Reduction of Phosphate Adsorption by Ion Competition with Silicate in Soil

Abstract

To increase phosphate (P) availability in soils, the efficiency of silicate (Si) in reducing P adsorption was investigated by competitive adsorption tests under changing conditions of pH, ion concentrations, and order of anion addition along with single adsorption properties of each ion at 20°C. In the single ion adsorption study, P and Si ions showed the opposite reaction patterns: phosphate adsorption decreased with increasing pH and attained adsorption maximum however, silicate adsorption increased with increasing pH without attaining adsorption maximum. Phosphorus and Si adsorption were influenced by pH in the range of 5.0 - 9.0 and the type and amount of P and Si concentration. Silicate added to soil before P or in a mixture with P significantly reduced P adsorption above pH 7.0; however, there was no significant Si-induced decreased in P adsorption at pH 5.0 when anions were added as mixture. The efficiency of Si in reducing P adsorption increased with increasing Si concentration and pH. The effect of P on Si adsorption was relatively small at pH 5.0 and no effect of P on silicate adsorption was observed at pH 9.0. The presence of Si strongly depressed P adsorption when Si was added before P compared to P and Si added as a mixture. These results suggest that application of Si may decrease P adsorption and increase the availability of P in soils. Furthermore, a Si source would be better to add before P application to enhance the availability of P in soils.