Versatile Flow Injection System for Spectrophotometric Determination of Silicon in Agronomic Samples

Abstract

A versatile flow injection system for spectrophotometric determination of silicon (Si) in agronomic samples is proposed. For plant and slag analysis (1.0–10.0 mg L^?1 Si), the method involves monitoring the yellowish molybdosilicic acid at 410 nm. Soil, fertilizer, water, and sugarcane juice analysis (0.5–5.0 mg L^?1 Si) were accomplished by adding a reducing agent, and the molybdenum blue compound that formed was monitored at 735 nm. Flexibility of the method allows determination in a variety of matrices involving a wide range of concentrations. Beer's law is followed up to 20.0 mg L^?1 Si (r<0.9997; n=6) for analysis at 410 nm and up to 10.0 mg L^?1 Si (r<0.9998; n=6) at 735 nm. For the yellow‐color and blue‐color methods, the detection limits were estimated as 0.5 and 0.1 mg L^?1 Si. Measurement frequency for both methods is approximately 75 h^?1 using 48 mg of ammonium heptamolybdate, 80 mg of oxalic acid, and 24 mg of ascorbic acid per determination. Results are precise (r.s.d.>0.1%, n=10) and in agreement with inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). Statistical differences between data sets were not confirmed after applying the Student's ttest at the 95% confidence level (t_exp=0.195>t_tab=2.57) related to n=6.     

Yield and nutritional evaluation of the banana hybrid ‘FHIA-18’ as influenced by phosphate fertilization

Abstract

The ‘FHIA-18’ hybrid banana is an alternative for producers as it is resistant to Black Sigatoka and Panama disease. However, few studies report the nutritional requirement of this hybrid, especially phosphorus. It is known that the efficiency of phosphorus use can be improved, reducing the need for application, depending on the genotype cultivated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the yield and mineral nutrition of ‘FHIA-18’ hybrid banana on phosphate fertilization. A banana orchard with the cultivar ‘FHIA-18’ was conducted on a Typical Red Latosol. Then, triple superphosphate fertilizer was applied on plants at 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60?kg ha^?1?year^?1, over three productive seasons. At the time of flowering the macro and micronutrient contents of the leaves were evaluated. Subsequently, the nutrient contents of the fruits were evaluated. For this, fruit pulp samples from the third and fourth hands were collected. In addition, yield was estimated considering cluster mass and plant density. The following dose 36?kg ha^?1 of P₂O₅ year^?1 increased the content of phosphorus in the leaf, despite that banana hybrid cultivar FHIA 18 demanded 50% of the recommended fertilizer to achieve its maximum yield (29.4 t ha^?1?year^?1). Phosphate fertilization promoted significant changes in P, Ca, Cu, and Zn contents of leaves and fruits. Therefore, it is concluded that the mineral nutrition of banana ‘FHIA-18’ is affected by phosphate fertilization, as well as requiring less P than recommended to achieve higher yield.     

Organic Lettuce Growth And Nutrient Uptake Response To Lime,Compost And Rock Phosphate

Fertilizer recommendations are needed to increase organic vegetable yields. Thus, organic lettuce growth and nutrient uptake was investigated in a randomized block pot experiment with twelve treatments from the factorial structure of three factors: (i) Gafsa phosphate [0 and 200 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) ha^?1], (ii) compost from source separated municipal organic waste (0, 15, and 30 t ha^?1) and (iii) limestone [0 and 8 t ha^?1 calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) equivalent]. Lettuce yield increased with compost application and a first order interaction between lime and phosphate was clear because lime partially replaced the need for phosphate. This was explained by the effect of liming on P availability in acid soils. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation increased in lettuces produced with compost or phosphate but only the accumulation of N was increased with lime. This compost is recommended to increase nutrient availability for organic lettuce whereas the need for phosphate fertilization may decrease with liming.     

Examination of nanoparticulate phosphate rock as both a liming agent and phosphorus source to enhance the growth of spinach in acid soil

ABSTRACT

To examine the effect of nanoparticulate phosphate rock (NPR) as both a liming agent and phosphorus source in a tropical acid soil. The study examined five rates of NPR (0, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 kg ha^?1), which supplies 30, 60, 120 or 240 kg P ha^?1, in a randomized complete pot experiment design with 3 replications. The pots of soil were incubated in a climate-controlled greenhouse for 21 days and then spinach was grown for 49 days. Soil parameters (pH, available P and exchangeable acidity), spinach parameters (leaf area, root hair surface area, root length and dry matter yield) and the effectiveness of NPR dissolution were estimated. The soil and plant parameters and the effective NPR dissolution all increased to the same degree at 1000 and 2000 kg NPR ha^?1. Therefore, the use of 1000 kg ha^?1 was most economically justified. Although, NPR has been appeared as an effective liming agent and phosphorus source in tropical acid soil. However, a regular application of NPR and further research for economic comparison between NPR and both of lime and superphosphate, as well as the original PR, will be needed.     

Investigation on Phosphate Solubilization Potential of Agricultural Soil Bacteria as Affected by Different Phosphorus Sources,Temperature, Salt,and pH

Ten phosphate-solubilizing bacterial strains belonging to genera Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Aeromonas were tested for mineral phosphate solubilization activity in Pikovskaya's broth using different phosphate sources at four temperatures (15, 25, 35, and 45 ^οC). Dicalcium and tricalcium phosphate were solubilized more effectively (≥1000 mg L^?1) than ferric and rock phosphate (≥100 mg L^?1) and 35 °C was found to be the optimum temperature. Although Klebsiella and Aeromonas spp. are well known for their dinitrogen (N₂)–fixing ability, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of inorganic phosphate solubilization by Klebsiella terrigena and Aeromonas vaga. Interestingly, A. vaga BAM-77 is the most efficient strain at solubilizing inorganic phosphorus (P) even in the presence of 8% sodium chloride (NaCl) at pH 10. These findings indicate that all four strains are efficient P solubilizers under variable conditions of temperature, pH, and P source and thus can be recommended for P fertilization in different soils.     

Introduction of composted rock phosphate and poultry manure enhances winter wheat phosphorus use efficiency,grain yield and soil quality

This field study evaluates the integrated impact of poultry manure (PM), rock phosphate (RP), composted rock phosphate (CRP) and single super phosphate (SSP) on the growth, yield, and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of winter wheat and their effect on postharvest soil characteristics. The seven treatments were as follows: T₁ = control; T₂ = SSP full; T₃ = PM full; T₄ = RP full; T₅ = CRP full; T₆ = 50% SSP + 50% CRP (50:50); T₇ = 50% PM + 50% CRP (50:50) at a recommended P rate of 90 kg ha^?1. The combined treatment with PM + CRP produced the highest straw yield of 3582 kg ha^?1, grain yield of 2226 kg ha^?1, P uptake of 21.3 kg ha^?1, and PUE of 18%. The postharvest soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and soil available phosphorus were sig-nificantly higher in integrated treatments.     

Effects of floating Azolla on phosphorus fluxes and recovery from former agricultural lands in wetland microcosms

The long-term fertilization results in accumulation of phosphorus especially in the top layer of the soils. Inundation of agricultural lands leads to a switch to anaerobic soil condition, causing reduction of iron and leaching of phosphate simultaneously. From the ecological and environmental perspective, high nutrients flux especially phosphorus will increase the possibility of eutrophication in aquatic system. The fern Azolla had a good potential to adsorb phosphorus, it also has distinctive nitrogen-fixing capacity. We conducted a 10-week aquarium experiment to investigate the phosphorus release capacity from two agricultural soils in the Netherlands with different Fe and P concentrations but comparable Fe/P ratios. Besides, the research questions rose to whether Azolla could use the mobilized phosphate released from the soils for growth. We also tried to find an effective indicator to estimate the actually phosphate mobilization from sediment to water layer. Results showed that the soils with high Fe and P concentrations had higher phosphate release rate compared with the soil with low Fe and P concentrations. Pore water Fe: PO₄^3? ratios were valid to identify P release to surface water, when the Fe: PO₄^3? ratios less than 8 mol mol^?1 substantial phosphorus mobilization occurred. The conclusions showed that the actual mobilization of phosphate is more important than the phosphorus retained in the sediments for the internal PO₄^3? fluxes. From 10-week experimental results, we found that Azolla can reuse the phosphate retained in soils thus removed the mobilized phosphate in a moderately low surface water nutrient loading.     

Effects of air-drying on the adsorption and desorption of phosphate and levels of extractable phosphate in a group of acid soils,New Zealand

The effects of air-drying field-moist soils on the adsorption and desorption of added phosphate and on the levels of extractable native soil phosphate were examined using the A and B horizons of a group of four acid soils.Air-drying increased the capacity of all the soil samples to adsorb phosphate. At an equilibrium solution concentration of 0.5 μg P ml^?1, the increase in the quantity of phosphate adsorbed following drying ranged from 23% to 70% of that adsorbed by the moist samples. Considerable hysteresis in phosphate adsorption—desorption isotherms was observed for both moist and dried soil samples indicating that the additional phosphate adsorbed by the dried samples was held with the same strength as that held by the moist samples.Air-drying the soil samples caused a small decrease in soil pH of approximately 0.1 pH unit and a general increase in levels of EDTA-extractable Fe, Al and organic matter. Quantities of native soil phosphate extractable with EDTA, resin and NaHCO₃ were also increased. Concentrations of oxalate- and pyrophosphate-extractable Fe and Al and exchangeable Al were, however, unaffected by drying.It was also shown that when the phosphate content of NaHCO₃ extracts is measured using the conventional molybdenum blue method, orthophosphate plus a differing amount of acid-hydrolysable organic P present in the extract is measured.     

Effect of water management on the vivianite content of paddy-rice roots

Abstract

Vivianite is a hydrated ferrous phosphate mineral that can form in reducing environments, and it was recently identified on aged paddy rice (Oryza sativa, L., cultivar Hitomebore) roots. However, the formation and dissolution of vivianite appear highly susceptible to the soil redox potential. We examined the effect of water management on the vivianite content of rice roots in three experimental micro (1 m²) paddy fields. The vivianite content of the roots was estimated using a method based on the alteration of vivianite after heating at 105°C for 48 h. This alteration steeply lowers the dissolution of phosphate from the roots in a mixed acid solution of 0.1 mol L^?1 of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 1 mol L^?1 of acetic acid (CH₃COOH). Efficiency of the method was confirmed regarding heating temperature and duration of heating. Using this method, we found that water management significantly influenced the vivianite content of the rice roots. The vivianite content of the rice roots was highest, i.e., 2.3 g phosphorus (P) kg^?1 expressed by its estimated P content, when the paddy field was continuously flooded from May to until early September. After flooding stopped, the soil was gradually oxidized, leading to a decrease in vivianite content. In the micro plot exposed to midseason drainage, the vivianite content increased to the level of the continuously flooded plot after reflooding, and finally decreased after flooding was stopped in late August. The plots exposed to midseason drainage followed by intermittent irrigation presented the lowest vivianite contents among the three experimental paddy fields. These results confirm that increases and decreases in the vivianite contents of paddy-rice roots strongly depend on water management.     

Biological P cycling is influenced by the form of P fertilizer in an Oxisol

Phosphate rock (PR) is an alternative fertilizer to increase the P content of P-deficient weathered soils. We evaluated the effects of fertilizer form on indicators of biological cycling of P using an on-farm trial on a Rhodic Kandiudox in western Kenya. Treatment plots were sampled after 13 cropping seasons of P applications as Minjingu phosphate rock (PR) or as triple super phosphate (?TSP) (50 kg P ha^?1 season^?1), as well as a P-unfertilized control (0 kg P ha^?1 season^?1). Soils (0–15 and 15–30 cm) were analyzed for microbial biomass P (P_mic), activities of acid phosphomonoesterase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, and phosphodiesterase, and sequentially extractable P fractions. P additions as Minjingu PR yielded 299% greater P_mic than TSP at 0–15-cm depth despite similar labile P concentrations in the two P fertilization treatments and stimulated activities of acid phosphomonoesterase (+39%). When added in the soluble form of TSP, a greater percentage of total soil P was present in mineral-bound forms (+33% Fe- and Al-associated P). Higher soil pH under Minjingu PR (pH 5.35) versus TSP (pH 5.02) and the P-unfertilized treatment (pH 4.69) at 0–15-cm depth reflected a liming effect of Minjingu PR. The form of P fertilizer can influence biological P cycling in weathered soils, potentially improving P availability under Minjingu PR relative to TSP via enhanced microbial biomass P and enzymatic drivers of P cycling.     

Soil Testing Bray-1 Phosphorus with Non-Reagent Grade Hydrochloric and Sulfuric Acids

Portable instruments have reduced on-site testing costs for soil pH and potassium in isolated locations. Acids could not be shipped to a remote Africa field laboratory. Bray-1 phosphorus (P) testing is difficult because hydrochloric (HCl) is required in the extraction solution and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is used in color development stock solutions. Muriatic HCl acid and battery H₂SO₄ were available in a local stores. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of P soil testing using diluted, non-reagent HCl for making modified Bray1-P extractant and non-reagent H₂SO₄ for color development. Experiment 1 was conducted with soil samples from fields using Sunnyside? and Klean Strip? HCl muriatic acids. Soil samples extracted with diluted reagent HCl were closely related to P results using diluted Klean Strip (R² = 0.96) and Sunnyside (R² = 0.84) HCl. In Experiment 2, two commercial brands of H₂SO₄ acid used to refill car battery cells were evaluated. Test results suggested that the battery H₂SO₄ acids are not suitable for making color development solution. In Experiment 3, a small battery powered spectrometer for P testing aquarium water was calibrated for soils. Samples from the Soil Science Society of America –North American Proficiency Testing program (NAPT) were tested with the meter and non-reagent HCl. Fiske-Subbarrow reducing agent and HCl were used in a variation procedure which does not require H₂SO₄ for color development. Eight of 10 samples tested proficient based on NAPT limits (2.5 x Median Absolute Deviation).     

Citric acid loaded nano clay polymer composite for solubilization of Indian rock phosphates: a step towards sustainable and phosphorus secure future

Non-renewable nature of rock phosphate (RP) reserves coupled with open ended nature of P cycle makes it imperative for maximum utilization of available P resources. In this context, use of Indian RPs from Purulia and Udaipur along with citric acid loaded nanoclay polymer composite (CA-NCPC) as P source to costly diammonium phosphate (DAP) was investigated through an incubation experiment followed by a greenhouse experiment with wheat-rice cropping sequence in a Luvisol (pH 5.14, available P 13.5 mg kg^?1). Soil available P, crop yield parameters and dynamics of soil P fractions were taken to judge the efficacy of CA-NCPC in solubilizing RPs. Application of CA-NCPC and DAP resulted in 82% and 69% increase in available P over control, respectively under incubation study. Direct effect of treatment receiving CA-NCPC + RP on yield and P uptake by wheat was comparable with DAP but residual impact of CA-NCPC + RP (16.7 g pot^?1) was better than DAP (13.8 g pot^?1) in rice. The changes in inorganic P fractions were also significant as inclusion of RP increased calcium-P from 16.1 to 61.5 mg kg^?1. Results indicated potentiality of RPs treated with CA-NCPC as an alternate P source which could prove promising amidst P scarcity.     

Use of soil color meter for aqueous iron and ammonium measurements

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed a new approach for on-site colorimetric analysis of ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) and ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄ ⁺-N) using a soil color meter as an alternative method to conventional spectrophotometry. The soil color meter we used can express solution color numerically on the basis of L*a*b* color space. After coloring of water by the 1, 10 phenanthroline method and the Indophenol blue method, the color of solution was measured by the soil color meter. A linear relationship between Fe²⁺ and a* or b* values, and systematic change of NH₄ ⁺-N with L* value, enable us to make a calibration curve. The Fe²⁺ and NH₄ ⁺-N concentrations in groundwater samples (Fe²⁺: 0.3–1.3 mg L^?1; NH₄ ⁺-N: 0.02–0.62 mg L^?1) determined by the proposed method agreed well with those determined by conventional spectrophotometry with the difference being ± 0.05 mg L^?1 and ± 0.02 mg L^?1, respectively. Since a similar apparatus is widely used in the soil science field, this technique would facilitate field surveys.     

Phosphate sorption by calcareous Vertisols and Inceptisols as evaluated from extended P-sorption curves

The plant availability of phosphate applied to calcareous soils is affected by precipitation and adsorption reactions, the relative significance of which is not well known. We used extended P-sorption curves obtained at phosphate addition rates up to 340 mmol P kg^?1 soil to examine the relative contribution of precipitation and adsorption by 24 calcareous Spanish Vertisols and Inceptisols. Adsorption was dominant at 1 day and at small rates of addition (10–35 mmol P kg^?1). With increasing clay and Fe and Al oxides contents of the soil, more phosphate was sorbed before the sorption curve bent upwards, as a result of Ca phosphate precipitation. Sorption curves showed a nearly vertical intermediate region, the length of which increased with time, suggesting that a Ca phosphate buffered the concentration of P in solution. The buffering concentration decreased with time, suggesting a progressive transformation of more to less soluble forms of Ca phosphate. A phase less soluble than octacalcium phosphate seemed to control the concentration of P in solution at 180 days in most soils. The apparent solubility of this phase decreased with increasing carbonate content in the soil. Precipitation of poorly soluble Ca phosphates apparently predominated up to a P addition dose ranging from about 30 mmol P kg^?1 in some soils to more than 340 mmol P kg^?1 in others. At larger doses, the way additional P was bound to the solid phase was different; phosphate was probably adsorbed, at least in part, to low-affinity sites on silicate clays and oxides. The proportion of sorbed phosphate that was isotopically exchangeable decreased with time, soil carbonate content and P addition dose for doses <100 mmol P kg^?1. This is consistent with the idea that P in Ca phosphates is less isotopically exchangeable than P adsorbed on mineral surfaces. At larger additions of P, isotopic exchangeability was unrelated to the soil properties measured, probably because there was a variety of sorbed P forms influenced in turn by different soil components.     

ADSORPTION ON HYDROUS OXIDES I. OXALATE AND BENZOATE ON GOETHITE

The adsorption of oxalic acid on synthetic goethite (α-FeOOH) was studied using adsorption isotherms. Infrared spectra were obtained for goethite-oxalate complexes at several points on the isotherms. On a goethite preparation with a phosphate sorption capacity of 200|μmolg^?1 the amounts of oxalate strongly adsorbed varied from near zero at pH 8 to about l00μmolg^?1 at pH 4 and below. At pH 3.4, the first l00μmolg^?1 of oxalic acid added was strongly adsorbed as a binuclear complex (FeOOC–COOFe), replacing two singly-coordinated OH groups by ligand exchange. At higher concentrations a further 200 μrnol g^?1 of oxalic acid formed a monodentate complex (FeOOC–COOH) so that more oxalate could be accommodated. Benzoic acid was weakly adsorbed on goethite with one benzoate oxygen replacing one singly-coordinated OH. The other oxygen of the COO group fitted into the goethite surface so that the benzene ring was at a high angle to the (100) face.     

Solubilization of phosphate rocks and minerals by a wild-type strain and two UV-induced mutants of Penicillium rugulosum

Two Venezuelan phosphate rocks (PRs), apatite deposits from Monte-Fresco and Navay areas, and two minerals, Florida apatite and Utah variscite were used to investigate phosphate solubilization by the wild type strain IR-94MF1 of Penicillium rugulosum initially selected for its high mineral phosphate activity (Mps⁺) and two of its mutants Mps⁺⁺ and Mps⁻. In liquid cultures, the three fungal strains showed better growth on the Navay PR than on Monte Fresco PR. The Utah variscite was the best phosphorus (P) source for the growth of the wild type and the Mps⁺⁺ mutant. Solubilization of the various P sources by the wild-type IR-94MF1 and the Mps⁺⁺ mutant resulted mostly from the action of organic acids. Citric acid seemed to be more active agent for the solubilization of the Utah variscite while gluconic acid appeared to be responsible for the solubilization of the Florida apatite and the Monte Fresco PR. Both organic acids are likely involved in the solubilization of the Navay PR. The Mps^- mutant did not produce any organic acid when grown on all the P sources used.     

Influence of phosphorus-solubilizing compounds on soil P and P uptake by perennial ryegrass

Found throughout the world, phosphorus (P)-fixing soils have long been studied for their effect on the availability of P fertilizers for crop production. It is known that organic acids in the rhizosphere affect P solubilization and uptake, although effectiveness has been shown to vary with acid, crop, and soil characteristics. Regardless, commercial products have been developed that include some formulation of organic acids intended to increase P solubility and uptake. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the ability of the commercial P-solubilizing products Avail (maleic-itaconic copolymer) and P Miner (organic acid-based product) to maintain a greater pool of plant-available P for uptake by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Greenhouse experiments were conducted with P fertilization (0, 17, 34, and 50 kg P ha^?1) and P solubilization materials in an incomplete 4?×?5 factorial design. Treatments were added to a soil with a high P-fixing capability and perennial ryegrass planted. Collected data included plant dry matter and P content, and acid (Mehlich-I) and labile (CaCl₂) extractable soil P concentrations. Results are not definitive, but they indicate that both Avail and P Miner have the potential to improve available forms of P in the soil that are available to ryegrass. In these greenhouse trials, the application of P Miner at four times the recommended rate (480 kg ha^?1) resulted in highest labile and acid-extractable P, while application of Avail and P Miner at the recommended rate (120 kg ha^?1) resulted in the highest P uptake.     

Effects of phosphorus addition and energy supply on acid phosphatase production and activity in soils

To find out how acid phosphatase activity and production in some Alberta soils may be related to soil properties and past fertilizer history, soils of varying organic matter content, extractable P and P fertilization history were assayed for acid phosphatase using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. The effect of solution P concentration during the phosphatase assay was examined. The effect of P on the production of new phosphatase was examined in soils incubated with an added energy supply or orthophosphate.Phosphatase activity was influenced by P fertilization practices during the 5 yr before sampling. In a Black Chernozemic soil (Malmo SiCL) with a high organic matter content and high initial phosphatase activity, P fertilization at 27 or 54 kg P ha^?1 y^?1 for 5 yr reduced phosphatase activity by about 20%. However, in a Grey Luvisolic soil (Cooking Lake L) with low organic matter and initial phosphatase, P fertilization at 54 kg P ha^?1y^?1 for 5 yr tended to increase activity, probably by increasing plant root growth and organic matter additions.Assay solutions containing orthophosphate at 0.55 mM reduced activity by 25% and 47% in a Malmo SiCL and Maleb L (Orthic Brown Chernozem) soil respectively. Further increases of phosphate concentration to 5.5 mM reduced phosphatase activity by 50% and 76% in the Malmo and Maleb L soils respectively.Phosphatase activity was increased up to 6-fold by incubation of soil with glucose and NH₄NO₃. Addition of P to produce an added C: added P ratio of 20:1 completely prevented synthesis of phosphatase by proliferating organisms and had a slight inhibitory effect on phosphatase already present. Similarly, addition of P without C in a 6-week incubation had only a small effect on phosphatase activity and maintained P concentrations in the assay solutions slightly below 0.55 mM. It was concluded that the effect of phosphate on soil phosphatase operates more through its effect on phosphatase synthesis than on activity of existing phosphatase.     

Phosphorus Fertilizer Calibration for Sugarcane on Everglades Histosols

A calibrated soil test for phosphorus (P) fertilizer application to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) grown on organic soils in southern Florida is an important best-management practice for minimizing P loads in water draining to the Everglades. The current calibration uses water as the soil extractant, which has the limitations of being very sensitive to pH and being most applicable to short-season crops. Phosphorus fertilizer rate studies at six locations (20 total crop years) were analyzed to develop an updated soil-test P calibration for sugarcane on organic soils. Phosphorus extracted with water, acetic acid, and Bray 2 did not consistently relate well to crop response. A new P soil-test calibration for sugarcane is proposed based on Mehlich 3 soil extraction, with a maximum rate of 36 kg P ha^?1 with ≤ 10 g P m^?3 in preplant soil samples and no P recommended with >30 g P m^?3.     

Impact of biochar coated with magnesium (hydr)oxide on phosphorus leaching from organic and mineral soils

Purpose

Recent research suggests that Swedish organic arable soils have been under-recognized as a potential source of phosphorus (P) loading to water bodies. The aim of this study was to compare P losses through leaching from organic and high-fertility mineral soils. In addition, the effectiveness of a magnesium-salt-coated biochar applied below the topsoil as a mitigation strategy for reducing P losses was evaluated.

Materials and methods

Phosphorus leaching was measured from four medium- to high-P arable soils, two Typic Haplosaprists (organic 1 and 2), a Typic Hapludalf (sand), and an unclassified loam textured soil (loam), in a 17-month field study utilizing 90-cm-long lysimeters. A magnesium-salt-coated biochar was produced and characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XPD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray adsorption (XANES) spectroscopy, and its phosphate adsorption capacity was determined at laboratory scale. It was also applied as a 3-cm layer, 27 cm below the soil surface of the same lysimeters and examined as a mitigation measure to reduce P leaching.

Results and discussion

Total-P loads from the 17-month, unamended lysimeters were in the order of organic 2 (1.2 kg ha^?1)?>?organic 1 (1.0 kg ha^?1)?>?sand (0.3 kg ha^?1)?>?loam (0.2 kg ha^?1). Macropore flow, humic matter competition for sorption sites, and fewer sorption sites likely caused higher P losses from the organic soils. Analysis by XRD and SEM revealed magnesium was primarily deposited as periclase (MgO) on the biochar surface but hydrated to brucite (Mg(OH)₂) in water. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (Q_max) of the coated biochar was 65.4 mg P g^?1. Lysimeters produced mixed results, with a 74% (P?<?0.05), 51% (NS), and 30% (NS) reduction in phosphate-P from the organic 1, organic 2, and sand, respectively, while P leaching increased by 230% (NS) from the loam.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that P leached from organic arable soils can be greater than from mineral soils, and therefore, these organic soils require further investigation into reducing their P losses. Metal-enriched biochar, applied as an adsorptive layer below the topsoil, has the potential to reduce P losses from medium- to high-P organic soils but appear to be less useful in mineral soils.