Taking the Next Step: Exploration of Naturally Produced, Organic Compounds to Alter the Mobility and Lability of Soil Elements.

Research over the last couple of decades provides evidence to suggest that organic compounds produced by higher plants, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms possess the ability to increase/decrease the bioavailability/bioaccessibility of nutrients and contaminants in soil. These reactions can be as simple as acidolysis by low molecular weight organic acids or include complex, multi-compound interactions involving redox driven processes and ligand promoted dissolution of soil elements. Investigation into these types of systems is potentially beneficial to humans by providing opportunities to increase fertilizer use efficiency and in situ stabilization of contaminants in brownfields. The objective of this study is to examine the mechanisms and factors that influence the effect of naturally produced, organic compounds on lead (Pb) and phosphorus (P) cycling in the soil. Presented results will emphasize ways in which soil manipulations can affect Pb and P lability.