The Magruder PlotsA Century of Wheat
Research in OklahomaA.C. MagruderA.C. Magruder
1867-19241867-1924
Horace J. HarperHorace J. Harper1895-19631895-1963
Robert L. WestermanRobert L. WestermanOklahoma State UniversityOklahoma State University
1920-19301920-1930
CheckCheckPP NPKNPK
(6) Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash and Lime 60-30-30+Lime
(5) Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash 60-30-30
(4) Nitrogen and Phosphorus 60-30-0
(3) Phosphorus 0-30-0
(2) Check
(1) Manure every four years at 240 lbs N/ac
10’100’
125’ Magruder Plots1947-presentStillwater ExperimentStation
Treatments ManureManure 1892, 240 lb N/ac every 4 yr 1892, 240 lb N/ac every 4 yr CheckCheck 1892, no nutrients applied 1892, no nutrients applied PP 1929, 30 lb P 1929, 30 lb P22OO55/ac/yr/ac/yr NPNP 1929, 60 lb N and 30 lb P 1929, 60 lb N and 30 lb P22OO55/ac/yr, /ac/yr, NPKNPK 1929, 60 lb N, 30 lb P 1929, 60 lb N, 30 lb P22OO55 and 30 lb and 30 lb
KK22O/ac/yrO/ac/yr NPKLNPKL 1929, 60 lb N, 30 lb P 1929, 60 lb N, 30 lb P22OO55 , 30 lb K , 30 lb K22O/ac/yr O/ac/yr
and lime (1954)and lime (1954)
Changes Plots relocated in 1947 Plots relocated in 1947
– 0-6 and 6-15” profiles moved separately0-6 and 6-15” profiles moved separately VarietyVariety
– Fultz, Currell, Kharkov, Turkey, Tenmarq, PawneeFultz, Currell, Kharkov, Turkey, Tenmarq, Pawnee– Ponca, Concho, Kaw, Scout 66, Triumph 64, OsagePonca, Concho, Kaw, Scout 66, Triumph 64, Osage– TAM W 101, Karl, TonkawaTAM W 101, Karl, Tonkawa
N RateN Rate– 33 lb N/ac 1892-196733 lb N/ac 1892-1967– 60 lb N/ac 1968-present60 lb N/ac 1968-present
N Source: NaNON Source: NaNO33 and NH and NH44NONO33 P Source: OSP, TSPP Source: OSP, TSP
1930
-1937
1930
-1937
1930
-1937
1938
-1947
1938
-1947
1938
-1947
1948
-1957
1948
-1957
1948
-1957
1958
-1967
1958
-1967
1958
-1967
1968
-1977
1968
-1977
1968
-1977
1978
-1987
1978
-1987
1978
-1987
1988
-1994
1988
-1994
1988
-1994
000
202020
404040
606060
808080
100100100
NNN
PPP
KKK
Rel
iabi
lity
Rel
iabi
lity
Rel
iabi
lity
1930
-1937
1930
-1937
1930
-1937
1938
-1947
1938
-1947
1938
-1947
1948
-1957
1948
-1957
1948
-1957
1958
-1967
1958
-1967
1958
-1967
1968
-1977
1968
-1977
1968
-1977
1978
-1987
1978
-1987
1978
-1987
1988
-1994
1988
-1994
1988
-1994
000
0.20.20.2
0.40.40.4
0.60.60.6
0.80.80.8
111
Econ
omic
Rel
iabi
lity
Econ
omic
Rel
iabi
lity
Econ
omic
Rel
iabi
lity
NNNPPPKKK
y = -7.59 + 1.40x r = 0.92 y = -7.59 + 1.40x r = 0.92 y = -7.59 + 1.40x r = 0.92 y = 3.97 + 0.51x r = 0.76 y = 3.97 + 0.51x r = 0.76 y = 3.97 + 0.51x r = 0.76 y = 3.03 + 0.57x r = 0.57 y = 3.03 + 0.57x r = 0.57 y = 3.03 + 0.57x r = 0.57
y = -4.06 + 1.28x r = 0.87 y = -4.06 + 1.28x r = 0.87 y = -4.06 + 1.28x r = 0.87 y = 2.73 + 1.07x r = 0.88 y = 2.73 + 1.07x r = 0.88 y = 2.73 + 1.07x r = 0.88
y = 2.89 + 1.13x r = 0.89 y = 2.89 + 1.13x r = 0.89 y = 2.89 + 1.13x r = 0.89
101010 202020 303030 404040555
151515
252525
353535
454545
555555ManureManureManureCheckCheckCheckPPP
NPNPNPNPKNPKNPK
NPK+LNPK+LNPK+L
Environment mean, bu/acreEnvironment mean, bu/acreEnvironment mean, bu/acre
Gra
in y
ield
, bu/
acre
Gra
in y
ield
, bu/
acre
Gra
in y
ield
, bu/
acreStability Analyses
K Response in Stress Environments
-20-20-20
101010
404040
707070
100100100
Increase in Net Returns Dueto Nitrogen
Increase in Net Returns DueIncrease in Net Returns Dueto Nitrogento Nitrogen
1930
-193
719
30-1
937
1930
-193
7
1938
-194
719
38-1
947
1938
-194
7
1948
-195
719
48-1
957
1948
-195
7
1958
-196
719
58-1
967
1958
-196
7
1968
-197
719
68-1
977
1968
-197
7
1978
-198
719
78-1
987
1978
-198
7
1988
-199
419
88-1
994
1988
-199
4-30-30-30
-15-15-15
000
151515
303030
454545
Dol
lars
per
acr
eD
olla
rs p
er a
cre
Dol
lars
per
acr
e
-20-20-20
-10-10-10
000
101010
202020
303030
Time PeriodTime PeriodTime Period
Dol
lars
per
acr
eD
olla
rs p
er a
cre
Dol
lars
per
acr
e
Dol
lars
per
acr
eD
olla
rs p
er a
cre
Dol
lars
per
acr
e
1930
-193
719
30-1
937
1930
-193
7
1938
-194
719
38-1
947
1938
-194
7
1948
-195
719
48-1
957
1948
-195
7
1958
-196
719
58-1
967
1958
-196
7
1968
-197
719
68-1
977
1968
-197
7
1978
-198
719
78-1
987
1978
-198
7
1988
-199
419
88-1
994
1988
-199
4
1930
-193
719
30-1
937
1930
-193
7
1938
-194
719
38-1
947
1938
-194
7
1948
-195
719
48-1
957
1948
-195
7
1958
-196
719
58-1
967
1958
-196
7
1968
-197
719
68-1
977
1968
-197
7
1978
-198
719
78-1
987
1978
-198
7
1988
-199
419
88-1
994
1988
-199
4
Increase in Net Returns Dueto Phosphorus
Increase in Net Returns DueIncrease in Net Returns Dueto Phosphorusto Phosphorus
Increase in Net Returns Dueto Potassium
Increase in Net Returns DueIncrease in Net Returns Dueto Potassiumto Potassium
1930
-193
719
30-1
937
1930
-193
7
1938
-194
719
38-1
947
1938
-194
7
1948
-195
719
48-1
957
1948
-195
7
1958
-196
719
58-1
967
1958
-196
7
1968
-197
719
68-1
977
1968
-197
7
1978
-198
719
78-1
987
1978
-198
7
1988
-199
419
88-1
994
1988
-199
4
-4-4-4
111
666
111111
161616
NP - P (Yield increase due to N)
NP - P NP - P (Yield increase due to N)(Yield increase due to N)
1930
-193
719
30-1
937
1930
-193
7
1938
-194
719
38-1
947
1938
-194
7
1948
-195
719
48-1
957
1948
-195
7
1958
-196
719
58-1
967
1958
-196
7
1968
-197
719
68-1
977
1968
-197
7
1978
-198
719
78-1
987
1978
-198
7
1988
-199
419
88-1
994
1988
-199
4
-4-4-4000444888
121212161616
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
P - Check (Yield increase due to P)
P - Check P - Check (Yield increase due to P)(Yield increase due to P)
1930
-193
719
30-1
937
1930
-193
7
1938
-194
719
38-1
947
1938
-194
7
1948
-195
719
48-1
957
1948
-195
7
1958
-196
719
58-1
967
1958
-196
7
1968
-197
719
68-1
977
1968
-197
7
1978
-198
719
78-1
987
1978
-198
7
1988
-199
419
88-1
994
1988
-199
4
-4-4-4000444888
121212161616
NPK - NP (Yield increase due to K)
NPK - NP NPK - NP (Yield increase due to K)(Yield increase due to K)
Time PeriodTime PeriodTime Period
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
1.51.51.5 222 2.52.52.5 333 3.53.53.5 444 4.54.54.5000
666
121212
181818
242424
303030
363636
424242
484848
545454
Dep
th, i
nD
epth
, in
Dep
th, i
n
000 101010 202020 303030 404040 505050 606060000
666
121212
181818
242424
303030
363636
424242
484848
545454
P, ppmP, ppmP, ppm
Dep
th, i
nD
epth
, in
Dep
th, i
n
000 100010001000 200020002000 300030003000 400040004000000
666
121212
181818
242424
303030
363636
424242
484848
545454
ManureManure CheckCheck PP NPNP NPKNPK NPKLNPKL
Ca, ppmCa, ppmCa, ppmD
epth
, in
Dep
th, i
nD
epth
, in
200200200 400400400 600600600 800800800 100010001000 120012001200000
666
121212
181818
242424
303030
363636
424242
484848
545454
Mg, ppmMg, ppmMg, ppm
Dep
th, i
nD
epth
, in
Dep
th, i
n
505050 100100100 150150150 200200200 250250250 300300300 350350350 400400400000
666
121212
181818
242424
303030
363636
424242
484848
545454
K, ppmK, ppmK, ppm
Dep
th, i
nD
epth
, in
Dep
th, i
n
000 222 444 666 888 101010000
666
121212
181818
242424
303030
363636
424242
484848
545454
NH4-N, ppmNHNH44-N, ppm-N, ppm
Dep
th, i
nD
epth
, in
Dep
th, i
n
NO3-N, ppmNONO33-N, ppm-N, ppm
193019301930 194019401940 195019501950 196019601960 197019701970 198019801980 199019901990 2000200020004.54.54.5
555
5.55.55.5
666
6.56.56.5
777
7.57.57.5
888ManureManureManure
CheckCheckCheck
PPPNPNPNP
NPKNPKNPKNPKLNPKLNPKL
Soi l
p HSo
il pH
Soi l
pH
YearYearYear
333444111
666111 222 ... ...
222
999
888
222444...
111666...222 ...222 222 ...666 222333 222222
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NPNPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
000
101010
202020
303030
404040
222000...
111222...333
000
101010
202020
303030
404040
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
111222...666
000
101010
202020
303030
404040I. 1892-1898I. 1892-1898I. 1892-1898 II. 1899-1929II. 1899-1929II. 1899-1929 III. 1930-1937III. 1930-1937III. 1930-1937
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
444
111222
000 000 333333 ...111
999...666222...444
333 ...555 333 ...999 333
000
101010
202020
303030
404040VIII. 1978-1987VIII. 1978-1987VIII. 1978-1987
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NPNPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
14.414.414.4 14.014.014.0
000
101010
202020
303030
404040IX. 1988-1996IX. 1988-1996IX. 1988-1996
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NP
NPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
23.723.723.729.029.029.0 29.629.629.6
25.425.425.4
888 555111888 888
999 777 999333
000666 ...
777
222999...
111 ...999 222111...
333111... 222 ...444333
000
101010
202020
303030
404040
333 ...222
111 ...888
333 333333 999333 ...555
000
101010
202020
303030
404040
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
VI. 1958-1967VI. 1958-1967VI. 1958-1967 VII. 1968-1977VII. 1968-1977VII. 1968-1977
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NPNPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NPNPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
999 555888
555
777
...555 777 777 777 888
333111 ... 999111 ...555
999111 ...999 111 ...222 111 ...444 111 ...333
000
101010
202020
303030
404040
111111333...
111999... 111999 111 ... 222222...
000
101010
202020
303030
404040IV. 1938-1947IV. 1938-1947IV. 1938-1947 V. 1948-1957V. 1948-1957V. 1948-1957
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
bush
els
per a
cre
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NPNPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
Man
ure
Man
ure
Man
ure
Che
ckC
heck
Che
ck PPP
NPNPNP
NPKNPKNPK
NPK
LN
PKL
NPK
L
18801880 19001900 19201920 19401940 19601960 19801980 2000200011
1.51.5
22
2.52.5
33
3.53.5
44ManureManureCheckCheck
Soi
l org
anic
mat
ter,
%S
oil o
rgan
ic m
atte
r, %
YearYear
1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 20000.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18ManureCheck
Tota
l soi
l N, %
Tota
l soi
l N, %
YearYear
1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 19900
10
20
30
40 Environment Mean
YearYear
Gra
in y
ield
, bu/
acG
rain
yie
ld, b
u/ac
Grain Yield TrendGrain Yield Trend
All Experiments
y = 0.2105x - 388.79
R2 = 0.2105
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Year
Ave
rage
Yie
ld, b
u/ac
Conclusions Manure applications were shown to increase Manure applications were shown to increase
yields very early in the studyyields very early in the study Applied P fertilizer increased grain yields Applied P fertilizer increased grain yields
(1930-57), but no increases were found as a (1930-57), but no increases were found as a result of applying N, K or lime up to 1957result of applying N, K or lime up to 1957
After 100 years of cultivation and continuous After 100 years of cultivation and continuous wheat production, N is deficient for crop wheat production, N is deficient for crop production on this soil. Now, N, P and K are production on this soil. Now, N, P and K are required for maximum yieldsrequired for maximum yields
Application of commercial fertilizer has improved Application of commercial fertilizer has improved yields as much as applications of barnyard manureyields as much as applications of barnyard manure
Potassium addition had no notable effect on crop Potassium addition had no notable effect on crop yields until 1988, but since that time has been yields until 1988, but since that time has been needed for maximum yields. Liming has only been needed for maximum yields. Liming has only been slightly beneficial at this locationslightly beneficial at this location
Soil organic matter has declined from 4.0% to Soil organic matter has declined from 4.0% to <1.25% and has tended to stabilize. Barnyard <1.25% and has tended to stabilize. Barnyard manure has slowed the decay of soil organic manure has slowed the decay of soil organic matter compared to the unfertilized plot.matter compared to the unfertilized plot.
Long-term relevancy achieved via the use of Long-term relevancy achieved via the use of simple treatment structure.simple treatment structure.
Soil test indices for P and K have been increased Soil test indices for P and K have been increased to adequate levels by continuous application of to adequate levels by continuous application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and barnyard manure applications.barnyard manure applications.
The initial objective of this study was to The initial objective of this study was to determine how long this reddish prairie soil could determine how long this reddish prairie soil could produce wheat. After 100 years of soil fertility produce wheat. After 100 years of soil fertility research with multiple variables on continuous research with multiple variables on continuous wheat, the question remains unanswered. It has wheat, the question remains unanswered. It has been shown that inorganic fertilizer applications been shown that inorganic fertilizer applications as well as manure applications result in as well as manure applications result in sustainable and environmentally acceptable sustainable and environmentally acceptable agricultural production systems.agricultural production systems.