Metla Project 3515
Application of DGT-methods for determination of nutrient and trace element bioavailability in soil
Duration: 2009-2011
Keywords: arsenic, ash, bioavailability, cadmium, fertilization, forest soil, peat
Research Programme: Bioenergy from Forests
Objectives
There are significant gaps in the knowledge on environmental chemistry of many nutrients and trace elements in forest soils. In particular, their bioavailability in the soil - plant system is not fully understood and cannot be accurately measured by current methodology in standard use. The aim of this project is to study the suitability of DGT-techniques (Diffusive Gradients in Thin films) for estimating the bioavailable and/or mobile pool of elements in forest soil by comparing results obtained by DGT to those obtained by more traditional soil extraction techniques and to the element uptake of test plants.
The DGT technique (Diffusive gradients in thin films) uses a chelating resin separated from the soil by a diffusive gel, so that metal uptake by the DGT- device is controlled by diffusion. The chelating resin absorbs selectively the element under interest, e.g. chelex bounds many trace metals, FeO phosphates and AgI sulphates. BaCl2- and acid ammonium acetate extractions will be used as reference techniques for soil samples and plant material will be wet digested prior to analysis by ICP-AES (-MS).
Field sites used for soil sampling and in situ testing will be chosen from the long-term ash fertilization experiment plots (project334002) and from the experimental catchment areas of peatland forest energy harvesting project (347702), as well as from permanent plots of long-term monitoring of forest ecosystems (3153).
Project leader:
Nieminen, Tiina
The Finnish Forest Research Institute,
Vantaa Unit,
PO Box 18 (Jokiniemenkuja 1), FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 5457
E-mail: tiina.nieminen@metla.fi
Other researchers:
Laitila, Juha, JO (2009), Ukonmaanaho, Liisa, VA (2009-11)
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Updated 02.02.2013
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