Microbial reduction of iron in smectite

Bacteria-mediated changes in the oxidation state of iron in soil clay minerals play an important role in determining the chemical and physical properties of soils and sediments. As structural Fe(III) in the octahedral sheet of smectites is reduced to Fe(II) by bacteria, specific surface area decreases, cation exchange capacity (CEC) increases, swelling in water decreases, reactivity with organic chemicals and pesticides increases, and the potential for mineral dissolution and transformation increases. Changes in clay mineral structure due to bacterial reduction is, however, small. Because of the large potential for the redox state of soil minerals to change with natural environmental conditions, the chemical properties of the soil must be regarded as constantly changing. The resulting dynamic nature of soil behavior must be taken into account in management strategies to maximize soil fertility and structural performance.