Comparison of Five Adsorption Isotherms for Prediction of Zinc Retention in Calcareous Soils and the Relationship of their Coefficients with Soil Characteristics

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is believed to be a consequence of reactions taking place between soluble Zn and the soil solid phase. This study was carried out to obtain quantitative relationships between Zn in equilibrium solution and that retained by the soil solids in calcareous soils. Twenty calcareous soils (saturated paste pH 6.9–7.9; calcium carbonate equivalent 4.64–22.80%) from Tehran province, Iran, were equilibrated with varying solution concentrations of Zn, and the amounts removed from the solution were used to check the fit to five adsorption isotherms, namely, Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Gunary, and two‐surface Langmuir. Adsorption data of all soils showed statistically significant fit to the first four adsorption isotherms, but only 7 of the 20 soils tested showed fit to the two‐surface Langmuir. Coefficients of the adsorption isotherms showed statistically significant relationship with soil characteristics. Clay percentage, calcium carbonate equivalent percentage, and cation exchange capacity appeared to be the most influential soil characteristics with regard to Zn adsorption, whereas soil organic matter seemed to be of no importance under the conditions of this study.     

Adsorption isotherms of copper and zinc in clay minerals of calcareous soils and their effects on X-ray diffraction

Reactions of elements with the water mineral interface are important and affect their bioavailability and transportation within soil. Effects of metal sorption on X-ray-diffraction (XRD-photographs) of clay minerals have been not studied. Therefore, sorption experiments were done on clay fractions of two calcareous soils using 12 concentrations of 0–2000 mg L^?1 Zn(NO₃)₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms’ coefficients were determined. After sorption, XRD-diffraction were prepared and compared with those of initial samples. Langmuir (R² = 0.996–0.999 and SE = 0.001–0.002) and Freundlich equation were the best-model for Zn and Cu-sorption, respectively. Sorption energy was higher for Zn than Cu, whereas the maximum concentration of sorbed-Cu was higher than that of Zn. Distribution coefficient (K_d) of Cu were more (threefold) than that of Zn. The K_d values representing the slope of Freundlich isotherms decreased according to linear regression equations (R² = 0.72–0.91) as the equilibrium concentrations of metals increased. No significant differences were observed among XRD-photographs of applied concentrations (some negligible differences were found in position/sharpness of peaks). Dry-XRD-method resulted in omission of intensity peaks at 2θ which may interfere in recognition of clays that show a maximum intensity >1.4 nm in the mentioned 2θ. Zinc can become more leachable especially in Shekarbani-soil-series, whereas, Cu highly adsorb on clay minerals and can show less tendency to transportation.     

Zinc Adsorption by Mineral Soils of Finland

Abstract

Zinc adsorption by 10 (pH 4.0–6.5) cultivated mineral soils from Finland was studied in batch experiments. Additions of Zn ranged up to 600 mg kg^?1 of soil and the corresponding equilibrium concentrations were 0.1–13 mg 1^?1. In each soil, Zn adsorption conformed to the Freundlich isotherm. Despite a relatively low initial Zn adsorption by the acidic soils, each of the soils proved to have a high potential to adsorb Zn, but the capacity was highly pH dependent. In addition to the conventional Freundlich adsorption isotherms, calculated separately for each soil, extended Freundlich-type isotherms that also incorporate soil pH and other soil characteristics were used to describe Zn adsorption of several soils simultaneously in one equation. The pH-dependent Freundlich adsorption isotherm proved to serve as a practical tool to assess Zn adsorption by soils varying in pH and other characteristics.     

Geochemical Fractionation and Adsorption Characteristics of Zinc in Thai Major Calcareous Soils

Zinc (Zn) is a vital plant nutrient that is widely deficient in Thai cultivated calcareous soils. The chemical fractionation and adsorption of Zn are among the most important solid- and liquid-phase interactions that determine the retention of Zn in the soils. This study aimed to investigate the fractionation and adsorption isotherms of Zn in cultivated Thai calcareous soils. The results of sequential extractions showed that Zn is mainly distributed in residual fractions followed by organic-bound, iron and manganese oxides-bound, carbonate-bound, and exchangeable Zn, respectively. Zinc adsorption was well fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Thai calcareous soils had high Zn adsorption capacity. Soil pH, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity, and extractable calcium were the major soil properties that affected the Zn adsorption isotherms in these soils. Zinc hydroxide was the solid precipitate and the Zn hydroxide ion (ZnOH⁺) was the dominant Zn ion in alkaline equilibrium solution.     

Phosphate sorption by calcium‐bentonite as described by commonly used isotherms

Abstract

The one and two Langmuir, the Freundlich, and the Temkin isotherms were fitted to phsophorus (P) sorption data for P sorption by calcium (Ca)‐bentonite at different initial concentration and pH values of 3.8, 4.8, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. Each was found to describe P sorption by Ca‐bentonite with comparable success. The effect of pH on P adsorption by Ca‐bentonite was studied and Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich isotherms were converted to the forms:

Langmuir: (Co‐X)X= 1/(0.0275–0.0025pH)(12.323–1.061pH) + (Co‐X)(12.323–1.016pH) Temkin: X = (2.45–0.211pH)In(AC) Freundlich: X = (1.324–0.146pH)C(^0.172+0044 _P ^H) where: X = (mmol P/kg) the amount of P sorbed per unit weight of soil, C = (μmol P/L) the P concentration in the equilibrium solution, and Co = ((μmol P/L) initial P concentration. It is noteworthy, that the maximum amount (Xm) of P that can be sorbed in a monolayer decreases by increasing of pH. Finally, the B constant of Temkin isotherms is indepented from pH changes.     

Extractability of previously‐applied zinc as influenced by properties of calcareous soils

Abstract

The recovery of applied zinc (Zn) by plants is relatively small. Coupled with lack of leaching, this leads to accumulation of Zn in topsoil which may result in unfavorable growth conditions for the subsequent plants. Different extractants may be used for assessing the Zn status of soils previously treated with Zn sources. The extractability of retained Zn is influenced by soil properties. This experiment was conducted to study the influence of selected properties of calcareous soils on extractability of Zn by three popular Zn soil tests. Twenty samples from surface horizons (0–20 cm) of highly calcareous soils of southern Iran (pH 7.9 to 8.5; calcium carbonate equivalent 16 to 58%) previously treated with three levels of Zn (0, 10, and 20 mg Zn kg^‐1 soil as ZnSO₄#lb7H₂O) in triplicate and under one crop of corn (Zea mays L.) were extracted with DTPA, EDTA‐(NH₄)₂CO₃ and Na₂‐EDTA. Extractability (EXT) in a particular extractant was defined as the slope of the regression line, relating extractable Zn of each soil to the rate of applied Zn, multiplied by 100. The EXT values of soils ranged from 24.9 to 73.0% for DTPA, 47.2 to 84.4% for EDTA‐(NH₄)₂CO₃, and 28.2 to 56.7% for Na₂‐EDTA. Stepwise regression equations showed that cation exchange capacity (CEC) and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) followed by clay content were the most influential soil properties in EXT of retained Zn of highly calcareous soils. The EXT values decreased with increase in CEC, and CCE but increased with increase in clay.     

Manganese retention by selected calcareous soils as related to soil properties

Abstract

Calcareous soils often need supplemental manganese (Mn) to support optimum plant growth, but some reports show that the apparent recovery of applied Mn is very low in such soils, i.e., nearly all of the applied Mn is retained in the soil. This experiment was conducted to find the relationship between the retained Mn and selected properties of calcareous soils. Eleven surface (0–20 cm) soil samples with pH ranging from 7.7 to 8.1 and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) ranging from 20 to 50% were used in the Mn adsorption study. Two‐gram subsamples of each soil were equilibrated with 20 mL of 0.01M CaCl₂ solutions initially containing 10 to 200 mg Mn L^‐1. The Mn that disappeared from solution (after 6 h shaking at 25°C) was considered as adsorbed (retained) Mn. The adsorption data showed a highly significant fit to Freundlich and also to the two‐surface Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The coefficients of both isotherms showed significant positive correlations with cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), and CCE of the soils indicating that OM and calcium carbonate are the sites of Mn retention in calcareous soils. Comparison of the adsorption data of this experiment with those of plant Mn uptake of the same soils (published earlier) shows that as the Langmuir second surface adsorption maxima (maximum retention capacity) of the soils increase the plant Mn concentration and uptake decrease.     

Effect of pH on ammonium adsorption by natural Zeolite clinoptilolite

Abstract

Clinoptilolite, a zeolite mineral with a high cation exchange capacity and surface area, has ion‐exchange properties that can be utilized to adsorb NH₄ ⁺, protecting it from losses during composting of N‐rich animal manures. Ammonium adsorption by the natural zeolite clinoptilolite was studied to ascertain the effectiveness of the zeolite as an NH₄ ⁺ adsorbent at pH 4, 5, 6, and 7. The NH₄ ⁺ adsorption data were fitted to the one‐ and two‐surface Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. All models described the NH₄ ⁺adsorption data successfully (r²≥0.939). The one‐surface Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin were converted to pH‐dependent forms. The amount of NH₄ ⁺ adsorbed increased as pH and initial NH₄ ⁺concentration increased. From the one‐surface Langmuir isotherm, the NH₄ ⁺adsorption capacity (X_m) of the zeolite increased linearly with pH (r²=0.994), and was estimated to be 9,660 mg N kg^‐1 at pH4, 11,220 mg N kg^‐1 at pH 5, 12,720 mg N kg^‐1 at pH 6, and 13,830 mg N kg^‐1 at pH 7. The adsorption of higher amounts of NH₄ ⁺with increasing pH and initial NH₄ ⁺concentration is an important characteristic of the zeolite that can be beneficial to minimizing N‐losses via NH₃volatilization during composting of N‐rich animal manures.     

Molybdenum Determination in Mehlich‐1 and Mehlich‐3 Soil Test Extracts and Molybdenum Adsorption in Brazilian Soils

Abstract

The extractant Mehlich‐1 is routinely used in Brazil for determination of soil nutrients, whereas Mehlich‐3 has been suggested as a promising extractor for soil fertility evaluation. Both were used for extraction of molybdenum (Mo) in Brazilian soils with Mo dosage by the KI+H₂O₂ method. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to study soil Mo adsorption. Mehlich‐1 extracted more Mo than Mehlich‐3 in soils with high contents of organic matter, clay, and iron (Fe) oxides. Mehlich‐3 and Mehlich‐1 extractions correlated positively and significantly with amorphous Fe oxides, crystalline Fe oxides, and organic matter. Molybdenum recovering rates correlated to crystalline Fe oxides and clay contents but not to organic matter, pH, and Mo adsorption capacity. Amorphous and crystalline Fe oxides, clay, and organic matter were responsible for most of the Mo adsorption. The Langmuir isotherm described better the Mo adsorption to soil amorphous Fe oxides and organic matter than the Freundlich isotherm.     

Removal of Heavy Metals in Storm Water Runoff Using Porous Vermiculite Expanded by Microwave Preparation

The main objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of vermiculite for removing heavy metals from water. Vermiculite components were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, and the concentrations of metal ions were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Serial batch kinetic tests and batch sorption tests were conducted to determine the removal characteristics for heavy metals in aqueous solutions. Solution pH values of tests with the inflated vermiculites generally increased and then stabilized. Equilibrium pH was generally established within 5?h. Removal rates of inflated vermiculite were tested at the initial concentration of 3?mg/L. At equilibrium concentrations, except for chromium (36.23%), most heavy metals were effectively removed (96.08?C98.54%). Finally, sorption data were correlated with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. For each metal, the Q _max obtained using the Langmuir isotherm was as follows: lead, 725.4?mg?kg^?1; cadmium, 568.8?mg?kg^?1; zinc, 540.2?mg?kg^?1; copper, 457.2?mg?kg^?1; and chromium, 0.9?mg?kg^?1. The study results indicate that inflated vermiculite has outstanding removal rates and therefore can be used as an adsorbent for various heavy metals.     

Equilibrium adsorption of isoproturon on soil and pure clays

The adsorption of isoproturon on soil and pure clay minerals has been investigated as a means of understanding its mobility in soils. Measured adsorption coefficients are correlated with soil and clay mineral properties. Soil organic matter controlled the adsorption of isoproturon at organic carbon contents exceeding 27 g kg^?1, whereas at less than this threshold, clay mineral surfaces appeared to control adsorption. The effect of varying temperature suggests that adsorption of isoproturon is a physical process. From the comparison of the fits of linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir adsorption isotherms to the data, the adsorption is best described as a partition process.     

Predicting phosphorus sorption isotherm parameters in soil using data of routine laboratory tests

Knowledge of phosphorus(P) sorption dynamics across different soil types could direct agronomic and environmental management of P. The objective of this study was to predict P isotherm parameters for a national soil population using data of routine laboratory tests. Langmuir and Freundlich sorption parameters were calculated from two different ranges(0–25 and 0–50 mg P L~(-1)) using an archive of representative agricultural soil types from Ireland.Multiple linear regression(MLR) identified labile forms of aluminium(Al) and iron(Fe), organic matter(OM), cation exchange capacity(CEC), and clay as significant drivers. Langmuir and Freundlich sorption capacities, Freundlich affinity constant, and Langmuir buffer capacity were predicted reliably, with R~2 of independent validation 0.9. Sorption isotherm parameters were predicted from P sorbed at a single concentration of 50 mg P L~(-1)(S_(50)). An MLR prediction of P sorption maximum in the 0–50 mg P L~(-1) range was achieved, to an accurate standard, using S_(50), OM, and Mehlich-3 Fe(R~2 of independent calibration and validation being 0.91 and 0.95, respectively). Using Giles' four shapes of isotherms(C, L, H, and S), L non-strict-and C-shaped isotherm curves accounted for 64% and 27% of the soils, respectively. Hierarchical clustering identified a separation of isotherm curves influenced by two ranges of Mehlich-3 Al. Soils with a low range of Mehlich-3 Al(2.5–698 mg kg~(-1)) had no incidence of rapid sorption(C shape). Single point indices, Al, or available soil data make the regression approach a feasible way of predicting Langmuir parameters that could be included with standard agronomic soil P testing.     

Effect of organic matter on the parameters of the selective sorption of cobalt and zinc by soils and their clay fractions

The sorption and ion-exchange behavior of Co(II) and Zn in the soil-equilibrium solution system was studied for different types and varieties of native soils and their clay fractions before and after mild oxidation with H₂O₂ to remove the organic carbon. The parameters of the ion-exchange adsorption and the selectivity coefficients of the (Co(II), Zn)/Ca ion exchange were determined using different models for describing the relationship between the dissolved and sorbed forms of the metals. These were the empirical Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms and the model of the ion-exchange adsorption based on the acting mass law. It was found that the soil organic matter played an important role in the selectivity of the ion-exchange adsorption of Co(II) and Zn by the soils and their clay fractions. This was confirmed by an abrupt decrease (to almost 1) of the selectivity coefficients of the Co²⁺/Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange after the treatment of the clay fraction with hydrogen peroxide.     

Adsorption and solubility of ten metals in soil samples of different composition

We conducted batch experiments for ten metals [Mg, Cr(III), Fe(III), Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Pb] and four soil samples of different composition to determine the relation of the soluble fraction (’intensity’︁) to an adsorbed or precipitated metal pool (’quantity’︁) and, thus, to investigate the buffer function of soils. The soil samples were spiked with 6 to 12 exponentially increasing metal doses added as metal nitrates. The native metal pool involved in sorption processes was characterized by an extraction with 0.025 M (NH₄)₂EDTA (pH 4.6). The quantity-intensity (Q/I) relations of eight metals [except Cr(III) and Fe(III)] were governed by sorption and complexation processes and can be fitted by Freundlich isotherms. Q/I relations for Cr(III) and two soils indicate a sorption maximum, which can be approximated with the Langmuir isotherm. In a calcareous soil high Cr doses induced the precipitation of a Cr oxide. The solution concentrations of Fe are primarily a function of the pH-dependent solubility of ferrihydrite. For all metals pH was the predominant factor controlling the partitioning between the solid and the liquid phase. Drastic losses in the buffer function of soils primarily occurred in the slightly acidic range. Furthermore, adsorption was also metal specific. On the basis of median Freundlich K values, adsorption increased in the order [median K_F values and K_F range (mg kg^—1) in brackets]: Mg (2.9: 0.9—19) < Sr (4.7: 0.6—21) << Co (17.7: 1.1—143) < Zn (26.7: 1.8—301) = Ni (27.6: 2.4—120) < Cd (71: 2.5—405) << Cr(III) (329: 45—746) < Cu (352: 30—1200) < Pb (1730: 76—4110).     

Zinc in wheat grain as affected by nitrogen fertilization and available soil zinc

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization and DTPA‐extractable soil zinc (Zn) on Zn concentration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Pioneer 2375) grain. Application of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) in the range of 0 to 8 mg Zn kg^‐1 increased linearly DTPA‐extractable Zn in an incubated calcareous soil from 0.3 to 5.0 mg kg^‐1. Application of these rates of ZnSO₄ to the same soil under greenhouse conditions increased Zn concentration of wheat grain from 26 to 101 mg kg^‐1. The influence of 134 kg urea‐N ha^‐1 on Zn concentration in wheat grain at eight field sites, with DTPA‐extractable soil Zn levels ranging from 0.3 to 4.9 mg kg^‐1, was studied. Nitrogen fertilizer increased wheat‐grain yields in four of the eight experiments but had little effect on grain‐Zn concentration. Grain‐Zn concentration ranged from 31 to 45 mg kg^‐1 in N‐fertilized plots at the various sites and was related (r=0.74*) to DTPA‐extractable soil Zn.     

Evaluation of Adsorption Isotherm Models for Potassium Adsorption under Different Soil Types in Wolaita of Southern Ethiopia

Adsorption isotherm is essential for predicting its mechanisms, which are important for potassium (K) fertilizer application and to recommendation appropriate rates for acidic soils. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate K adsorption characteristic of the selected soils by comparing different adsorption models with soil properties of the soil in different districts (Sodo Zurie, Damot Gale, Damot Sore and Boloso Sore) in the Wolaita Zone of Southern Ethiopia. Four adsorption isotherms are: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Van Huay were used to describe adsorption processes. Composite surface (0-20 cm) depth soil samples from four districts sites were collected. The results revealed that the K adsorption data coincide with both models with (r² = 0.99). However, Freundlich model was better in describing K adsorption than the other model. The adsorption maxima(ad_(max), distribution coefficient, buffer capacity (BC), and adsorption capacity(a_(capacity) values of soils ranged from -333 to334.5,0.54 to78.7,159.9 to 389.3, and 327 to 417mg Kkg^-1 respectively, these results showed that Sodo Zurie, Bolos Sore and Demote Sore were effective model parameters. Van Huay a_(capacity) 417mg Kkg^-1 while the bonding energy constant Langmuir is -0.075mg Kkg^-1 in Bolos Sore soil compared to other soils, which were found to be more valuable in discriminating between high K adsorption soils. Correlation between some soil properties with ad_(max) were positively a highly correlated with clay, pH, organic carbon (OC) and exchangeable potassium with r² = 0.92**, 0.93**, 0.95** and 0.96 ** respectively, but negatively correlated with bonding energy with r²= -0.79, -0.80,-0.77 and -0.72 respectively, while calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was very highly correlated with ad_(max) r²= 0.99***). The Freundlich constant, Temkin BC, and Van Hauy a_(capacity) were correlated with CaCO3 content soils with r²=0.12,-0.01,and 0.12,respectively, while slope (1/n) was significantly negatively correlated with soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), CaCO₃, clay contents and exchangeable K and Mg²⁺ with r²= 0.04, -0.67, -0.78, -0.69, and –0.69, respectively. These findings reveal the extent of K depletion in the soils of Wolaita providing a baseline for K rates required for crop production and validation of all models through real-time experiments in the field; this is recommended before the models are used on a large scale basis.     

Adsorption/Desorption of Organic Anions in Brazilian Oxisols

Abstract

Organic anions affect solute mobility in soils. This study evaluated citrate and oxalate adsorption (0 to 4 mmol L^?1, soil–solution 1∶100, pH 5.5, ionic strength 30 mmol L^?1 as NaCl, 72‐h reaction) and desorption (pH 5.5, 30‐mmol L^?1 NaCl, 72 h) on A‐ and B‐horizon samples of two Brazilian Oxisols. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to assess adsorption maximum, distribution coefficients (Kf, Ku), and buffer index. Adsorption maximums (mol kg^?1) for red Latossol‐A, red Latosol‐B, red‐yellow Latosol‐A, and red‐yellow Latosol‐B horizons follow: citrate 0.0318, 0.0272, 0.0289, 0.0392; oxalate 0.0641, 0.0329, 0.0538, 0.0380. Kf (mol^1?1/n kg^?1 L^1/n) follows: citrate 0.3550, 0.3781, 0.4211, 0.2024; oxalate 1.0916, 0.0637, 1.8228, 0.0922. Buffer index (mol kg^?1)(mol kg^?1)^?1 follows: citrate 0.0841, 0.0756, 0.0738, 0.0264; oxalate 0.3787, 0.0862, 0.3233, 0.1082. Both anions showed great affinity for variable‐charge soils. The distribution curves for Ku showed higher adsorption energy in B‐ than in A‐horizons.     

Clay dispersion and its relation to surface charge in a paddy soil of the Red River Delta,Vietnam

Dispersion is an important issue for clay leaching in soils. In paddy soils of the Red River Delta (RRD), flooding with fresh water and relatively high leaching rates can accelerate dispersion and the translocation of clay. For the clay fraction of the puddled horizon of a typical paddy soil of the RRD, the effect of various cations and anions as well as humic acid (HA) at different pH values on the surface charge (SC) were quantified and the dispersion properties were determined in test tubes and described by the C₅₀ value. In the <2 µm fraction, dominated by illite, the proportion of 2:1 vs. 1:1 clay minerals is 5:1. The organic‐C content of the clay fraction is 2.2%. Surface charge was found to be highly pH‐dependent. At pH 8 values of –32 and at pH 1 of –8 mmol_c kg^–1 were obtained. Complete dispersion was observed at pH > 4, where SC is > –18 mmol_c kg^–1. The flocculation efficiency of Ca strongly depends on the pH. At pH 4, the C₅₀ value is 0.33, 0.66 at pH 5, and 0.90 mmol L^–1 at pH 6. At pH 6, close to realistic conditions of paddy soils, the effect of divalent cations on the SC and flocculation decreases in the order: Pb > Cu > Cd > Fe^II > Zn > Ca > Mn^II > Mg; Fe^II was found to have a slightly stronger effect on flocculation than Ca. An increase in concentrations of Ca, Mn^II, and Mg from 0 to 1 mmol L^–1 resulted in a change in SC from –25 to approx. –15 mmol_c kg^–1. In comparison, the divalent heavy‐metal cations Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn were found to neutralize the SC more effectively. At a Pb concentration of 1 mmol L^–1, the SC is –2 mmol_c kg^–1. From pH 3 to 5, the dispersion of the clay fraction is facilitated rather by SO than by Cl^–, which can be explained by the higher affinity of SO to the positively charged sites. With an increase of the amount of HA added, the SC continuously shifts to more negative values, and higher concentrations of cations are needed for flocculation. At pH 3, where flocculation is usually observed, the presence of HA at a concentration of 40 mg L^–1 resulted in a dispersion of the clay fraction. While high anion concentrations and the presence of HA counteract flocculation by making the SC more negative, Fe^II and Ca (C₅₀ at pH 6 = 0.8 and 0.9 mmol L^–1, respectively) are the main factors for the flocculation of the clay fraction. For Fe^II and Ca, the most common cations in soil solution, the C₅₀ values were found to be relatively close together at pH 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Depending on the specific mineralogical composition of the clay fraction, SC is a suitable measure for the determination of dispersion properties and for the development of methods to keep clay particles in the soil in the flocculated state.