Editing Manganese (section)

=== Soils ===
Manganese occurs in soils in three oxidation states: the divalent cation, Mn<sup>2+</sup> and as brownish-black oxides and hydroxides containing Mn (III,IV), such as MnOOH and MnO<sub>2</sub>. Soil pH and oxidation-reduction conditions affect which of these three forms of Mn is dominant in a given soil. At pH values less than 6 or under anaerobic conditions, Mn(II) dominates, while under more alkaline and aerobic conditions, Mn(III,IV) oxides and hydroxides predominate. These effects of soil acidity and aeration state on the form of Mn can be modified or controlled by microbial activity. Microbial respiration can cause both the oxidation of Mn<sup>2+</sup> to the oxides, and it can cause reduction of the oxides to the divalent cation.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Bartlett|first1=Richmond|title=Chemical Processes in Soils|last2=Ross|first2=Donald|publisher=Soil Science Society of America|year=2005|editor-last=Tabatabai|editor-first=M.A.|series=SSSA Book Series, no. 8|location=Madison, Wisconsin|pages=461–487|chapter=Chemistry of Redox Processes in Soils|lccn=2005924447|editor-last2=Sparks|editor-first2=D.L.}}</ref>

The Mn(III,IV) oxides exist as brownish-black stains and small nodules on sand, silt, and clay particles. These surface coatings on other soil particles have high surface area and carry negative charge. The charged sites can adsorb and retain various cations, especially heavy metals (e.g., Cr<sup>3+</sup>, Cu<sup>2+</sup>, Zn<sup>2+</sup>, and Pb<sup>2+</sup>). In addition, the oxides can adsorb organic acids and other compounds. The adsorption of the metals and organic compounds can then cause them to be oxidized while the Mn(III,IV) oxides are reduced to Mn<sup>2+</sup> (e.g., Cr<sup>3+</sup> to Cr(VI) and colorless [[hydroquinone]] to tea-colored [[quinone]] polymers).<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Dixon|first1=Joe B.|title=Soil Mineralogy with Environmental Applications|last2=White|first2=G. Norman|publisher=Soil Science Society of America|year=2002|editor-last=Dixon|editor-first=J.B.|series=SSSA Book Series no. 7|location=Madison, Wisconsin|pages=367–386|chapter=Manganese Oxides|lccn=2002100258|editor-last2=Schulze|editor-first2=D.G.}}</ref>