Evaluation of Soil Test Phosphorus Extractants and Tissue Analysis for Corn

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of four different soil test phosphorus methods (Mehlich 3, Bray 1, Bray 2, and Haney H3A) for corn production, and determine critical P tissue concentration at different growing stages. The experiment was conducted at 12 locations, and the fertilizer treatments consisted of five phosphorus fertilizer rates applied by broadcast pre-plant. Soil samples were collected at 0- to 6-in. depth, then samples were collected before treatment application by block. Tissue samples were collected at the V6 and R1 growth stages. The relationship between the different soil test phosphorus methods and the R2 varies between 0.24–0.93. Mehlich 3 and Bray 1 have a higher correlation, and Bray 1 and Bray 2 have a lower correlation. Linear plateau determined the critical phosphorus levels for the V6 growth stage was 0.42%, and for the R1 stage was 0.22%. The relationship between the concentration at V6 and R1 was moderately correlated with R2 = 0.62, having a higher phosphorus concentration in the early stage.