Transformations of applied magnesium in soil

Abstract

Ail incubation study was taken up with two acid soils (laterite and Kuttanad alluvium), three sources of Mg (MgSO4.7H2O, magnesite and dolomite) and three levels of Mg (1250, 2500 and 3750 MgO kg ha'1) at field capacity. The rate of release of Mg from different sources was in the order of their solubility i.e., MgSO4.7H2O > magnesite > dolomite. The retention of available Mg was more in treatments with magnesite. The Mg fractions and pH were found to increase with increased levels of application MgO. Magnesite was superior to other sources in supplying available Mg and exchangeable Mg in both the soils.