1 6 6 701 2.92 .648 0.86 .020 .196 .012 32.1
2 1 1 719 3.06 .452 0.60 .020 .162 .013 26.6
2 2 2 635 3.46 .625 0.87 .030 .264 .012 25.2
2 2 5 748 3.12 .488 0.86 .020 .169 .010 32.7
2 3 1 772 2.89 .583 0.90 .021 .255 .013 30.1
2 3 4 646 2.98 .515 0.62 .025 .194 .014 33.5
2 5 2 758 2.88 .648 0.98 .022 .266 .012 31.6
2 6 1 637 2.93 .643 0.56 .017 .249 .014 31.1
2 6 6 670 2.98 .674 1.02 .032 .234 .014 35.6
3 1 1 833 2.99 .525 0.79 .021 .243 .013 29.0
3 2 2 689 2.97 .490 1.08 .059 .206 .010 23.5
3 3 1 625 2.95 .555 0.79 .037 .223 .016 40.7
3 3 3 854 3.20 .538 0.82 .056 .273 .009 35.7
3 4 4 79 3.08 .718 0.86 .020 .27 .010 33.8
3 5 2 28 2.85 .718 0.79 .022 .264 .014 32.1
3 5 5 673 2.93 .625 0.84 .032 .216 .010 33.5
3 6 6 820 2.98 .653 0.96 .025 .250 .014 32.1
4 0 0 760 3.31 .500 0.86 .025 .249 .012 21.6
4 1 3 644 3.02 .430 0.76 .050 .186 .012 33.0
4 2 3 754 3.02 .490 0.82 .024 .165 .010 31.3
4 4 2 708 3.05 .620 0.82 .072 .268 .014 21.2
4 4 4 679 3.52 .795 1.23 .123 .364 .017 24.6
4 4 5 622 2.91 .568 0.70 .028 .211 .012 51.0

 

TABLE XX (Continued)

89

 

 

Levels of

Elemental Composition2

 

 

Applied 1 Pot (Per Cent) Yield
Nutrients No. Gms/
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na Pet
4 5 1 714 2.88 .678 0.99 .028 .240 .009 34.8
4 6 6 823 2.96 .648 1.10 .057 .261 .017 32.8
5 1 4 615 2.92 .578 0.58 .032 .241 .018 33.0
5 1 6 655 3.05 .420 0.96 .056 .189 .017 24.0
5 2 2 624 2.92 .410 0.84 .086 .218 .017 45.2
5 2 6 691 3.10 .580 0.99 .047 .203 .008 28.8
5 3 5 666 3.01 .568 0.96 .071 .250 .012 20.6
5 4 3 703 2.99 .695 0.79 .046 .202 .011 31.4
5 5 3 616 3.07 .595 1.13 .119 .298 .021 33.2
5 5 5 649 3.04 .588 1.10 .065 .245 .011 42.6
6 0 0 685 3.66 .435 1.05 .135 .373 .019 11.2
6 1 5 716 3.17 .500 1.09 .104 .226 .015 22.8
6 2 3 740 3.04 .515 0.88 .056 .216 .010 24.1
6 2 5 684 3.01 .695 1.09 .135 .329 .017 7.6
6 4 3 741 3.02 .663 1.13 .058 .229 .008 24.3
6 4 4 688 3.41 .695 0.88 .056 .279 .020 18.3
6 5 4 850 3.15 .600 1.08 .123 .343 .018 17.3
6 6 6 793 2.71 .630 1.25 .100 .313 .014 21.9

 

1See page 70 for key.

2Average of two determinations.

90

TABLE XXI

THE AVERAGE EFFECT OF APPLIED NUTRIENTS ON THE CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION OF WHEAT HEADS AND TOTAL DRY MATTER YIELD
IN THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT, 1957

 

 

Levels of Applied Elemental Composition of Wheat

 

 

 

 

Nutrients Heads (Per Cent) Yield
Gms/
N P205 K20 N P K Ca Mg Na POt
O Varies Varies 2.76 .552 0.75 .021 . 20 .011 26.9
1 " '" 2.96 .583 0.87 .028 .232 .012 27.3
2 " '" 3.04 .579 0.80 .023 .224 .013 30.8
3 " '" 2.99 .603 0.86 .034 .244 .012 32.6
4 " " 3.08 .591 0.91 .051 .243 .013 31.3
5 '“ '" 3.01 .556 0.92 .065 .231 .014 32.6
6 " '" 3.15 .592 1.06 .096 .294 .015 18.4
Varies O Varies 2.95 .531 0.83 .034 .232 .011 24.0
" 1 " 3.00 .491 0.78 .042 .215 .014 26.7
" 2 " 3.08 .537 0.93 .057 .221 .012 27.3
" 3 " 2.99 .542 0.87 .038 .242 .011 30.4
" 4 -" 3.12 .675 0.91 .053 .269 .013 29.2
" 5 " 2.98 .635 0.96 .057 .262 .013 31.4
" 6 " 2.90 .642 0.91 .040 .250 .014 31.0
Varies Varies 0 2.92 . 32 0.83 .040 .255 .012 22.7
" " 1 2.97 .580 0.77 .026 .235 .013 31.6
" " 2 3.00 .573 0.86 .041 .241 .012 29.5
“ " 3 3.04 .561 0.90 .053 .220 .012 32.1
" " 4 3.16 .647 0.86 .055 .281 .015 27.0
" " 5 2.99 .570 0.93 .059 .230 .012 29.8
" " 6 2.96 .594 1.04 .046 .238 .014 28.8

 

 

1See page 70 for key.

91

TABLE XXII
STATISTICAL ESTIMATES OF WHEAT YIELD FROM
SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIPS OF INDIVIDUAL
VARIABLES WITH YIELD, 1957

Field Experiment

 

I. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Applied N)
A-
YW = 36.577 - .046887 X
r = -.733 S = 5.024 610 = .005984
II. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent N in plant tissue)
?w = 54.516 — 19.006696 x
r = -.785 S = 4.569 6b = 2.058730
III. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per Cent K in plant tissue)
9W = 49.977 - 11.926070 x
r = -.528 S = 6.270 60 = 2.636346
IV. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent Ca in plant tissue)
V}, = 46.644 - 126.503459 x
r = -.757 S =4.825 610 = 15.009647
V. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent Mg in plant tissue)
’VW = 39.596024 - 58.454718 x
r a -.321 S = 6.991 610 = 23.723785
VI. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent Na in plant tissue)
Qw = 37.590 - 171.280277 X

r — .568 s = 6.072 6b = 34.070

92

TABLE XXII (continued)

VII. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent N in wheat grain)
A.
Yw = 70.295 - 18.39812 X
r = -.733 S = 5.069 Eb =2.345563
VIII. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent K in wheat grain)
/\
YW = 86.001 - 98.227579 X
r = -.713 S = 5.222 <56 = 13.258243
IX. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent Ca in wheat grain)
/\
YW = 39.804 - 277.108434 X
r = -.489 3 =6.501 610 = 68.105788
X. Wheat Grain Yield = f (Per cent Mg in wheat grain)
A
YW = 58.558 - 129.360465 X
r = -.464 S = 6.600 (Sb = 33.937964

Greenhouse Experiment

 

Total dry matter yield per pot in grams is a measure of yield.

/\

XI. Ydm = f (Per cent K in wheat heads)
Qdm = 41.887 — 15.111940 x
r = —.325 s = 7.337 60 =6.045746
f\
XII. Ydm = f (Per cent Ca in wheat heads)
A
Ydm = 32.788 - 92.335666 X

r = -.401 s = 7.106 610 =28.939898

93

TABLE XXII (Continued)

.A
XIII. Ydm = 1‘ (Per cent Mg in wheat heads)
/\
Ydm = 44.182491 — 64.962406 1:
r = —.381 S = 7.173 66 = 21.656551
A
XIV. Ydm = f (Per cent N in wheat straw )
/\
Yam = 41.460 — 9.329518 x
r =-.428 S =7.010 66 = 2.703258
A
XV. Ydm = f (Per cent Ca in wheat straw)
9dr“ = 33.808 — 4.812180 x
r = -.375 S = 7.193 66 = 1.636215
/\
XVI. Ydm = f (Per cent Mg in wheat straw)
Qdm = 36.087 - 33.008356 X

r = -.367 S = 7.215 66 = 11.481685

ROOM USE ONLY-1'

 

 

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