Kinetics of Copper Adsorption in Calcareous Soils

Kinetic parameters governing the adsorption of copper were determined in calcareous soils that differed in physical and chemical properties. The kinetics of copper adsorption in soils conformed to a second order reaction. Calcium carbonate, clay and organic matter serve as a seat of Cu retention in soils. The rate constant and residence half-life time of copper in soil solution varied from 0.28 x 10⁻² to 3.80 x 10⁻² mg⁻¹ L minot and 146 to 2232 minutes, respectively, in different soils. The dry matter yield of barley was negatively correlated with rate constant of copper adsorption in soils (r = -0.707*). The organic matter and clay content exerted pronounced influence on the rate of Cu adsorption by calcareous soils.