Assessment of plant-available phosphorus in a fine textured sodic substrate

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine how common soil P extractants compared when assessed on revegetated bauxite residue. Samples from contrasting residue preparation, amended with gypsum and/or organic matter, were analyzed for phosphorus using CaCl2, Morgans, Olsen and Colwell extractants. Herbage samples were also taken from the residue and phosphorus content and biomass determined. Phosphorus adsorption in the different treatments was also assessed. Amounts determined by CaCl2 were below limits of detection and Morgans extractant overestimated amounts of plant available P. P levels determined by Olsen extractant were within the deficiency range. Colwell P, although overestimated plant available P, did correlate with vegetation performance (biomass production) and amount of P added to the substrate. Plant indices (P-content and biomass) were correlated with organic and Ca content of the substrate. Fine particle size of the substrate resulted in increased rate of P adsorption and Ca-content further increased the rate. However, overall Ca content of the residue improved P-uptake and nutrition.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)542-547
Number of pages6
JournalEcological Engineering
Volume36
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • Bauxite residue
  • Plant available phosphorus
  • Revegetation
  • Soil phosphorus extraction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assessment of plant-available phosphorus in a fine textured sodic substrate'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this