A model for the behaviour of labile phosphate in soil

Summary The Langmuir two-surface adsorption equation is used to derive a phosphate adsorption characteristic, the maximum buffer capacity, which integrates the intensive and extensive components of adsorption and is independent of P saturation. Changes in the intensities and quantities of labile P and equilibrium buffer capacities resulting from fertilization of a group of 24 soils are shown to be related to the Lamgmuir high-energy adsorption parameters and in particular the maximum buffer capacity.