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Control of Zn2+ in the Soil Solution by Sphalerite
Author(s) -
Kittrick J. A.
Publication year - 1976
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/sssaj1976.03615995004000020031x
Subject(s) - sphalerite , soil water , zinc , aeration , chemistry , environmental chemistry , anaerobic exercise , mineralogy , environmental science , soil science , biology , pyrite , physiology , organic chemistry
Zinc (Zn 2+ ) levels in the soil solution are in the parts per billion range. Most known Zn compounds are too soluble to control Zn 2+ at such levels. However, ZnS (sphalerite) is a highly insoluble compound in the presence of even traces of H 2 S. Although H 2 S is thermodynamically unstable under aerobic conditions, concentrations of H 2 S actually found in the atmosphere are high enough to engender control of Zn 2+ in the soil solution by ZnS in aerated soil samples. In soils, especially under anaerobic conditions, even higher levels of H 2 S prevail which could depress Zn 2+ concentrations to very low levels. Some of the deleterious effects of H 2 S on plants under anerobic conditions actually may be due to Zn deficiency.