Abstract
We measured Al, Fe, and P fractions by horizon in two southern Appalachian forest soil profiles, and compared solution PO4 −1 removal in chloroform-sterilized and non-sterilized soils, to determine whether biological and geochemical P subcycles were vertically stratified in these soils. Because organic matter can inhibit Al and Fe oxide crystallization, we hypothesized that concentrations of non-crystalline (oxalate-extractable) Al (Al0) and Fe (Fe0), and concomitantly P sorption, would be greatest in near-surface mineral (A) horizons of these soils.
Al0 and Fe0 reached maximum concentrations in forest floor and near-surface mineral horizons, declined significantly with depth in the mineral soil, and were highly correlated with P sorption capacity. Small pools of readily acid-soluble (AF-extractable) and readily-desorbable P suggested that PO4 3− was tightly bound to Al and Fe hydroxide surfaces. P sorption in CHCl3-sterilized mineral soils did not differ significantly from P sorption in non-sterilized soils, but CHCl3 sterilization reduced P sorption 40–80% in the forest floor. CHCl3 labile (microbial) P also reached maximum concentrations in forest floor and near-surface mineral horizons, comprising 31–35% of forest floor organic P. Combined with previous estimates of plant root distributions, data suggest that biological and geochemical P subcycles are not distinctly vertically stratified in these soils. Plant roots, soil microorganisms, and P sorbing minerals all reach maximum relative concentrations in near-surface mineral horizons, where they are likely to compete strongly for PO4 3− available in solution.
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Walbridge, M.R., Richardson, C.J. & Swank, W.T. Vertical distribution of biological and geochemical phosphorus subcycles in two southern Appalachian forest soils. Biogeochemistry 13, 61–85 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002876
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002876