The Zero Point of Charge (zpc) of some Forest Soils in Tarai and Teesta Alluvial Regions of West Bengal

Abstract

The zero point of charge of some Tarai and Teesta alluvial soils under forest floor in West Bengal was studied. The electrochemical behaviour of these soils was found to be similar to that of the constant potential systems in which the surface potential is determined by H⁺ and OH⁺ ions in the equilibrium solution, hence charge distributed varied substantially with pH and electrolyte concentration. The point of zero charge of the soils ranged from pH 2.30 to 2.90 with the Karnajora soils series having the lowest values and the Haihaipathar soil series the highest. The (pH _KC1 - ZPC) values of Haihaipathar soils series (varying from 0.90 to 1.30) are less than that of Karanjora series (varying from 2.30 to 2.45) indicating that Haihaipathar soil series is more developed than Karnajora soil series.