Phosphorus sorption in relation to soil properties in some cultivated Swedish soils

Phosphorus (P) sorption properties are poorly documented for Swedish soils. In this study, P sorption capacity and its relation to soil properties were determined and evaluated in 10 representative Swedish topsoils depleted in available P. P sorption indices were estimated from sorption isotherms using Langmuir and Freundlich equations (Xm and aF, respectively) and P buffering capacity (PBC). Xm ranged from 6.0 to 12.2 mmol kg−1. All indices obtained from sorption isotherms were significantly correlated with each other (r=0.96*** to r=0.99***). Two single-point sorption indices (PSI1 and PSI2) were also determined, with additions of 19.4 and 50 mmol P kg−1 soil, respectively. Both PSI indices were well correlated with Xm (r≥0.98***), with PSI1 giving the highest correlation. As isotherms for determining P sorption capacities involve laborious analytical operations, PSI1 would be preferable for routine analyses. Xm was significantly correlated with Fe extracted by sodium pyrophosphate and ammonium oxalate, to Al extracted by ammonium oxalate and dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate and to organic c. Xm was also significantly correlated with the sum of Fe and Al extracted by ammonium oxalate. The best prediction of Xm through multiple regression was obtained when Fe extracted in ammonium oxalate and Al extracted in dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate were used. Based on the results obtained, both PSI1 and oxalate-extractable Fe plus Al can be used for predicting P sorption capacity in Swedish soils.