Effect of organic matter on manganese solubility

The objective of this study was to re-evaluate some aspects of the relative importance of organic matter on Mn solubility in acid soil conditions. Field study showed that black oats, oil seed radish, elephant grass, lupin, leucaena, and coffee leaves serving as mulch decreased Mn solubility as compared with bare soil. The decrease in Mn solubility with plant mulch was related to increase in soil moisture content. Laboratory study showed that increasing temperature from 25 to 100degreesC increased Mn solubility and total soil organic carbon was little changed; from 150 to 200degreesC increased both Mn solubility and organic carbon oxidation, and up to 300degreesC decreased Mn solubility and stoped organic carbon oxidation. Aluminum solubility always increased with increasing temperature. Organic matter exerted a control in both Mn and Al solubilities in acid soils.