Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc Fertilization on the Solubility of Zn2+ in Two Alkaline Soils

Abstract

AbstractConcentrations of Zn2+ in equilibrium with two alkaline soils were calculated from the reactions of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) chelates. The initial speciation of EDTA was varied to allow equilibrium with Zn2+ concentrations in the soil to be approached from above and below. Fertilizer Zn was added at 0 to 5 mg kg−1 as ZnSO4 and reacted thoroughly with the soil before additions of P or EDTA chelates. Phosphorus was added at 0 or 62 mg kg−1 as a mixture of KH2PO4 and K2HPO4. Concentrations of soluble Zn2+ in unfertilized soil were extremely low, approximately 5 × 10−10 M in the noncalcareous soil at pH 7.2 and 1 × 10−10 M in the calcareous soil at pH 7.6. These Zn2+ concentrations were raised 7‐ to 14‐fold by 5 mg kg−1 of added Zn, and the higher levels persisted for at least 11 weeks. Buffering of Zn2+ by the soils was substantial, ranging from about 15 to 45 (nmol g−1)/(nmol L−1). Additions of P caused small decreases in the concentrations of Zn2+ and other divalent cations in solution. Only in the Zn‐fertilized calcareous soil were the percent decreases in Zn2+ greater than those of the major divalent cations, Ca2+ and Mg2+. This effect of P in the calcareous soil is of special interest because of its apparent selectivity for Zn, but the effect was small as shown by reductions of only 12 to 19% in the [Zn2+]/[Ca2+ + Mg2+] concentration ratio.