Effects of storage on the soluble phosphorus and potassium content of some Derbyshire soils.
Abstract
Samples from three soils were analysed weekly during six weeks of storage at 5 deg C; at 20 deg C and at field capacity; at 20 deg C after air-drying, or drying at 40 or 100 deg C. Most treatments resulted in marked, sometimes very great, increases in soluble P and K, as compared to samples analysed immediately after collection. The storage effect was not negated by moistening of samples prior to analysis. Samples from these soils (untilled, of high organic matter) should therefore be analysed immediately after collection, particularly for the study of seasonal variations.