Sorption and bioavailability of phosphorus during the drainage period of flooded-drained soils

Summary Changes in P sorption and bioavailability were studied with 4 soils previously flooded and drained as occurs in rice-based cropping systems. Phosphorus sorption was measured at 15 and 119 days after drainage and the bioavailability of added and native soil-P was determined at 9, 16, 30, 45, 70 and 135 days in both flooded-drained and unflooded soils. The P sorptivity and bonding energy of sorption increased under flooded-drained soil conditions. At 119 days after drainage the P sorptivity and bonding energy of sorption decreased as compared to 15 days after drainage. The P sorptivity of the flooded-drained soils, however, did not reach the same levels as existed in the soils prior to flooding. The bioavailability of P during the drainage period remained low and did not measurably change up to 70 days after drainage. At 135 days after drainage the bioavailability of P increased significantly, but did not reach the level found in the corresponding unflooded soils.