Transfer characteristics of rare earth elements applied in agricultural soils

In order to predict the fate of rare earth elements (REEs) applied to soils for agricultural purposes, a series of experiments including the adsorptio n-desorption, diffusion, and transfer of REEs in four kinds of soils, were conducted using radioactive nuclide Ce-141. Results showed that the adsorpt ion rates of Ce (III) were extremely rapid in different soil samples, while the desorption rates of Ce (III), on the contrary, were much slower. The d esorption quantities of Ce (III) differed in different types of soils. The diffusion coefficient of Ce (III) was significantly affected by soil temper ature and moisture. The migration distances of Ce (III) in different soils also varied and were influenced by soil pH.