The systematic effect of soil P buffer capacity on Colwell soil P test v. plant response calibration exists only when field experiments are adjacent

Thirteen field experiments distributed throughout south-western Australia examined the relationship between percentage of maximum grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Aroona) and Colwell soil phosphorus (P) values. These calibration data were fitted to a linear equation, and the slope values for the 13 sites were compared with the P buffer capacity (PBC) of the soils. There was no systematic relationship between these variables except for 3 adjacent sites at Badgingarra and for 3 adjacent sites at Newdegate. We conclude that differences in climate and site conditions have a greater effect than PBC on Colwell soil P test calibration when widely separated sites are compared.