Abstract
By applying a modified gel permeation technique, the molecular-size distribution (MSD) and complexing properties of water-soluble organic matter (WSOM), isolated from the Ah horizon under stands with either Douglas-fir, European beech or Scots pine were established. Both with respect to MSD and complexing properties, the dissolved organic matter was highly similar. WSOM was comprised of compounds apparently high in molecular weight (>1 kDa) and with a complexing capacity of 1.0±0.1 μmol mg−1 carbon as determined for Cu(II) at pH 5.5 and 0.01 M ionic strength. The effect of WSOM on the partitioning of cations between soil solid phase and soil solution was evaluated in several soil batch experiments using loamy sand or sandy soil material. Although a large part of WSOM was sorbed to the soil matrix, Al, Cu, Fe and Pb were solubilized in considerable amounts by complexation. The Mn concentration in the soil solution was also significantly increased but this probably resulted from a redox reaction, with certain constituents of WSOM serving as electron donor. With a decrease in soil pH, cation mobilization by WSOM was significantly lower as a result of increased sorption and a decrease in complexing capacity of the soluble organics. Application of several low MW aliphatic and phenolic acids gave results similar to the results obtained with WSOM.
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Kuiters, A.T., Mulder, W. Water-soluble organic matter in forest soils. Plant Soil 152, 215–224 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00029091
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00029091