1. Home ::  
  2. Trial Search

A technique for the study of zinc release from controlled release fertiliser pellets

1984

Research organisation
The University of Queensland

Trial details

Researcher(s) C Asher
L Bell
D Edwards
D Joyce
Year(s) 1984
Contributor The University of Queensland
Trial location(s) Brisbane,
A technique for the study of zinc release from controlled release fertiliser pellets locations
Aims

To report on the development of a technique to visualise the movement of zinc from a controlled release fertiliser.

Key messages
  • A technique was developed to visualise the advancing zinc front from controlled release fertiliser pellets in agar medium. Dithizone was used as the indicator which changes from yellow to pink when it complexes with zinc.
  • The dithizone and the zinc – dithizone complex were immobile.
  • The rate of zinc movement was sensitive to temperature, being slower at lower temperatures.
  • As the pH was decreased to 7 the dithizone and the zinc dithizone complex colours faded and the dithizone precipitated.
  • Comparison of the release rates from controlled-release pellets using the agar technique, sequential washing experiments and plant uptake demonstrated that the agar method ranked pellet types in the same order as these are the more complicated procedures.
  • Additionally the technique allows the effects of temperature on release from controlled releasing sources to be quickly assessed.
  • The agar medium, with other indicators, may be useful for a range of active agents as controlled-release materials become more widely used.
Lead research organisation N/A
Host research organisation N/A
Related program More Profit from Crop Nutrition
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type None: No crop specified
Treatment type(s)
  • Soil : Testing method
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Brisbane 1984

Sow date Not applicable
Harvest date Not applicable
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

Joyce D, Asher C, Bell L, Edwards D (1984) An indicator – agar technique for the study of zinc release from controlled release fertiliser pellets. In Proceedings of the National Soils Conference. Brisbane, Queensland. (Ed. Anon.) pp. 336. Australian Society of Soil Science: Melbourne.
Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Trial report and links

1984 trial report



Trial last modified: 05-11-2025 18:55pm AEST