Phosphorus adsorption after drainage in two soil classes

ABSTRACT Lowland soils, seasonally flooded for rice cultivation, feature alternate oxidation and reduction conditions, which determine intense modifications in the soil mineral solid phase and in the dynamics of highly reactive elements, such as phosphorus. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of drainage of two lowland soils (Albaqualf and Argiaquoll) after a flooding period on the maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity (MPAC). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, and the system factor was composed of two levels: 1) flooded soil for 63 days, followed by drainage, and then humidity remained at 16% for 184 days; 2) soil moisture maintained at 16% throughout the trial period. After drainage, soil samples were collected at 0, 36, 96 and, 184 days for MPAC determination, which was performed by the adjustment of adsorption isotherms according to the Langmuir model. The behavior of MPAC after soil drainage was different for both soil classes evaluated. An immediate reduction of maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity was seen after drainage in the case of Albaqualf, while for Argiaquoll, there was a tendency to maintain higher values of MPAC after drainage, with subsequent reduction. Soil drainage after a flooding period increases de maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity, and this effect remains for approximately 163 days in Argiaquoll and 121 days in Albaqualf soils.