The Movement of Phytic Acid in Soil Cores

The movement of phytic acid‐phosphorus in a vertical soil core was studied under controlled conditions using a miscible displacement technique. Experiments were conducted on a sandy loam soil with gamma irradiation at 20C and without irradiation at 5C and 20C. Phytic acid appeared to be quickly bound by the soil, accumulating near the top of the soil core. Phytic acid apparently displaced native inorganic phosphorus. The movement of phytic acid increased and its rate of mineralization decreased at 5C as compared to 20C. Gamma irradiation reduced, but did not completely eliminate, mineralization of phytic acid at 20C. Changes in free iron concentration within the core were noted and related to the movement of phytic acid‐phosphorus.