Retention and bioavailability of selenium in Finnish soils

The analytical method used in the program for monitoring the impact of fertilization on selenium status of Finnish soils has proved not to be able to detect any changes. This has given rise to concern about the leaching and transport of fertilizer selenium to watercourses and possible ecological risks there. This project was undertaken 1) to unravel the suitability and sensitivity of the present analytical methods to detect any changes, and 2) to elucidate the factors controlling the bioavailability of selenium.