ABSTRACT
Effect of organic matter on soil availability of phosphorous, iron, copper and zinc in Osorno

María Aguilera S.1, Inés Pino U.2, Cristián Reyes de la P.1 y Mario Caiozzi M.1
 

A greater availability of P and other nutrients was observed in studies using algae and other vegetable residues as fertilizers. In order to discover some of the chemico-biological mechanisms involued, a study was done using carbohydrates, manitol and cellulose, of varying complexity so as to determine their effect on the availability of phosphorus and the micronutrients Fe, Cu and Zn. A study was done using ballica Manawa (Lolium perenne) as indicator plant cultivated in Osorno. Three cuts every 20 days were performed, collecting the aerial section. P, Fe, Cu and Zn were determined in the vegetable material. The P available in the soil was determined at the end of the experience. The results show that adding organic matter favors the release of the fixed phosphorous as well as that of the micronutrients Fe and Cu in the soil. The greater P availability in the soil was determined at the end of the experience.

Keywords: volcanic soils, organic matter, algae, P availability, microelements.
1 Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 233, Santiago, Chile.
2 Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear. Nueva Bilbao 12501, Santiago, Chile.