Cobalt Adsorption and Desorption Behaviour of Some Soils

The cobalt adsorption and desorption characteristics of some soils of Punjab have been evaluated and defined by Langmuir's equation. The adsorption maxima vary with the nature of the soils, but not necessarily according to the bonding energy constants. The differential buffering capacity of cobalt follows the same order as that of adsorption maxima. Highly significant linear relationships exist between cobalt adsorption capacity and contents of clay and manganese of soils. With but one exception (Langrian soil), cobalt desorption characteristics (maxima) follow the reverse of adsorption, although the amount of cobalt desorbed (with 0.01M CaCl₂ in soil) is less than that adsorbed. The extent of desorption increases with the increase in cobalt saturation of soil.