PHOSPHATE ACTIVITY MEASUREMENT IN SOILS

Abstract

Radioactive P was used as a means of measuring the activity of P complexes in the soil. Kinetic exchange studies indicated that for all soils studied 3 reactions were involved. The significance of these reactions is discussed. Desorption studies compared the relative effectiveness of several reagents in removing radioactive P from equilibrated soils. Sulfuric and arsenic acids were the most effective desorbing agents, and their effectiveness was shown to be due in part to the ability of the sulfate and arsenate anions to displace phosphate. Ammonium fluoride was also an effective desorbing agent.