Tillage practices impart physical changes to the solum that may alter
patterns of nutrient availability in soil profiles. The soil solution
composition may be indicative of altered patterns of nutrient availabi
lity. Soil solution compositional analysis was used to compare the eff
ects of 7 years continuous no-tillage (NT) vs. conventional tillage (C
T) management of corn (Zea mays L.), and differing times of N fertiliz
ation, on solute distribution in a Loring (fine-silty, mixed, thermic
Typic Fragiudalf) soil subjected to continuous CT for >20 years. Tilla
ge plots received 168 kg N ha-1 as NH4NO3, broadcast either at plantin
g (Early) or 5 weeks after planting (Late). Soil solutions obtained by
vacuum displacement for three sampling dates (3 April, 8 May, and 24
June) were analyzed for pH, electrical conductance (EC), dissolved org
anic C (DOC), and total concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg, NO3, Cl, SO4,
and Al (24 June only). Tillage and time of N application frequently i
nteracted to influence solute distribution in the soil profile. Compar
isons of CT Early and CT Late with NT Early and NT Late, respectively,
consistently indicated higher EC, NO3, Ca, and Mg for subsoils (>30 c
m) sampled under CT. The imposition of NT on a soil that had been in l
ong-term continuous CT resulted in altered patterns of nutrient distri
bution as reflected in the composition of soil solution sampled throug
hout the growing season.