DIAGNOSIS OP PLANT NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
BY MEANS OF SOIL TESTS, PLANT TISSUE
TESTS, AND FOLIAR ANALYSIS

by
J. QUENTIN LYND

A THESIS
Submitted to the Graduate School of Michigan
State College of Agrloulture and Applied
Science In partial fulfilment of the
: requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Department of Soil Science

1948

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I wish to express my slnoere gratitude to Dr.
L. M. Turk and Dr. R. L. Cook for their guidance
and inspiration throughout the course of this study*
I an particularly Indebted to Dr. C. E. Millar, Dr.
Kirk Lawton, and Prof. L. S. Robertson for helpful
suggestions concerning the research reported herein.
The photographs included were made by Dr. Cook.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I.

INTRODUCTION

1

II.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

5

III.

PLAN OF STUDY

10

IV.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE ANDRESULTS

13

A. Description of Soils Used

13

B. Physicaland ChemloalDeterminations of Soils

IS

C« Greenhouse Experiments for Tissue Testing and
Foliar Analysis
1. Experiments with Corn
2. Experiments with White Beans
3. Sand Culture Experiments
4. Method of Tissue Testing
5. Methods of Foliar Analysis
6. Results with
Corn
7. Results with
White Beans
8. Results with
Sand Cultures

22
22
23
24
24
27
35
39
41

D. Field Experiments for Tissue Testing and
Foliar Analysis

42

E. Chemloal Investigations of Fertiliser-Rotatlon
Field Experiments
1. Soil Test Results
2. Plant Tissue and Foliar Analysis Studies
a. Results of 1947 Analyses
b. Results of 1948 Analyses

49
53
54
54
59

F. Greenhouse Study of the Fertlllzer-Rofcation
Field Experiment

65

G. Nitrification Studies of Soli from the FertlliserRotatlonField Experiment
67
V.

DISCUSSION

70

VI.

SUMMARY

76

VII.

LITERATURECITED

78

VIII.

PLATES

83

INTRODUCTION

Over a century ago Von Liebig established the fact
that soil is the source of mineral nutrients for plants.
Since that time there have been Innumerable investigations
searching for factors that govern plant development and
composition with particular reference to complex soil re­
lationships.

Many early investigators established the fact

that plants vary greatly In composition and concluded that
evaluation of analytical data dealing with plant composition
was precluded because of so many influencing factors (56).
Most of these data were concerned with analyses of the total
plant Including stems, leaves, and fruit (15).
More recently a method using only the physiologically
active portion of the plant in a "foliar analysis" has been
more successful for indicating plant nutrient status than
the method of total analysis.

This method is based on

quantitative measurements of nutrient elements present in
the leaf at the moment of sampling.

Interpretations of

analytical data are made in terms of "Intensity" or critical
concentration and In terms of relative content or "balance"
of the nutrient elements determined.
Plant tissue tests were Introduced simultaneously with
the development of "foliar analysis" and tissue testing has
also been used extensively for diagnosing nutrient require­
ments of plants.

The theoretical basis for this method

rests on the extraction of unassimulated Inorganic constitu­
ents from plant tissue which is primarily concerned with

nutrient tranalocation.

These determinations are roughly

quantitative and test results are Interpreted relative to
the presence or absence of nutrient ions In sufficient
quantity to insure optimum plant growth.
Although both of these methods have received wide­
spread application as diagnostic aids, there is still a
difference of opinion as to what part of the plant should
be sampled and at what physiological stage the plants
should be sampled for analysis.

There is controversy as

to whether the soluble fraction is a better Index of nu­
tritional status than the total quantity of elements pre­
sent.

It Is questioned whether differences are sufficiently

large to overcome sampling errors and if it is possible to
state absolute critical concentrations for each nutrient
under different soil and climatic conditions.
This investigation was undertaken to compare foliar
analysis and green tissue testing for diagnosing nutrient
deficiencies in plants grown in greenhouse and field exper­
iments on soil types of widely differing fertility level.
A chemical study was made of changes in the soil nut­
rient status of fertlllser-rotatlon field experimental
plots following seven continuous years of experimental work.
Plant tissue testing and foliar analysis were used to de­
termine the nutrient status of one crop, corn, in these
field experiments during the_1947_ and 1948 growing seasons
and these results were correlated with soil analysis and
crop yield.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Diagnosis of plant nutritional status by means of
chemioal analysis has been an object of study since the
early history of agriculture chemistry.

As the complexity

of the problem became more and more apparent, detailed
investigations tended to divide into two separate phases.
Physical and chemical studies of the soil were made to
determine how Improvements could be made to produce more
desirable plant growth.

Fhyslologieal studies of the plant

itself were made to determine its needs for maximum growth
and production.
In recent years attempts have been made to correlate
results of plant tests and soil tests with « view of in­
creasing crop production by detecting and eliminating
certain nutrients as factors which may limit,plant growth.
Toward this end foliar analysis and green tissue testing
techniques have been Introduced as experimental aids along
with soil testing, deficiency symptoms, pot cultures and
field plot procedures for interpreting the complex relations
of soil fertility and orop yields.
Goodall and Gregory (15) have presented a detailed
review of literature concerned with chemical composition
of plants as an index of nutritional status.

They point

put changes in concepts prevalent in past Investigations
concerning total plant analysis as an indication of soil
fertility and furthermore, they emphasise the caution
necessary in using the results of soil analysis as absolute

crltera for plant needs.

These Investigators propose an

integration of soil analysis, plant analysis, and field
experimentation as a means to attain practical solutions
to plant nutritional problems.
Foliar Analysis: "Foliar analysis" as a means of de­
termining the nutritional status of plants was suggested
by Lagatu and Maume (21) in 1924.

This method of approach

has since been utilised by many workers and has been ap­
plied to both perennial and annual plants.

The principals

of sampling and analytical procedure have been adapted
without major change but controversy now exists as to the
interpretation of data from these procedures.
Lundegardh (23) presents the fundamental theory of
this concept as being based on the fact that functioning
assimilating leaves are "laboratories of nutrition".

Their

composition reflects the nutritional status of the plant
at the moment of sampling as Influenced by all factors of
soil and climate which govern plant growth.
Thomas (42) has modified the original procedures and
has adapted them for several horticultural and agronomic
crops.

This worker recognizes two factors in interpretat­

ing such analyses.

First, the quantity or "intensity"

of an element may be of significance and critical concen­
trations may be established for optimum growth.

Second,

the ratio of nutrients present or "quality" may be govern­
ing plant development.

Thomas utilizes a system of math­

ematical interpretation of the ratio of nutrients present
in terms of milligram equivalents*

Both Interpretations

assume that the limiting factor in plant growth will be
reflected In foliar analysis as a function of absorption
and utilisation of nutrient elements*

it is pointed out

by Thomas that the validity of any system of analysis
applied to dynamic systems as those of plants and soils
are necessarily comparative in nature.
Ulr.lch (50) has emphasized that foliar analyses do
not reflect the nutritional status of soils but rather
the whole complex of environmental factors which Influence
plant growth.

Composition of leaves and changes in their

composition during growth provides direct information on
the "nutrition” of plants.

He further proposes this method

as means of determining "critical concentrations" of nu­
trient elements.

He points out that sensitivity of plant

tests depends upon the part of the plant analyzed, the
particular fraction of nutrient determined, and the pos­
ition on the plant from which samples are selected.

This

worker reports very satisfactory results with foliar an­
alysis in determining the potassium needs of grapes.
Macy (26) has proposed quantitative measurement of
mineral nutrients in plants as a criterion for the nutri
tlve status of plants.

As stated by Macy "Sufficiency

of a nutrient is a function of its p ercent content in
the plant."

This Is Interpreted to mean that there is

a critical per cent for each nutrient, above this content
there is luxury consumption, below this point there is
"poverty adjustment" of the plant to a deficient state
where a "minimum" percentage is reached.

This minimum

64

value results in the appearance of deficiency symptoms,
senescence, and finally death of the plant.
Nightingale (30) recognized that variations In the
critical concentrations of nutrients in plants were
Influenced by environmental factors of light, temperature,
and moisture.

He evolved a system of testing for pine­

apple plants in which consideration was given to these
environmental conditions.

This method was used for de­

termining optimum nitrogen-carbon ratios within plants
at critical stages In their development.
Shear, Crane, and Myers (38) hove proposed nutrientelement balance as a fundamental concept in plant nutrition.
The principal idea involved is that any element as it de­
creases or Increases from its concentration at optimum
intensity may affect plant growth.

The maximum growth

possible within the new limits of supply of that element
can result only when the concentrations of all elements
have been brought Into balance at the new level of in­
tensity determined by that particular element.
These workers, utilizing foliar analysis as means
of determining this balance of elements have carried out
intensive investigations on tung trees giving considera­
tion to the nutrient elements nitrogen, potassium, phos­
phorus, magnesium and calcium.

No attempt was made to

utilize the concentration of these elements in terms of
chemical equivalents as did Thomas (44).

It is pointed

out that the stage of plant development end position of

the leaf are Important factors to consider in sampling
for analysis.
Tyner (48) utilized a method of foliar analysis for
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on a basal leaf of
corn (£ea maize) and proposed wcriticalB concentrations
of these elements for maximum yield based on a large number
of sample plants grown in seven different experimental
areas.

Leaf samples were taken once during the growing

season when plants were in full tassel and silk.
Plant Tissue Testing:

A system of tissue testing

proposed by Hoffer (20) has been extensively applied as
an aid in the interpretation of field plot results.

The

tests are made on extracts of fresh tissue from portions
of the plant consisting largely of conducting tissue.
The concentrations of unassimilated elements are determin­
ed semlquantltatlvely In this procedure and these tests
are considered to give a measure of the current rate of
nutrient uptake.

The interpretation of these tests Is

concerned with the plant absorption of elements rather
than the utilization of nutrients as in the case of foliar
analysis.

The theoretical basis, testing procedure, and

methods of applying results of green tissue tests have
been discussed in detail by Scarseth (37).
Some of the ideas of Hoffer were later extended by
Thornton (47) who modified

the Purdue soil testing pro­

cedure for making plant tissue tests.

Other workers, who

have developed similar testing systems are Emmert (15),
Carolus (6), Hester (19), end Cook and Millar (11)*

These

methods differ mainly in the nature of the extraction :
solution and in the part of the plant utilized for testing.
Emmert(lS) and Carolus (6) utilized 2$ acetic acid
extracts of plant tissue for making the tests.

According

to Carolus the concentration of a nutrient in such an
extract represented the current balance between its ab­
sorption and utilisation.

He quotes limiting values for

the potato plant below which deficiency is to be suspected
and found that these values changed during the course of
plant development.
Hester (19) has described a system of tissue testing
utilizing an acetate buffer solution in which tomato stems
were extracted in a mechanical cocktail mixer.

He proposes

values for deficiency and normal ranges for the content
of nitrate-nltrogen, phosphate-phosphorus, and potassium
but recommended making a comparison of the composition
of the best and the poorest plants in a field rather than
relying on limiting values.

•

✓

Thornton (47) uses the testing reagents in making
tissue extractions for potassium and phosphorus.

Samples

of tissue are treated with diphenylamine-sulphuric acid
reagent for an estimation of unassimilated nltrate-nitrogen.

Finely chopped tissue from terminal growth is ex­

tracted with a solution of ammonium molybdate in 0.1H HC1
solution for phosphorus.

Finely chopped tissue from a

middle part of the plant is extracted with a solution of
sodium cobaltinitrite in acetic acid for a potassium test.
Cook and Millar (11) use the same portions of the
plant for testing as Thornton but the extractions are made
in distilled water utilizing the reagents of Spurway (40)
for the actual chemical tests.

Arbitrary values of blank,

low, medium, high, and very high ere given these test
results and interpretations of the tests are based on
these values in conjuntion with plant deficiency symptoms
and soil tests.
Harrington (18) has made a comprehensive study of
factors which Influence the reliability of plant tissue
tests.

He found that the composition of fresh plant

tissue was greatly influenced by soil type regardless of
fertilizer treatment.

The age of the plant, when sampled,

had considerable effect on the test results.

Concentra­

tions of soluble nutrient elements in the plants decreased
with maturity in all cases.

This writer concludes that

the composition of the conducting tissue of the petiole
or stem, Is a reliable guide to changes in current nutrient
status.

He found greater differences between types of

tissue on the same plant than between plants having differ­
ent fertilizer treatments.

10.

PLAN OF STUDY
This investigation was undertaken with the idea of
producing plants differing widely in their nutrient content
by modifying the soil conditions and to compare foliar
analysis and green tissue testing as means for diagnosing
these differences*
These two methods were applied to plants produced
in the greenhouse in soils of different fertility levels
and also to plants grown on one soil type under field
conditions.

These methods were also compared on a series

of rotatlon-fertiliser experiments.
The plant of study included the following:
I. Description of soil types used
II* Greenhouse experiments for comparative analytical studies
A. Physical and chemical properties of soils used in
greenhouse experiments
1. Particle size distribution
2. Aggregate analysis
3* Base exchange capacity
4. Soil reaction, organic matter content, adsorbed
phosphorus, exchangeable calcium, potassium,
magnesium, hydrogen, and manganese
B. The production of c o m (Zea maise) plants of different
nutrient status in the greenhouse on PIami, Conover,
Brookaton, and Plainfield soil types
1* Soil treatments equivalent to applications of
2000 pounds of 10-20-20 fertilizer per acre in
the following combinations
a* Ho treatment

(check)

b. 10- 0- 0

(H)

11.

o.

0-20- 0

(P>

d.

0- 0-20

(S)

e. 10-20- 0

(NP)

f * 10- 0-20

(KK)

0-20-20

(PK>

&•

h. 10-20-20

(NPK)

2. Results of foliar analysis and plant tissue
testing from two crops on the same soils
3. Yield data (dry weights)
4. Soil pH after plant growth
C. The production of white bean plants of different
nutrient status in the greenhouse on Miami and
Granby soil types
1. Soil treatments equivalent to the following
a. No treatment
b. 2 tons CaCOg per acre (Granby), 4 tons
CaCOg per acre (Miami)
c. 500 pounds SnSO^ per acre on both soil types
d. 1000 pounds 10-2G-2Q fertilizer per acre
on both soil types
2* Results of foliar analysis and plant tissue
testing of two crops on the same soil
3. Yield data (dry weights)
4. Soil pH after plant growth
D. The production of corn and white bean plants def­
icient In magnesium with an unbalanced nutrient
solution.
III. Field experiment on Miami soil type.for comparative
Sls^osCie0ai§a analy |lS,s an(^
*5®ot*n3 **
A. Description of soil type, topography and previous
cropping

B. Fertilizer treatments applied at the rate of 1000
pounds per acre
1. No treatment
0

1

I

■o

o

.

r-i

2

(cheek)
(N)

3.

0-20- 0

m

4.

0-0-20

(K)

■6. 10-20- 0

(NP)

6. 10- 0-20

(NK)

0-20-20

<PK)

7.

8. 10-20-20

(SPK)

C. Results of foliar analysis and plant tissue tests
D* Tleld data (corn grain and fodder yields)
Chemical investigations of fertllizer-rotatlon field
experiments
A. Description of field experiments
B. Chemical Investigations of soil samples taken at
the start and after seven years
C. Results of plant tissue teats, foliar analysis
study, and crop yields for 1947
D. Results of plant tissue tests, foliar analysis
study, and crop yields for 1948
E. Greenhouse study of two crops grown on soil from
the field plots after the 1947 season
F. Nitrification studies of soil from field plots
for 1948

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Description of Soils Used*
Five soil types were used in the greenhouse studies.
These types represent five different fertility levels so
selected as to represent extremes in nutrient content,
organic matter/ soil reaction, and texture*
Miami Types This soil type occurs on level to gently
rolling topography as grayish-brown mellow granulated sandy
loam or loam*

The plow layer is underlain by pale-yellow

or gray leached material*

At depths ranging from 6 to 16

inches this layer grades into brown oompact gritty coarsely
granular clay loam to depths of 36 to 40 inches.

The sub­

stratum is comparatively hard gray or pale-yellow clayey
calcareous glacial till containing large amounts of free
calcium carbonate.
to strongly acid*

The aurfaot layers are usually slight
Drainage is usually good, the subsoil,

although sufficiently friable for root penetration and
development, is highly retentive of moisture and is one of
the best heavy upland soils for cultivated crops.

This

sell was colleoted from the R.L. Cook farm, Clinton County,
near Dewitt, Michigan*
Conover Type: A sol1 type intermediate between Miami
and Brookston occurring on gently sloping and nearly level
Essentially aooording to Veatch, J* 0*, Agricultural
land classification and land types of Michigan, Mich.
Exp* Sta* Special Bui* 213 (1st rev*) 1941

topography as dark grayish-brown mallow loam to depths of
4 to 6 inohes.

This is underlain by pale-yellow or gray

friable gritty loam somewhat mottled at lower depths and
at 10 to 15 inches grades into moderately compact but pene­
trable d a y of coarsely granular structure*

The substratum

consists of a heavy clay oaloarous drift to a depth of several
feet.

Internal drainage la imperfect to poor but when art­

ificial drainage Is provided is one of the most productive
soils for general crops *

This soil type was collected from

the R. L. Cook farm, Clinton County, near Dewitt, Michigan.
Brookston Typea This soil typo occurs on very smooth
level topography as a dark gray to nearly black mellow granular
plow soil to a depth of 8 to 12 Inohes.

The subsoil la heavy

textured, gray or yellowish-gray coherent olayey material
4 to 8 inches thiok, beneath which is a steel gray or bluishgray more plastic sticky clay slightly mottled with yellow
and rust brown.

The substratum consists of massive olayey

glacial till containing abundant free lime.

This soil was

obtained from the Lee Ferden farm, Saginaw County, near
Chesaning, Michigan.
Plainfield Type: This soil type occurs as dry yellowishbrown loamy sand occurring on nearly level land.

Clay is

soarcely noticeable in the subsoil and loose dry sand or sand
and gravel extend to depths of several feet.

The plow layer

of 6 to 7 inches consists-of light grayish-brown loose loamy
sand,

low in organic matter and water holding capacity*

The

substratum Is usually coarse gravelly material containing
little carbonaceous material.

This soil la too drouthy and

low in fertility to be used extensively for cultivated crops.
This soli type was obtained from the Rose bake Wildlife Ex­
perimental Farm, Clinton County, near Bath, Michigan.
Granby Type* This soil type commonly occupies poorly
drained sinks and swales as a dark wet sandy soil high in
organlo matter content underlain by sandy clayey material
with mottled yellow-gray rust colored subsoil occurring at
depths of 1 to 2 feet below the surface.

This soil contains

substantial amounts of free calcium carbonate through the
soli profile and is neutral or alkaline In reaction.

When

adequately drained this soil IS productive for truck and
cultivated crops but Is not as durable as the more heavy
mineral soils under intensive cultivation.

This soil type

was obtained from the Wagbo farm, Ingham County, Michigan.

Physical and Chemical Determinations
of Soils Used
Several physical and chemical determinations were
carried out on these soil types in an effort to evaluate
their respective fertility levels*
The particle size distribution of each soil is pre­
sented in table 1.

These soils vary in textur.e from a

heavy clay soil to a coarse light sandy soil.
The results of the aggregate analysis (table 2),
when compared with the data of particle size distribution,
indicate the relative amounts of aggregation and stability
of the structure.

The data show that the soils used in

these studies differ markedly in their structural char­
acteristics ranging from the well aggregated heavy Brookaton to the single grained structure of the light coarse
Plainfield soil.
The base exchange capacity, exchangeable ions, pH,
and the organic content of the soils used in the greenhouse
studies are presented In table 3.

It is noted (tables 1

and 3) that a decrease in organic matter is accompanied
by an increase in acidity and that the base exchange cap­
acity and the exchangeable calcium diminish with e decrease
in the quantity of the clay fraction except in the Granby
soil which is dominated by organic matter.
A potent!ometrie method was used for determining base
exchange characteristics of these soils.
scription follows:

A detailed de­

Twenty five gram samples of air-dried soil were placed
In gooch crucibles fitted with filter paper and soaked
overnight in distilled water.

The soil was then leached

with 200 ml. of .05H HC1 and washed with two 300 ml. por­
tions of distilled water followed by a washing with 100 ml.
of 90 per cent ethanol.

After the samples were dried at

60°C for 12 hours they were transferred to beakers, 25 ml.
of distilled water added, stirred vigorously, and the reaction
determined potentlometrlcally.
One gram of solid BaClg was then added to each hydrogen
saturated sample, stirred two minutes and another 25 ml. of
water added.

Bach sample was titrated potentlometrlcally to

a pH of 6.0 using a standard solution of BatOHjg*

The base

was added in 1 ml. increments*to a pB of about 5.0 followed
by 0.5 ml. Increments.

The additions of BalOBjg were made

precisely at one minute Intervals and pH determinations
were made just prior to each addition.

The mllliequivalents

of base necessary to adjust the soil to pH 7.0 was calculated
and curves were plotted from the titration data of six samples
of each: soil (figure 1).
These curves, together with the data in tables 1 and 3,
show the effects of clay and organic matter In relation to
the exchange ospaclty and buffering properties of the res­
pective soils.

Table 1

The pirticle Size Distribution of the Soils
Used in the Greenhouse Experiments*

Per cent composition
Size of particle in millimeters

Soil type
2.0-1,0

1.0-0.5 I 0,5— 25

.25-.10 1 .10— 05. .05— 002 I < .002

Granby sandy loam

2.52

4.12

15,60

21.92

21.14

30.20

4.70

Brookston sandy
clay soil

1.52

3.64

11.00

14.80

15.54

19.30

34.20

Conover sandy
clay loam

4.20

7.00

13.60

18.00

8.90

26.50

21.80

Miami sandy loam

3.77

9.51

23.50

17.50

9.90

22.60

14.10

Plainfield loamy
sand

5.72

11.86

21.23

36.76

5.56

10.70

8.10

i

«

Determined according to Bouyouoos (4)

Table 2

The Aggregate Analysis of the Soils
Used in the Greenhouse Experiments*

Per cent composition
Size of aggregate in millimeters

Soil type

2.0-1.0

4.0

4.0-2.0

Granby sandy loam

1.72

6.00

4.00

Brookston sandy
clay soil

6.72

6.56

Conover sandy
clay loam

3.48
.04

Miami sandy loam
Plainfield loamy
sand

.

m

1.0-0.5

0.5-.25

.25-.10

5.80

13*40

13.36

55.72

6.46

11.72

24.52

22.00

22.00

9.85

10 .75

9.85

29.70

23.70

20.50

4.00

3.60

5.20

14.00

23.00

38.20

.20

3.16

5.34

22.26

47,80

21.52

* Determined according to Yoder (521

<.10

Table 3

The Base Exchange Capacity, Exchangeable Ions, pH, and Organic
Matter Content of Soils Used in the Greenhouse Experiments

Hi Llliecu)Lvalents

Soil type

%

O.M.*.

pH2

Base
Exeh. Cap.

Ca2

K2

Der 100 grams soil

1

p4

Mn2

H2

14.52

7.4

20.50

13.90

.178

.163

•112

.088

.95

Brookston sandy
clay soil

7.76

6.8

13.45

8.95

.325

.165

.169

.105

2.45

Conover sandy
clay loam

5.16

6.6

9 .30

6.19

.170

.116

.145

.138

2.68

Miami sandy loam

2.34

6.0

5.40

2.83

.134

.105

.103

.201

2.40

Plainfield loamy
sand

1.08

5.2

2.25

.71

•063

•042

.079

.075

1.46

Granby sandy loam

1.
2.
3.
4*

Determined
Determined
Determined
Determined

according td Walkley (51)
by methods of Peech, et al (32)
essentially by the method of Gillam (14)
according to Bray and Kurtz (5)

Figure 1.
ELECTROMETRIC

TITRATION

CAPACITY OF SO ILS

FOR

BASE

EXCHANGE

USED IN THE GREENHOUSE

AND

BUFFERING

EXPERIMENTS

7.0

6.0

pH

5.0

4.0

3.0
12

MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER 100 GRAMS SOIL

20

Greenhouse Experiments for Tissue Testing
and Foliar Analysis
Experiments elth Corn;

The soil types used for these

experiments were collected In the field, screened, end air
dried.

For the experiments with corn (Zea malse), Miami,

Conover, Brookston, and Plainfield soils were placed In
four gallon Jars, sixteen kilograms per Jar*

The following

fertiliser treatments were applied as mixtures of
CaHP04 *Bg0, and &C1 at the rate of 2000 pounds per acre.
Bo treatment

(check)

0
1
0
1
o
1-4

(10

0*2G- 0

(P)

0* 0-20

00

10*20* 0

(SP)

10* 0*20

(HK)

0-20-20

(PS)

10*20*20

(SfPK)

These treatments were replicated three times;

After

sufficient water was added to bring the soils up to their
moisture equivalent they were planted to corn.

One week

after tassellng, the third functioning basal leaf was
removed from each plant and the remainder of tho plant
dried and weighed.

The sheaths of the leaves removed were

used for green tissue tests and the leaf blade used for a
foliar analysis of total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
calcium, and magnesium.

The yields and analyses of the

first greenhouse crop are presented In tables 4, 6, and 8.

Following the first crop, the three replicate jars for
each treatment were dumped together, the soil thoroughly
mixed, a sample taken and the soil replaced in the jars.

The

second corn crop was planted and harvested in the same manner
as the first crop.

Results of the second crop are shown in

tables 5, 7, 9, and 10.
Experiments with White Beans;

Miami sandy loam and

Granby sandy loam were used in these greenhouse experiments
to produce plants of varying nutrient status to Investigate
the application of green tissue testing and foliar analysis
on plants particularly responsive to minor elements.

Twelve

kilograms of air dried soil were placed in three gallon pots
and were given the following treatments:
Ho treatment
2 tons GaCOj (Granby), 4 tons CaCOs (Miami) per acre
500 lbs. MnS04 per acre
1000 lbs. 10-20-20 per acre
White beans were planted and, following full bloom, one
of each of the three replicates was harvested for analysis.
The stems were used for the tissue tests and the leaves for
foliar analysis.

The plants in the remaining two pots of

each treatment were harvested for yield.

Following the first

crop, the contents of replloate jars were dumped together,
thoroughly mixed; sampled, replaced in the jars and planted
to a second bean crop.

The yields and results of the chem­

ical analyses for the first crop are presented in table 11 and
for the second crop in table 12.

Sand Culture Experiments;

In this experiment an un­

balanced nutrient solution was supplied to corn and bean
plants grown in quarts sand cultures,

.he nutrient solution

suggested by Shive and Robbins (39) was used with the ex­
ception that the salts KHgPO^ and Ca(N05 )g were doubled
in amount and only 1/100 of the prescribed amount of MgSO^
was included.
These plants were harvested when in full bloom.

The

leaf sheath of the third basal leaf of the corn plants was
used in foliar analysis.

The stems of the bean plants were

used for tissue tests and the leaves were used in the foliar
analyses.

The results are presented in table 13.

Method of Tissue Testing:

For this Investigation a

system of tissue testing was devised which is essentially
a laboratory adaptation of the field testing method pro­
posed by Cook and Millar (11)•
The portion of the corn plant selected for testing
was the leaf aheath, primarily conductive tissue, of the
third functioning basal leaf.

The basal leaf was selected

because it is recognised as a reliable indicator of the
nutrient status in plants (43, 45).

The leaf blade of

this same leaf was used for the foliar analysis study.
The sheath tissue was finely chopped and extracted
with distilled water, in a 1:10 ratio, by vigorus shaking
for one minute.

The extraction equivalent of 1/3 gram

of tissue was used for phosphorus determinations using

0.1 ml of molybdic acid and a dr/all grain of stannous
chloride.

The results were recorded as blank, low, med­

ium, high, and very high depending on the color intensity.
These color intensities approach concentrations of 0, 0.5,
1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 ppm of phosphorus.
The extraction equivalent of 1/3 gram of tissue was
used for potassium determinations to which was added 1 ml.
of 2 . 5 % cobaltinitrite-15$ HaROg solution and 5 ml. of
95%

ethanol.

The turbidity was read as blank, low, med­

ium, high, and very high corresponding to the turbidity
of solutions with 0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 ppm of potassium
respectively.
For the nitrate test, approximately 1/4 gram of finely
chopped tissue was placed in a white spot plate and .5 sal.
of .2 % diphenylamlne-oonc. HgSO^ solution was added.

The

amount of nitrate nitrogen present was indicated by the
amount of blue color which developed.

This color was re­

corded as blank, low, medium, and high corresponding to
0, 2, 5, and 10 ppm of nitrate nitrogen.
The extraction equivalent of 1/6 gram was used for
both magnesium and calcium.

The arbitrary values of blank,

low, medium, and high.were assigned to concentrations ap­
proximately 0, 1, 3, 6ppm and above for magnesium as de­
termined by the.procedures of Peech and English (31) for
soil testing.

Calcium determinations were made using the

stearic-oleic acid procedure of Feeoh and English (31)
and the results assigned arbitrary values corresponding

to blank, 10, 20, 40 ppm and above*
Manganese was determined by the procedure suggested
by Cook and Lawton (9),

In this method the extraction is

made with 3$ acetic acid and the permanganic color is de­
veloped with sodium periodate.
These procedures were carried out in the laboratory
and were used for both the greenhouse and field investi­
gations*
Ir, the course of this investigation a method was de­
vised for making permanent plastic standards for use in
rapid soil and tissue testing procedures (25).

These

standards were made in an effort to give a constant re­
ference for the color and turbidity developed with stan­
dard solutions*

A commercial liquid casting material

"Castolite* was used.

This material is a colorless, therm­

osetting, Isotropic material which is easily colored with
dyes that

are soluble in acetone.

Turbidity was produced

by the addition of powdered calcium carbonate.
Standards were made for determinations of phosphorus
as phosphomolybdlo-blue, potassium in the turbidlmetrlc
cobaltinitrite test, magnesium as the titan yellow color
lake, and calcium In the turbidlmetrlc stearic-oleic soap
solution test.

These plastics follow Beer's law of light

transmission for color Intensity and degree of turbidity
in the ranges used and are excellent duplications of actual
solution standards.

Once colored the hardened plastlo

material is very resistant to fading.

They are convenient

and simple to us© and are especially adapted for field
testing of soil and plant tissue.
Methods of Foliar Analysis; The leaf blade of the
same leaf sampled for green tissue tests was used in the
foliar analyses*

The mid-rib of the leaf was removed and

the plant material dried at 60°C for 18 hours and ground
in a Wiley micro mill to pass a 80 mesh screen.

One-half

gram of oven dried tissue was digested aocordlng to the
wet digestion method of Piper (34) for determining the
mineral elements.

One gram of oven dried tissue was used

for total nitrogen determination by the KJelciahl-Ounning
method (1).
Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium were
determined on aliquots of the digested material essentially
as suggested by Linder <22).
These same procedures were applied to the field ex­
periments reported later in this paper.

Table 4

Fertiliser
treatment
2000 lbs.
per acre

Soil
pH

Yield
grama

The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test, and Foliar Analysis of C o m Plants Grown in the
First Greenhouse Crop on Plainfield Loamy Sand1

Height
inohes

Stalk
diem.
inches

Analysis of third basal leaf ,
Green tissue test
Foliar anal^sia leaf blade
sue. per 100 sraras®
leaf sheath tissue8
N
Ca
E | Ca .*&...
,|.E
[ M
*
*
|..
Iff

129

10.6

34.8

12.6

9.2

-

L

M

245

23 .2

21.5

16.1

3.4

E

-

L

K

107

27.4

26.3

25.8

17.3

VH

L

L

Iff

M

115

19.0

20.6

35.6

7.9

.41

VH

b

L

H

260

27.6

17.2

20.6

18.8

20.5

.30

VH

L

L

M

M

250

21.8

22.6

23.2

5.8

21.6

49.6

•36

L

H

l>

H

L

126

29.2

19.2

34.2

15.6

17.6

45.1

.32

VH

K

L

M

■E

291

30.2

24.6

25.6

16.8

5.3

14.1

41.6

.31

K

n

0
1
0
1
s

K

none

5.2

10.9

32.6

.32

VH

M

0.20. 0

5.3

21.1

41.7

.35

L

0-20

4.7

5.7

27.0

.25

10-20- 0

5.4

27.3

55.0

10- 0-20

4.8

4.3

0—20—20

4.9

10-20-20

4.9

G-

1. Data represents the mean of three replications
2. Legends VII very high, E high, M medium, L low, - blank
3. nitrogen determined by the>f£jeldahl-Gunnlng method (1) other
elements determined essentially by methods of Linder (22)

Table

Fertiliser
treatment
2000 lbs*
per acre

Soil
PH

5 The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test, and Foliar Analysis of Corn Plants Crown in the
Second Greenhouse Crop on Plainfield Loamy Sand1

Yield
grams

Height
inches

Stalk
diam.
Inches

Analysis of third basal let.f
Green tissue test
Foliar analyst s leaf blade
leaf sheath tissue®
m.e. per 100 grams5
Ca 1 Mg _ a .
;.WV
:*
,
-JfiL..
*-■
:*
- * 1 *

none

5.5

15.5

22

.33

'm-

It

10- 0- 0

5.6

35 .4

20

*44

B

L

0-20-' 0

5.6

25.4

23

.46

-

0- 0-20

4.7

25.3

21

.48

-

r
Xj

10-20- 0

5.5

88.6

42

•68

H

B

10- 0-20

5.4

27.1

16

.42

a.

-

0-20-20

5.5

36.6

20

.51

- am •

B

180.7

45

.71

H

10-20-20

5 . 5

".A

.

'1

»

R

95

12.8

23.2

19.4

17.7

15S

16.8

24.2

18.1

16.1

am

M

-

K

B

91

32.0

11.4

11.2

22.9

R

T
W

K

142

24.0

21.4

15.6

31.7

>

s

a

145

28.0

17.4

15.0

22.4

L

L

L

148

13.2

31.5

15.7

L

L

1G9

14.0

40.0

11.3

12.0

L

B ” 180

20.0

51.0

10.6

8.9

"L

'

1. Data represents the mean of three replications
2. Legend: H high, M medium, L low, - blank
3. Nitrogen determined by the K jeldahl-Gunning method (1) other
elements determined essentially by methods of Linder (22)

:

13.0

Table 6

Fertilizer
treatment
2000 lbs.
per acre

Stalk
diam.
inches

Analysis of third basal leaf
Green tissue test
Foliar analysis leaf blade
m.e. per 100 grams3
leaf sheath tissue2
N I
| Ca | Kg
Ca L »g.
N
1 P 1 K

Yield
grams

Height
inches

5.6

12.0

48.7

.33

VH

L

m

L

H

191

14.7

30.5

10.3

19.8

10- 0- 0

5.6

9.8

45.8

.23

VH

L

-

L

M

236

21.2

42.0

15.9

11.5

0-20. 0

5.8

28.1

52.0

.51

-

H

-

L

H

167

24.6

22.3

17.4

21.8

Or 0*20

5.6

6.0

27.2

.32

VH ;V;:L:

M

L

M

212

16.8

71.8

6.4

12.9

10-20- 0

5.6

14.8

35.3

.47

VH

VE

'**

L

H

289

30.4

23.6

15.9

22.9

10- 0-20

5.5

5.1

21.2

.28

VH

L

H

L

L

273

13.9

69.0

15.7

9.4

5.5 _36 .6

60.2

.43

-

fi

E

L

H

156

21.4

32.3

14.9

20.2

5.6

61.3

.40

M

K

M

L

X

234

21.9

43.5

17.6

13.3

hone

0-20-20
10-20-20

Soil
pH

The Effects of Various fertilizer Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test, and Foliar Analysis of the Corn Plants Grown
In the First Greenhouse Crop on Miami Sandy Loam .1

27.6

1* Data represents the mean of three replications.
2. Legend: VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, •blank.
5. Nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl-Gunning method (1) other
elements determined essentially by methods of Linder(22).

Table

7 The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test, and Foliar Analysis of Corn Plants Grown in the
: Second Greenhouse Crop on Mlasti Sandy Loam1

Fertiliser
treatment Soil
2000 lbs.
pH
oar acre

Yield Height
g r a s s ' inohes

Stalk
dlant.
Inches

Analysis of third basal loaf
Green tissue test _
Foliar analysi s leaf.blade
leaf sheath tissue”
s.e. per 100 £rass^
H
■SN]
Ca
|*5
[■ *;

vjhone

5.5

36.2

36

•46

L

L . L

10- 0- 0

5.4

66.5

35

.57

S

-■

0-20- 0

5*6

60.2

39

•48

'«e-

B

0- 0-20

5 .3

67.5

34

.51

X

L ■; H

10-20- 0

5*8

141.3

65

•69

'S'' U

10- 0-20

4.8

75*6

34

•54

E

0-20-20

5*6

42*3

36

.45

10-20-20

5.8

230.3

64

.71

B

)L

X

115

16.0

10.5

17.6

U.7

K

L

L

219

17.2

22.6

15.0

16.6

L

K

-%

86

24.6

12.6

26.1

16.2

t

L

159

18.0

43.0

26.2

13.0

L

&

H

187

24.4

15.6

19.1

20.3

£

H

'U

226

16.0 ■6l .0

21.9

15.6

- 15 :B ' M

-

96

22.0

64.4

15.0

15.1

K

-

230

25.6

77.6

12.1

19.2

WR’

K

'

■' B

'

1* Data represents the mean of three replications.
2. Legend: VE very high, H high, IS medium, L low, - blank.
3. Nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl-Gunning method (1) other
elements determined essentially by methods of Linder (22}.

Table 8

Fertilizer
treatment
2000 lbs*
per acre

Soil
pH

The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test, and Foliar Analysis of C o m Plants Grown in the
First Greenhouse Crop on Conover Sandy Clay Loam*

Yield
grams

Height
inches

Stalk
diam.
inches

Analysis of third basal leaf
Green tissue test
Foliar analysl s leaf blade
leaf theath tissue8
m.e. per 100: grams’3
H | P
H \ F I K ! Ca 1 Sg
| K
| Ca 1 *g

none

6.5

6.3

3 3 .8

.24

VH

0
1
0
1
Q
rt

6.4

■ 7.5

31.3

.33

.VB

0*>20» 0

6.5

36.0

53.1

.49

0. 0-20

6.3 .

9.1

36.9

.26

■K

m

M

206

21.2

25.5

10.7

12.7

-

M

:H

284

13.4

30.5

13.4

19.0

vsr ; -

M

H

130

22.4

20.5

11.3

23.6

l

L

H

224

21.2

36.6

18.0

20.4

L

M

234

22.4

15.5

17.8

23.1

222

16.8

60.5

11.4

20.2

129

19.0

63.0

11.6

19.6

245

15.4

49.5

13.6

24.2

.L

10-20- 0

6.4

26.0

47.4

.42

VH

B

10- 0-20

6.3

4.1

23.8

.26

VH

h

■r

' B

H

0-20-20

6.4

41.3

64.9

.46

c-

VH

VH

L

M

10-20-20

6.4

50.7

.41

VH

S

u

;K

M

31.7

‘

1. Data represents the mean of three replications
2. Legends VH very high, B high, & sodium, L low, - blank
S. Hitrogen determined by the KJeldahl-Gunning method (1) other
elements determinedessentially by methods of Linder (22)

Table

Fertiliser
treatment
2000 lbs.,
per acre

Soil
pH

9 The Effects of Various.Fertiliser Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test, and Foliar Analysis of Corn Flahfcie Grown In the
Seeond Greenhouse Crop on Conover Sandy Clay Loam*

Yield
grams

Height
inches

Stalk
dlanu
inches

Analysis of third baeal loaf
Foliar analysis leaf.blade
Green tissue test
m.e. per 100 graims3
leaf sheath tissue2
n
K
It
P
P
Ca Mr
Ca
*&. -

none

6.6

62.5

39

.62

E

s»

«*

M

m

222

18.4

19.6

14.4

20*8

10- 0- 0

6.7

83.3

36

.55

n

-

L

M

M

107

18.7

14*1

17.0

16*5

0-20- 0

6.6

44.1

40

.46

B

«•

M

U

83

28*0

16.6

31.3

19*2

0- 0-20

6.7

68.8

35

.51

M

-

L

180

17.6

43.4

15.6

14*6

10-20- 0

7.1

164.1

65

.67

H

B

10- 0-20

6.8

65.4

36

.52

fi

0-20-20

6.8

53.6

35

.50

10-20-20

7.0

183.2

66

.77

H

■

a'
as

M

H

146

30.0

18*9

26.3

15.1

M

L

L

277

18.0

58.0

12.4

13*0

H

H

I

L

71

24.0

52.6

14*4

23*4

H

m

■ jg

M

253

24.6

57.8

21.9

20.8

1. Data represents the mean of three replications
2. Legend: VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank
3. Nitrogen determined by the KJeldahl-Gunning method (1) other
elements determined essentially by methods of Linder (22)

Table 10 The Effects of Various Fertilizer Treatments on the Growth,
Tissue Test and Feilar Analysis of Corn Plants Grown In the
Seeond Greenhouse Crop on Brooks ton Sandy Clay Soil*'

Fertiliser
treatment
2000 lbs.
oer acre

Soil
pH

Yield
grams

Height
inches

Stalk
dlam.
Inches

Analysis of third basal leaf
Green tissue test
Foliar analysis leaf.blade
M.E. ner:1S0 arams3
leaf sheath tissue2
Ca
Mg
K
N
P
Ca
K
|
H
P.
V

,...-.*6

.

none

6.6

40.8

44

.55

H

u

H

M

200

1020

31*2

16*3

19.4

10- 0* 0

6*3

71.5

53

*51

H 'V ; M

H

H

288

11.2

27*5

17.6

18.7

0-20- 0

6*7

64.2

56

*63

U

H

V

y

B

134

15.8

36.2

22.5

16.2

0- 0-20

6.6

58.8

47

.57

M

M

H

H

K

225

12.9

45.6

18.8

21.8

10-20- 0

7.1

104.1

62

.58

H

H

B

B

266

13.2

28*8

17.5

16.5

10- 0-20

6.5

44.2

54

.55

H

L

H

Bl

H

288

9.3

52.5

20.6

15.0

0-20-20

6.3

92.3

63

.63

&

H

H

K

M

152

18.8

53.7

16.3

10-20-20

6.5

159.6

58

.76

H

U

H

H

M

306

13.6

41.7

17.5

'

1. Data represents the mean of three replications
2. Legend: 1 high, M medium, L low, - blank
3. Nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl-Gunning method (1) other
elements determined essentially by methods of Linder (22)

13.1

•\

16.2

...

ResultB with Coro:

The first ©orn crop grown on Conover,

Miami, and Plainfield soil types gave a very marked response
to phosphate fertiliser (tables 4, 6, and 8, and plates 1, 2,
3, 4, 5 and 6).

The absence of phosphorus in the fertiliser

treatments resulted in substanlal growth depressions with the
early appearance of phosphorus deficiency symptoms.

Nitrogen

deficiency symptoms appeared after six weeks on all treatments
not receiving nitrogen fertilizer but were severe only on the
PS treatment of all three soil types,

The plainfleld soil

responded markedly only when phosphorus and nitrogen were ap­
plied in combination.
In order to determine if the amount of fertilizer ap­
plied was sufficient to cause Injury from high concentrations
of salts, conductivity measurements were made on all treat­
ments.

These measurements determined according to Magiatad,

et si (27) were less than 40 x 10~6A
than tap water used in the laboratory.

which is slightly less
Injury for sensitive

plants under ordinary greenhouse conditions Is not expected
to occur at values less than 100 x lO’- S . A

(27).

Results of the soil pH determinations (tables 4, 6, 6, 7,
8, and 9) indicate that the fertilizer treatments did not
ohange appreciably the soil reaction.
Of particular Interest in this investigation was the
precision with which the two methods used for determining
nutrient status of the plf :ta Indicated differences in soil
treatments.

For the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potas­

sium, tissue tests indicated almost without exception the soil

treatment.

Foliar analysis of the same elements wea somewhat

less conclusive in indicating various treatments.
In general, the calcium and magnesium tissue test results
were not In accord with results of foliar analysis for these
elements.

However, no effort was made to control the supply

of these two elements in the various fertiliser treatments and
the soil types used in this experiment contained variable amounts
of available calcium and magnesium (table 3).

It is noted

that the concentration of these elements was generally greater
in the plants grown on soils with the higher content of ex­
changeable calcium and magnesium.
A second corn crop was grown on these same soils with
no additional fertiliser treatment.

Brookston sandy clay

soil was included in the experiment for this second corn orop.
The growth of this orop followed closely the nltrogen-phosphorus treatments on all soils with the greatest growth occur­
ring only when both elements were applied In combination,
nitrogen deficiency symptoms were severe in all treatments not
receiving this element except on the Brookston soil where they
appeared only on the FK treatment.

Considerable depression

of plant growth occurred on treatments which produoed a large
first crop but received no nitrogen in the fertiliser treatments.
Tissue testa on the second orop revealed rather precisely
differences in soil treatments for the elements nitrogen, phos­
phorus, and potassium.

Considerable variability appeared between

results of calcium and magnesium tissue tests and results of
foliar analysis for these elements.

The foliar analysis of

Table

Soil
type

Granby
sandy
loam

Treatment
per acre

11 The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on the Growth, Tissue
Test, and Foliar Analysis of White Been Plants Grown; in the First
Greenhouse Crop on Miami Sandy Loam and Granby Sandy Loam

Soli
pE

Yield
grams

Green tissue testl
~
plant stems
1 t 10a life 1 in L U |
» 1

Foliar analysis**
m.e. per 100 grams
X 1
ClH .Sfe 1
*
1

Kn

E

IS

202

23.2

36.0

23.2

12.3

1.56

: K

L

219

35.8

40.0

28.6

11.0

.94

H

’H

H

199

14.8

34.0

10.3

11.4

4.17

E

L

-

284

37.2

76.6

24.1

10.2

1.12

K

M '
■--M

E

IS , 174

27.4

30.6

19.3

10.4

6.25

H

L

L

H

U

u

161

25.6

27.0

24.5

10.1

4.70

4.8

H

II

M

If

E

E

65

20.6

36.6

19.8

19.9

16.51

34.3

VH

B

B

H

L

U

217

33.6

52.6

13.5

11,9

8.25

none

7.6

14.1

H

K

II

2 tons
CaC05

7.8

20.1

B

U

K

500 lbs.
lnS04

7.6

21.6

S

£

V

1000 lbs.
10-20-20

7.7

43.2

VH

H

B

none

5.9

18.1

K

4 tons
CaC03

7.5

19.8

500 lbs.
MnS04

6.4

1000 lbs.
10-20-20

5.5

E

.

Miami
sandy
loam

'

1. Legend: VH very high, B high, M medium, L low, - blank
2. Nitrogen determined by the KJeldahl-Gunning method (1), manganese by
method of Peach, et al (32), other elements by methods of Linder (22)

Table

soil

Soil
pH

Yield
grams

Green tissue test^
plant stems
N 1*
K 1Ca |Mg |tfn

7.6

10.6

H

H

M

M

H

M

298

16.0

29.6

8.0

24.0

.95

2 tons
CaC03

7.8

17.4

H

M

L

X

H

L

262

28.0

29.0 ,11.0
H*

10.3

.15

500 lbs*
MnS04

7.6

20.4

H

US

X

L

H

H

299

12.0

14.2

11.8

18.4

1.56

1000 lbs.
10-20-20

7.7

43.0

H

E

H

h

L

L

328

34.0

36.4

12.3

20.2

.76

none

6.3

17.4

M

H

L

II

X

K

213

20.0

20.8

12.0

12.3

-'W
2.43

4 tons
CaCOg

7.9

25.8

M

H

L

H

X

B

248

38.0

24.2

12.5

22.1

2.15

500 lbs.
MnS04

6.5

15.2

E

H

M

L

M

H

252

22.0

28.4

11.2

14.0

7.93

1000 lbs.
10-20-20

5.8

36.2

H

M

H

L

L

H

270

48.0

44.2

10.8

18.3

3.46

Treatment
per acre
none

Granby
sandy
loam

Miami
sandy
loam

The Effects of Various Fertilizer Treatments on the Growth, Tissue
Test, and Foliar Analysis of White Bean Plants Grown in the Second
Greenhouse Crop on Miami Sandy Loam and Granby Sandy Loam

H

Foliar analysis2
m.e. per 100;grams
K ,
Ca r
1__ P . 1

Me 1 ttn

\
1. Legends VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank
2. Nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl-GunAIng method (1), manganese by
method of Peech, et al (32), other elements by methods of Linder (22)

nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was less sensitive than
tissue tests In detecting the soil treatments but in general
followed them more closely than the foliar analyses of the
first crop.
Results with White Beans;

The soil types selected for

the experiments with white beans were purposely chosen for
their differences in manganese content*

White beans are plants

notably sensitive to manganese availability and are suitable
plants for this type of an investigation*
The crop grown on the Granby soil receiving no fertiliser
treatment exhibited typical manganese deficient symptoms from
the appearance of-the first true leaves.

These symptoms were

more intense with lime application but symptoms did not appear
on the manganese treatment.

The application of nitrogen, potas­

sium, and phosphorus resulted in larger plant growth but man­
ganese deficient symptoms were severe.

Plant growth and symp­

toms were nearly the same for both the first end second crops
grown on this soil.

Tissue tests for manganese Indicated the

relative total amounts of manganese present in the leaves
found by foliar analysis.
The bean plants grown in the Miami soil exhibited no
manganese deficient symptoms even with the application of the
large amount of CaCQg.

This treatment was used in an effort

to produce manganese deficiency such as that observed on other
soil types receiving high rates of lime (24).

A growth de­

pression of both crops grown on this soil type resulted from
the addition of MnSOg.

The amount of manganese in the leaf

Table ,,
A

The Effect of an Unbalanced Nutrient Solution on
Growth, Tissue Teat, and Foliar Analysis of Corn
and White Bean Plants Grown In Quarts Sand1

Plant grown

Green tissue test4
N I P I K I£a f Ms

Corn2

B

VH

VB

White
beans5

U

VH

VB

,

Foliar analysis 5
m.e. per 100 grams
N 1 _ F ..I ?__. l Ca
1 Mg

H

M

215

28.1

58.5

38.2

18.3

B

n

265

37.2

72.1

28.8

16.4

1. Data represents the mean of three greenhouse
replications
2. Leaf sheath tissue of the third basal leaf was
used for tissue test, leaf blade of this same
leaf used for foliar analysis
3* Leaf petiole used for tissue test^ leaf blade
. used for foliar analysis
4. Legend for test results: VH very high, H high,
U medium, L low, « blank
5. Nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl-Gunnlng
method (1) other elements determined essentially
according to Linder (22)

tissue Increased considerably with the manganese treatment.
Results with Corn and White Bean Plants In Sand Culture:
In this experiment, the nutrient solution was purposely im­
balanced In an effort to produce a magnesium deficient con­
dition by Increasing the concentrations of other base ions.
The plants grown in this culture exhibited symptoms which
have been recognised as specific for magnesium deficiency (17).
Tissue tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium
indicated high concentrations of these elements as did the
results of a foliar analysis of the same plants.

The magnesium

tissue testa were moderately high and did not reflect the low
concentration of the element recovered in the foliar analyses.

Field Experiments for Tissue Testing and
Foliar Analysis
In order to make a comparative study of foliar analysis
and tissue testing on corn plants under field conditions, a
field experiment was conducted on the R. L. Cook farm.

This

farm is located in the south central part of Clinton county,
near Dewitt, Michigan.

The experimental plots were set up on

the same Miamisoil type used in the greenhouse experiments.
A heavy stand of first year mammoth clover was turned under
as a green manure crop when fitting this field for the exper­
imental plots.
Treatments were the same as those in the greenhouse ex­
periment except that 'fertilisers were added at the rate of
1000 lbs. per acre.

Che half of the fertiliser was drilled

on both sides of the seed at planting and half was applied
as a side dressing four weeks after planting.

The experimentciL

design and plot arrangement were as followsi

No treatment
10- 0- 0
0-20- 0
0- 0-20
10-20- 0
10- 0-20
0-20-20
10-20-20

Blook III

Block II

Block I
(ck)
(H>
(P>
(K)
(HP)
(HE)
(PX)
(HPK)

10-20- 0
10- 0-20
0-20-20
10-20-20
No treatment
0- 0-20
0-20- 0
10- 0- 0

(HP)
(NX)
(PK)
(SPK)
(Ck)
(K)
(P)
(H)

10- 20-20
0- 20-20
10- 0-20
10- 20- 0
0- 0-20
0 - 20- 0

10- 0 - 0
Ho treatment

(HPK)
(PK)
<NK)
(HP)

(K)

in

(N)
(ok)

One block was sampled and tested each week beginning six
weeks after planting.

The tests were eonduoted in the same

maimer as described in the greenhouse experiments.

In addition

to sampling the third basal leaf, additional foliage samples

were taken Just below the tassel as suggested by Thornton (47)•
Results of these experiments are presented In tables 14, 16,
16, 17, and 18*
In general, tissue tests carried out on the ..third
functioning basal leaf indicated the fertiliser treatment
given to each plot.

Although the corn plants on all fer­

tilised plots gave a blank test for soluble nitrate nitrogen
near the latter part of the, season, the plants on plots
receiving nitrogen fertiliser gave positive tests for a
longer period of time.

Phosphorus and potassium tests

indloated higher concentrations in the plants from plots
receiving these elements in the fertiliser.
In comparing the third functioning basal leaf and the
leaf tissue below the tassel (table 17) as to precision for
indicating fertiliser treatments, nitrate tests were con­
sistently lower in the new than in the basal tissue.

The

phosphorus and potassium tissue tests were usually lower

.

in the upper tissue and, in general, did not Indicate the
fertiliser treatment.

These data indicate that the basal

tissue of the corn plant Is a more reliable indicator of
nutrient status than, is the younger tissue.
r

Results of foliar analysis of leaf samples taken through
the growing season (table 18) show a general decrease in all
of the elements determined as the season progressed.

This is

of particular interest as one sampling period occurred at the
beginning and one at the end of the flowering period indicating

Table 14

The Effects of Various Fertilizer Treatments on Yield
and Bitrate Tissue Tests of Corn Plants Crown in the
Field Experiment on Miami Candy Loam, R. L. Cook Farm

Fodder
tons/
acre

Green tissue test
third basal leaf sheath
Sept.
August
July
20 [26 51
7 114 121 128 .I

No treatment

47.2

1.57

H

M

H

L

L

-

we

we

0
1
0
1
3

(M)

68.1

1.99

Yfi

E

H

H

K

L

L

-

0-20- 0 (?)

67.5

1.96

X

K

M

n

we

we

-

we

0
0)
1
0
1
0

62.8

1.64

H

H

■M

L

L

•

-

L

10-20- 0 (HP)

86.7

1.62

H

H

H

L

L

L

L

H
0*
1
0
1
JO
O

Yields
bu. per
acre

(me)

62.0

1.59

»

H

H

S

L

-

we

we

0
1
to
0
1
50
0

fertilizer
treatment
1000 lbs.
per acre

(Pit)

52.8

1.77

L

m

L

M

we

we

W»

we

10-20-20 (NPK) 68.7

1.62

VH

u

H

H

M

L

-

we

(K)

m

1. Legend: VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank

Table 15

Fertiliser
treatment
1000 Iba.
per aere

The Effect# of Various Fertilizer Treatment# on Yield
and Phosphorus Tissue Test of Corn Plants Grown in the
Field Experiment on Miami Sandy Loam, H. L. Cook Farm

Green tissue teat*
third basal leaf sheath
sept.
August
20 I26 |31 "7'T14 1SI'i'SB" 4

Yield#
bu. per
acre

Fodder
ton#/
acre

treatment

47.2

1.57

U

H

H

H

L

IS

L

L

10- 0- 0 (N)

58.1

1.99

H

@

H

H

M

E

m

H

0-20- 0 i f )

57.5

1.95

VH

VH

VH

VH

H

8

H

B

0- 0-20 (R)

52.6

1.64

H

S

E

8

VH

H

L

SI

10-20- 0 (HP) 56.7

1.62

H

VH

VH

VH

M

VH

H

fi

10- 0-20 (UK) 52.0

1.59

M

If

H

H

M

B

L

M

1.77

VH

■H

VH

VH

H

B

H

B

1.62

H

VH

B

VH

M

H

IS

M

i

So

i

0-20-20 (PE) 52.5 „
10-20-20 (HPK) 58.7

1. Legends VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank

Table 16

The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on field
and Potassium Tissue Tests of C o m Plants Grown In the
Field Experiment on Miami Sand; Loam, R. L. Cook Farm

Yields
bu. per
sere

Fodder
tons/
sore

Green tissue testl
third basal leef sfceath
July,...
20.126.131
14 21 T f T

n

Mo treatment

47.2

1.57

M

H

0
1
0
1
a

58.1

1.99

M

H

0-20- 0 (P>

57.5

1.95

11

o
t
0
1
'8

Fertiliser
treatment
1000 lbs.
per acre

E

VH

«

H

B

H

V

52.8

1.64

VH

H

VH

10-20- 0 (HP)

56*7

1.62

H

H

10- 0-20 ( M )

52.0

1.59

VH

0-20-20 (PK)

52.5

1.77

10-20-20 (HPK) 68.7

1.62

m

(K)

1. legends

....
4

B

>H

¥,

M

M

U

H

U

M

M

vs

e

E

VH

E

H

h

H

U

■M

K

VH

VE

H

V

H

;H

H

VH

E

VH

H

H

K

VH

H

E

H

H

H

B

B

H

V

.

h

VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank

Table 17

The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments
on Tissue Tests for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and
Potassium of Different Parts of Corn Plants
Crown in the Field Experiment, H. L. Cook Farm
Miami Sandy Loam

Portion of
the plant
sampled

Third basal
leaf sheath

Fertilizer
treatment
1000 lbs.
per acre

Green tissue test*
Sampled
Sampled
Sampled
Aug. 7
Aug. 14
Aug. 21
K
If P
K
N
P
N 1 * 1K

10-20- 0

M

VH

VH

L

M'

H

10- 0-20

M

H

VH

M

M

H

'as VH

VH

m

H

VH

0-20-20

L

VH

M

H

H

-

H

H

10-20-20

H

VH

VH

L

M

M

L

H

VH

10-20- 0

L

H

M

-

VH

M

-

H

H

M

H

H

VH

-

H

H

Leaf sheath 10- 0-20
below tassel
;0—20—20

■-

H

VH

-

VH

H

*

H

H

10-20-20

L

VH

VH

a*

M

VH

-

VH

VH

*

# Legend; VH very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank

Table 18

Fertilizer
treatment

field
ba./
acre

The Effects of Various Fertiliser Treatments on the field and Foliar Analyses
of Third Basal Leaves Sampled at Three Periods During Growth of Coro Plants in
the Field Experiment, Miami Sandy .Loam, fi. L. Coes Farm1

Sampled July 20
8 I ? 1 k | Ca | M«

Mlliiequivalents' 'wkt'.'WO
Sampled July 26
a | F | X |' Ca 1 MM"
..

26.3 13.3

15.8

20.0

18.8

20.6

58.1 ’.238

16.0

19.4 25.0

0-20- 0

57.5

as

12.8

17.5

18.8

0- 0-20

52.8

176

19.8

23.1

12.5 17.5

196

16.6

10—20r? 0

56.7

152 12.6

18.1

37.5 11.3

199

10.4 16,9

10- 0-20

'52*0

135

17.6

42.5

15.0

18.8

236

12.8' 32,5 17.5

0-20-20

52.5

182 16.4

28.1

15.5

18.1

190' 17.3

10-20-20

■58.7

189

29.8

25.0

19.3

■220 ’10.6

10- 0- 0

47.2

17.8

31.8

200 n.6

23.8

211

So treatment

12.5

11*9 . 240
13.1

14.©

234 14.6

_

1 1 .3

20.0 16.3 10.6
28.4

25.0

7.5

Sampled August ?
N 1 f 1 S | Ca I M*
178

16.4

17.5 21,5

9.4

27.0

3.0

I3 .O 25.0 35.0

8.7

134 17.0 15.0
161

176 18.6

29.0

30.0

9.4
8.1

19.0 16.0

167

15.6

18.0

28.0

18.8

166

19.6

25.3

25.3 12*5

24*3

15.0 18.1

138

12.4

11.9

35.0 18.6

25.0

33.0

157

10*4

20.0

33.5 11.9

11.9

1. Data represents the mean of three plot replications
0 Kitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl-Gtusniag method (1) other
«tL*
elements determined according to Linder (22)

49.

that th© time of sampling within this period may have consider­
able Influence on composition of leaves.
Chemical investigations of FertiliserRotation Field Experiments
This study was undertaken to Investigate certain chemical
changes that may have taken place In a Brookston soil follow­
ing seven years of continuous fertilizer and rotation experi­
ments.

Tissue teats and foliar analyses were carried out on

the corn crop in these experiments during two growing seasons ,
1947 and 1948, to determine the nutrient status of the corn
plants as affected by the experimental treatments.
This field experiment is located on the Lee Ferden farm,
Saginaw county, near Chesanlng, Michigan.

It was established

in the spring of 1940 as a cooperative project of the Farmers
and Man^acturers Beet Sugar Association and the Michigan Agri­
culture Experiment Station under the supervision of the Soil
Science Department, Michigan State College.

Cook, et al (10)

have presented a detailed outline of this field experiment.
The soil Is classed as a Brookston sandy clay soil and
occupies very level topography with naturally imperfect drain­
age.

The field is tiled but Internal drainage is slow.

This

soil is high in organic matter and inorganic plant nutrients
with a pH near neutral and, when properly drained, is one of
the most productive soils in Michigan.

A detailed description

of this soil is presented in the description of soils used on
page 14.

50.

S even

five year rotations are Included in this experiment

as follows:
1. Barley, alfalfa, alfalfa, c o m , sugar beets
2. Barley, alfalfa, alfalfa, sugar beets, corn
5. Barley, alfalfa, alfalfa, beans, sugar beets
4. Barley, oats, alfalfa, corn, sugar beets
5. Barley, oats, clover-timothy, corn, sugar beets
6. Barley, beans, wheat, corn, sugar beets
7. Barley, sweet clover, beans, wheat, asset clover, corn,
sugar beets (sweet clover is seeded with barley and
is plowed under the next spring for beans and is seeded
in the spring on wheat to be plowed under the next
spring for corn)
This study Included all rotations except number 3 in which
c o m does not appear.
The plots are arranged in asplit-plot randomised block
design and the treatments are replicated four times with each
individual plot being 28 by 90 feet.

The rotations were ar­

ranged at random In each block, with each rotation occupying
five plots in each of the four blocks.

Bach plot is further

divided into two 14 by 90 feet sub-plots.

One sub-plot re­

ceives 2-16-8 fertiliser at the rate of 1,000 pounds per aore
in five years while the other receives 400 pounds of the same
fertiliser during the rotation period.

In both cases one-half

of the fertiliser is applied for sugar beets and the other onehalf for grain, all for barley in rotations 1, 2, and 3 and
divided between the two grain crops in the other rotations.
The use of manure and the disposition of crop residues
are regulated according to the systems of farming which might
be practiced with thefdifferent rotations.

In rotations 1, 2,

and 3, manure at the rate of 10 tons per acre is applied for
corn or beans.

In rotations 4 and 5, with only 20 per cent

of the land in hay production, the manure application is 7
tons per acre.

Ho manure is applied in rotations 6 and 7.

Corn stover is left on all plots.

Crain straw, bean

straw, and sugar beet tops are returned
tations 6 and 7.

to the plots in ro­

Barley in rotations 1, 2, and 3 and oats

in rotation 4 serve as nurse crops for alfalfa.

A red clover

and timothy mixture is seeded with oats in rotation 6.

Sweet

clover is seeded with both

grain cropsin rotation 7

and is

plowed under for beans and

com.

The plots were further divided in 1946 with half of each
plot fall plowed and half spring plowed.
The soil in each individual plot was sampled in the spring
of 1940 with the installation of the field experiment.

The

method of sampling consisted of taking eighteen samples in a
diagonal line across each plot.

These individual samples were

composited, air dried, screened through a 4mm screen and stored
in sealed half gallon Jars.
For this study the plots in which corn appeared were again
sampled in 1947.

Four samples were taken from each of the three

raid row spaces of the four rows of corn on each plot.

The

twelve samples thus obtained were composited, screened, and
a kilogram sample taken for analysis.
The 1947 and the 1940 soil samples were subjected to a
partial chemical analysis for a comparative study of the changes
which had taken place in the seven years.
analyses are presented in table 19.

The data from these

Table 19

Rotation2

Pounds of
2-16-8 per
rotation

The Soil pB and Exchangeable Ions of Field Experimental
Plots on Brookston Soil, Ferden Farm1

p#

1

_____tfillieoulralents oer 100 scrams
1947 Sell samples
194 0 Soli
K *
U f&
P*:l Ca
PH3 1
1 ...Mg*

1000

6.75

.372

.163

11.03

,316

6.S8

.415

.206

10.61

,385

400

6.77

.355

.197

10.96

.330

6.50

.403

•191

9.97

.391

1000

6.90

,385

,200

11.59

.377

6.48

.407

.183

9.37

.328

400

6.80

.340

,162

10.77

.293

6.51

.355

,179

9.68

,372

1000

6.85

.368

.171

11.35

.364

6.54

.360

.178

8,80

.385

400

6.80

.372

>197

11.13

.243

6.53

,378

.189

9.81

.357

1000

6.81

.340

.149

10.02

.335

6.52

.351 *,164

9.36

400

6.95

.352

.173

10.25

.298

6.65

.382

.172

10.10

.315
l
,341

1000

6.78

.370

*187

9.55

.261

6.71

.377

.149

10,82

.354

400

6.60

>378

.194

10.41

.268

6.73

.392

.151

10.91

.341

1000

6.70

.362

.214

11.22

.356

6.61

.370

.159

9.18

.306

400

6.78

.312

,205

11.64

.317

6,59

•405

.178

8,93

.313

Xe

o
b

•

j|
4#

t

'

5.

6 .

*7
/ »

1.
2.
3.
4.
5/

Data represents the mean of three replicate plots
Rotation erops and sequence are presented on page 50
Determined by methods of Peech, et al (32)
Determined according to Bray and Kurtz (5)
Determined essentially by the method of Glllaro ( ^ )

-

Soli Teat Results;

Accord1n z t o the soil test results

no great chemical change had taken place In these soils which
could be detected by the testing methods used*

The rotation

plots receiving the high amounts of fertiliser do not indicate
any appreciable accumulation of the fertiliser elements.
Exchangeable calcium and pB values of the 194? soil samples
are lower than those of the 1940 samples.

It should be pointed

out that the 1940 samples were taken In the spring of that year.
The 1947 samples were taken in the fall from plots growing an
intensively cultivated row crop.

It is noted that the soil

from rotation 6 baa a higher pB and a slightly higher content
of calcium than the soil from the other rotations.

This dif­

ference was noted in all four plot replications and is also
reflected in the soil samples collected In 1946 for nitrifica­
tion experiments (table 25).

This may be due to the fact that

crop yields were consistently lower in this rotation with less
removal of plant nutrients than in the other rotations.

Further­

more rotation 6 does not include legume hay crops which are
notoriously heavy users of calcium.
From these data it was concluded that differences In plant
growth and crop yields could not be accounted for by chemical
soil tests alone.

Another method of approach to this problem

has been undertaken by Robertson (35) In a study of the physical
characteristics of the soil In these field experiments to de­
termine structural changes that have taken place as a result
of experimental treatment.

Plant Tlaaue and Pollar Analysis Studies:

A

study of the

nutrient status of c o m plants by tissue test and foliar analysis
was made during the 1947 and 1948 growing seasons in order to
determine the relationship of these test results and the effect
of the different fertllizer-rotation treatments on c o m yield*
Tissue tests were applied on the sheath tissue of the
third basal leaf of composite samples from six plants taken
weekly from each plot during the growing season*

The remain­

ing portion of the sampled leaf was dried, ground to pass a
20 mesh screen and used In a foliar analysis.
Results of the 1947 analyses are presented in tables 20
and 21 and figures 2 and 3, the 1946 analyses in tables 22 and
23 and figures 4 and 5.
Results of 1947 Analyses:

During the 1947 growing season

tlaaue teats for phosphorus and potassium were high and very
high on all samples from all plots.
tests are presented in table 20*

Results of the nitrogen

It is observed that concen­

trations of nitrogen decreased in all instances as the season
progressed*

Although all plants tested blank near the end of

the growing season, it should be noted that the more rapid the
disappearance of soluble nitrate nitrogen the smaller were the
corn yields.
From these data it was concluded that phosphorus and
potassium were not limiting nutrients because of their rel­
atively high concentrations in a water soluble form within the
plant throughout the growing season.

The nitrate tissue tests

Table 20

Rota
tion

The Yield and Nitrate Tissue Tests of Corn Plants
During 1947 on the Field Experimental Plots
Brookston Soil, Perden Farm

Pounds of
2-16-6 per
rotation

Yield
bu» p er
acre

1000

49.4

400

42.0

1000

36.4

400

35.9

1000

44.1

Green" tissue test**
third basal leaf sheath
July
Sept
TTTT5 126

400

1000
400

44.5

1000

28.5

400

31.1

1000
400

1. Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
2. Legend: Vfl very high, H high, M medium, L low, - blank

Figure 2
THE RELATION OF CORN YIELDS TO TOTAL NITROGEN CONTENT OF
THE THIRD BASAL LEAF DURING BLOOM STAGE ON FERTILIZERROTATION EXPERIMENTS FOR 1947.
BR OOKSTON
SOIL

55

45

40

YIELD

BU. PER

ACRE

50

CORN

35
STANDARD ERRO R E S T IM A T E
C O R R E L A T IO N
C O E F F IC IE N T

6 . 8 4 BU. PER
.5 4 4

30

110

125

140

155

170

185

200

215

ffable 21
I
|

Foliar Analysis of 184? Corn Leaf Samples Having Least
Regression from Predicted Values for nitrogen ContentYield Correlation, Brookston Soil, Ferden Farm

Yield
bu» per
acre

It

1000

48.0

192

12.6

23.1

14.7

17.4

400

41.6

183

10.2

22.5

18.4

15.9

1000

37.0

175

8.6

25.6

17.2

12.3

400

36.1

152

6.8

28.1

19.4

17.7

1000

44.2

178

12.0

23.1

14.7

14.3

400

45.5

172

11.0

22.5

19.4

19.5

1000

42.2

174

11*6

21.8

14.1

13.6

400

44.4

193

10.2

16.7

13.4

12.5

1000

29.1

121

13.2

14.4

16.3

18.4

400

30.6

126

15.2

16.9

15.9

12.5

1000

32.1

151

12.0

15.6

16.1

19.7

400

36.3

137

8.2

17.5

14.1

18.4

Rota* Pounds of
tionl 2-16-6 per
rotation

m.e. per 100 Krams2
Ca
I
..... ¥
1.
K
1

1*

2.

4.
n

S.

6.

7.

1. Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
2. Nitrogen determined by the KJe1dah1-Gunning method (1)
other elements determined according to Linder (22)

58.

Figure 3.
FOLIAR

ANALYSIS

OF

1947

CORN LEAF

SAM PLES HAVING

L E A S T REGRESSION FROM PREDICTED VALUES
C O N T E N T -Y IE L D

C O R R E LA TIO N .

FOR

B R O O KSTO N

NITROGEN
POTASSIUM
PHOSPHORUS
CALCIUM
MAGNESIUM

2.9

90

49

.0

IL
<
B

<9

40

1.9

DRY

TISSUE

(LINE

GRAPH)

NITROGEN
S O IL

<

at
ui
B
O
<
B
UI

OF

a.

39

COMPOSITION

1.0

6
to

UJ
v
B

\/
30

O
O

PER

CENT

9

0

29
2H

2L

4H

F E R T IL IZ E R -R O T A T IO N

4L

9H

9L

6H

6L

7H

TL

TREATM ENT

Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
Fertilizer additions per rotation: H 1000 lbs. per acre
(2-16-8)
L 400 lbs. per acre

strongly suggested that nitrogen was the limiting nutrient*
In view of this, a foliar analysis for total nitrogen con­
tent was made on leaf samples obtained during the three week
flowering period.

This period appeared to be critical in the

growth of the plant by the definite change in nitrate content
for all treatments*

From the time the first tassel began to

form until all plants were in full tassel and silk covered
almost a three week period, from July 19 to August 9.

The

correlation of the nitrogen content, as milllequivalents per
100 grams of dry leaf tissue, and yields of corn in bushels
per acre is presented in figure 2*
in order to investigate the concept of nutrient balance
as proposed by Shear and Crane (38) it was assumed that this
nltrogen-yield, correlation was valid.

Since only one plot

replication was sampled each week, it was necessary to use
some means t> determine which plot sample to use In a foliar
analysis*

This was done by selecting the plot sample taken

in the three week flowering period which had the least re­
gression from predicted values for the nitrogen eontentyicld correlation.

A total analysis for phosphorus^ potass­

ium, calcium, and magnesium was made on these samples*

The

samples from the fall and spring plowed portions of each
plot were composited for this analysis*

These data are pre­

sented in table 21 and figure 3.
Results of 1948 Analyses:

The results of the tlsspe

tests on c o m for the 1946 growing season were similar to
those from the previous year.

Phosphorus and potassium were

Table 22

The Yield and filtrate Tissue Testa of Corn Plants
During 1948 on the Field Experimental Plots
Brookston Soil, Ferden Fans

Founds of Yield
Rota­ 2-16-6 per bu. per
acre
tion* rotatlon

6reen tissue test2
third basal leaf sheath
Juii
Sept.
August
24 131
10 |17
128
7 114 121
4 111

1000

47.6

VH

M

M

M

400

47.8

VH

M

H

L

mm

L

■-

-

-

1000

61.0

VH

H

H

H

L

L

L

_

_

400

62.0

VH

H

H

M

L

L

L

L

-

mm

1000

51.9

E

H

H

U

«.

L

'_

«•

•

_

400

54.6

H

H

«

V

-

L

-

-

-

1000

34.7

M

U

M

L

400

36.3

H

H

H

1000

26.0

_

L

_

m
m

-

-

-

400

20.5

L

1000

45.6

H

£

m

M

.

L

•

mm

mm

a»

400

47.0

ii

H

H

L

-

■»

-

-

-

-

1.

2.

4*
£
1 5£

1 6*
Is
1
i
1-

ft
|

rt

1. Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
2. Legend: VH very high, H high, M medium, 1 low, - blank

Figure 4.

THE RELATION OF CORN YIELDS TO TOTAL NITROGEN CONTENT OF
THE THIRD BASAL LEAF DURING BLOOM STAGE ON FERTILIZER ROTATION EXPERIMENTS FOR 1948.
BROOKSTON SOIL
75

55

BU. PER

ACRE

65

CORN

YIELD

45

35

25
STA N D A R D

ERROR

C O R R E L A T IO N

80

110

MIL LIEQUIVALENTS

140

170

E S T IM A T E

C O E F F IC IE N T

200

OF NITROGEN PER 100 GRAMS OF DRY TISSUE

230

6 .7 3

BU. PER

ACRE

.72 0

260

Table 23

Foliar Analysis of 1948 C o m Leaf Samples Having Least
Regression from Predicted Values for nitrogen ContentYleld Correlation, Brookston Soil, Ferden Farm

Rota­
tion1

Pounds of Yield
2—16—8 per bu. per
rotation
acre

sue. per 100 /trams®
P
_ *
1 Ca

N

Mg

1000

46.S

202

10.9

19.4

20.3

15.7

400

47.2

179

9.0

19.6

16.2

13.3

1000

60.8

213

10.3

23.1

12.5

16.7

400

62.2

216

6.4

17.5

11.9

15i7

1000

61.0

197

9.2

18.8

27.5

15.6

400

53.6

204

9.5

16.3

21.9

18.2

1000

33.4

183

8.2

16.9

18.6

15 ;8

400

36.3

124

6.9

23.1

12.2

16; 7

1000

26.6

102

6.1

22.5

12.5

19.3

400

21.0

94

6;2

21.3

13.2

17 ;2

1000

45.5

175

6.0

18.8

16.9

19.2

400

48.7

179

8.7

14.5

14.4

18.2

1.

2.
,

4.

5.

6.

7.

1. Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
2. Hltrogen determined by the Kjeldabl-Gunning method (1)
other elements determined according to Linder (22)

65.

Figure 5.
FO LIAR AN ALYSIS
LEAST

OF

REG RESSIO N

CONTENT - Y IE L D

1948
FROM

CORN

LEAF

PRED IC TED

C O R R E L A T IO N .

BROOKSTON

S.0

—

FOR

HAVING
NITROGEN

S O IL

70

» NITROGEN
POTASSIUM
PHOSPHORUS
CALCIUM
MAGNESIUM

60

2.0

SO

I.S

40

1.0

SO

ACRE

PER

CENT

20

10
IH

IL

2H

2L

4H

F E R T IL IZ E R -R O T A T IO N

4L

5H

SL

6H

6L

7H

7L

TREATM ENT

Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
Fertilizer additions of 2-16-8 per rotation are:
H 1000 lbs. per acre
L
400 lbs. per acre

BU.
CORN

YIELD

COMPOSITION

OF

PER

DRY

TISSUE

(BAR

G RAPH)

2.5

(LINE

GRAPH)

S A M PLES

VALUES

were consistently h i g h o n a l l samples fromalltrestments
throughout ths year.

Soluble nitrogen decreased as the sesson

progrossed up to the flowering period after which the corn plants
from all treatments gave a blank test.

In general, the more

rapid the disappearance of soluble nitrogen the smaller were
the corn yields (table 22).
Each plot was sampled each week during the two week
flowering period of July 24 to August 7 and total nitrogen
determinations were made on leaf samples obtained during this
period.

Equal portions of the plot sample were taken from

the spring and fall plowed portions of the plot.

These data,

expressed as mllliequlvalents of nitrogen per IOC grams of dry
tissue, were oorrelated with c o m yields as bushels per acre
(figure d).

The plot samples within this

'''p M v to d

having least regression from predicted values for nitrogenoontent-yield correlation were analysed for total phosphorus,
potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

These data are presented

in table 23 and f i g u r e 6.
The 1947 season was characterised by a long cold wet
spring which resulted In a sugar beet crop failure on all
rotation plots of this field experiment for that year.

As

a result, the 1946 corn crop in rotation 8 actually follows
a fallow year after turning under second year alfalfa.

This

was undoubtedly influentual in producing the very high yields
from this rotation for the 1948 crop year.

Greenhouse Study of Rotation-Fertilizer Experiments
Soil from the experimental plots (Ferden Farm) were
collected from three replicate blocks and replicate treat­
ments were composited.

Each composite sample was screened,

air-dried, and placed in four gallon pots, sixteen kilograms
per jar, with three replicate jars for each treatment.

Suf­

ficient water was added to bring the soils up to their mois­
ture equivalent end planted with corn.

One week after teasel­

ing the plants were harvested and the dry weight of the plants
recorded.

Following the first crop, replicate pots were dumped

thoroughly mixed, replaced in jars and planted to a second crop
The results of the first greenhouse crop indicated that
treatments which produced the smallest yield in the field
actually produced the largest growth in the greenhouse.
was particularly evident in rotations 6 and 7.

This

This may be

explained on the basis that the higher yielding plots had
removed more available plant nutrients from the soil before the
soil samples were taken.

Nitrogen deficiency symptoms, which

were so evident in the field, did not appear on the corn grow­
ing in soil from rotations 6 and 7.
These results indicated that the treatment these soils
received in the greenhouse of being screened, dried, aerated,
and maintained at optimum moisture content may have resulted
in nitrification of the easily nitriftable material present.
This would have resulted in making available considerable
nitrogen for plant growth.

Table

24

Rotationl

1.

The 1947 Field Experiment Corn Yields and
Greenhouse Yields on Soil taken from the
Field Plots with no Additional Treatment
Brookston Soil, Ferden Farm

Greenhouse yields®
2nd crop
1st crop
Height Cry wt. Height Dry wt.
grams Inches
inches
grams

Pounds of
2-16-8 per
rotation

Yield
bu. per
acreS

1000

49.4

47

10,3

39

48.6

400

42.0

44

8.8

38

42.9

1000

36.4

68

7.4

41

57.4

400

35.9

52

11.4

44

66.7

1000

44.1

48’

9.7

43

69.1

400

45.3

39

4.7

40

50.9

1000

43.3

48

8.8

42

66.0

400

44.5

43

6.8

43

64.8

1000

28.5

59

15.9

36

34.3

400

31.1

53

12.0

31

33.3

1000

31.5

66

13.6

37

52.9

400

35.5

55

9.9

32

60.1

2.

4.

5,

6.

7,

1. Rotation crops and sequence are presented on page 50
2. Field plot yields represent the mean of four replications
3. Greenhouse yields represent the mean of three replicate
Jars

The results of the different soli treatments on the growth
of the seoond crop agreed rather closely with the field results
of the previous year.

Severe nitrogen deficient symptoms ap­

peared on the plants growing op the soli from rotation 6/
Indicating that the nitrogen supply was rapidly depleted.

;j

nitrification Studies of Soli from the
Ferb|lizer-Rptation Field Experiment
Soil samples were collected from the corn plots of the
fertilizer-rotatlon field experiment three times during the
1948 growing season.

These samples were taken from all four

plot replications at the time of seed emergence, tassellng,
and at the glazed stage of the corn plant.

At each sampling

period the replicate samples were screened, composited, and
the moisture content determined.
The equivalent of 100 grams of oven dry soli was placed
in covered tumblers after being brought to 20$ moisture con­
tent.

At the end of each incubation period of 3, 6, and ©

weeks, duplicate samples were leached with 300 oo of 4$ KC1.
The soluble nitrogen (including both ammonia and nitrate
nitrogen) content of a 250 cc aliquot of this leachate was
determined by the reduction method using Bevardafa Alloy.
Results of these determinations are presented In table 25.
These date Indicate no significant differences in the
nitrogen supplying capacity of the soils from the various
plots.

Increases in the amounts of extractable nitrogen were

Table 25 The Soluble Nitrogen Supplying Power of Soils Taken from the C o m Plots of
the Rotation-Ferti11zer Field Experiments, Brookston Soil, Ferden Farml

Rotation

Founds of
2-16-3 per
rotation

pH

Eoctractable nitrogen, m.e. per 100 grams dry soil^
Sampled June 22
Sampled July 23
Sampled Mieust 11
start 13 wks 1 6 wksl 8 wks pH 1 startl 3 wksl 6 wksl 3 wks pH 1 startl 3 wksl 6 wksl 8 wks
.51 6.3

,05

.17

.44

.2? 6.3

.05

.23

.37

.46

6.4

.04

.14

.30

.23 6.5

.03

.17

.28

.81

.32 6,3

.06

.16

.19

.36 6.6

.02

.18

.32

.43

.29

.37

.38 6.4

.09

.20

.20

.19 6.3

.03

.16

.16

.38

.23

.27

,25

.27 6.3

.02

.19

.24

.14 6.4

.05

.19

.36

.28

6.5

.20

.27

.36

.32 6.5

.11

.17

,26

.16 6.6

.03

.15

.27

.41

6.6

.25

.30

.50

.26

6.5

.03

.15

.19

.20 6.5

.21

.17

.25

.29

6.6

.22

.26

.48

.31 6.6

.02

.14

.21

.28 6.5

.05

.15

.30

.25

1000

6.3

.23

.22

.27

.23 6.7

.04

.12

.24

.25 6.6

.06

.13

’ .25'

.a

400

6.3

.22

.21

.42

.39 6.7

.07

.11

.13

.19 6.7

.06

.09

.18

.24

1000

6.6

.23

.28

.21

.45 6.5

,06

.15

.20

.20 6.4

,02

.12

.22

.27

400

6.5

.18

.22

.21

.34 6.5

.09

.13

.17

.25

.04

.15

.20

.30

1000

6.5

.29

.33

.£{0

400

6.5

.25

.23

•:3S

1000

6.5

.23

.25

400

6.4

,28

1000

6,6

1400
1000
400 ;

6.5

1. Data represents the mean of duplicate samples incubated at 20% moisture content.
2. Rotation erops and sequence are presented on page 50
3. Nitrogen determined in a soil extract of i$ potassium chloride

.45

obtained after alx weeks of incubation for all three sampling
periods.

In general, the soil of the first sampling produced

the largest amounts of soluble nitrogen.

Discussion
In thia experiment soil testing procedures were applied
to aoll samples taken from rotatlon-fertillser field experiments
at their Initiation and after seven years of continuous exper­
imental treatment.

Results of these soil analyses did not re­

flect sufficient deviation between treatments to account for
the large differences in yields.

Results of microbiological

testing procedures did not show conclusive evieence as to dif­
ferences in the nitrogen supplying status of the experimental
plots.

Tissue testing and foliar analysis studies were under­

taken on the c o m crop of these field experiments in an effort
to account for crop yields in terms of plant nutrient status.
Greenhouse and field experiments were undertaken to compare
tissue testing and foliar analysis as to precision in detecting
aoll fertilizer treatment.

Especial effort was made to determine

which portion of the plant is a reliable Indicator of its nu­
trient status and to determine the time Of sampling most suit­
able for these teats.
The third functioning basal leaf was selected to indicate
the nutrient status of the plant at the time of sampling.
This third functioning basal leaf may actually be numerically
the fourth, fifth, or even the sixth leaf, in cases of severe
deficiency, from the base of the plant.

By this method the

"morphologically homologous1* leaves, described by Thomas (42)
as desirable for such an analysis, are approached by disregard­
ing those basal leaves whose physiological functions are af­
fected by severe necrosis resulting from nutrient deficiency.

The sheath of this sampled leaf was used In tissue tests and
the leaf blade was used In foliar analysis.
This selection was based on the fact that deficiencies
of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium affect a more rapid
senescence of older leaves (6, 28).

Sueh deficiencies are

related to a change of nutrient status at the initiation of
the reproductive phase (16).

These are the same basic con­

siderations given by Thomas (43, 44, 46) and Chubb and Atkin­
son (6) in selecting the portion of the corn plant to use in
foliar analysis.

Tyner and Webb (49), however, used the sixth

basal leaf in foliar analysis studies by reason of its! ease
in taxonomic location and its freedom from severe nutrient
deficiency necrosis.
An investigation was carried out in the field on the
R. L. Cook farm comparing tissue test' results of the third
functioning basal leaf and the leaf just below the tassel.
The results showed a lower content of nitrates in the younger
than in the older tissue but little difference was found in
the contents of phosphorus and potassium.

Barrington (16) and

Thomas (45) concluded from similar experiments that merlstematlc tissue was less indicative of nutrient status than were
mature leaves.
Weekly tlaaue tests were carried out on corn plants grown
in the field in order to follow the nutrient status of the
plants throughout the growing season.

This sampling procedure

was adapted in an effort to overcome the objections to tissue
testing when interpretations of data are based on only one or

a few sampling periods such as that of Atkinson, et al (2} and
Drake {12}.
Because of the limited amount of plant material available
for testing in the greenhouse experiments, the plants were
sampled only ones.

These samples were taken when the plants

were In full tassel end silk.
f'

The tissue test results were

.'

compared with foliar analysis of the same leaf samples.
Data from both the greenhouse and field experiments In­
dicate that tissue testing -via a dependable indicator of soil
fertiliser treatment for the elements nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium.

Atkinson, et al (2) using Thornton*8 method

(47) obtained similar results for nitrogen and potassium but
were unable to detect phosphorus fertiliser treatments in
their experiments.
In this study the results of tissue tests for calcium
and magnesium were Incomplete and inconclusive because the
experiments were not designed for a detailed study of these
elements.

These results were incidental to the principal

portion of the investigation.
Results of foliar analysis of corn plants from the field
experiments on the u. L. Cook farm indicated that the physio­
logical age at the time of sampling exerts considerable in­
fluence on leaf composition, even during the period deemed c
critical for sampling by Tyner (48).

This would indicate

that there must be a suitable and valid physiological basis,
other than visual estimation, of obtaining foliar samples if
interpretation is to be given, practical consideration.

It la proposed in this Investigation thGt green tissue
testing be utilized for determining the period of sampling
for foliar analysis, for Indicating possible limiting factors
in plant growth, and for substantiating the interpretation of
analytical results*
Tissue tests were made on corn plants from experimental
plots of the rotation-fertilizer experiments on the Ferden
farm throughout the growing seasons of 1947 and 1948.

These

test results Indicated that sufficient amounts of phosphorus
and potassium were available throughout both growing seasons;
Nitrate tests indicated that the nitrogen supply was the
limiting factor in, corn production on these experimental plots
and that a sudden change in nitrate content took place during
the period of flowering.

All treatments did not flower on the

same date nor la It to be expected that all plants were physio­
logically the same on different fertillser-rotation plots on
any one sampling date.

However, it is obvious that plants will

attain the same physiological stage within a certain period.
The tissue tests indicated that a critical physiological
stage of plant growth occurs within the period from the time
the most advanced plants began to form tassels until all plants
are in full tassel end Silk.
From these data it was evident that the more rapid the
disappearance of soluble nltrate-nitrogen the lower was the
corn yield.

This was true for both years investigated.

From the results of the tissue tests it might be assumed
that c o m yields on these experimental plots were a function

74.

of nitrogen supply.

To tost the validity of this conclusion,

the leaf samples collected within this critical period were
analysed for content of total nitrogen.

It should be pointed

out that this Brookston soil has a relatively high fertility
level as compared with other leading agricultural soils in
Michigan (table 3).
Correlations of total nitrogen content of leaf samples
and corn yields gave positive coefficients considered reliable
for two factor differential correlations (29).
The assumption is made from these data that this correlation is valid and that corn yields in this experiment were
a function of nitrogen supply and utilisation.

By this reason­

ing the foliage samples having least regression from predicted
values for nitrogen content-yield correlation were used for
analysis of total phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Bata from these analyses thus have a physiological basis for
the application of such diagnostic Interpretations as nufcrientelement balance (38), critical element concentrations (50),
and intensity of nutrition (44).

Hone of these interpretations

are attempted on the data herein reported.
In sampling for foliar analysis, Thomas (43, 44, 45)
sampled corn plants four times during the growing season.
From these data he interprets the "course of nutrition" as
reflected by the amount of ions present, the concentrations
of elements in relation to each other, and the changes in
leaf composition at the different sampling periods.

Chubb

and Atkinson (8) sampled corn plants twice within a five

day period and interpreted the mean value of the analytical
results In the manner of Thomas (44).

Tyner and Webb (49)

sampled c o m plants at four stages of development and found
a general decrease In the amount of elements present In the
sampled leaf with increase in plant maturity*
The most general criticism of plant analysis studies
has been directed toward the Interpretation of analytical
results (lb, 41).

Shear et al (58) have discussed in detail

the crltism for using leaf content of nitrogen alone as a
criterion of nutritional status of plants.

This investigation

does not take issue with this viewpoint, nor with that of
Thomas (42) who crltises tissue testing as a measure of element
accumulation rather than utilisation.

This investigation

actually supports the methods and concepts of both of these
workers by placing foliar analysis Interpretation, as advanced,
by these investigators, on a more sound physiological basis.

SUMMARY
The principal objective of this Investigation waa to make
a comparative study of soil tests, foliar analysis, and plant
tissue tests for Indicating the nutrient status of corn plants.
Greenhouse experiments were conducted in which plants were
produced varying greatly in their nutrient status by growing
them on soils of widely varying fertility levels.

A comparison

of foliar analysis and tissue testing was made on corn, sampled
periodically through the growing season, grown under field
conditions.
A partial chemical analysis was made on soils taken from
rotatlon-fertilleer field experiments at the beginning and
after seven years of continuous treatment.

Plant tissue tests

and foliar analyses were made on the corn plants of these field
experiments during the growing seasons of 1947 and 1948.

Soils

from these field plots were used for greenhouse studies and for
nitrification experiments In the laboratory.
These studies may be summarised as followss
1. Tissue testing is a reliable method for detecting soil
fertiliser treatments for the elements of nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium on soil types varying widely in physical and
chemical characteristics.
2. A method for determining manganese in fresh tissue was
found to give a reliable Indication of the total manganese
present In the foliage of white bean plants.
3. The third functioning basal leaf of corn plants, as
used in the tissue tests and foliar analyses, was found to be
a reliable indicator of plant nutrient status.

4.

Soil analysis of samples taken from the fertllizer-

rotatlon field experiments at the beginning and after seven
years of continuous experimental treatment did not show dift
ferences sufficiently g r e a t t o account for the differences in
corn yields.
6. Experiments with soil from the feftiiiser-rotation
field experimental plots indicated that the lowest yielding
plots In the field were temporarily capable of relatively
higher production if given treatment suitable for nitrate
production in the greenhouse.
6. Laboratory experiments measuring the nitrifying ca­
pacity of soil samples from the field experimental plots
indicated no conclusive evidence as to accumulation of solu­
ble nitrogen compounds.
7. Tissue tests throughout two growing seasons on these
fertllizer-rotation field experiments indicated that nitrogen
is the limiting factor In plant growth and that a definite
change took place in the nitrogen status of plants with the
initiation of the flowering period.
8. Foliar analysis for total nitrogen In leaf samples
taken during the flowering period Indicated positive cor­
relation with corn yields.
9. The Interpretation of foliar analysis data In terms
of tissue test results Is proposed.

78.

LITERATURE CITED
(1)

Association of Official Agricultural Chemists
1940 Official and tentative methods of analysis
Washington, D. C. Fifth edition

(2 )

Atkinson, ft.. J., Petry, L. M., and Wright, L. E.
1944 Plant tissue testing, Sci. Agr. 24, 437*442

(3)
1&48

and Levick, R.
Plant tissue testing III, Effects of fertilizer
applications, Sci. Agr. 26: 223»228

(4)

Bouyoucos, G. J.
1936 Directions for making mechanical analysis of
soils by the hydrometer method, Soil Sci. 48:
226-289

(5 )

Bray, R. ft. and Kurtz, L. T.
1945 Determination of total, organic, and available
forms of phosphorus in soils. Soil Sci. 69:
39-46

(6 )

Carolus, R. L.
1936 Use of rapid chemical plant nutrient tests in
fertilizer deficiency diagnosis* Va. Truck Exp.
Sta. Bui. 98: 1631-1556

(7)

Chapman, G. W.
1941 Leaf analysis and plant nutrition. Soil Sol.
52: 63-81

(8 )

Chubb, W. 0. and Atkinson, B. J.
1946 Plant tissue testing II: A study of the method
of foliar diagnosis, Sci. Agr. 28: 48-50

(9 )

Cook, R. L. and Lawton, Kirk
1944 A rapid laboratory method for the detection of
manganese in fresh plant tissue, Proc. Soil
Sci. Soc. Amer. 8: 327-326

(10)
1946

Millar, 0. E . , and Robertson, L. S.
Sugar beets in seven Michigan systems of crop
rotation, Amer. Soc. Sugar Beet Tech. Proc.
4tb General Meeting: 73-87

1946

and
Plant nutrient deficiencies diagnosed by plant
symptoms, tissue tests, and soil tests (in press)

(11)

79

(12)

Drake, M.
1944 Mutrlant balance in corn by Purdue test,
Amer. Soc. Agron. 36s 1-9

Jour.

(13)

Eansert, E. M.
1935 Testa for nutrients in conducting tissue as
indicators of nutritional status, Proc. Amer.
Soo. Sort. Sci. 32t 604-609

(14)

6111am, W. S.
1941 A photometric method for the determination of
magnesium, Indus, and Engin. Chem. Analyt. Ed.
13: 499-501

(15)

Goodall, D. W. and Gregory, P. 0.
1947 Chemical composition of plants as an index of
their nutritional status, Tech. Communication
17, Imperial Bur. Sort, and Plant. Crops, I.A.8.
Penglais, Aberystwyth, Wales

(16)

Gregory, F. G.
1937 Mineral nutrition of plants,
6: 557-578

Ann. Rev, Blochem.

(17)

Eambldge, Grove; Editor
1941 Sunder signs in crops, Amer. Soc. Agron, and
Hatl.Fert. A88., Washington, D. C.

(18)

Harrington, J. F.
1944 Some factors Influencing the reliability of
plant tissue testing, Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 45: 313-317

(19)

Hester, J. B.
1941 Soil and plant tests as aids in soil fertility
programs, Co®. Fart. Yearbook: 31-39

(20)

Hoffer, 6. K.
1930 (rev.) Testing corn stalks chemically for plant
food needs, Purdue Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 298

(21)

Lagatu, H. and Maune, L.
1924 Evolution reraarquablement regullere de certain
rapports phyalologlques dans les feuilles de
la vlgne bein elimentee, Compt. Rend. Acad.
Sci. 179: 792-785

(22)

Linder, H. C.
1944 Rapid analytical methods for some of the more
common inorganic constituents of plant tissues,
Plant Physiol. 19: 76-89

80*

(23)

Lundegardh, H.
1943 Leaf*analysis as. a guide to soil fertility.
Nature 151: 310-311

(24)

Lynd, J. -Q. and Turk, L. M.
1948 Overliming an acid aandy soil. Jourv Amer. Soc.
Agron. 40s 205*215

(25)

• • .■ and
1&48 Permanent plastic standards for soil and plant
tissue testing. Notes: Jour. Amer. Soc. Agron.
40: 940-941

(26)

Macy, P.
1936 The quantitative mineral nutrient requirements
of plants. Plant physiol. 11: 749-764

(27)

Maglatad, 0, C., Keltemeier, R. P., and Wilcox, L. V.
1945 Determination of soluble salts in soils, Soil
Sci. 59: 65-76

(28)

Meyer, 5. S. and Anderson, D. B.
1947 Plant Physiology, B. Van Nostrand Co., Inc.
New York, N . Y . , Ninth Printing

(29)

Mode, E. B.
1942 The elements of statistics, Prentlce-Hall, Inc.
New York, N. Y.

(30)

Nightingale, G. T.
1942 Nitrate and carbohydrate reserves in relation to
nitrogen nutrition of pineapple, Bot. Gas. 103:
409-456

(31)

Peech, M. and English, L.
1944 Rapid mlcrochemiCal soil tests, Soil Sci. 57:
, 167-195

(32)

. et al
1947 "Methods of soil analysis for aoil-fertlllty
investigations, USDA Cir. 757

(33)

________ and Platenius, Hans
1943-47 Tests of plants and soils, USDA Yearbook 583-591

(34)

Piper, C. S.
1944 Soil and plant analysis.
Inc. New York, N. Y.

Interscience Publishers

81.

(35)

Robertson, L , S.
Unpublished data, Michigan State College,
East Lansing, Michigan

(36)

Salter, R. ,M. and Ames, J. W.
1926 Plant composition as a guide to available soil
nutrients. Jour. Amer. Soc. Agron. 20s 808-636

(37)

Scaraeth, G . W .
1943 Plant-tlssus testing in diagnosis of the nutri­
tional status of growing plants, Soil Sol. 55:
113-120

(38)

Shear, C. B., Crane, H. L«, and Myera, A. T.
1946 Nutrlent^-element balance: A fundamental concept
Iri plant nutrition, Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 47:
239-248

(39)

Shlve, J. W. and Robbins, W. R.
1938 Methods of growing plants In solution and sand
cultures, New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 636

(40)

Spurway, C. H.
1944 Soil testing, a practical system of soil fer­
tility diagnosis, Mich. Agr. Exp. Sta. Tech.
Bui. 132 (3rd rev.)

(41)

Thomati, W* and Mack, W. B.
1944 Misconceptions relative to the method of foliar
diagnosis, Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 44: 355-361

(49)
1937
(43)
1939

(44)
1939

Foliar diagnosis: principles and practice, Plant
Physiol. 12: 571-599
and
Afoliar
carriers
Rea. 59:

'
diagnosis study of the effect of nitrogen
on nutrition of Zea maize, Jour. Agr.
303-313

_ . and- '_ .
Control of crop nutrition by the method of foliar
diagnosis. Pa. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 378

(45)
1953

Foliar diagnosis in relation to plant nutrition
under different weather and soil reaction, Soil
Sci. 56: 197-212

82.

(46)

1945

Present status of diagnosis of mineral
requlrementbfplants by leaf analysis, Soil
Sci. 595 555-374

(47}

Thornton, 3 . F., Connor, S. D., and Fraser, R» R.
1939 Use of rapid chemical tests on soils and plants,
Purdue iigr. Bxp. Sta. Cir. 204

(48)

Tyner, £• H.
1946 The relation of corn yields to leaf nitrogen,
phwphorus, and potassium content, Proc. Soil
S c m Soc . As«^ . 11 1 317-323

(49)
1916

and Webb. J. W.
Relation of corn yield to nutrient balance In
leaf analysis, Jour. Amer. Soc. Agron. 38s
173-185

(50)

Ulrich, A.
,1943 Plant analysis as a diagnostic procedure. Soli
Sci. 5 6 s 101-112

(61)

Walkley, A.
1947 A critical examination of a rapid method for
determining organic carbon in soils, Soil Sci.
63: 251-264

(52)

Yoder, R* E.
1936

A direct method of aggregate analysis and a study
of the physical nature of erosion losses, Jour.
Amer. Soc. Agron. 28: 337-351

Plate 1. The effects of various fertiliser treatment s on
the growth of e o m plants at 8 weeks, first greenhouse
erop on Plainfield loamy sand. Fertiliser treatments erei
1 none, S B ,
3 P, 4 ie B UP, 6 m 9 7 FI, 8 SfPJt.

Plate 8. The effects of various fertilizer treatments on
the growth of corn plants at 11 weeks, first greenhouse
crop on Plainfield loamy send. Fertiliser treatments ores
1 none, 8 H, 3 F , 4 1 , 8 H? 6 tJK, 8 PK, 7 BPK.

Plate 3. The effect• of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of c o r n plants at 8 weeks, first greenhouse crop on
Miami aandy loam. Fertiliser treatments are: 1 none, 2 N,
3 P, 4
5 HP, 6 UK, 7 PK, 8 HPK.

Plate 4. The effects of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of corn plants at 11 weeks, first greenhouse crop on
Miami sandy loam. Fertiliser treatments are: 1 none, 2 H,
3 P, 4 K, 5 HP, 6 UK, 7 PK, 8 HPK.

85.

i

!
t
i

Cocowr

Plat© S. The effects of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of c o m plants at 8 weeks, first greenhouse crop on
Conover sandy clay loam. Fertiliser treatments are: 1 none,
S 13, 3
4E,
5 w * r 6 m 9 7 PK, 8 HPK,

N

>

mm

Piet© 5-, The effects of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of c o m plants at 11 week®, first greenhouse crop on
Conover sandy clay loam. Fertiliser treatments are: 1 none,
S M, 3 P, 4 K, 5 HP, 6 HK, 7 PK, 8 HPK.

86*

Plate 7. The effects of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of corn plants at 8 weeks, second greenhouse crop
on Miami sandy loam. Fertiliser treatments are: 1 none,
2 W, 3 P, 4 K.

Plate 8. The effects of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of corn plants at 8 weeks, second greenhouse crop
on Miami sandy loam. Fertiliser treatments are* 5 NP, 6 NK,
7 PK, 8 NPK.

Plate 9. The effects of various fertilizer treatments on
growth of c o m plants at 8 weeks, second greenhouse crop; on
Conover sandy clay loam. Fertiliser treatments ares 5 UP,
6 NK, 7 PK, 6 NPK.

PlqinfieM

Plate 10• The effects of various fertiliser treatments on
growth of corn plants at 8 weeks, second greenhouse crop on
Plainfield loamy sand. Fertiliser treatments ares 1 none,
6 NK, 7 PK, 8 NPK.

88.

Plat© 11. Th© effects of various ©11 treatments on the grov^th
of white bean plants at 8 weeks, first greenhouse crop on Granby
sandy loam, Treatments are: 1 none, 2 lime, 3 MnSO^j 4 HPK.

Piste 12. The effects of various soil treatments on the growth
of vblte bean plants et 8 weeks, first greenhouse crop on Oran by
sandy loiaa. Treatments are: 1 none,
2 lime,
3 MnSO^,
Note the manganese deficiency symptoms on jars 1 and 2.

Plate 13. The effects of various soil treatments on the
growth of white bean plants at 8 weeks, first greenhouse
crop on Granby sandy loam. Treatments are: CK none, I t 2 tons
CaCQs, U n 500 lbs. Kn304 , HPK 1000 lbs. 10-20-20 per acre.
Note the severe manganese deficiency symptoms on all plants
except those receiving the SnS04 treatment.

Plate 14. The effects of various soil treatments on the
growth of white bean plants at 8 weeks, second greenhouse
crop on Miami sand; loam. Treatments ares CK none, L 4 tons
CaCOs , Mn 500 lbs. ltnS04 , NPK 1000 lbs. 10-20-20 per acre.
Note the severe manganese toxicity symptoms where the HnS04
was applied.

Plate 15.
The effects of an unbalanced nutrient
solution on growth of corn and white bean plants
at S weeks* Bee table 13 for treatments and an­
alytical results*
Note the magnesium deficiency symptoms on both plants