Transformation-dissolution reactions partially explain adverse effects of metallic silver nanoparticles to soil nitrification in different soils.

Risk assessment of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is critically affected by the concern that toxicity goes beyond that of the metallic ion. The present study addressed this concern for soils with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Ag-sensitive nitrification assay. Three agricultural soils (A, B, and C) were spiked with equivalent doses of either AgNP (diameter = 13 nm) or AgNO .

Colloidal-Bound Polyphosphates and Organic Phosphates Are Bioavailable: A Nutrient Solution Study.

Colloidal forms of Fe(III) minerals can be stabilized in solution by coatings of organic or poly-phosphate (P), which reduce the zeta-potential. This opens up a route toward the development of nanoforms of P fertilizers. However, it is unclear if such P forms are bioavailable.

Phosphorus resource partitioning shapes phosphorus acquisition and plant species abundance in grasslands.

Species diversity is commonly hypothesized to result from trade-offs for different limiting resources, providing separate niches for coexisting species. As soil nutrients occur in multiple chemical forms, plant differences in acquisition of the same element derived from different compounds may represent unique niche dimensions. Because plant productivity of ecosystems is often limited by phosphorus, and because plants have evolved diverse adaptations to acquire soil phosphorus, a promising yet untested hypothesis is phosphorus resource partitioning.

Polyphosphates and Fulvates Enhance Environmental Stability of PO-Bearing Colloidal Iron Oxyhydroxides.

Iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) are natural vectors of phosphate (PO) in the environment. Their mobility is determined by colloidal stability, which is affected by surface composition. This might be manipulated in engineered NPs for environmental or agricultural applications.