Immobilization of Cu and As in two contaminated soils with zero-valent iron – Long-term performance and mechanisms

Immobilization of trace elements in contaminated soils by zero-valent iron (ZVI) is a promising remediation method, but questions about its long-term performance remain unanswered. To quantify immobilization and predict possible contaminant remobilization on long timescales detailed knowledge about immobilization mechanisms is needed. This study aimed at assessing the long-term effect of ZVI amendments on dissolved copper and arsenic in contaminated soils, at exploring the immobilization mechanism(s), and at setting up a geochemical model able to estimate dissolved copper and arsenic under different scenarios. Samples from untreated and ZVI-treated plots in two field experiments where ZVI had been added 6 and 15 years ago were investigated by a combination of batch experiments, geochemical modeling and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Dissolved copper and arsenic concentrations were described by a multisurface geochemical model with surface complexation reactions, verified by EXAFS. The ZVI remained “reactive” after 6–15 years, i.e. the dissolved concentrations of copper and arsenic were lower in the ZVI-treated than in the untreated soils. There was a shift in copper speciation from organic matter complexes in the untreated soil to surface complexes with iron (hydr)oxides in the ZVI-treated soil. The pH value was important for copper immobilization and ZVI did not have a stabilizing effect if pH was lower than about 6. Immobilization of arsenic was slightly pH-dependent and sensitive to the competition with phosphate. If phosphate was ignored in the modeling, the dissolution of arsenate was greatly underestimated.     

Reclamation of calcareous saline–sodic soil using different amendments: Time changes of soluble cations in leachate

Soil salinity and sodicity are escalating problems worldwide, especially in arid and semiarid regions. A laboratory experiment was conducted using soil column to investigate leaching of soluble cations during reclamation process of a calcareous saline–sodic soil (CaCO₃?=?20.7%, electrical conductivity (EC)?=?19.8 dS m^?1, sodium absorption ratio (SAR)?=?32.2[meq L^?1]^0.5). The amendments consisted of control, cattle manure (50 g kg^?1), pistachio residue (50 g kg^?1), gypsum (5.2 g kg^?1; equivalent of gypsum requirement), manure + gypsum and pistachio residue + gypsum, in three replicates which were mixed thoroughly with the soil, while sulfuric acid as an amendment was added to irrigation water. To reflect natural conditions, after incubation period, an intermittent irrigation method was employed every 30 days. The results showed that EC, SAR, and soluble cations of leachate for the first irrigation step were significantly higher than those of the subsequent leaching runs. Moreover, the concentration of removed soluble cations was lower for the control and gypsum-treated soils. It was found that among applied amendments, treatments containing cattle manure showed higher concentrations of sodium, calcium, and magnesium in the leachate, while due to pistachio residue application, further amount of potassium was removed out of soil column. The addition of pistachio residue resulted in the highest reduction in soil salinity and sodicity since the final EC and exchangeable sodium percentage dropped to 18.0% and 11.6% of their respective initial values, respectively. In the calcareous soil, solubility of gypsum found to be limited, in contrast, when it was added in conjunction with organic amendments, greater amounts of sodium were leached.     

Effect of amendment on phytoextraction of arsenic by Vetiveria Zizanioides from soil

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the growth response of Vetiveria zizanioides amended with organic amendments to arsenic (As) in contaminated soils and its ability to sequester As. The test results indicate that the plants exhibited high tolerance to As in the soils and their normal growth continued even though As concentration reached 500 mg/kg. However, when As concentrations in soils were in the range of 1000～2000 mg/kg the plants could not survive no matter whether the soils were amended. The accumulation of As in roots (185.4 mg/kg) was higher than that in shoots (100.6 mg/kg). The As level in the contaminated soil was reduced from 500 mg/kg to 214 mg/kg after six months of As phytoextraction. Microbial population was not affected in the As contaminated soil amended with dairy sludge, mycorrhizae and Azotobacter.     

The effect of organic materials on the mobility and toxicity of metals in contaminated soils

Organic materials such as compost are often proposed as suitable materials for the remediation of contaminated brownfield sites intended for soft end-use. In addition to vitalising the soil, they are also believed to immobilise metals thereby breaking contaminant-receptor pathways and reducing the ecotoxicity of the contaminants. However, some research has demonstrated contradictory effects between composts on metal immobilisation. In the present study, four different composts and a liming product containing organic matter (LimeX70) were tested to examine both their metal retention and toxicity reduction capabilities on three different metal contaminated soils. Leaching tests, a plant growth test with Greek cress (Lepidium sativum), an earthworm (Eisenia fetida) survival and condition test and a bacterial toxicity test using Vibrio fischeri were carried out. The leaching test results showed that spent mushroom compost caused an increase in metal concentration in the leachates, while LimeX70 caused a decrease. The variation in behaviour between different amendments for each soil was high, so a generic conclusion could not be drawn. Toxicity tests showed significant reduction of metal bioavailability and toxicity for Greek cress, earthworms and bacteria. The results also suggest that more research should be undertaken to understand the mechanisms involved in metal complexation using different types of organic matter, in order to optimise the use of organic materials like compost for soil remediation.     

长期定量施肥对土壤有机碳储量和土壤呼吸影响

利用1989年在河南省封丘县潮土上建立的用于研究有机肥（用小麦秸秆和饼肥沤制）和化学肥料对土壤有机碳和土壤生产力影响的长期定位试验，于2002年6月至2003年6月在玉米—小麦轮作期内对土壤呼吸进行了研究。试验包括化肥氮磷钾（NKP）、氮磷（NP）、氮钾（NK）、磷钾（PK）、有机肥（OM）、一半化学氮肥和一半有机氮（1/2OM）以及不施肥（CK）7个处理。试验结果表明：以有机肥或以化肥形式配合施用NPK不但可以极大提高土壤生产力，而且有益于增加土壤有机碳储量。有机肥对土壤有机碳含量的提高作用显著高于化肥。玉米生长期的土壤呼吸占全年呼吸量的56%～59%，小麦生长期只占32%～37%。土壤有机碳储量和土壤呼吸量与有机物质的投入有关。综合考虑经济效益（籽粒产量）和环境效益（全球变化），最佳的肥料配比是有机肥料和无机肥料配合施用，寻求合理可行的有机肥和化肥配合比率是实现农业土壤生产功能和环境功能协调统一的关键。     

Nitrogen,phosphorus and organic carbon pools in natural and transplanted marsh soils

Total nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon were compared in natural and transplanted estuarine marsh soils (top 30 cm) to assess nutrient storage in transplanted marshes. Soils were sampled in five transplanted marshes ranging in age from 1 to 15 yr and in five nearby natural marshes along the North Carolina coast. Dry weight of macroorganic matter (MOM), soil bulk density, pH, humic matter, and extractable P also were measured. Nutrient pools increased with increasing marsh age and hydroperiod. Nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon pools were largest in soils of irregularly flooded natural marshes. The contribution of MOM to marsh nutrient reservoirs was 6–45%, 2–22%, and 1–7% of the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. Rates of nutrient accumulation in transplanted marshes ranged from 2.6–10.0, 0.03–1.10, and 84–218 kmol ha^?1yr^?1 of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon, respectively. Accumulation rates were greater in the irregularly flooded marshes compared to the regularly flooded marshes. Approximately 11 to 12% and 20% of the net primary production of emergent vegetation was buried in sediments of the regularly flooded and irregularly flooded transplanted marshes, respectively. Macroorganic matter nutrient pools develop rapidly in transplanted marshes and may approximate natural marshes within 15 to 30 yr. However, development of soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus reservoirs takes considerably longer.     

Iodine in the reclaimed upland soils of a farm in the Exmoor National Park,Devon, U.K. and its impact on livestock health

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans, yet its behaviour in the soil environment is not clearly understood. This study centres on one farm in the Exmoor National Park. Southwest England, typical of many stock farms in North Devon where livestock grazing upland pastures suffer from iodine deficiency disorders. This area is not characteristic of many other recognized areas of endemic iodine deficiency, in that it is: proximal to the ocean; underlain by sandstones; not enriched in fluorine, calcium or arsenic; and has not been glacially scoured. Iodine deficiency disorders in this area are also a relatively recent phenomenon, associated with improved upland grazing. In addition to the identification of the local sources of iodine, the distribution of iodine btween reclaimed and unreclaimed moorland soils and the differing capacities of reclaimed and unreclaimed soils to retain iodine were also examined. This paper asserts that moorland soil reclamation is an important factor in the aetiology of iodine deficiency disorders in grazing cattle. The processes of ploughing, drainage and liming are thought to reduce the capacity of upland soils to retain iodine in a bioavailable form.     

Sorption of inorganic mercury and monomethyl mercury in an iron–humus podzol soil of southern Norway studied by batch experiments

Considerable fractions of the Hg content of lake and river systems in Scandinavia are discharged from the soil of the catchments. An important soil type in Scandinavia is the iron–humus podzol. The sorption characteristics of this soil type for inorganic Hg(II) and monomethyl mercury were investigated by batch experiments. The solubility of Hg²⁺ and CH₃Hg⁺ in the soil horizons containing organic matter increases with increasing pH of the soil solution by favoring the formation of solute organic matter–mercury complexes. While the solubility of Hg²⁺ is strongly dependent on complexation to dissolved organic matter, the solubility of CH₃Hg⁺ is more dependent on ion exchange. The concentration of solute inorganic Hg(II) increased with increasing temperature probably because of an increase in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon. There was no effect of temperature on the concentration of solute CH₃Hg⁺. At pH values where inorganic mercury–hydroxo complexes are formed, inorganic Hg(II) is efficiently sorbed to the metal oxides of the mineral soil. The soil–water distributions of inorganic Hg(II) in the different soil horizons were described by Freundlich isotherms or linear isotherms for common and contaminated mercury contents in the soils.     

Simulation of polychlorinated biphenyls transport in the vadose zone

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the main constituents of clophen (the liquid of the electric transformers and capacitors) and have been characterized as potential human carcinogens. PCBs can be a hazardous contaminant of soil and groundwater. We used the mathematical model variably saturated 2D flow and transport (VS2DT model) to simulate the transport of PCBs from the soil surface to groundwater for a time period of 30 years. We also used a mathematical model to simulate the colloid-facilitated PCB transport, under saturated flow conditions. The results showed that PCBs dissolved in water cannot be transported to large depths in unsaturated soils, because of their strong sorption onto soil and low solubility in water. For soils with very low or no organic matter content, PCB transport is much faster and the probability of groundwater contamination is much higher. PCBs can partition to colloids originating from dissolved organic matter in groundwater. Colloid-facilitated PCB transport is faster compared to PCB transport in aqueous solution with no colloids present.     

Arsenic in soil, vegetation and water of a contaminated region

Arsenic concentrations of surface waters, soils and plants were surveyed in three contaminated villages of Bijar County. Total arsenic in water samples (4.5 to 280 μg/L) was correlated with electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, total hardness, alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate, calcium and sodium (p<0.001). Total arsenic in the soils ranged from 105.4 to 1500 mg/kg. Some of the soil factors play an important role in soil arsenic content and its bioavailability for organisms. In general, the arsenic concentrations in plants were low, especially in the most common wild species. Among 13 plant species, the highest mean arsenic concentration was found in leaves of Mentha Longifolia (79.4 mg/kg). Arsenic levels in soils and plants were positively correlated, while the ability of the plants to accumulate the element, expressed by their biological accumulation coefficients and arsenic transfer factors, was independent of the soil arsenic concentration. Relationships between the arsenic concentrations in plants, soils and surface water and the environmental aspects of these relationships have been discussed in comparison with literature data. The accumulation of arsenic in environmental samples (soil, sediment, water, plant, etc.) poses a potential risk to human health due to the transfer of this element in aquatic media, their uptake by plants and subsequent introduction into the food chain.     

Geochemical modeling for predicting potential solid phases controlling the dissolved molybdenum in coal overburden,Powder River Basin,WY, U.S.A.

Surface coal mining processes may increase the dissolved Mo concentrations in overburden (mine spoils) and in nearby soils. Spoil and soil samples were subjected to solubility studies for determining potential solid phases controlling the dissolved Mo. Additionally, native soil samples were included in the study for comparison. Ion activity products (IAPs) were calculated from the total elemental concentrations of aqueous extracts and compared with solubility products (K_sps) of Mo solid phases. Effects of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on metal ion complexation were also evaluated. The pH of aqueous extracts ranged from 7.14 to 8.31. DOC in aqueous extracts varied from 17.3 to 58.7 mg/l. Molybdenum concentrations in aqueous extracts ranged between 11.5 and 35.6 μg/l for spoils, 13.5 and 20.0 μg/l for soils near mine site and 14.5 and 29.6 μg/l for native soils. Initially, IAPs suggested varying degrees of supersaturation with respect to wulfenite (PbMoO₄). However, when DOC-Pb²⁺ complexes were considered, the IAPs indicated a close approach to saturation with respect to PbMoO₄. Furthermore, the IAPs suggested a high degree of undersaturation with respect to powellite (CaMoO₄) and ferrimolybdite (FeMoO₄). Results in this study suggest the dissolved Mo concentrations in mine spoils and soils that are near coal mine may be controlled by PbMoO₄ solid phase.     

Arsenic mobilization in alluvial soils of Punjab, North–West India under flood irrigation practices

A laboratory investigation was carried out to examine the mechanism of arsenic (As) mobilization under flooded conditions (24 and 240 h) in 18 alluvial soils of Punjab, North–West India. Total dissolved As increased from a range of 3–16 μg L^?1 (mean 9 μg L^?1) to a range of 33–1,761 μg L^?1 (mean 392 μg L^?1) with the increase in flooding period from 24 to 240 h. The amount of As mobilization varied depending upon redox potential (pe) created by flooding conditions. After 24 h of flooded conditions, pe of soil water suspension ranged from ?1.75 to 0.77 (mean ?0.24). Increasing the flooding period to 240 h, pe of soil water suspension decreased in the range of ?4.49 to ?2.74 (mean ?3.29). Pourbaix diagram identified arsenate (HAsO₄ ^2?) as predominant species in most of the alluvial soil–water suspensions under oxidized conditions, after 24 h of equilibration period, which ultimately transformed to arsenite (H₃AsO₃ ⁰) after 240 h of anaerobic condition due to more reduced status. The solid phase identified was orpiment (As₂S₃). Identification of iron and manganese species in alluvial soil water suspension by Pourbaix diagram indicated decline in both soluble Fe²⁺ and SO₄ ^2? concentration due to the formation of iron sulfide mineral phase after 240 h under anaerobic conditions. In these soils, decline in soluble Fe was also due to the precipitation of vivianite [Fe₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O]. Elevated arsenic content and low pe value were measured in aquifers located in paddy growing fields comparative to aquifers of other sites. Large degree of variability in As concentrations was recorded in aquifers located at same sites. Thus, it is better to analyze each aquifer for their As content rather than to depends on the prediction on As content of neighbouring wells. The present investigation elucidates that flood irrigation practices in Punjab for growing paddy crop could induce the geochemical conditions favorable to mobilize arsenic from surface soils which could eventually elevate its content in the underlying shallow aquifers. Water abstracted from these aquifers by hand pumps or tube wells for drinking purposes could create hazards for local population due to loading with arsenic concentration above the safe limits. Thus, to avoid further contamination of shallow aquifers with arsenic, it is advisable to shift the flooded rice cultivation to other upland crops having lesser water requirement.     

Arsenate sorption by reduced and reoxidised rice soils under the influence of organic matter amendments

Arsenic (As) sorptivity and acetate (pH 4.8) and oxalate (pH 3.0) extractable iron levels were monitored for 180 d, during and after flooding of two As contaminated soils. The effects of three different organic matter supplements/amendments, for example farm yard manure (FYM), municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) and sewage-sludge (SS) on the above parameter were also examined. In nonflooded soils, As sorptivity was mainly influenced by clay content. On flooding, there were large increases in acetate, oxalate extractable iron and As sorptivity. Organic matter addition increased the same parameters. Among the organic matters, SS showed greater effect on As sorption followed by MSWC and FYM. During flooding, As sorption is mainly dependent upon poorly crystalline iron oxide. During oxidation of previously flooded soils, levels of As sorptivity, acetate and oxalate extractable iron decreased rapidly, but did not return to the levels occurring before reduction. SS and MSWC served as binding agents for native and irrigation water As, thereby moderating the rapid As mobilization to the crop rizosphere.     

An assessment of the utilization of waste resources for the immobilization of Pb and Cu in the soil from a Korean military shooting range

Military shooting range soils contaminated by heavy metals have been subjected to remediation efforts to alleviate the detrimental effects of exposure on humans and the surrounding environment. Waste materials can be used as cost-effective soil amendments to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated soils. In this study, naturally occurring lime-based waste materials including egg shells, oyster shells, and mussel shells were assessed for their effectiveness toward heavy metal immobilization in military shooting range soil in Korea. Soil was treated in batch leaching experiments with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% of each lime-based waste material. The results showed that the lime-based waste materials effectively reduced water-soluble Pb at an application rate of 2.5% by weight of the soil. Increase in soil pH from 6.6 to 8.0 was considered to be the main chemistry of Pb immobilization, which was supported by the formation of insoluble Pb species at high pH values as confirmed by the visual MINTEQ thermodynamic model. In contrary, water-soluble Cu was increased in the lime-based waste material-treated soils when compared to the untreated soil. This was likely attributed to the formation of soluble Cu?CDOC (dissolved organic carbon) complexes as all lime-based waste materials applied increased DOC contents in the soil. Therefore, care must be taken in selecting the appropriate amendment for immobilizing metals in shooting range soils.     

Effects of soil types and forms of arsenical pesticide on rice growth and development

For decades, repeated and widespread use of arsenical pesticides has significantly contributed to arsenic contamination in soils. Residues from the overuse of these arsenicals may result in phytotoxicity to crops, which will depend on soil types, plant species and the toxicity of arsenical pesticides. A greenhouse column study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two pesticides, i.e. one organic (dimethylarsinic acid) and one inorganic (sodium arsenate), on the vegetative response of rice as a function of soil properties. Four soils with varying arsenic retention capabilities at two different pesticide amendment rates (675 and 1500 mg/kg) representing the worst case scenarios in superfund sites were used. Results showed that arsenic availability to rice was mainly influenced by soil physicochemical properties. The soil with the lowest arsenic retention capacity had the highest arsenic concentration in the leachate as well as in the plant tissue. In contrast, for soils with higher arsenic retention capacity, higher concentrations of arsenic were found in the surface soil which resulted in the inhibition of plant growth. There was no significant difference between labile arsenic / plant-available arsenic irrespective of the form of arsenical pesticide used. Plant growth parameters such as biomass, shoot height, root length decreased with increased arsenic concentrations in all soils. A significant negative correlation (P<0.05) was observed between the phytoavailable arsenic and plant growth response. Interestingly, the form of arsenical pesticide used did not impact arsenic uptake or shoot growth but significantly impacted root growth.     

Environmental pollution induced by heavy metal(loid)s from pig farming

The development of intensive and large-scale livestock farming, such as pig husbandry, is significantly increasing the amount of manure globally. Mineral additives are commonly used in animal feed, and heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) are introduced to the feed via incomplete purification processes of those mineral additives, which leads to inevitable environmental pollution by HMs in conjunction with manure production. When these toxic-metal-containing manures are used as fertilizer, the HMs accumulate in soils and crops, which further causes potential risks to human health and the ecological environment. In this review, the focus is on seven HMs that are related to human activities or frequently contained in animal feed, including copper, zinc, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and arsenic. The toxicities of these HMs and the elimination methods to reduce the HM toxicity of pig manure when it is added to soil, i.e., liquid–solid separation, adsorption, bioleaching, and composting, are summarized. The ultimate aim of this review is to outline the systematic pollution management strategies for HMs from pig farming.     

Linking dissolved organic carbon, acetate and denitrification in agricultural soils

This study focuses on the factors affecting nitrate removal via microbial denitrification in agricultural soils, and particularly on the quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon. To assess the relationship among dissolved organic carbon, nitrate and low molecular weight organic acids (acetate and formate), grids of ceramic suction cups were established in the four most representative soil types of the lower Po River floodplain, cropped with maize. Results highlighted a direct relation between acetate and dissolved organic carbon in all sites. The best fit was obtained in soils were the main source of organic carbon was the maize residues. By comparing dissolved organic carbon and acetate versus nitrate concentration revealed that acetate can be used as a better proxy for denitrification in the field with respect to dissolved organic carbon.     

Using different amendments to reduce heavy metals movement in soils

With long-term use of sewage waste, heavy metals can accumulate to phytotoxic levels and resulted in reduced plant growth and/or enhanced metal concentrations in plants, as a result food chain. If these metals penetrate too rapidly in a particular soil, especially with high water table, they can pollute ground water supplies. The aim of this research is prevention of movement of waste water-borne heavy metals in soils of southern parts of Tehran. These waste waters are used for irrigation of agricultural lands at southern regions since many years ago. For this purpose, 6 soil samples from southern parts of Tehran city and 2 ones from Zanjan city without lime and organic matter were selected. In laboratory, sorption capacities of the soils for Ni, Cd and Pb were compared with those of calcite, Nabentonite, zeolite, illite and hematite amendments. The method was carried out by equilibration of known quantities of these adsorbents and soils with solutions containing these elements. The results showed that among the 5 amendments, calcite and Na-bentonite had the greatest sorption percentages of the 3 elements and illite had the least one. The retention capacity of calcite and Na-bentonite for Cd was highest in all 8 soils. However, retention capacities of these 2 minerals for Pb and Ni were higher than those of loamy soils without lime and organic matter and also sandy soils. Because of abundance and low price of calcite, this amendment is preferred to Na-bentonite. Therefore, calcite is recommended for adding to soils with low sorption capacity of Ni, Cd and Pb.     

Dissolved organic nitrogen as an indicator of livestock impacts on soil biochemical quality

Soil degradation in the Mediterranean and other arid and semi-arid regions of the world is caused mainly by cultivation and grazing. A consequence of de-vegetation due to overgrazing has been a decrease in organic matter (litter) input to soil and a decrease of aggregate size and stability making soils more susceptible to erosion and to organic matter losses. This study provided evidence linking the Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON) export from river basins to livestock grazing intensity and the resulting decrease in vegetation. Koiliaris River Basin in Crete was selected to study the effects of livestock grazing on water quality because it offers a unique morphologic situation due to its karstic hydrogeology draining the upland grazing areas through karstic springs. Mass balance calculations of N loads indicated that organic N is behaving as a conservative substance. It is postulated that the two potential mechanisms of Mineralization–Immobilization-Turnover and Direct Uptake did not operate in the degraded soils of the karst and arguments are presented justifying the hypothesis. De-vegetated soils of the area had lower C and N content, the same bacterial count, but lower microbial activity, lower fungi counts and species richness and lower mineralizable N compared to naturally vegetated soils. DON was the predominant N species in both extracted soluble N pools. De-vegetated soils had lower decomposition potential compared to vegetated soils. Mineralization and plant uptake appeared to be restricted and leaching of soluble low aromaticity organic matter was favored. A linear relationship between DON export and livestock N load was obtained for five Greek basins suggesting a mechanism that operates on regional scales. The de-vegetation of grazing lands in Koiliaris River highland calcaric leptosols was shown to be a primary factor causing the decline of soil biochemical quality and DON can be used as a reliable indicator for livestock grazing impacts to soil biochemical quality.     

Soil cation exchange capacity dynamics under bush fallow in South-Western Nigeria

The trend of change in the cation exchange capacity of ferrallitic soils under bush fallow in south-western Nigeria was examined during the first 10 years following the cessation of cropping. The general trend is that the soil cation exchange capacity increases over time but this increase is largely restricted to the 0–10 cm layer of the soils. Three years of fallowing in the study area was generally inadequate to maintain soil cation exchange capacity at a level that would ensure continued high fertility. It is suggested that a short fallow of 3 years should be accompanied by the application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers to increase the supply of plant nutrients. Soil percentage base saturation decreased with increasing length of the fallow period, presumably due to nutrient uptake from the soil by fallow vegetation. It is suggested that soils should be limed after a long fallow of >10 years in order to increase soil percentage base saturation and nutrient availability. Organic matter appears to be the main factor influencing the cation exchange capacity of soils under bush fallow in the study area. The effects of fallow vegetation on organic build-up in fallow soil and their implications for managing soil fertility during cropping are discussed.