THE PHOSPHATE-SORPTION EQUILIBRIUM IN SOILS

The phosphate-sorption equilibrium in genetically different soils and its transition to a higher level under the effect of freshly applied a nd residual phosphates has been studied. The expediency of the mainten ance of a given phosphate status is governed by the correspondence of the equilibrium concentration and the amount of sorbed phosphates with their uptake by plants. The disturbance of natural equilibrium in the soil-fertilizer system leads to a sharp decrease in the phosphate buf fering capacity of soil.