Assessment of phosphorus adsorption by acid soils in Kabete

Abstract

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient and is important in animal and human nutrition. The element exists in small quantities in soil due to its slow biogeochemical cycle. Adsorption is the adhesion of atoms, ions, liquids, molecules or dissolved solids to a surface. The study will be carried out in Kabete which is located in Nairobi County in Kenya. The study will assess the potential of acidic soils to adsorb phosphorus. The adsorption capacity of the soils will be studied based on two equations: the Freundlich equation and Langmuir equation. Freundlich equation will be used in determination of the soil’s ability to adsorb phosphorus while Langmuir equation will determine the adsorption maximum by the soil. Soil samples will be collected and characterized for pH, organic carbon using the Walkley-Black method, and for extractable phosphorus using double acid. The study will be important in determination of the soil’s ability to retain phosphorus.