Adsorption and Desorption of Boron as Influenced by Soil Properties in Temperate Soils of Lesser Himalayas

Boron (B) adsorption increased with increasing concentration. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was curvilinear. The maximum value of adsorption maxima (b1) was observed Sagipora soil and maximum bonding energy (k) constant was in Anantnag soil. The Langmuir isotherm best explains the adsorption trend at low adsorbent concentrations. A significant correlation among b1, clay, and cation exchange capacity was observed. Linear affiliation was observed in all the soils at all concentration, indicating that B adsorption data conform to the Freundlich equation. Soils with greater affinity for B adsorption, like Sagipora, tended to desorb less B. Boron desorption was positively and significantly correlated with sand content and negatively with clay content and cation exchange capacity. The maximum value of 50.76mgg(-1) for desorption maxima (Dm) was observed in Sagipora soil, and mobility constant (Kd) was maximum in Khag soil (0.412mlkg(-1)).