Interaction of potassium phosphonate fungicide in laterite soil

Potassium phosphonate is a fungicide widely used to control Phytophthora fungi species in many crops all over the world. In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the interaction of potassium phosphonate with soil under varying pH and calcium level. Several reports available in literature indicate that the phosphonate in organic form adsorb strongly on almost all mineral surfaces and natural materials like soil and sediments. The present study conducted on laterite soil of Kerala using 2 mm sieved sample indicated that phosphonate obeys Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Though at lower concentrations, Langmuir model equally fits well, deviation was observed at higher concentrations. pH and calcium content of the soil had striking influence on the interaction of the chemical with the soil. The calcium source also appeared to influence the adsorption phenomenon. Since potassium phosphonate is extensively used to control Phytophthora fungi species in black pepper (Piper nigrum) plantations in India and liming is a standard practice followed as soil amendment in acid soils to increase the soil pH, this study may help to maintain good soil quality.