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Diagnosis of sulfur availability for corn based on soil analysis

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Abstract

Different edaphic properties were evaluated to diagnose soil sulfur (S) availability for corn in 15 field experiments as follows: (a) soil sulfate (SO4 −2-S) content at sowing at 0–20 cm and 0–60 cm depths [Sini(0–20) and Sini(0–60)]; (b) soil SO4 −2-S content at V6 corn stage at 0–20 and 0–60 cm depths [SV6(0–20) and SV6(0–60)]; (c) potentially mineralizable S estimations [mineralizable S determined by short-term aerobic incubation (Smineralized), mineralizable N determined by short-term anaerobic incubation (Nan), soil organic matter (SOM), SOM/clay ratio, and SOM/(clay + silt) ratio]; and (d) a combined index between Sini(0–60) and potentially mineralizable S estimations. Three out of 15 sites presented grain yield response to S fertilization (p < 0.1). The average yield response was 1.06 Mg ha−1 for these three sites. From the evaluated predictors, Sini(0–60), SV6(0–60), and Nan were the ones that better estimated the response to S fertilization, showing a linear-plateau relationship (R 2 = 0.68, 0.70, and 0.62, respectively). Values greater than 40 kg S ha−1, 59 kg S ha−1, and 54 mg N kg−1 for Sini(0–60), SV6(0–60), and Nan, respectively indicated no response to S fertilization. All other evaluated edaphic variables presented no relationship, or just a weak one, with S response. The incorporation of S mineralization indexes to the Sini(0–60) model did not improve its performance. Our results indicate that the evaluation of S mineralization has the potential to be used in S fertilization diagnoses.

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Acknowledgments

This work is part of a thesis by Walter D. Carciochi in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Doctor’s degree (Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina). Funding for this research project was provided by Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria-Proyecto Nacional Suelo 1134021, Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica PICT 2011–1796 and Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata AGR447/14. We want to express our gratitude to Juan Orcellet and Agustín Pagani for facilitating some of the experimental sites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad Integrada Balcarce EEA INTA Balcarce - Fac. Ciencias Agrarias (UNMdP), Ruta 226 km 73.5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Walter D. Carciochi, Nicolás Wyngaard, Guillermo A. Divito, Nahuel I. Reussi Calvo & Hernán E. Echeverría

  2. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Balcarce, Argentina

    Walter D. Carciochi & Nahuel I. Reussi Calvo

  3. Crop and Soil Sciences Department, University of Georgia, 120 Carlton St., Athens, GA, USA

    Miguel L. Cabrera

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  1. Walter D. Carciochi
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  2. Nicolás Wyngaard
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  3. Guillermo A. Divito
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  4. Nahuel I. Reussi Calvo
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Correspondence to Walter D. Carciochi.

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Carciochi, W.D., Wyngaard, N., Divito, G.A. et al. Diagnosis of sulfur availability for corn based on soil analysis. Biol Fertil Soils 52, 917–926 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-016-1130-8

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