Distribution of Inositol Phosphates, Phospholipids, and Nucleic Acids and Mineralization of Inositol Phosphates in Some Bangladesh Soils

Summary Concentration of inositol phosphates, phospholipids, and RNA and its derivatives of ten Bangladesh soils varied between 17.5 and 150 ppm, 0.5 and 11.0 ppm, and 0.22 and 1.30 ppm respectively. Variation in inositol phosphates was related to total phosphate and organic phosphate contents. Variation in phospholipids was associated with total phosphate, organic phosphate, and organic matter contents whereas the variation in RNA and its derivatives was related to total phosphate contents of the soils. Maximum mineralization of inositol phosphates was obtained in the first 30 days either when incubated with lime or when submerged under water. A moderate rate was observed in the subsequent 30‐day incubation periods. The mineralization was greater in soil which contained more organic matter and inositol phosphates. Mineralization also increased with pH. Liming enhanced mineralization as it induced conditions for the proliferation of phosphate transforming organisms.