Adsorption of Cd(2+) on two types of Egyptian soils: clay (alluvial) and sandy loam (calcareous), was studied. Effect of changing the matrix electrolyte type and concentration was used to mimic the natural soil salts. Kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption were calculated at two different electrolyte concentrations: 0.05 N and 0.15 N. The adsorption was described by Langmuir an...

In calcareous soils, phosphorus (P) retention and immobilization take place due to precipitation and adsorption. Since soil pH is considered a major soil variable affecting the P sorption, an acidic P fertilizer could result in low P adsorption compared to alkaline one. Therefore, P adsorption from DAP and phosphoric acid (PA) required to produce desired soil solution P concentration was estima...

Groundwater seepage contributes to irrigation return flows and surface waters. Knowledge of phosphorus (P) concentrations and loads in percolation water that enters the vadose zone and groundwater is necessary to assess and manage water quality. We measured the P in water leached below the crop root zone in a furrow-irrigated Pormeuf silt loam. Vacuum operated percolation samplers were used to ...

Iron chlorosis is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting fruit trees and other crops in calcareous soils and leads to a reduction in growth and yield. Usual remediation strategies consist of amending iron to soil, which is an expensive practice, or using tolerant cultivars, which are difficult to develop when not available. To understand the mechanisms underlying the associated physiopathy...

Nitrogen usually gets the most attention when it comes to fertilization, and there are good reasons for that. It's the nutrient with the most visual effect and results in the greatest effects to the plant. However potassium (K) is also essential, as is phosphorous (P). We all know how to apply nitrogen using the range of fertilizer sources available today to superintendents and field managers. ...