Effect of organic and inorganic acids on the release of nutrients in calcareous soils

Effect of organic and inorganic acids in calcareous soils of Iran has not been properly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic acids of acetic, citric and oxalic acid and mineral acids of sulfuric and phosphoric acid on the soil pH and EC and release of essential nutrients in soil solution.
To investigate for releasing nutrient by organic and inorganic acids, the two calcareous loamy soil samples were used. Extraction of soil with solutions of citric, acetic, oxalic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid in concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 mM (25 ml of solution and 10 grams of soil) and deionized water as control for 1 hours was done. The pH value and electrical conductivity of solutions were measured immediately after extraction. Concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, nitrate, iron, zinc, copper and manganese was measured in the obtained extract.
In general, the pH value of the soil extractions decreased after one hour between 0.03 to 1.66 unit. The pH reduction was almost the same in both soils. The pH value was reduced with increasing acid concentration. Phosphoric acid treatment with 10 mM concentration in both soil samples showed the greatest decrease in pH. Various concentrations of organic and inorganic acids had a significant positive effect on released phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, ammonium and micronutrients. The highest released P, Ca, Mg and ammonium with amount of 4.23, 1078, 2797 and 67.2 mg per kg of soil respectively and also the highest amount of Zn and Cu with amount of 61 and 74 µg per kg of soil was seen in 10 mM concentration of acetic acid in soil 2. The highest released K and nitrate with amount of 673 and 247 mg per kg of soil respectively was seen in 10 mM concentration of phosphoric acid in soil 2. The highest released Fe and Mn with amount of 5420 and 10320 µg per kg of soil respectively was seen in 10 mM concentration of citric acid in soil 2.
The results of this study showed that the use of organic and inorganic acids in the soil, depend on acid type caused the release of essential nutrients in short time (1 hour) in the soil solution. Also phosphoric acid has the greatest effect on soil pH reduction.
The results of this study showed that the use of organic and inorganic acids in the soil, depend on acid type caused the release of essential nutrients in short time (1 hour) in the soil solution. Also phosphoric acid has the greatest effect on soil pH reduction.