Phosphorus fractions in soils with distinct mineralogy and their relationship with phosphate buffer capacity indicators in Brazil

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important elements used in fertilizing soils in tropical regions due to the low efficiency of phosphate fertilization. This work aimed to fractionate inorganic P (Pi) in tropical soils of different mineralogical compositions and to relate these fractions with their respective phosphate buffer capacity (PBC) indicators. The soils were characterized physically, chemically and mineralogically. Additionally, we evaluated the P concentration that remained in solution of soil after equilibrium was met; this was termed P remaining (P-rem). In general, the Pi fractions of soils did not correlate with the PBC indicators. The P-H2O fraction showed a negative correlation with the P-Al fraction. Ferric minerals did not influence P fixation. P-rem showed a strong correlation with the maximum P adsorption capacity, adsorption energy, and the amorphous and crystalline forms of Fe. The minerals of aluminum contributed the most to P fixation. P-rem was the best estimator of PBC. The soils with high, moderate and low rates of P fixation showed high amounts of the fractions P-Al, P-Ca, and P-Fe, respectively. The results showed that P fixation was influenced by the fractions of P in the soil, suggesting that the efficiency of phosphate fertilizers in tropical soils depends on the mineralogy of the clay fraction within those soils.