Clay dispersion in relation to changes in the electrolyte composition of dialysed red‐brown earths

Abstract

Summary Dialysis and re‐suspension of red‐brown earths showed dispersion in distilled water independent of the adsorbed cations. Whenever the electrolyte concentration is below the critical coagulation concentration the soil and clay will disperse. Mechanical disturbance greatly enhances the dispersion process. The experiments suggest that the dispersion was influenced by the released salt in the suspensions. The changes with time in the electrolyte composition of dialysed soils and clays showed that the ‘homoionic’ systems are unstable with possible interference with clay dispersion by the generated electrolytes. The importance of free electrolytes, especially calcium, in the management of dispersive red‐brown earths is indicated.

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DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2389.1983.tb01067.x

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