Correlations between extractable Na, K, Mg, Ca, P & N from fresh and dried samples of two Aquults

Significant increases in extractable ions resulted from air‐drying and grinding samples of two infertile Aquults. Effects of the sample preparation differed markedly between ions and between the two soils. Regression equations were calculated to predict extractable ions in dried, ground samples from extractable ions in fresh, unground samples and the relationships were compared between the two soil series. Regressions were significantly different between soils for extractable PO³4, Mg⁺⁺, and K⁺, but not for Ca⁺⁺ and Na⁺. Extractable NH ⁺4 and NO‐3 in fresh, unground samples were not correlated with those in air‐dry, ground samples of either soil. Differences in response to preparation between soil types appeared to be related to the oxidative status of these soils in the field, wherein constituents of more poorly‐drained soils may be less stable to the oxidizing conditions of air‐drying and grinding. Such complexities suggest that effects of sample preparation should be considered when interpreting soil nutrient data for studies of forest nutrient cycling and forest soil fertility. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel D. Richter Earth and Climate Sciences