The composition, leaching, and sorption behavior of some alternative sources of phosphorus for soils

Ambio. 2015 Mar;44 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S207-16. doi: 10.1007/s13280-014-0615-7.

Abstract

Concerns about the sustainability of inorganic fertilizers necessitate the characterization of alternative P source materials for agronomic P-efficiencies and P losses via leaching. Firstly, this study examined nutrient compositions including P speciation of seven soil amendments: sewage sludge (SS), anaerobic digestate (AD), green compost (GC), food waste compost (FWC), chicken manure (CM), biochar, and seaweed. Secondly, soil P leaching and availability was studied on a subset of four materials (SS, AD, GC, and CM). Sorption of extracts onto columns of a test soil showed strong P retention for SS and compost, but weak P sorption for CM and especially AD, suggesting short-term leaching risks for soil applied AD. Limited P desorption with water or citrate indicated sorbed P was strongly fixed, potentially limiting crop availability. These data indicate that variation in P forms and environmental behavior should be understood to maximize P usage, but minimize leaching and soil P accumulation. Hence, different alternative P source materials need differing recommendations for their agronomic management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fertilizers
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Phosphorus / chemistry*
  • Soil / chemistry

Substances

  • Fertilizers
  • Soil
  • Phosphorus