Journal article

Publication year: 2004

Pages: 253-263

Journal: European Journal of Soil Science

Volume number: 55

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 1351-0754

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2389.2004.00596.x

Publisher: Wiley

Abstract: 
Loss of phosphorus (P) from agriculture contributes to the eutrophication of surface waters. We have assessed the magnitude and controls of P leaching and the risk of colloid-facilitated transport of P from sandy soils in Munster. Concentrations of soluble reactive P in drainage water and groundwater were monitored from 0.9 to 35 m depth. Total P concentrations, P saturation, and P sorption isotherms of soil samples were determined. Concentrations of dispersible soil P and colloidal P in drainage water and groundwater were investigated. The concentrations of soluble reactive P in drainage water and groundwater were close to background concentrations (<20 μg P l(-1)). Median concentrations in excess of 100 μg P l(-1) were found down to 5.6 m depth at one of four research sites and in the lower part of the aquifer. Experimentally determined equilibrium concentrations and the degree of P saturation were good predictors of P concentrations of drainage water. Large concentrations of dispersible P were released from soil with large concentrations of oxalate-extractable P and addition of P induced further dispersion. Colloidal P was transported in a P-rich subsoil when there was a large flow of water and after nitrate had been flushed from the soil profile and total solute concentrations were small. We conclude that the concentration of soluble reactive P in drainage water is controlled by rapid adsorption in the sandy soils. Subsurface transport of dissolved P contributes substantially to the loss of P from the soils we investigated. Accumulation of P in soils increases the risk of colloid-facilitated leaching of P.

Harvard Citation style: Siemens, J., Ilg, K., Lang, F. and Kaupenjohann, M. (2004) Adsorption controls mobilization of colloids and leaching of dissolved phosphorus, European Journal of Soil Science, 55(2), pp. 253-263. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2389.2004.00596.x

APA Citation style: Siemens, J., Ilg, K., Lang, F., & Kaupenjohann, M. (2004). Adsorption controls mobilization of colloids and leaching of dissolved phosphorus. European Journal of Soil Science. 55(2), 253-263. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2389.2004.00596.x