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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #166662
Title: USE OF ANION EXCHANGE MEMBRANES TO CHARACTERIZE POSITIONAL AVAILABILITY OF SOIL PHOSPHORUS

Author
item Kovar, John
item Schroeder, Philip
item JARRELL, W - UNIVERSITY OF ILLNOIS

Submitted to: American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/26/2004
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Our objective in this field study was to determine the relative distribution of bioavailable phosphorus (P) during the early part of the corn (Zea mays L.) growing season, following a surface band application of ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer at the time of planting. Bicarbonate-saturated exchange membranes were used to characterize P bioavailability. Treatments consisted of a control and 7.5-6.6-4.2 (mg kg-1 N-P-K) or 30-6.6-4.2 liquid fertilizer dribbled (280 L ha-1) on the soil surface 5 cm to the side of the seed row. In 2001, the highest concentration of bioavailable P was found nearly 8 cm below the soil surface, 43 days after application. Similar results were found from measurements in 2002 and 2003. Given that P diffusion in soil is a relatively slow process, the volume of fertilizer material applied and the porosity of the soil probably played a role in P movement.