Combining spectroscopic and isotopic techniques gives a dynamic view of phosphorus cycling in soil
Abstract
Current understanding of phosphorus (P) cycling in soils can be enhanced by integrating previously discrete findings concerning P speciation, exchange kinetics, and the underlying biological and geochemical processes. Here, we combine sequential extraction with P K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and isotopic methods (33P and 18O in phosphate) to characterize P cycling on a climatic gradient in Hawaii. We link P pools to P species and estimate the turnover times for commonly considered P pools. Dissolved P turned over in seconds, resin-extractable P in minutes, NaOH-extractable inorganic P in weeks to months, and HCl-extractable P in years to millennia. Furthermore, we show that in arid-zone soils, some primary mineral P remains even after 150 ky of soil development, whereas in humid-zone soils of the same age, all P in all pools has been biologically cycled. The integrative information we provide makes possible a more dynamic, process-oriented conceptual model of P cycling in soils. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000283995Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Nature CommunicationsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
NatureOrganisational unit
03427 - Frossard, Emmanuel / Frossard, Emmanuel
03427 - Frossard, Emmanuel / Frossard, Emmanuel
03427 - Frossard, Emmanuel / Frossard, Emmanuel
03541 - Kretzschmar, Ruben / Kretzschmar, Ruben
03427 - Frossard, Emmanuel / Frossard, Emmanuel
Funding
162422 - Forms and dynamics of soil phosphorus along a climosequence on basalt-derived soils (CLIMP) (SNF)
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