Retention of Zinc by Some Arid Zone Soil Materials Treated With Zinc Sulfate

Abstract

Abstract Samples from six orchard soils and 17 type‐location soils were used for laboratory study. Results showed that addition of a concentrated solution of ZnSO 4 to soil resulted in rapid adsorption of Zn, about 75% of the total being accounted for by cation exchange during the first minute. Subsequent rate of conversion from exchangeable to acid extractable form varied widely among soils. The main factors that accounted for the extent of Zn retention were CEC and pH; there appeared to be no significant relation to available P.