Evaluating Nutrient Availability in Semi-arid Soils with Resin Capsules and Conventional Soil Tests, II: Field Studies

Commonly used soil analyses and resin capsules are employed to assess nutrient status in agriculture soils, but their validity in semi-arid ecosystems is unknown. Field studies with six rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application were established on crested wheat stands in both Rush Valley and Skull Valley, Utah. Resin capsule and conventional soil tests for nitrate (NO3)-N, ammonium (NH4)-N, and P were administered, and plant nutrient status was examined. Resin capsules were removed and replaced, and soil samples were taken every 90 d for 1 year. Concentration of P in resin capsules was not related to P rate but sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)-extracted P was, and resin NH4-N, resin NO3-N, potassium chloride (KCl)-extracted NO3-N and KCl-extracted NH4-N were all related to N rate. Only KCl-extracted NO3-N and NH4-N levels related to plant tissue N. Overall, traditional soil tests are more effective than resin capsules in semi-arid field conditions, but resin capsules have potential for use in N assessment.