A mathematical approach for the evaluation of nutrient elution kinetics from organic soil conditioners

Abstract

A new mathematical approach is presented for evaluating the inherent capacity of an organic soil conditioner to supply nutrients to plants in suitable proportions or to bind to prevent toxicities. This approach is based on the concept that the rate of elution of any nutrient follows a first‐order mathematical model. By using experimental data collected from an elution apparatus, the method enables the evaluation of two parameters, the specific nutrient elution rate and the maximum extractable amount of the nutrient. The elution rate coefficient can be used for the evaluation of the slow release ability that is imparted by a soil conditioner for an ion or a substrate. The maximum extractable amount can then be used for the evaluation of the soil conditioner's ability to hold the compounds, thereby inactivating them by immobilization. An example of this mathematical approach is given.