Abstract
The influence of Ca(OH)2 on K and Mg exchange equilibria in three New Zealand soils was studied. Calcium hydroxide was mixed with each soil to raise the pH to about 6 or 7. For each Ca(OH)2 treatment, K and Mg exchange isotherms were determined, from which the equilibrium activity ratios were derived. Exchange coefficients and solution activity ratios were calculated according to the Gapon convention.
The addition of Ca(OH)2 produced varying effects in the Gapon exchange coefficient for both K and Mg. The magnitude and direction of change in the exchange coefficient were related to the cation initially dominating the exchange sites, rate of Ca(OH)2 addition, soil colloids contributing to the CEC and specific interactions of Ca with these soil colloids.
Addition of Ca(OH)2 reduced the equilibrium activity ratio of all soils. Changes in the bonding strength of K and Mg with increasing CEC were suggested as a possible mechanism for this decrease.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bartlett RJ and McIntosh JL (1969) pH-dependant bonding of potassium by a Spodosol. Soil Sci Soc Amer Proc 33: 535–539
Blakemore LC, Searle PL and Daly BK (1981) Methods of chemical analysis of soils. NZ Soil Bur Sci Rep 10A. Wellington: Government Printer
Dougan WK and Wilson AL (1974) The absorptiometric determination of aluminium in water. A comparison of some chromogenic reagents and development of an improved method. Analyst 99: 413–430
During C (1973) Cation exchange capacity at field pH and its relation to the affinity of soils for individual cations. NZJ Agric Res 16: 415–422
During C (1984) Fertilisers and soils in New Zealand farming. Wellington: Government Printer
Edmeades DC (1980) Calcium-magnesium exchange equilibria in a range of New Zealand soils. Aust J Soil Res 18: 251–255
Edmeades DC and Judd MJ (1980) The effects of lime on the magnesium status and equilibria in some New Zealand topsoils. Soil Sci 129: 156–161
Goedert WJ, Corey RB and Syers JK (1975) Lime effects on potassium equilibria in soils of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil. Soil Sci 120: 107–111
Kinniburgh DG and Jackson ML (1982) Concentration and pH dependanceof calcium and zinc adsorption by iron hydrous oxide gel. Soil Sci Soc Amer J 46: 56–61
Lee R (1973) The K/Ca Q/I relation and preferential adsorption sites for potassium. NZ Soil Bur Sci Rep No. 11. Wellington: Government Printer
Maes A and Cremers A (1979) Cation exchange in clay minerals: some recent developments. In: Bolt GH (ed) Soil Chemistry. B Physico-Chemical Models. New York: Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, pp. 205–232
McLean EO (1965) Aluminium. In Black CA (ed.) Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 2. Agronomy No. 9, Madison, American Society of Agronomy, pp. 978–998
Phillips IR, Black AS and Cameron KC (1988) Effects of lime and phosphate, and subsequent leaching on the cation exchange capacity of soil with variable charge (accepted by Geoderma)
Salmon RC (1964) Cation exchange reactions. J Soil Sci 15: 273–283
Schalscha EB, Pratt PF and de Andrade L (1975) Potassium-calcium exchange equilibria in volcanic ash soils. Soil Sci Soc amer Proc 39: 1069–1072
Tate KR and Theng BKG (1980) Organic matter and its interactions with inorganic soil constituents. In: Theng BKG (ed.) Soils With Variable Charge. NZ Soc Soil Sci, Lower Hutt, New Zealand, pp 225–249
Tinker PB (1964) Studies on soil potassium. IV. Equilibrium cation activity ratios and responses to potassium fertiliser of Nigerian oil palms. J Soil Sci 15: 35–41
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Phillips, I.R., Black, A.S. & Cameron, K.C. Effect of cation exchange on the distribution and movement of cations in soils with variable charge. I. Effect of lime on potassium and magnesium exchange equilibria. Fertilizer Research 17, 21–30 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01050454
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01050454