Abstract
Nutrient availability from banded fertilizers will depend on the properties of the fertilizer band or microsite. Increased pH from urea hydrolysis may change P fertilizer reactions with the soil. A rapid method is described which allows precise measurement and visualization of dynamic changes in pH near microsites around fertilizer granules or bands. One day after application of urea and triple superphosphate fertilizers into the soil, a 0.75% agar solution containing 0.06% bromocresol purple was poured onto the soil surface. The pH was measured using a combination microelectrode placed on the agar and the pH range was estimated from agar colour 2, 4, 6 and 8 d after placement of the fertilizer mixture. Triple superphosphate reduced and retarded pH increases from urea hydrolysis. The results demonstrate the ability of the agar method to monitor pH changes around fertilizer granules or bands. Key words: pH, agar, triple superphosphate, fertilizer, microsite, urea
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