Impact of Rare Earth Elements on C,N, and P Mineralization.

Rare earth elements, such as lanthanum and ytterbium, can be used as tracers to track sediment and, potentially, manure movement.  However, there is also evidence that they can inhibit microbial activity and alter nutrient cycle rates.  Laboratory incubations are being conducted to determine the impact of varying rates of rare earth element additions on soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous mineralization.