Note: Biological accumulation of calcium carbonate in some lowland rice soils in the Philippines

Abstract

Four lowland rice soils were studied to evaluate the role of snails in the accumulation of CaCO3 in their topsoil and to identify the factors contributing to the occurrence of the process. The results showed that the CaCO3 is biological in origin, coming from the shells of the snails abundant in the rice field. The most important factors contributing to the process which we propose to name biocalcification, include the high calcium content of the irrigation water or the soil, continuous or prolonged wet condition and rice cultivation. It affects soil fertility by raising soil pH and consequently increasing the availability of calcium and magnesium but decreasing phosphorus and zinc availability.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

176-181

Document Type

Article

Subject

Biocalcification, Calcium carbonate, Shells, Snails, Swamps

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