EFFECTS OF SOIL TYPE AND SOIL TREATMENTS ON THE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ALFALFA PLANTS

A Jfejor Thesis Submitted to the

DEPARTMENT OF SOILS
MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN

In P&rtial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of

Doctor

of

Philosophy

*>y

A. L# Grizzard
•“"’UtESKaaK"*

ProQuest Number: 10008319

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Title

Effects of Soil Type and Soil Treatments
the Chemical Composition of Alfalfa
Plants*

98852

Acknowledgment

The writer wishes to express M s thanks and appreciation
to Dr* C* E* Millar and Dr* C* H* Spurway of the Soils Department
of Michigan State College for their kind advice and highly con­
structive criticism given while the investigation was being conducted
and in preparing this paper.

Table of Contents
Page
Nos.
Introduction

----

1

Purpose

i

Review of Literature
Experimental

-

- - —

- - - -

--- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

g

----

6

Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5* Soil treatments and a
partial chemical analysis of alfalfa grown
on Isabella sandyloams o i l
13, 17, 20, and 2 2 .

10

Table 6 . Fertilizer treatments and a partial chemical
analysis of plantsgrownon Brookston silt loam soil -

25

Table 7. Fertilizer treatments and a partial chemical
analysis of alfalfa grown on Brookston clay loam
soil - -- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ --- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

28

Table 8 . Fertilizer treatments and a partial analysis of
plants grown on Brookston loam soil
_ _ _ _

30

Table 9. Fertilizer treatments and a partial analysis of
alfalfa grown on Miami silt loam soil - - - - __ Table 10. Soil treatments and a partial analysis of
alfalfa grown, on Gilford loam soil - -

32

-

34

Table 11. Averages of partial analysis of all alfalfa
cuttings on several soil types

35

Table 12. Pot treatments and analysis of alfalfa grown
in the greenhouse - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

38

Table 13. Comparison of random and systematic methods of
sampling field plats of alfalfa --44, 45, and 46.

43,

Summary
Literature Cited

_ _ _ ■4 7
48

INTRODUCTION

Plants absorb their mineral nutrients from the soil; hence analysis
of the plant should give some idea regarding the supply of available
mineral nutrient elements in the soil*

Climatic conditions, due to their

effect on growth, cause changes in the mineral composition of plants.
Similarly, variations in soil types may markedly affect the absorption and
utilization of plant nutrients.
Investigations show that certain soils are deficient in available
nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium and these deficiencies are reflected in
some cases in the plants grown on them.

Forage crops generally have a low

calcium and phosphorus content when grown on soils inadequately supplied
with these elements.
In some of the western states and in other parts of the United States
especially in the dairy sections, certain diseases in dairy eattle are
associated with mineral deficiencies, especially phosphorus in the roughage
fed to these animals.

As these cattle diseases have been observed in MLchi

gan, information concerning the calcium and phosphorus content of alfalfa
hay grown in this state on different soils and with various fertilizer
treatments was desired in order to determine under what soil conditions
mineral deficiencies in alfalfa hay would be found.

Accordingly, this re­

search was undertaken to study the effect of limestone and phosphate and
potash fertilizers on the nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus content of al­
falfa grown on the following soil types:

Isabella sandy loam, Brookston

loam, Brookston silt loam, Brookston clay loam, Gilford loam, Montcalm
sandy and Miami silt loams.

- 2 -

REVIEW OF LITERA.TURE
A groat amount of work has boen done on the quality of crops as
affected by fertilizer treatments and soil conditions.

In this paper1 the

author cites only those articles found in the literature which deal direct­
ly with this work, however, 283 papers were reviewed,
Mather (8 ) in studying the effects of fertilizers upon the forms and
amount of phosphorus in hays, found that the phosphate treatments increased
the total phosphorus content of timothy and alsike hays as much as 62 per
cent compared to that from the unfertilized plots; and alfalfa from the
fertilized plats showed an increase of 34 per cent as compared to that from
the unfertilized plat.
Fonder (4) reports studies on the influence of soil type on the calcium
and magnesium content of alfalfa stems grown on different soil types and
analyzed at different stages of growth to show that there was a noticeable
and consistent variation in the calcium content of the alfalfa grown on the
different soil types throughout the growth period, the calcium content in­
creasing with maturity of the plant,

The calcium content was considerably

higher in the leaves than in the stems.

Soil texture influences the calcium

content, it being highest in plants grown on medium textured soils as com­
pared with very light or heavy soils,
Holtz (6 ) in studying the effect of the calcium and phosphorus content
of western Washington soils upon the calcium and phosphorus content of
oats and clover hay found the calcium content of oats and red clover to be
largely influenced by the calcium content of the soil.

The phosphorus con­

tent of oats and red clover are materially affected by the soil phosphorus
content, but the two crops are not affected alike; the phosphorus content

- 5 of oats follows more closely the total phosphorus content of the soil,
while that of red clover follows the available phosphorus content .'of the
soil more closely,
Sewell and latshaw (18) in studying the effects of lime, phosphate
and potash on soil reaction and the composition of alfalfa, found that
applications of superphosphate alone did not increase the phosphorus con­
tent of the alfalfa, but the lime plus superphosphate treatments increased
the phosphorus content of alfalfa*

Ihe potassium content of the alfalfa

was very markedly affected by applications of lime, it decreasing in pro­
portion to the rate of liming*
McCool and Weldon (9) investigating the effect of soil type and fertili­
zation on the composition of expressed sap of plants, found that red clover
grown on muck soil in pots, gave a good response to both phosphate and
potash treatments, the amount of each element in the Juice being roughly
proportional to the amounts of phosphate and potash fertilizers applied.
Studies by the chemistry department of the Montana State College (10)
on fertilizers and forage plants, show that phosphate fertilizer treatments,
in all eases increased the phosphorus content of alfalfa hay as compared to
that from the no treatment p2ats, 65 per cent in the first cutting, 43 in the
second and 32 in the third.
Nygard (1 2 ) investigated the phosphorus deficiencies in the soils of
Montana and found that the phosphorus content of alfalfa growing on soils
deficient in phosphorus was materially increased by an application of
available phosphorus to those soils.

In some cases the phosphorus content

of alfalfa was increased as much as 46 per cent by the application of treble
superphosphate to the soil.

- 4 -

.Ames and Boltz (2) in their investigations on the nitrogen and
mineral constituents of the alfalfa plant, found the phosphorus supply of
the soil, as increased by the addition of superphosphate, to be reflected
by the phosphorus content of the alfalfa, which followed the same order
as the yeilds obtained*

Phosphate alone treatments produced larger increases

in the phosphorus content of alfalfa than did the nitrogen plus phosphate
treatments*

Additions of calcium and magnesium to the soil in the forms of

lime increased the calcium and magnesium content of the alfalfa, but decreased
the yeild*

Ihe percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium

were higher in the first cutting of alfalfa, where the yields were larger,
than in the second cutting*

Eckles and co-workers (3) found in their studies with the mineral
deficiencies in cattle rations, that the phosphorus and calcium content of
alfalfa and other hays was increased with ordinary phosphate applications
to the soil*
Sewell and co-workers (17) found in their investigations on the
effect of phosphate and lime applications on soil reaction and the growth
of alfalfa, that the calcium content of alfalfa increased with increasing
applications of lime up to 2,000 pounds of hydrated lime per acre.

Appli­

cations of lime produced a decrease in the potassium content of the alfalfa
up to 8 , 0 0 0 pounds of hydrated lime per acre, above that rate, the potassium
content of the alfalfa increased.
content of the alfalfa.

Lime applications decreased the nitrogen

Phosphate treatments depressed the per cent of nitro­

gen, calcium, phosphorus, and potash contained in the plants in proportion to
the amount of phosphate applied to the soil*

5 Reimer and Tartar (14) investigated the use of sulfur as a fertili­
zer for alfalfa in souther Oregon and found that alfalfa grown on sulfur
treated soils had a higher nitrogen content than that grown on soils not
receiveing sulfur treatments.
Sotola (15) found that alfalfa hay cut in the one-half bloom stage con­
tained more calcium than plants cut at the one-fourth or three-fourth bloom
stage*

The calcium content of alfalfa decreased with the number of cuttings,

it was higher in the first cutting than it was in the second and it in turn
contained a higher calcium content than alfalfa cut the third time.
Salmon and co-workers (16) have shown that the time of cutting greatly
influences the quantity of leaves retained by alfalfa harvested for hay*
There was a consistent decrease in the proportion of leaves as cutting
was delayed.

When alfalfa was cut in the bud stage 53.4 per cent of the

crop consisted of leaves as compared with 51.1, 48.4 and 41.6 per cent for
the tenth-bloom, full-bloom and seed-stages respectively.
Heidig, and eo-workers (1 1 ) have shown that sulfur in all forms
applied to the soil produced increases in the total nitrogen removed by the
alfalfa grown on those soils.

The nitrogen and sulfur content of alfalfa

grown on phosphate treated soils was increased in all cases.
Graber and co-workers (5) have reported work showing that with in­
creasing the number of cuttings, the nitrogen content of alfalfa roots
rapidly decreases.

Plant roots from plats not cut at all contained the

highest per cent total dry weight, total sugars and total nitrogen.
Pittman (13) presents data which show quite conclusively that, under
Utah conditions, on a calcareous soil that is high in total but low in

- 6 available phosphorus •wherever the use of manure or phosphate fertilizer on
alfalfa gave an increase in the yeild of the hay it also produced a marked
increase in the phosphorus content.
Alway (1) has shown on muck soils that fertilizer treatments in
most cases increased the phosphorus content of alfalfa and clover hay,
whether referred to the dry matter or the ash.

Also that the phosphorus con­

tent was not affected by applications of potash, but was greatly increased
by both phosphate and manure applications.

Potash alone increased the yeild

of hays but lowered the phosphorus content of the crop.

EXPERIMENTAL
The investigation was carried on under both field conditions and in
the greenhouse.

For the field studies use was made of the experimental

plats in soil fertility conducted by the Department of Soils of the Michi­
gan State College in different sections of the State.

The fertilizer was

applied in some cases to established stands of alfalfa as a topdressing
while in other instances the fertilizer and lime were applied and worked
into the soil before seeding the alfalfa.

One or two cuttings only were

obtained from some fields before the farmer plowed down the alfalfa in
order to continue his system of crop rotation.

In other cases several

cuttings of alfalfa were taken.
The pot experiments in the greenhouse were conducted in order that
the effect of soil treatments on the composition of the alfalfa growing
on it might be measured under more controlled conditions than pertain in
the field.
Another phase of the problem was the comparison of the composition of
alfalfa samples taken from field plats by the random method with the
composition of samples taken according to a systematic method of sampling.

- 7 -

Method of Eield Sampling

The random sampling method was used to collect samples of alfalfa
for chemical analysis.

The entire plat was carefully observed for varia­

tions in the plant growth and uniformity of stand, and samples were then
taken from two places decided upon by two persons as representative of
plant growth on the plat.

In area of one half square rod was cut in each

location selected and several handfuls of green plants were taken from each
area and put together to make a standard sample from each plat.

Care was

exercised not to lose any of the plant leaves.
All samples were placed in paper containers, labeled, and taken to
the drying room to cure.
6

Each sample was cured in a large laboratory for

weeks from date taken.
Alfalfa, samples taken in 1930 and 1931 were carefully separated into

steins and leaves before analyzing.

The weight of the stems and

leaves

was obtained.
The moisture content, total nitrogen, calcium oxide and phosphorus
pentoxide content of the alfalfa plants was determined according to the
methods outlined in Ushe second edition of the Official and Tentative
Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Agricultual Chemists.
All analyses were made in duplicate and all results are reported on the
oven dry basis,
Undei? the name of each soil type on which studies were conducted a
description of the soii is given followed by the presentation and discussion
of the experimental data obtained.

- 8 -

ISABELLA SAND? LOAM

This soil type is widely distributed in the central or west-central
portions of the lower peninsula of Michigan and is one of the major soil
types used for general agriculture, especially for potatoes.

Where under

cultivation the surface seven inches of soil is light-brown to grayishbrown in color, grading into a pale yellowish, loose, sandy material extend­
ing to depths of about two to three feet*

Just under this horizon is the

heavier subsoil which is a reddish brown in color and consists of moderate­
ly compact but friable, sandy clay or a gritty clay which is generally
acid to a depth of 36 to 40 inches.
to rolling or steeply sloping.

The topography ranges from level

Drainage is rapid because of the porosity

of the soil, in fact in dry seasons the low moisture retaining power of the
soil results in depressed crop yields.

This soil is easy to cultivate

because of the light texture and granular structure of the surface soil.
This soil type is generally low in organic matter content and medium in
fertility; it is acid in reaction, requiring about three tons of limestone
to correct the acidity sufficiently for the successful growing of alfalfa.
Crop response is particularly good in case of alfalfa to applications of
phosphate and potash fertilizers alone or combined.
In view of these facts it was considered advisable to determine the
effects of additions of limestone, phosphate and potash fertilizers to
this soil on the composition of alfalfa grown on it.
The limestone was applied in early June after the land had been plowed
and worked down, and was worked thoroughly into the soil by harrowing.

The

phosphate and potash fertilizers were applied about five inches deep in the

- 9 -

soil the last week in July by means of a grain drill.

Due to the deficiency

of moisture at this season the seeding of alfalfa was delayed to the first
week in August, 1929.

A good stand of alfalfa was obtained which produced

better than an average crop.

The effects of the various soil treatments

on the composition of the alfalfa grown are shown by the data in tables:
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Table 1 contains the analytical data obtained from samples of the
alfalfa taken from the various plats at the early bud stage of growth.
The results show that the weight of the leaves always exceeded the
weight of the stems.

Individual soil treatments had but little effect on

the ratio of leaves to stems.

The average results, however, show that

the addition of limestone-alone and of limestone plus phosphate resulted
in a somewhat greater proportion of leaves to stems, and the addition of
limestone plus potash and of limestone plus potash and phosphate reduced
the ratio of leaves to stems compared to that found in alfalfa grown on
untreated soil.
Additions of limestone without fertilizer increased slightly the
moisture content of the stems over that of the leaves, and also the moisture
content of both stems and leaves over that of alfalfa grown on the plat
receiving no treatment.

There was no consistent difference in the moisture

content of leaves and stems of alfalfa grown on plats receiving other
treatments.

Additions of limestone plus phosphate gave alfalfa of the lowest

water content, and limestone plus phosphate and potash gave alfalfa with
the highest water content in both stems and leaves, on the basis of the
average results obtained for the various group treatments.
The nitrogen determinations show clearly that the nitrogen content of

- 10 -

Table 1.- Effect of increasing limestone applications
with superphosphate and muriate of potash to Isabella sandy
loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa cut in the bud
stage in 1930, Results in percent on oven dry basis*

Plat
Soil
Mo> treatment
1
2
3
4
5

Batio
leaves
to stems

No treatment
552 lbs. L. S.*
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.46
1.36
1.46
1.172
1.43

Percent
7/ater
S.
L.°
10.2
11.1
10.8
12.4
11.8

9.5
10.0
10.0
10.6
10.9

Percent
N
S.
L.
1.43
1.54
1.72
1.86
2.22

2.81
2.81
3.08
3.47
4.04

Perc ent
CaO
S,
L.
2.03
1,83
1.83
2.03
1.99

4.75
4.86
4.30
5.16
5.28

Percent
P 2 O5
L.
S.'
0.74
0.76
0.68
0.60
0,69

0.82
0.82
0.79
0 .84
0.86

390 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate plus limestone as
indicated
6
7
B
9
10

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.43
1.35
1. 44
1.4-3
1.48

11.2
9.8
9.8
9.4
10.9

10.4
10.2
9.3
9.3
10.1

1.56
1.55
1.53
1.86
2.17

2.68
2.84
2.92
3.26
3.82

2.03
1.97
2,04
1.93
1.76

5.22
5.09
4.65
4.71
5.49

0.74
0.72
0.74
0.70
0.60

0,79
0.78
0.83
0.83
0.73

186 lbs. muriate of potash plus limestone as indicated
11
12
13
14
15

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.43
1.20
1.30
1.17
1.54

9.9
9.9
10.0
10.4
10.7

11.8
10.8
12 .*7
9.5
9.9

1.59
1.69
1.89
1.70
2.14

2.45
2.81
3.60
2.55
3.94

1.65
1.81
1.39
1.65
1.23

3.81
4.14
3.40
4.29
3.47

0.57
0.53
0.60
0.640.50

0.61
0.71
0.61
0.60
0.67

234 lbs. of 20 per cent superphosphate and 94 lbs. of
muriate -of potash, or 390 lbs. of 0-12--12 fertilizer
plus limestone as indicated
16
17
18
19
20

No
552
2000
6000
12500

limestone
lbs. L. S.
lbs. L. S.
lbs. L. S.
lbs. L. S.

1.25
1.31
1.54
1.38
1.19

13.2
13.9
13,2
12.4
12.8

11.3
11.8
12.3
12.8
13.0

1.55
1.69
2.07
1.61
1.91

2.84
3.99
4.14
3.16
3.51

1.72
1.64
1.57
1.71
1.63

3.61
3.77
3.62
4.41
4.78

0.80
0.72
0.64
0.64
0.55

0.85
0.81
0.88
0.78
0.66

Averages
No limestone
L. S. alone
L. S. £ phos.
L. S. * potash
1. S. + phos.
and potash
* - Limestone
1 - Steins
2 - Leaves

1.39
1.49
1.42
1.30

11.1
11.5
9.9
10.7

10 f8
10.4
"9.7
10.8

1.53
1.84
1.78
1.86

2.69
3,35
3.21
3.23

1.86
1.92
1.92
1.52

4.35
3.90
4.99
3.83

0.71
ffi.68
0.69
0.57

0.77
0.83
0.79
0.65

1.35

15.1

12.5

1,82

3.70

1.64

4.14

0.64

0.78

-li­

the leaves was consistently higher than that of the stems#

In the case of

i

the limestone-alone treatments, the nitrogen content of alfalfa steins and
leaves gradually increased with the increasing quantities of limestone
applied#

The same was true of the alfalfa fertilized with limestone plus

phosphate, with the exception of the stems of that from plats 7 and 8 ; and
of the alfalfa receiving limestone plus potash excepting the leaves from
plat 14.

Greater irregularities were found, however, in the nitrogen

content of the stems and leaves of the alfalfa grown on the plats receiving
the limestone plus phosphate and potash treatments#

With the exception of

the alfalfa from plats 2, 7 and 8 , there was a marked increase in nitrogen
content of both stems and leaves over that found in alfalfa from plats
receiving fertilizer without limestone#

Although some exceptions were

apparent in the case of individual treatments, on the basis of the averages
all of the treatments increased the nitrogen content of alfalfa stems and
leaves.

The nitrogen content of the stems, however, varied little with the

different treatments.

The limestone plus phosphate and potash treatments

considerably increased the nitrogen of the alfalfa leaves over that from
the other treatments#
Considering the results for calcium, greater differences were found
between stems and leaves than for the other constituents determined#

The

calcium content of the leaves was found to be two or three times higher
than that of the stems*

¥/ith the exception of those from plats 9 and 15,

the two largest applications of limestone increased the calcium content of
the leaves over that of leaves from

the no treatment and no limestone treat­

ment plats#
On the basis of the averages the plats receiving limestone-alone and

- 12

limestone plus phosphate, produced alfalfa with a higher calcium content in
the steins than alfalfa from the no limestone treatment plat#

Any treatment

Including potash resulted in a noticeable decrease in the calcium content
of alfalfa stems#

The limestone plus phosphate treatment increased the

calcium content of alfalfa leaves, while the other treatments depressed it#
The phosphorus content of both the stems and leaves of alfalfa grown
on plats receiving superphosphate-alone 7/as less than that of alfalfa
grown on plats treated with both superphosphate and potash without limestone
and from plats receiving no treatment.

Potash-alone greatly depressed the

phosphorus content of both the stems and leaves, although phosphate and
potash combined increased the phosphorus content of both the stems and
leaves compared to that of alfalfa from plats receiving no treatment#
As shown by the average results, all of the treatments depressed the
phosphorus content of alfalfa stems as compared 7/ith those from the no
limestone treatments.

Limestone-alone increased the phosphorus content of

alfalfa leaves, and limestone plus potash had a depressing effect in this
respect.

Potash Then used with limestone markedly depressed the phosphorus

content of both stems and leaves of alfalfa.
Table 2 contains the analytical data obtained from samples of alfalfa
taken from the various plats at the one half-bloom stage of growth for the
first cutting of hay#
Studying first the character of the alfalfa with respect to proportions
of leaves to stems, it was found that all treatments increased the ratio
of leaves to stems with the exception of that grown on plals 10 and 14#

The

average results shov/ an increased ratio of leaves to stems for all treatments.

- 13 Table 2.- Effect of increasing limestone applications
with superphosphate and muriate of potash to Isabella sandy
loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa, first cutting
for hay, one half-bloom stage, 1930

Plat
No.

1
2

3
4
5

Soil
treatment

Ratio
leaves
to steins

No treatment
552 lbs. L. S.*
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

0.94
0.95
0.95
0.99
1 ,2 *

Percent
Water „

£.

L.~
10.3

8.3
8.9
8.9

10.6

8.6

11.1

9.6

11,5

10.7

Percent
N

8.

L»

1.35
1.49
1154
1.79
1.96

2.26
2.95
2.87
3.34
3.50

Percent
CaO
L.
a.
2.57
2.07
2.19
1.92
2.04

7.11
6.29
6.77
5.78
6.11

Percent

Ps Or
S.

L.

0.90
0.85
0.79 1.03
0.83 1.03
0.59 C0.88
0.97
0.66

390 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate plus limestone as indicated
6

7
8

9
10

No limestone
552 lbs* L. S.
2000 lbs. L.,S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S,

0.88

1.09
0.93
1.07
0.81

9.1
9.2
9.4
10.0

8.4

10.1
10.0

9.6
10.9
10.3

1.16
1.63
1.47
1.84
1.55

2.32
3.12
3.18
3.56
3.03

2.43
2.09
1.88

1.94
1.81

6.61
6.37
6.54
5.92
5.59

0,93
0.63
0.88

0.59
0.62

1.00
0.88
1.00
0.88

0.84

186 lbs. muriate of potash plus limestone as indicated
11
12

13
14
15

No limestone
552 lbs, L. S,
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs, L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

0.83
0.88
1.01

0.83
1.12

9.5
9.4
10.0

9.0
9.1

10.9
10,3
4-0.4
10.4
10*2

1.18
1.58
1.75
1.54
1.71

2.35
2.90
3.22
3,23
3,37

2.12

2.05
1.67
1.58
1.71

5.51
5.37
4.20
4.06
4.64

0.96
0.67
0.63
0,53
0.36

1.01

0.79
0.74
0,72
0.59

234 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate and 94 lbs. muriate of
potash, or 390 lbs . 0 -1 2 - 1 2 fertilizer plus limestone as
indicated
16
17
18
19
20

No
552
2000
6000
12500

limestone
lbs. L. S.
lbs. L. S.
lbs. L. S.
lbs. L. S.

0.90
1.05
0.93
1.06
1.01

9.6
9.2
9.0
9.4
9.6

10.5
10.5
11.5
11.1
12.1

1.55
1.27
1.31
1.57
1.60

2.39
3.27
2.78
3.37
3.34

2.24
1.98
1.93
1.74
1.91

6.09
5.68
5.65
4.83
5.26

0.92
0.48

2,33
3,15
3.22
3.18

2.342.06
1.93
1.75

6.33
6.24

0.95
0.72

6.11

0.68

4.57

0.55

0.98
0.95
0.90
0.71

3.19

1.89

5.36

0.57

0.75

0.68

0.62
0.49

1.00

0.74
0.80
0.76
0.69

Averages
No limestone
L. S, Alone
L. S. + phos.
L. S. ♦ potash
L. S. + phos.
and potash

* - Limestone
1 - Steins
2 - Leaves

0.89
1.03
0.97
0.96

9.1
8,9
•9.3
9.4

10.3

1.31
1.69
1.62
1.64

1.01

9.3

11.3

1.44

10.4
10.9
10.2

- 14 -

Limestone-alone treatment gave the largest increase in the ratio of al­
falfa leaves to stems and limestone plus phosphate and potash treatment
produced the next largest increase.
In this stage of growth the water content of the leaves was higher
than that of the stems.

Although no consistent differences were obtained

with the individual treatments in the water content of either the stems
or

leaves, the average results show that limestone plus phosphate and pot­

ash application increased the water content in case of the leaves.
The nitrogen determinations show clearly that the nitrogen content
of the leaves was consistently higher than that of the stems.

In case of

the lime st one-alone treatment, the nitrogen content of the stems gradually
increased with increasing quantities of limestone applied, and the same
was true in case of the leaves with the exception of those from plat 3.
Greater irregularities were found, however, in the nitrogen content of
both stems and leaves from all other treatments.

All of the limestone

treatments increased the nitrogen content of the leaves over that of leaves
from the no treatment and no limestone treatment plats.

Applications of

phosphate and potash alone depressed the nitrogen content in case of the
stems; but combined, increased that of the stems over the nitrogen content
of the stems grown on the plat which received no treatment.

On the basis

of the average results, all of the limestone treatments increased the
nitrogen content of both stems and leaves.
Greater differences were found between the calcium content of stems
and leaves than for the other elements determined.

The calcium content of

the leaves was found to be two to three times higher than that of the steins.

- 15 -

Applications of phosphate and potash alone or in combination depressed
the calcium content of both the steins and leaves over that of those grown
on the plat without treatment.

Potash-alone having the greatest depressing

effect in both the stems and leaves.

Limestone plus phosphate, limestone

plus potash, and limestone plus phosphate and potash treatments in all
cases depressed the calcium content of both the stems and leaves compared
to the calcium content of those grown on the no treatment and no limestone
plats.

The average results show that limestone treatments, in all cases

depressed the calcium content of both the stems and leaves of alfalfa,
limestone plus potash, however, exerted the greatest effect in this respect
of all treatments applied.
The phosphorus content of the leaves was higher than that of the
stems in all the samples except in those from soil receiving no treatment.
Phosphate and potash applied alone or in combination increased the phos­
phorus content of alfalfa leaves over that of those grown on the no treat­
ment plat*

All of the limestone treatments depressed the phosphorus content

of alfalfa stems compared to that of those grown on the no treatment and no
limestone treatment plats.

Increasing quantities of limestone plus potash

treatments gradually depressed the phosphorus content of both the stems and
leaves of alfalfa.

The average results show that in all cases limestone

treatments depressed the' phosphorus content of both alfalfa stems and
leaves; here again, the limestone plus potash treatment exerted the
greatest depressing effect on the phosphorus content of the alfalfa stems and
leaves•
Table 3 contains the analytical data obtained from samples of alfalfa

- 16 -

taken from the various plats at the one half-bloom stage of growth for the
second cutting of hay.
The weight of alfalfa leaves always exceeded that of the stems.

Appli­

cations of limestone-alome markedly increased the ratio of leaves to stems
as compared to that of plants from the no treatment plat.

Treatments of

limestone plus potash, and limestone plus phosphate and potash increased the
ratio of leaves to stems over that found in plants grown on plats receiving
no limestone.

Plat 10 which received the largest application of limestone

plus phosphate and potash greatly increased the ratio of alfalfa leaves to
stems as compared to that of plants grown on the no limestone treatment plat.
It was found on

the basis of the average results, that all limestone treat­

ments increased

the ratio of leaves to stems over that of plants grown with­

out limestone, the most marked effect resulting, from treatments of limestone
plus phosphate.
The water content of both alfalfa stems and leaves varied but little
with the different soil treatments.
The nitrogen content of the leaves was nearly double that of the stems
for all soil treatments.

Alfalfa from plats receiving fertilizer plus lime­

stone or limestone-alone contained more nitrogen in both stems and leaves than
alfalfa from plats receiving fertilizer without limestone and plats receiving
no treatment, with the exception of the stems of alfalfa from plats 17 and 18.
Treatments of phosphate and potash-alone or in combination, increased the nitro­
gen content of the stems as compared with that of the stems from the plat with­
out treatment.

The average results show that the nitrogen content of both the

stems and leaves of

alfalfa was increased by all limestone treatments over that

of the stems and leaves of alfalfa grown on the plats without limestone.

- 17 Table 3*- Effect of Increasing limestone applications
with superphosphate and muriate of potash to Isabella sandy
loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa, second
cutting for hay, one half-bloom stage, 1930

Plat
No*
1
2
3
4
5

Soil
treatment

No treatment
552 lbs, L. S.*
2000^lbs. L. S,
6000 lbs. L. S*
12500 lbs. L. S.

Ratio
Percent
le&tes
Water
to stems S*
L.
1.21
1.67
1.51
1.59
1.66

11.2
11.5
11.6
12.4
12.1

11.1
11.4
12.9
12.5
12.8

Percent
N
S.
L.
1.72
1.95
1.87
2.06
2.03

3.25
3.93
3.68
4.00
4.06

Percent
OaO
L.
S.
2.14
1.89
2.02
2.09
2.13

4.44
3.98
4.26
4,36
4.38

Percent
P2 O5
L.
S.
0.91
0.71
0.68
0.67
0.66

0.94
0.77
0.79
0.75
0.69

390 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate plus limestone as indicated
6
7
8
9
10

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.73
1.68
1.61
1.71
2.03

9.6
10.4
10.8
11.0
11.0

12.2
12.0
10.5
11.5
11.0

1.76
2.06
2.32
2.06
2.06

3.65
3.88
4.14
4.02
4.08

2.03
2.37
2.21
2.32
2.06

4.00
4.90
3.93
3.85
6.66

0.92
0.72
0.68
0.73
0.53

1.09
0.83
0.81
0.75
0.70

0.94
0.65
0,65
0.70
0.53

1.09
0.76
0.71
0.79
0.68

186 lbs. muriate of potash plus limestone as indicated
11
12
13
14
15

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.15
1.47
1.39
1.81
1.77

9.7
10.8
11.0
11.2
11.4

11.5
12.0
12.1
12.8
11.9

1.77
1.87
1.96
2.16
2.15

2,94
3.81
3.50
4.01
4.11

2.12
1,86
2.14
1,67
2.24

4.87
3.77
4.41
3.65
4.02

234 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate and 94 lbs* muriate of
potash, or 390 lbs . 0—12'-12 fertilizer plus limestone as indicated
16
17
18
19
20

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs, L. S,
12500 lbs. L. S.

1,38
1*56
1.56
1.69
1.54

11.4
11.4
11.5
12.0
10.9

11.3
11.9
11.0
10.9
11.6

1.98
1.97
1.87
2.10
2.13

3.30
3.88
3.53
3.94
3.69

2.25 4.42
2.18 4,20
2.15 4.30
2.05 4.12
2.18 ‘ 4.84

0.88
0.67
0.57
0.63
0.51

0.95
0.75
0.64
0.76
0.66

Averages
No limestone
L. S, Alone
L. S. * phos.
L. S. + potash
L. S. + phos.
and potash

* — Limestone
1 - Stems
2 - Leaves

1.28
1.61
1.76
1.61

10.5
11.9
10.8
11.1

11.5
12.2
11.3
12.2

1.81
1.98
2.13
2.04

3.29
3.92
4.03
3.86

2.14
2.03
2.24
1.98

4.43
4.25
4 .84
3.96

0.91
0.68
0,67
0.63

1.02
0.75
0.77
0.74

1.59

11.5

11.4

2.02

3.76

2.14

4.37

0.59

0.70

18 -

Wherever potash occurred in any treatment, it depressed the nitrogen content
of both the stems and leaves of alfalfa slightly as compared to that of al­
falfa grown on plats receiving the limestone plus phosphate treatments.
Greater differences vjere found between the calcium content of stems
and leaves of alfalfa than for the other elements determined, the calcium
content of the leaves being nearly double that of the stems in all cases.
All treatments depressed the calcium content of alfalfa stems and leaves as
compared to that of plants grown, on the plats which received no treatment
and no limestone, except in the case of plats 7, 10 and 20.

Alfalfa grown

on these plats exhibited a marked increase in the calcium content of the
stems and leaves.

The average results show that the limestone-alone and

limestone plus potash treatment depressed the calcium content of both the
stems and leaves of alfalfa below that of alfalfa grown without limestone,
the limestone plus potash treatment exhibiting the greatest depressing
effect.

Both the stems and leaves of alfalfa grown on the limestone plus

phosphate treatment pl&ts showed an increase in the calcium content as
compared to that produced on plats not receiving limestone.
In all cases limestone applications very markedly depressed the phos­
phorus content of the stems and leaves of alfalfa.

The phosphorus content

of leaves, however, was higher than that of the stems.

Applications of

phosphate and potash alone markedly increased the phosphorus content of the
leaves as compared to that of leaves grown on the p^at without treatment.
On the basis of the average results all limestone treatments depressed the
phosphorus content in both the stems and leaves of alfalfa compared to that
from the no limestone treatment plats; the limestone plus phosphate and

- 19

potash, treatment exerted the greatest depressing effect.
Table 4 contains the analytical data obtained from samples of the
alfalfa taken from the various plats as the first cutting for hay at the one
half bloom stage in 1931.
It is seen that the weight of steins greatly exceeded that of the
leaves in all cases.

Additions of superphosphate and potash-alone, or in

combination depressed the ratio of leaves to stems as compared to that
for alfalfa produced on the no treatment plat.
The water content of the leaves was higher than that of the stems in
all cases.

No consistent difference in the water content of the stems and

leaves was obtained with the various soil treatments.
All soil treatments increased the nitrogen content of both the stems
and leaves over that of alfalfa grown on the no limestone and no treatment
plats, with the exception of the stems from plats 7 and 13, and the leaves
from plats 7 and 18.

The average results show that all limestone treat4

ments increased the nitrogen content of both alfalfa stems and leaves.
The calcium determinations, show that all limestone treatments de­
pressed the calcium content of the stems as compared to that of steins grown
on the no treatment plat and no limestone treatment plats, with the excep­
tion of alfalfa from plats 13, 17 and 18.

In all cases the limestone

treatments markedly increased the calcium content of alfalfa leaves as com­
pared to that of those grown on the no limestone treatment plats and the
plat without treatment, with the exception of the leaves from plat 1 2 .
Average results show that all limestone treatments depressed the calcium
content of alfalfa sterns, but increased that of the leaves.

- so -

3Jable 4.- Effect of increasing limestone applications
with superphosphate and muriate of potash to Isabella sandy
loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa, first cutting
for hay, one half-bloom stage, 1931

Plat
Ho,
1
2

3
4
5

Soil
treatment

Ho treatment
552 lbs, L. S.*
2000 lbs, L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

Satio
leaves
to stems
0.81
0.64
0.69
0 .6 ?
0.57

Percent
Water
s.-1- L.&
5.7
5i?
5.8

6.8

6.6

7.2
7.5
8.3

6.5

8.2

Percent
CaO
L.
S.

Percent
N
L.
S.
1.55
1.81
1.62
1.69
1.74

3.41
3.91
3.71
4.05
4.00

1.79
1.50
1148
1.61
1.59

3.65
4.34
4.27
4.90
4.16

Percent
P 2 O5
S.
L.
0.72
0.35
0.66

0.40
0.41

1.00

0.74
0,81
0.84
0.85

390 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate plus limestone as indicated
6

7
8

9
10

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.'
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

0.65
0.64
0.64
0.89
0.64

6.5

8.2

6.2
6.1

8.4-

1.57
1/50

8.2

1.66

6.5

8.4 1.90
8 .6 ' 1.87

6.6

3.75
3.54
3.85
4.15
3.97

1.73
1.58
1.45
1.70
1.51

2.35
4.62
4.59
4.49
4.71

0.50
0.45
0.51
0.51
0.49

0.84
0.78
0.80

0.75
0.36
0*34
0.37
0.39

1.02

0.86

0.85

186 lbs. muriate of potash plus limestone as indicated
11
12

13
14
15

Ho limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs, L. S.
6000 lbs* L. S*
12500 lbs. L. S.

0.72
0.56
0,55
0.55
0.59

6 .4
6.1
6.2
6.2
6.1

7.8
7.6
7.9
7.9
S.l

1.49
1.64
1.42
1.53
1.82

3.24
4.03
3.51
3.89
3.83

1.53
1.44
1.53
1.23
1.29

3.46
3.46
3.77
3.96
4.35

0.74
0.73
0.77
0.72

234 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate and 94 lbs. muriate of potash,
or 390 lbs. of 0 - 1 2 - 1 2 fertilizer plus limestone as indicated
16
17
18
19
20

Ho limestone
552 lbs. L, S.
2000 lbs* L. S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.41
1.58
1.59
1.59
1.76

3.75
3.87
3.66
4.00
4.06

1.37
1.52
1.37
1.19
1.24

3.27
4.03
4.40
4.33
3.62

0.55
0.37
0.35
0.40
0.42

0.99
0.77
0,69
0.77
0.77

1.51
1.72
1.73
1.60

3.54
3.92

6.2

7.6
7.9
8.4
7.9

3.82

1.61
1.55
1.56
1.37

3.18
4.43
4.60
3.89

0.63
0.46
0.49
0.37

0.99
0.81
0.82
0.74

6.6

8.2

1.63

3.89

1.33

4.09

0.39

0.75

6.5

7.8
8.2

0.68

6.8
6.6

0.52
0.61

6.5
6.5

0.63
0.76

8.3
8.3
8 .Q

Averages
Ho limestone
L. S. Alone
L. S. + phos.
L. S. + potash
L. S. + phos.
and potash

0.70
0.64
0.70
0.56
0.64

6.3
6.2

6.3

3.88

f
* - Limestone
1 - Stems
2 - Leaves

21 -

The phosphorus content of both the steins and leaves of alfalfa was
very markedly depressed by the limestone, limestone plus potash, and lime­
stone plus phosphate and potash treatments*

However, the average results

show that limestone treatments in all cas^s depressed the phosphorus content
of both the steins and leaves; limestone plus potash having the greatest
effect•
The results from the analysis of samples of the alfalfa taken from
the various plats at the second cutting for hay in

the one half-bloom

stage in 1931 are presented in Table 5.
The weight of the leaves exceeded that of the stems in all cases, al­
though soil treatments appeared to have little influences upon the ratio
of leaves to stems*
The data on the water content of the stems and leaves were inconsis­
tent, the leaves, however, contained a higher water content than the stems
in all cases*
For all limestone treatments, the nitrogen content of both the stems
and leaves was higher than that of leaves and stems grown on the no treat­
ment plats and plats not receiving limestone*
leaves was nearly double that of the stems*

The nitrogen content of the
Treatments of phosphate and

potash alone or in Combination, increased the nitrogen content of both
stems and leaves as compared to that of alfalfa on
ment*

the

the plat without treat­

The average results show that all soil treatments increased the nitro­

gen, content of both the stems and leaves of alfalfa.
m
stems •

all cases the calcium content of the leaves was double that of the
On the basis of the average results all treatments depressed the

calcium content of the stems*

The calcium content of the leaves, however,

exhibited an increase with all limestone treatments except for the largest

- 22 liable 5.- Effect of increasing limestone applications ?/ith
superphosphate and muriate of potash to Isabella sandy loam soil on
the partial composition of alfalfa, second cutting for hay, one
half-bloom stage, 1931

Plat
No*
1
2

3
4
5

Soil
treatment

No
552
2000
6000
1250G

treatment
lbs* L. S.*
lbs* L* S.
lbs* L* S.
lbs. L, S.

Ratio
Leaves
to stems
1.53
1.87
1.24
1.60
1.36

Percent
Water
S.
L.
8.2
8.6
8.0
8.0

10.5

9.9
10.1
10.2

10.5
13.8

Perc ent
N
S.
L.
1.71
1.95
2.01

2.38
1.95

3.29
3.78
4.11
4.22
4.03

Percent
CaO
L.
S.
1.77
1.79
1.59
1.55
1.52

3.56
3.69
4.07
3.69
4.08

Percent
S.

L.

0.54
0.36
0.37
0.39
0.37

0.59
0.59
0.60
0.59
0.62

390 lbs. 20 per cent superphosphate plus limestone as indicated
6

7
8

9
10

No limestone
552 lbs. L* S .
2000 lbs. L. S.
6000 lbs* L* S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.34
1.61
1.25
1*25
1.14

9.7
9.8
10.6

10.4
11.0

11.7
11.9
12.5
13.8
14.0

1.80
2.20

2.07
2.05
2.09

3.88
4.17
4.37
4.05
4.35

1.52
1.79
1.49
1.67
1.44

3.59
4.08
4.15
4.27
3.79

0.42
0.49
0.43
0.40
0.49

0.64
0.65
0.64
0.60
0.72

0.64
0.42
0.39
0.43
0.42

0.70
0.61
0.59
0.54
0.63

186 lbs* muriate of potash plus limestone as indicated
11
12

13
14
15

No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs. L* S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.54
1.55
1.22

1.74
1.46

9.9
9.3
9.3
9.9
8.9

11.2
11.0
11.2

12.7
11.5

1.98
2.02

2.09
2.06
2.10

3.70
3.98
4.01
4.19
4.11

1.66

1178
1.51
1.33
1.41

3.33
3.63
3.89
3.28
3.33

234 lbs. of 2 0 per cent superphosphate and 94 lbs • of imiriate
of potash, or 390 lbs. of 0-12-12 fertilizer plus limestone as
indicated
16
17
IS
19
20

, No limestone
552 lbs. L. S.
2000 lbs* L* S.
6000 lbs. L. S.
12500 lbs. L. S.

1.66

1.65
1.55
1.48
1.26

7.8
8.9
7.6
7.9
9.4

8.7
8.9
9.3

1.81
1.84

10.1
10.0

2.06
2.15

2.00

3.35
3.90
4.02
3.88
4.16

1.93
1.57
1.16
1.52
1.32

3.53
3.57
2.77
3.27
2.80

0.50
0.39
0.38
0.40
0.39

0.57
0.57
0.57
0.61
0.61

1.72
1.61
1.60
1.51

3.50
3.88
4,07.
3.53

0.53
0.37
0.45
0.42

0.63
0.60
0.65
0.59

1.39

3.10

0.39

0.59

Averages
No limestone
L. S. Alone
L* S. + phos.
L. S. + potash
L. S. + phos.
and potash

* - Limestone
1 - Stems
2 “ Leaves

1.52
1.52
1.31
1.49

8.9

10.4

8.8

11.2

1.83
2.07

10.5
9.4

13.1

2.10

11.6

2.07

3.56
4.04
4.24
4.07

1.49

8.5

9.6

2.01

3.99

- 23 -

limestone treatments.
The phosphorus content of the leaves -was higher than that of the
steins.

Limes tone-alone depressed the phosphorus content of alfalfa stems

over that of those from the no treatment plat.

Limestone plus potash treat­

ment depressed the phosphorus content of both the stems and leaves of al­
falfa as compared to that of plants grown on the no treatment plat.
results show that the phosphorus content

Average

of the stems was depressed with

all limestone treatments, as was the phosphorus content of the leaves with
one exception.
In comparing all the alfalfa cuttings made on Isabella sandy loam
soil, it was found that, the first cuttings exhibited a much lower ratio
of leaves to stems than the second cuttings at the one half-bloom stage of
growth.

Also, the weight of stems exceeded that of the leaves in the first

cuttings, which was just the opposite of the condition fof the second
cuttings.
The water content of both the stems and leaves was higher in the
second than in the first cuttings.
In both the stems and leaves the nitrogen content was higher in the
second than the first cuttings.
The calcium content of the steins was higher in the second than the
first cuttings, but in ease of the leaves the opposite was true.
Phosphorus content of both the stems and leaves was higher in the
first than the second cuttings.

The phosphorus content of both the stems

and leaves of the first and second cuttings, however, was lower in the
second year.
Summarizing the main points that were borne out by the data, it can
be said that all soil treatments increased the nitrogen content of both

- 24 -

th.e steins and leaves in all cases, and all limestone treatments depressed
the phosphorus content of both the steins and leaves,

BROOKST(B SILT LOAM

The topsoil of Brookston silt loam consists of dark-gray, friable
silt loam from 8 to 12 inches deep, underlain by light gray silty clay loam
mottled with rust brown and yellow.
rust-brown, and bluish-gray clay*

The subsoil is heavy, mottled yellow,
The substratum is of heavy, calcarious

till, which is coarse and granular when dry.

The surface is nearly flat.

Drainage is naturally deficient and where the subsoil is especially heavy
the movement of water is exceedingly slow.
drainage.

Tiling is necessary for adequate

This soil must be managed carefully when wet, but under suitable

moisture conditions it

readily

works into a good seed bed*Although

Brookston silt loam is

a fertile soil the

yields of most crops grownon it

are increased by applications of phosphate fertilizer.

Alfalfa and root

crops are also usually benefited by the inclusion of some potash in the
fertilizer.

The soil is sufficiently sweet to allow the growing of alfalfa

without the use of limestone.
On field one the

alfalfa

was seeded with oats in thespring of1929

and the fertilizer was

applied

broadcast on the surface ofthe soil after

the second cutting in the season of 1930, without harrowing to work the
fertilizer into the soil.

The alfalfa on field two was several years old.

The fertilizer was applied as a topdressing after the second cutting in the
season of 1930.

Samples were taken from both fields in 1931.

In Table 6 are the analytical data for the samples of the first and

- 25 -

second cuttings of alfalfa taken in the one half-bloom stage.
The weight of stems exceeded that of the leaves in all cases in the
first cuttings, but the opposite was true for the secohd cuttings.

In

field two, all fertilizer treatments slightly increased the ratio of
leaves to stems over that for alfalfa from the no treatment plats in the
first cutting, but depressed it in the second cutting.

Table 6,- Effect of various fertilizer applications to Brookston
silt loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa, cut in the onehalf bloom stage, 1931.

First cutting, Field 1

Plot
No.
1
2
3
4
5

Batio
leaves
to stems

No treatment
250 lbs. 0-20-20
500 lbs. 0-20-20
500 lbs. 0-0-20
500 lbs. 0-20-0

0.59
0.63
0.59
0.51
0.55

Perc ent
Water
S.
L.
8.2
7.9
9.8
7.5
7.2

10.9
10.0
10.0
10.1
9.9

Perc ent
N.
S.
L.
1.70
1.91
2.20
1.84
2.16

3.88
3.96
4.02
3.94
4.00

Percent
CaO
L.
S.

Percent
. p205..
S.
L.

1.51
1.52
1.42
1.47
1.30

6.49
5.61
5.64
5.50
5.30

0.30
0.41
0.50
0.30
0.57

0.57
0.57
0.55
0.52
0.67

1.95
1.99
1.90
1.98
1.99

4.32
5.12
4.86
4.95
4.97

0.40
0.41
0.57
0.39
0.59

0.42
0.51
0.56
0.53
0.60

1.57
1.47
1.61

5.15
4.42
5.63

0.37
0.38
0.38

0.57
0.56
0.62

1.99
1.80
1.85

4.98
4.39
5.03

0.37
0.30
0.33

0.58
0.49
0.53

Second cutting , Field 1
1
2
3
4
5

No treatment
250 lbs. 0-20-20
500 lbs. 0-20-20
500 lbs. 0-0-20
500 lbs. 0-20-0

1.26
1.28
1.27
1.29
1.26

11.0
11.6
11.5
11.1
11.3

11.2
12.3
12.0
11.4
10.6

1.86
1.87
1.86
1.88
1.86

3.46
3.88
3.84
4.05
3.99

First cutting, Field 2
6
7
8

No treatment
300 lbs. 0-16-0
300 lbs. 0-16-8

0.64
0.83
0.75

8.2
8.7
8.1

10.2
10.3
10.1

2.08
2.14
2.07

3.89
3.94
4.18

Second cutting , Field 2
6
7
8

No treatment
300 lbs. 0-16-0
300 lbs. 0-16-8

1.39
1.19
1.30

7.7
7.7
7.7

10.4
9.8
10.2

1.96
1.89
2.19

4.07
4.15
4.11

- 26 -

The water content of the leaves was higher than that of the stems in
the first cutting from both fields, and in the second cutting from field
two, but not from field one.
The nitrogen content of both the stems and leaves in the first cutting
from the fertilized plats on field one was higher than that from the no
treatment plats.

The same was true for the leaves in the second cuttings.

On field two, all fertilizer treatments increased the nitrogen content of the
leaves over that of leaves from the no treatment plats in both the first
and second cuttings.
All fertilizer treatments depressed the calcium content of alfalfa
stems and leaves in the first cutting from field one with the exception of
those from plat 2, but the opposite was true in the second cutting with the
exception of the stems from plat 3,

Applications of phosphate in both

cuttings depressed the calcium content of alfalfa stems and leaves on field
two.
The phosphorus content of the leaves was higher than that of the stems
in both the first and second cuttings from field two, but only in the first
cutting from field one.

All fertilizer treatments increase the phosphorus

content of alfalfa leaves on field one.

This result was not true for the

stems except those from plats 3 and 5 in the second cutting.

On field two

all fertilizer treatments depressed the phosphorus content of both stems
and leaves of alfalfa in the second cutting, but this was not true in the
first cutting*
BROOKSTON G l M LOAM

Brookston clay loam has a surface soil ranging from 5 to 8 inches in

- 27 -

thickness, which consists of very dark-gray or dark brownish gray fribble
silty clay loam*

Plowed fields when dry appear gray or dark brown#

The

subsoil is bluish-gray or dull-gray, heavy, plastic, fairly granular clay,
mottled yellow and lust brown, and containing black concretions in places#
Below a depth ranging from 25 to 30 inches the material becomes more
splotched with yellow, without much change in texture*

Generally the soil

reaction is alkaline.
The surface is nearly level and drainage is poor.

The principal need

for the improvement of Brookston clay loam is adequate drainage,

m

some

places, drainage has been improved artificailly by open ditches or tile
drains or both.

Y/ell drained land is in a high state of cultivation.

Care is required to work the land when in the proper moisture condi­
tion, as it clods if worked when wet and on drying, cracks open in the sur­
face soil.
The alfalfa grown on this soil was seeded in wheat in the spring of
1929 and topdressed after the first cutting for hay in the season 6f 1930.
Samples taken for analytical work were obtained in 1931.
The data in table 7 show that with one exception the ratio of alfalfa
leaves to stems

was depressed by all fertilizer treatments.

leaves exceeded

that of stemsin all cases.

The weight of

Alfalfa leaves contained a higher moisture content than did the stems#
Applications of phosphate alone, increased the nitrogen content of
alfalfa stems but not that of the leaves except those from plat 3.

Treat­

ments that contained potash exerted a depressing effect upon the nitrogen
content of both alfalfa stems and leaves compared to that of alfalfa from

- 28
the plat ■without treatment.
Fertilizer treatments depressed the calcium content of alfalfa stems
from plats 3, 4, and 5, and of leaves from plats 2, 3, and 5, but increased
that of the stems from plat 2 and that of the leaves from plat 4 as compared
to the calcium content of plants from the plat receiving no fertilizer.
The calcium content of alfalfa, leaves -was more than twice that of the stems
in all cases•
Table 7.- Effect of various fertilizer applications to
Brookston clay loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa,
cut in the one-half bloom stage, second cutting for hay, 1931.

Plot
No.
1
2
3
4
5

Soil
treatment

No treatment
300 lbs. 0-20-0
500 lbs* 0-20-0
300 lbs * 0-20-20
500 lbs. 0-20-20

Ratio
leaves
to stems
1.75
1.84
1.35
1.56
1.28

Percent
Water
S.
L.
7.1
7.3
6.7
8.0
7.7

8.4
8.3
8.1
10*9
10.6

Percent
N
S.
L.
2.26
2.47
2.41
2.18
2.21

4.47
4.45
4*66
4*37
3.43

Percent
CaO
s.
L.
1.83
1.90
1.68
1.79
1.61

4.90
4.75
4.28
5.12
4.74

Percent
P205
S.
L.
0.30
0.47
0.46
0.33
0.40

0.58
0.65
0.70
0.66
0.63

Alfalfa leaves contained a higher phosphorus content than did the
stems in all cases.

All fertilizer treatments increased the phosphorus

content of both stems and leaves of alfalfa over that found in plants from
the no treatment plats.

BROOKSTON LOAM

The more noticeable characteristics of Brookston loam are the very
dark color of the surface soil and the nearly flat or depressed position of
the areas.

This soil type is widely distributed in the eastern side of liftchi

gan, extending from the Saginaw bay and thumb region down to the Ohio state

- 29 -

line#
The surface soil to a depth ranging from 6 to 12 inches is dark-gray
or very dark gray loam ■which is sufficiently high in organic matter to im­
port a granular structure to the plow soil.

Owing to the high content of

organic matter, the moisture content is more stable and affords growing
plants a more equable moisture supply than do soils of a low organic matter
content#
The subsoil is heavy textured, consisting principally of clay and
silt#

The physical characteristics of the subsoil material cause it to be

retentive of moisture.

The color is dominantly gray, but many splotches of

yellow and brown are characteristic*

The Brookston soils are typically

underlain by a substratum of gray clayey material, though patches of lighttextured materials occur#
Natural drainage is very poor, but much of the land has been tile
drained, though not everywhere thoroughly.
The surface soil in some places gives a slightly acid reaction, but
in some places it is as much as moderately acid according to the Soiltex
$est#

At a depth varying from 18 to 24 inches the subsoil is neutral or

alkaline in reaction and at a greater depth an abundance of limy materials
occur.
The field was prepared after corn for the seeding of wheat; but before
seeding the wheat, the fertilizers for both the wheat and alfalfa were
drilled about four inches into the soil.

In the spring of 1930, alfalfa

was seeded in the wheat and a veiy excellent stand was obtained.
Table 8 contains the analytical data for the samples of alfalfa taken
from the plats receiving barious soil treatments.

-30 -

Table 8.- Effect of various fertilizer applications to
Brookston loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa, cut
in the one-half bloom stage for hay in 1931.

First cutting

Plot
Ho.
1
2
3

Soil
treatment

Ratio
leaves
to stems

Ho treatment
500 lbs* 0-16-0
500 lbs. 0-16-20

0.66
0*64
0.52

Percent
Water
S.
L.
6.2
6.3
6.4

7.4
7.7
7.5

Percent
N
S.
L.
1.59
1.78
1.76

Percent
CaO
S.
L.

Percent
P205
S.
I.

4.20
4.28
3.61

1.69
1.75
1.50

4.45
5.04
4.48

0.23
0.37
0*32

0.55
0.64
0.61

4.01
4.11
4.13

2.22
2.25
2.28

5.30
5.43
4.85

0.35
0.39
0.37

0.50
0.50
0.50

Second cutting
1
2
3

No treatment
500 lbs. 0-16-0
500 lbs. 0-16-20

1.03
1.52
1.76

6.3
7.1
7.3

7.6
8.5
7.9

1.86
2.15
2.19

Fertilization increased the ratio of alfalfa leaves to stems very
markedly in the second cutting but slightly decreased it in the first
cutting.

The weight of leaves exceeded that of the steins in the second

cutting, but the opposite was true in the first cutting.
The water content of the leaves was higher than that of the stems in
both of the cuttings.
All fertilizer treatments increased the nitrogen content of the stems
in both cuttings.

The same was true for the leaves with one exception.

The phosphate treatment increased the calcium content of stems and
leayes from both cuttings as compared to that of alfalfa produced on the
no treatment plat.
Fertilizer treatments increased the phosphorus content of both the

stems and leaves of alfalfa from the first cutting, bnt not from the second.

- 31 MIAMI SILT LOAM
This soil type is widely distributed in the central portion of the
lower half of the lower peninsula of Michigan*

The Miami silt loam surface

soil is a light-brown or grayish-brown, friable, silt loam, to a depth of 7
to 12 inches, underlain by yellow-brown silt to silty clay loam.

The lov/er

subsoil, at about 18 to 24 inches, is a yellow-brown clay loam to clay, in
places mottled with gray and rusty brown.

Calcareous material is usually

found in the substratum, which is a heavy till extending to considerable
depths.

Varying quantities of gravel appear on the surface and through out

the soil profile.
suited to farming.

It has an undulating to gently rolling topography well
Natural drainage is fair, but the soil at times holds an

excess of moisture, owing to the impervious nature of the subsoil.
Miami silt loam is of medium fertility with a rather low content of or­
ganic matter.

The commonly grown grain crops respond favorably to applications

of complete fertilizer high in phosphoric acid.

Root crops and alfalfa are

benefited by applications of fertilizer containing moderate percentages of
potash and a high percentage of phosphoric acid.

Some nitrogen is also

usually advisable in the fertilizer for roots.
In the late spring of 1929, corn stubbles were plowed down and a good
seed bed for alfalfa prepared.

The fertilizer was placed on the soil sur­

face with a broadcasting machine and worked well into the soil during the
seed bed preparation.

A good stand of alfalfa was obtained, the yeilds

being considerably influenced by fertilizer treatments.
second cutting only were taken for analysis.

Samples of the

The data are presented in

Table 9.
The results show that phosphate alone and phosphate plus potash
treatments very markedly depressed the ratio of alfalfa leaves to stems as

- 32 -

compared to the ratio for plants from the no treatment plat.

The weight of

alfalfa leaves greatly exceeded that of the stems in all eases.

Table 9.- Effect of various fertilizer applications to
Miami silt loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa,
cut in the one-half bloom stage, second cutting for hay, 1930.

Plat
No.
1
2
3

Soil
treatment

Ratio
leaves
toi stems

No treatment
300 lbs. 0-16-0
300 lbs. 0-16-8

2.05
1.48
1.61

Percent
V/ater
S.
L.
11.9
10.9
11.9

10.9
13.7
13.5

Percent
N
S.
L.
1.98
2.02
2.11

3.97
4.15
4.21

Percent
CaO
S.
L.
2.08
2.01
1.86

5.32
5.41
3.38

Percent
S.

L.

0.28
0.29
0.34

0.46
0.50
0.53

All fertilizer treatments increased the nitrogen content of alfalfa
stems and leaves over that of plants from the no treatment plats.
The treatment that contained potash markedly depressed the calcium
content of alfalfa stems and leaves compared to that of alfalfa which re$
ceived no treatment.

Alfalfa leaves contained a higher phosphorus content than that of the
stems in all cases.

'The phosphate plus potash treatment increased the

phosphorus content of both alfalfa stems and leaves over that of plants from
the untreated soil.

Phosphate applications alone increased it only in case

of the leaves.
GILFORD LOAM

The general appearance of Gilford loam is not unlike that of Brookston
loam.

It occupies nearly flat or slightly depressed positions in the same

- 33

regions with Brookston soils and is high in organic matter content*

The sur­

face soil is nearly neutral and the lower part of the subsoil and the sub­
strata are highly calcareous.

This soil differs from Brookston loam in the

textural composition of the subsoil and substratum.

Gilford loam is develop­

ed on the wettest part of the plains and, like most soils of the sandy plains,
the subsoil is composed of a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay, resting on
a sand and gravel substratum*

This substratum provides a natural underpass

for drainage water, which does not exist under Brookston loam*
This soil is fairly productive, being medium in organic matter con­
tent.

Fertilizers high in phosphoric acid are beneficial to most crops

grown.
The soil from which the samples of alfalfa for analysis were taken
had been in alfalfa for several years#

Fertilizer was applied as a top-

dressingby means of the fertilizer attachment on the grain drill and it was
not worked into the soil.
The data presented in Table 10 show that treatments of phosphate alone
and of phosphate plus potash depressed the ratio of alfalfa leaves to stems
compared to that for plants from unfertilized soil.
Taking the nitrogen content of stems and leaves of alfalfa from un­
fertilized soil as a basis, the phosphate treatment increased the nitrogen
content of both stems and leaves; while the phosphate plus potash treat­
ment depressed it in both the stems and leaves.
All fertilizer treatments lowered the calcium content of alfalfa
stems and leaves, the treatment that contained potash having the greatest
depressing effect.
The phosphorus content of alfalfa leaves was higher than that of the

- 34

Table 10,- Effect of various fertilizer applications
to Gilford loam soil on the partial composition of alfalfa,
cut in the one-half bloom stage, first cutting for hay, 1931.

Plot
Ho.
1
2
3

Soil
treatment

Ratio
leaves
to stems

No treatment
300 lbs. 0-16-0
300 lbs. 0-16-8

stems.

1.26
0.97
0.93

Percent
Water
S.
L.
8.4
8.3
8.0

11.0
10.8
11.2

Percent
N
S.
L.
2.05
2.15
1.99

3.57
3.78
3.64

Percent
CaO
S.
L.
2.28
2.11
1.78

7.56
7.43
7.00

Percent
P 2 O5
S.
L.
0.26
0.38
0.38

_

0.38
0.58
0.59

Both fertilizer treatments increased the phosphorus content of

alfalfa stems and leaves compared to the phosphorus content of plants from
the no treatment plat.
In comparing all alfalfa cuttings made on the heavier soil types
which did not receive limestone treatments, it was found that plants grown
on the Brookston silt loam soil, showed increase in the nitrogen* calcium
and phosphorus content of the stems and leaves for all fertilizer treatments.
The phosphate treatment produced the greatest increase in the phosphorus
content of the plants grown on this soil.
Fertilizer treatments on the Brookston clay loam soil increased the
nitrogen and phosphorus content of alfalfa grown on it.
On the Brookston loam soil all fertilizer treatments increased the
phosphorus content of alfalfa stems and leaves with the first cutting, and
in most instances increased the nitrogen and calcium content of the plants.
Fertilizer treatments on the Miami silt loam soil produced increases
in the nitrogen and phosphorus content of alfalfa stems and leaves.
Plants grown on the Gilford loam soil showed increases in their
phosphorus content with all fertilizer treatments.

- 35 Table 11.— Average results for all alfalfa cuttings made on
the several soil types as indicated.
Percent
IT
Soil Type
Brookston Silt loam
Brookston Clay Loam
Brookston Loam
Miami Silt Loam
Gilford Loam
Isabella Sandy Loam

s*
1.96
2.31
1.89
2,04
2.06
1.79

L.
3.96
4.02
4.06
4.11
3.63
3.56

Percent
CaO
S.
L.
1.71
5.14
1.76
4.76
1,94
4.93
1.92
4.70
2.06
7.33
1.78
4.31

Percent
P205
S.
L.
0.55
0.41
0.65
0.39
0,55
0.32
0.49
0.30
0.52
0.34
0.77
0.59

The averages for cuttings of alfalfa made on any soil type as presented in Table 11, show that the heavier soils produced plants with a
higher nitrogen content in the steins and leaves than plants grown on the
lighter soil types.

Plants from the medium soil types, the Gilford loam,

are markedly higher in calcium content in both the stems and leaves than
that of plants from either the heavier or lighter soil types.
Alfalfa grown on the lighter soil, the Isabella sandy loam, showed
a decidedly higher phosphorus content in both the stems and leaves over
that of plants from either the medium or heavier soil types.
GREENHOUSE EXPEHIfMTS
The inconsistencies in the results obtained from analysis of samples
of alfalfa taken from field plats receiving different soil treatments
raised the question as to whether or not the composition of alfalfa grown
In pot cultures in the greenhouse under controlled conditions Yjould vary
more directly with soil treatment*
The Montcalm sandy loam soil was used in the greenhouse pot test.
Montcalm sandy loam soil is fairly widely distributed in the central part
of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

The topsoil is a grayish-brown loamy

sand, or a yellov/ish-brown soil about 7 to 8 inches thick.

This layer is

underlain by a horizon of grayish or light brownish gray, slightly cement­
ed loamy sand, 3 to 4 inches thick.

The subsoil, which ranges from 10 to

18 inches in thickness is reddish-brovm somewhat plastic gritty clay.

As

36 -

a rule this soil is only slightly acid in reaction.
Generally the soil is gently undulating or moderately rolling.
age is good*

Drain­

This soil is moderately supplied with organic matter and

fairly productive, responding well to fertilizer treatments.

A large part

of this soil is farmed to corn, wheat, clovers and potatoes.
The samples of soil taken for greenhouse pot test came from a no
treatment plat in the experimental field on King*s farm near Greenville.
Acidity test on it showed a requirement of two tons of limestone per acre
to bring the reaction to a point near neutrality.

The soil was well mixed

and 12 kilograms placed in each of the 54 two gallon glazed Jars.

Fertili­

zer treatments as indicated in Table 11 were thoroughly mixed through the
soil while dry.

Sufficient water to bring the moisture content to 20 per

cent, which determinations showed to be about optimum, was added and each
jar of moist soil weighed.

Water to bring the jars up to weight was added

once each week the first few weeks, and later twice a week.
All treatments were in duplicate except treatments 4,

5, 11, 12, 18,

and 19, which were in sets of four.

Plants were thinned to 10 per pot and

good growth was obtained, but there

were no marked physical differences in

growth that could be photographed.

All cuttings were made in the one half­

bloom stage of growth for partial analysis, with particular attention being
paid to the phosphorus content.

The total green weight of alfalfa from each

pot treatment was not obtained.
In series 1 plants grown on pot tests receiving per acre application
of 100 pounds muriate of potash, and 800 to 1200 pounds of 20 per cent super­
phosphate and 2 tons of calcium limestone show a decrease in water content
compared to those from the pots treated with limestone and potash.
There were no marked increases or decreases in the nitrogen content

- 37 -

of alfalfa plants in any of the series for the first and second cuttings,
The nitrogen content of the third and fourth cuttings was lower than that
of the first and second, in all series.

There were, however, no changes in

the nitrogen content of the alfalfa for the various treatments, and the
series averaged about the same total nitrogen content in each set of
cuttings.
In series 1 alfalfa plants showed an increase in phosphorus content
on treatments 3 and 7, which received 400 and 4,800 pounds of superphos­
phate per acre respectively as compared to that of those grown on the no
treatment; pots.

Series 2 and 3 show that soil treatments increased the

phosphorus content of alfalfa plants only when superphosphate was applied
at the rate of 4,800 pounds per acre.

There were no differences in the

average phosphorus contents for each of the three series in the first and
second cuttings.

The third and fourth cuttings, show that the phosphorus

content of alfalfa plants grown in pots receiving superphosphate at the
rate of 2,400 and 4,800 pounds per acre was increased compared to that of
plants grown in the no treatment tests in series one.

Treatments 12, 13,

and 14, which received superphosphate at the rate of 1,200, 2,400 and
4,800 pounds per acre respectively in series two and test 20 and 21 in
series three, which received superphosphate at the rate of 2,400 and 4,8G0
pounds per acre produced increases in the phosphorus content of alfalfa plants
as compared to that of plants from the no treatment test.

In the third and

fourth cuttings the alfalfa plants contained a higher phosphorus content
than the plants of the first and second cuttings.
’When the averages of the phosphorus content of the alfalfa receiving
the high calcium limestone and those receiving the high magnesium limestone

- 38 -

Table IS*- Effect of two tons of limestone plus increasing
amounts of 20 per cent superphosphate applied to Montcalm sandy
loam soil on the phosphorus and nitrogen content of alfalfa grown
in the greenhouse in 1932*

Series X*

Pot
Ho.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

High calcium limestone plus 100 lbs* muriate of potash and
Phosphate as indicated

No treatment
200 lbs, S. P*
400 lbs. S. P.
800 lbs. S. P.
1200 lbs. S. P.
2400 lbs. S* P.
4800 lbs. S. P.
Average
Series II.

8
9
10
11
12
13
14

1st and 2nd cutting
: 3rd and 4th cutting
Percent Percent Percent :Percent Percent Percent
Water
N
N
P s>0r
.
0s : "Water

Soil
treatment

11.25
12.81
14.75
9.39
9.82
10 .18
10.52
11.25

0.98
1.00
1.05
0.94
0.98
0.97
1.13
1.01

7.59
7.51
7.21
7.23
7.59
8.11
8.56
7.69

3.55
3.31
3.34
3.51
3.51
3.48
3.51
3.46

1.0©
1.04
1.03
0.99
1.03
1.15
1.35
1.09

High calcium limestone plus phosphate as indicated

No treatment
200 lbs. S. P.
400 lbs* S. P.
800 lbs* S. P.
1200 lbs. S. P,
2400 lbs. S. P.
4800 lbs. S. P.
Average
Series III.

15
16
17
18
19
20
21

4.25
4*23
4.24
4,26
4.19
4 .22
4.22
4.23

No treatment
200 lbs. S. P.
400 lbs. S. P.
800 lbs. S. P.
1200 lbs. S. P*
2400 lbs, S. P.
4800 lbs* S. P.
Average

8.45
9.43
9.97
7.29
8.24
7.33
7.89
8.37

4.31
4.26
4.28
4.26
4.27
4.16
4.17
4.24

0.99
0.96
0.98
0.93
0.99
1.01
1.05
0.99

8.54
8.58
8.17
.9.95
9.85
8.94
8.76
8.97

3.55
3.45
3,35
3.64
3.65
3.65
3.50
3.54

1.13
1.13
1.07
1.11
1.20
1.28
1.55
1.21

High magnesium limestone plus phosphate as indicated
9.29
9.66
10.08
7.49
7.72
8.07
8.24
8.58

4.27
4.41
4.29
4.23
4.33
4.34
4.19
4.29

0.99
0.96
0.97
0.97
©.93
1.03
1.20
1.01

9.64
9.35
9.39
8.89
9.09
9.13
8.94
9.20

3.58
3.52
3.56
3.49
3.56
3.63
3.63
3.57

1.20
1.10
1.23
1.15
1.08
1.27
1.74
1.25

are compared, it is evident, that the magnesium added to the soil in the
form of magnesium limestone did not make the phosphorus more available in
accord with the results of Kellog (V) who found that magnesium oxide added to

- 39 -

some North Dakota soils enhanced phosphate availability in such soils.
Truog (19) attributes this effect to a better calcium-magnesium soil
balance, in which event the plants are not forced to excess feeding on
calcium in order to obtain phosphorus.

SYSTEMATIC SAIvSPLBIG RESULTS

In 1932 a comparative study m s made of the random method of sampling
previously described with a systematic method of taking samples of alfalfa
from field plats for chemical analysis.

The plat was divided lengthwise

into four strips of equal width for the systematic sampling.

From each strip

three square-yard areas were harvested, the areas being equi-distant from
each other and from the sides of the strips.

The areas were staggered in

respect to the distance from the end of the plat.

The method of sampling

is diagramed on page 41.
Sets of samples were taken from the Brookston clay loam soil on the
Guyer farm near Frankenmuth, the Isabella sandy loam soil on the Higbee
farm near Stanwood, the Mancelona gravelly sandy loam soil on the Department
of Soils* farm at Eancelona, and the Fox sandy loam soil near Cassopolis,
on the Cass County farm and the Hansen farm.

The Isabella sandy loam soil

and Brookston clay loam has previously been described in this paper.
The surface soil from cultivated fields of Mancelona gravelly sandy
loam is brownish gray and varies in thickness from 5 to 10 inches.

The plow

soil is commonly somewhat gravelly and in some places cobble stones are
abundant.

The horizon below the plow layer is brown and gravelly varying

in thickness from 6 to 20 inches, is cemented in places and contains an
appreciable quantity of clay.

It grades into a material that is coarser,

- 40 -

less coherent, and more gravelly.

The substratum consists of pervious

sand with, gravel and cobble stones•

However the horizon above the substra­

tum is sufficiently compact and colloidal to impede the downward movement
of water and to retain moisture, so that the soil, notwithstanding its
coarse, pervious substratum, is not so draughty as similar sandy soils.
Though commonly acid in places, the soil may give an alkaline reaction.
Generally the land is nearly level, except for occasional pot holes or
shallow depressions.

Natural drainage is good.

This soil type is perhaps

the most productive soil on the dry sandy plains and a large percentage of
it is under cultivation.
The soil is low in organic matter content and fertility.
grown on this soil type respond to applications of fertilizer.

All crops
Potatoes and

alfalfa require a fertilizer higher in potash content.
The surface soil of the Fox sandy loam in cultivated fields is a brown
to grayish-brown sandy loam, 7 to 12 inches deep, underlain by a lighter
colored layer of loamy sand, usually yellowish brown in color, and grading
at about 18 to 24 inches into reddish-brown loam to gravelly clay.

The sub­

stratum, consisting of coarse sandy and gravelly material, is moderately
calcareous.
Generally the surface is flat to gently undulating or slightly sloping.
Drainage of the type as a whole is very good, both in the surface soil and
subsoil:

Probably excessive drainage is a detriment to these soils.

Fox sandy loam is only moderately fertile and is low in organic matter
content.

Though the surface soil to a depth ranging from 20 to 30 inches

is acid, lime becomes more plentiful in the lower part of the subsoil, and

-41-

Systematic Sampling Method Outline

4

3

□

0

- 42 -

it is abundant in the gravelly substratum "which in most places is less
than 36 to 48 inches beneath the surface*
Liming is beneficial to most crops, especially good response to liming
on this soil is shown by alfalfa and sweet clover.

Crops respond to ferti­

lizers that carry a fairly high phosphorus and potash content, however,
alfalfa responds to a high potash and lower phosphorus content fertilizer.
The analytical data obtained from the samples are presented in
Table 13.

Since only two samples were taken at random it is impossible to

treat the data statistically.

It appears, however, from a consideration

of the averages of the percents of the elements determined in the plants
from each soil type that there is little difference in favor of either
method of field sampling.

It may, therefore, be concluded that the data

collected during the main potion of the investigation represent the
average composition of the alfalfa on the plats studies as accurately as
though a large number of samples had been taken according to a systematic
pattern.

The data from the systematic samples do show a considerable

variation in composition of alfalfa from different portions of each plat.

- 43 Table 13*- Comparison of the random with systematic sampling
methods• Alfalfa plants grown on the Brookston clay loam and I2ancelona
gravelly sandy loam, Isabella sandy loam and Fox sandy loam soils in
1932*

Sample Soil
No*
treatment

Planeelona gravelly sandy loam
Percent
Percent
Percent
HoO
N
CaO

1R
2R

10.68
10*59

3.18
3.22

5.09
4.86

0.37
0.37

10.64

3.20

4.98

0.37

10.80
10.85
11.53
12.21
11.32
11.41
11.89
12.25
11.68
12.44
11.72
11.41

3.11
3.11
3.07
3.18
3.08
3.13
3.15
3.16
3.02
3.07
3.19
3.29

4.67
4.60
4.75
4.99
4.68
4.48
4.62
4.76
' 5.05
4.79
4.87
4.70

0.36
0.37
0.36
0.36
0.37
0.33
0.35
0.36
0.36
0.37
0.39
0.39

11.63

3.13

4.75

0.36

3.23
3.46

0.51
0.47
0.49

Check
Check
Average

1S^
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
VS
8S
9S
10S
ias
IBS

Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Cheek
Check
Average

Percent
P o Or

Average
IS
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
VS
8S
9S10S
11S
12S

Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Cheek
Check
Check
Average

9.61
10.96

2.86
3.09

10.29

CO

Check
Check

3.35

9.46
9.18
■
,9.55
8.77
10.11
9.34
9.40
9.69
:9*69
10.45
9.99
10.84

2.88
3.41
2.87
2.92
3.10
2.84
2.75
3.00
2.96
3.03
2.80
3.20

3.39
3.21
3.26
2.87
3.83
3.71
3.24
3.26
2.31
2.62
2.51
2.58

0.49
0.61
0.49
0.51
0.55
0.54
0.47
0.50
0.51
0.57
0.48
0.52

9.71

2.98

3.06

0.52

<0

1R

ZR

to
.

Brookston clay loam

R^- Random sampling; Ss - Systematic sampling*

44 Table 13.- Continued.
Isabella Sandy loam
Sample
Soil
Percent
Percent
No.______ treatment___________ HpO__________N
1R
2R

300 lbs. 0-16-0
300 lbs, 0-16-0
Average

IS
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
7S
8S
9S
IQS
1 IS
12S

300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300

lbs.
lbs.
lbs •
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.

0-16-0
0-16-0
0-16-0
0-16-0
0-16-0 ,
0-16-0
0-16-0
0-16-0
0-16-0
0-16-0
0—16—0
0-16-0

Average

Percent
Percent
CaO_________ P^O r

9.50
10.63

2.92
2.93

1.81
1.92

0.66
0.67

10.06

2,93

1.87

0.67

10.80
10.72
11.95
13.27
12.94
14.56
9.85
9.70
10,04
10.11
10.17
10.30

2.85
2.92
3.12
3.33
3.23
3.15
3.10
3.28
3.30
3.10
3.39
3.09

2.13
1.82
2.18
1.91
1.91
1.80
1.76
1.78
2.37
2.12
2.34
2.04

0.61
0.69
0.68
0.68
0.69
Q.72
0.69
0.73
0.74
0.74
0.72
0.77

11.2©

3.16

2.01

0.71

Brookston clay loam
1R
2R

300 lbs. 0-20-0
300 lbs. 0-20-0
Average

IS
2S
3S

4B
5S
68
7S
8S
9S
10S
128
12S

300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300

lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs .
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.

0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0
0-20-0

Average

8.92
9.02

3.23
3 .21

2.43
2.63

0.63
0.63

8.97

3.22

2.53

0.63

8.96
8.83
9.10
9.33
9.05
9.70
9.63
11.10
9.34
10.08
9.58
9.72

3.55
3.98
3.24
3.26
3.25
3.29
3.15
3.06
3.30
3.27
3.38
3.01

2.63
2.22
2.58
2.30
2.32
2.92
2.90
2.65
2.71
2.60
2.40
2.46

0.73
0.72
0.68
0.68
0.63
0.63
0.60
0.67
0.64
0.67
0.63
0.64

9.53

3.23

2.47

0.66

- 45 -

Table 13•-Continued.
Man ceIona gravelly sandy loam
Soil
Percent
Percent
Percent
Percent
treatment________ EpO___________N ________ CaO___________ Ps>Or

Sample
Ho.
IB
2R

600 lbs. 0-0-15
600 lbs. 0-0-15
Average

IS
2S
3S
43
5S
6S
7S
8S
9S
10S
11S
12S

600 lbs*
600 lbs.
6001 lbs •
600 lbs.
600 lbs*
600 lbs.
600 lbs •
600 lbs*
600 lbs.
600 lbs.
600 lbs.
600 lbs.

0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15
0-0-15

Average

11.84
11.68

2.94
2.83

2.66
2.43

0.39
0*40

11.76

2.89

2.55

0.40

11.82
13.58
9.29
10.23
9.41
10.30
9.30
9.60
9.30
10.63
10.49
9.68

2.89
2.98
2.86
3.03
2.80
2.83
2.77
2.87
2.71
2.87
2.93
2.94

2.32
2.72
2.71
2.62
2.58
2.57
2.36
2.36
2.41
2.64
2.48
2.76

0.37
0.34
0.33
0.33
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.40
0.37
0.39
0.40
0.40

10.30

2.87

2.54

0.37

Isabella sandy loam
IB
2R

300 lbs. 4-16-4
300 lbs • 4-16-4
Average

IS
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
78
8S
9S
106
US
126

300
500
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300

lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.

4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4
4-16-4

Average

10.73
10*51

3.12
3.01

2.44
2.23

0.61
0.63

10.61

3.07

2.34

0.62

10.52
10.54
10.74
10.94
10.62
10.09
13.02
14.25
13.52
15.02
10.74
10.51

3.06
3.02
3.29
3.01
3.03
3.16
3.32
3.12
3.34
3.41
3.17
3.33

1.88
1.94
2.82
2.15
2.11
2.29
2.59
2.35
2.14
2.59
2.31
2.16

0.68
0.65
0.67
0.63
0.67
0.69
0.69
0.67
0.70
0.70
0.59
0.65

11.79

3.19

2.28

0.67

- 46 -

Table 13.- Continued.
Fox sandy loam (Cass County farm)

Sample
Ho.
XR
2R

IS
2S
£S
4S
5S
6S
VS

OS
9S
10S
IIS
12S

Soil
treatment

Perc ent

Percent
HgO

Percent
IT

Perc ent
CaO

250 lbs. 0-20-20
250 lbs. 0-20-20

11.31
12.13

3.14
3.14

1.85
1.91

0.55
0.58

Average

11.72

3.14

1.88 v

0.57

12.98
13.87
9.55
10.45
10 .44
10.57
10.01
10.58
10.63
10.66
10+85
11.43

3.27
3.26
3.26
3.35
3.37
3,35
3.32
3.34
3.43
3.09
3.29
3.34

1,86
2.04
1.93
2.14
2,11
2,16
1.98
1.91
2.00
2.01
1.94
1.92

0.71
0,79
0.67
0.58
0.59
0.59
0.68
0.62
0.67
0.60
0.66
0.67

11.00

3.30

2.00

0.65

250 lbs •
250 lbs.
250 lbs,
250 lbs.
250 lbs.
250 lbs.
250 lbs.
250 lbs •
250- lbs.
250 lbs.
250 lbs*
250 lbs.

0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20

Average

Fox sandy loam (Hansen farm Cass County)
1R
2R

, 250 lbs. 0-20-20
250 lbs • 0-20-20
Average

IS
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
7S
8S
9S
10S
1IS
12S

250
250
250
250
250
250250
250
250
250
250
250

lbs,
lbs.
lbs •
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs •
lbs.
lbs.

0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
©-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20
0-20-20

Average

10.07
10.35

3,49
3.52

1.99
1.83

0.69
0.72

10.21

3.51

1.91

0.71

10.61
10.96
10.75
11.62
11.68
13.07
9.65
9.45
9.44
10.24
9.48
9.81

3.37
3.50
3.50
3.38
3.62
3.80
3.78
3.66
3.45
3.64
3.68
3.68

2.17
2.26
1.99
2.04
2.13
2.24
2.10
2.04
1.93
1.81
2.08
2.29

0.70
0.72
0.73
0.71
0.75
0.77
0.77
0.78
0.81
0.76
0.76
0.75

10.56

3.59

2.09

0.75

47 -

smuntt
1*

This paper reports experimental data obtained from a partial chemical

analysis of alfalfa grown on the several soil types, Isabella sandy loam,
Montcalm sandy loam, Mancelona gravelly sandy loam, Fox sandy loam, Brookston
loam, Brookston clay loam, Brookston silt loam, Gilford loam, and Miami
silt loam.
2.

The first cuttings of alfalfa grown on the several ioil types, exhibited

a much lower ratio of leaves to stems than the second cuttings at the onehalf bloom stage.

Also, the weight of stems exceeded that of the leaves in

the first cuttings, which was just the opposite of the condition for the
second cutting*,,
3.

The water content of both the stems and leaves of plants grown on

Isabella sandy loam soil was higher in the second than in the first cuttings,
4.

In both the stems and leaves the nitrogen content was higher in the

second than the first cuttings of alfalfa cut in the one-half bloom stage
and grown on Isabella sandy loam soil.
5.

Regardless of soil type and soil treatment the calcium content of

alfalfa leaves was from two to three times greater than that of the stems.
6.

In case of plants grown on Isabella sandy loam soil the calcium content

of the stems was higher in the second than the first cuttings, but in case
of the leaves, the opposite was true.
7.

Plants grown on the soil just mentioned, show clearly that all soil

treatments increased the nitrogen content of both the stems and leaves in
all cases, and all limestone treatments depressed the phosphorus content of
both the stems and leaves.
8.

In general, the plants grown on soils which did not receive applications

- 48

of limestone showed increases in the phosphorus content of both the stems
and leaves with fertilizer treatments containing superphosphate alone or
with potash..
9.

Plants from the medium soil types, the Gilford loam, are markedly

higher in calcium content in both the stems and leaves than that of plants
from either the heavier or lighter soil types.
10*

Alfalfa grown on the lighter soil, the Isabella sandy loam, showed a

decidedly higher phosphorus content in both the stems and leaves over that
of plants from either the medium or heavier soil types.
11.

It is clear that plants grown on the Montcalm sandy loam soil in the

greenhouse require very heavy applications of phosphate in order to materially
increase their phosphorus content.
12.

The data presented in this paper indicate no advantage of the systematic

over the random method of taking samples of alfalfa for chemical analysis.

LITERATURE CITED

(1)

Alway, F. J., Shaw, W. M . , and Methley, W. J.
1926. Phosphoric acid content of crops grown upon peat soils as an
index the fertilization received or required. Jour. Agri.
Res. 33: 701-740.

(2)

Ames, J. 7J. and Boltz, G. E.
1912. Nitrogen and mineral constituents of the alfalfa plant.
Agri. Zxpt. Sta. Bui. 247.

(3)

Sckles, C. H . , Becker, R. B., and Palmer, L. S.
1926. A mineral deficiency in the rations of cattle.
Sta. Bui. 229.

Ohio

Minn. Agr. Expt.

(4)

Fonder, J. T.
1929. A critical study of the influence of soil type on the calcium
and magnesium content and other physiological characters of
the alfalfa plant. Soil Sci. 27: 205-232.

(5)

Graber, L. F., Nelson, N. T., Lukel, A. A., and Albert, A. B.
1927. Organic food reserves in relation to the growth of alfalfa and
other perennial herbaceous plants. YJis. Agri. Expt. Sta. Res.
Bui. 80.

- 49 -

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