Geochemical processes and nutrient uptake by plants in hydric soils

Abstract

Soil reduction caused by flooding has profound effects on species adaptation and min- eral nutrition of higher plants. Anaerobic conditions inhibit normal root respiration of higher plants. Alternate metabolic pathways may be utilized in combination with the development of anatomical characteristics that result in the internal movement of oxygen to the roots. Soil organisms use other oxidants when the oxygen supply is interrupted, which results in profound changes in oxidative states of many metals and nonmetals, and changes in soil reaction and conductivity. The products of re- duction are primarily nitrogen gas, manganous manganese, ferrous iron, sulfide sulfur, methane, and organic acids. These reduction products alter the availability of soil nutrients and can drasti- cally alter the soil acidity. Plant-soil interactions on flooded soils can sometimes be altered, as has been demonstrated by the use of phosphorus fertilizer on southern pine and zinc on rice.

Citation

McKee, William H.; McKevlin, Martha R. 1993. Geochemical processes and nutrient uptake by plants in hydric soils. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 12(12): 2197-2207.