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Effect of Complexing Agents and Acids on the Diffusion of Zinc to a Simulated Root
Author(s) -
Elgawhary S. M.,
Lindsay W. L.,
Kemper W. D.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1970.03615995003400020012x
Subject(s) - zinc , chemistry , diffusion , citric acid , chelation , soil water , inorganic chemistry , nutrient , porosity , nuclear chemistry , organic chemistry , soil science , geology , physics , thermodynamics
Porous ceramic tubes were embedded in soil tagged with 65 Zn. Solutions were slowly passed through the tubes, allowing diffusion of the solutes into the soil and diffusion of Zn from the soil to the tubes. Solution from the tubes was analyzed for 65 Zn. The solutes used were EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacteic acid), HCl, citric acid, an amino acid mixture, and glucose. EDTA caused the greatest increase of Zn transport into the ceramic tubes (simulated roots). For example, when 10 ‐3 M EDTA was passed through such a tube Zn diffusion increased 17‐fold over that occurring with water alone. The effectiveness of other agents decreased in the order listed above. Increasing the concentrations of solute generally increased 65 Zn diffusion. This study demonstrates how complexing agents or acids from root exudates or from decomposing organic residues in soils may increase the transport and availability of insoluble nutrients.