Factors influencing potassium availability
Did you know that most potassium in soil is not available to plants? In this article, we will look at the three main forms of potassium and their interaction, as well as the factors that affect its availability.
- Forms of potassium:
1.Inaccessible potassium:
Most of the potassium in soil is in an insoluble form, hidden in minerals such as feldspars and micas. This form accounts for approximately 90-98% of the total potassium in the soil.
2.Slowly available (fixed) potassium:
Some potassium from minerals is transferred to this pool over time. It becomes available to plants gradually through weathering processes or chemical changes.
3.Readily available (exchangeable) potassium:
Potassium is found in the soil solution or on the surface of soil particles and can be directly utilized by plants. It is easily washed out, so it needs to be constantly replenished through fertilizers.
- What influences potassium availability?
The main factors of influence:
- Soil moisture.
Higher humidity contributes to better potassium availability, especially in dry years.
- soil type.
Sandy soils have a lower potassium retention capacity, while clay soils have a higher capacity.
- Soil pH level.
Neutral or slightly acidic soils retain potassium better. In acidic or alkaline soil, the availability of potassium decreases.
- Organic matter.
High organic matter content improves potassium retention and availability.
- Soil aeration and oxygen levels.
Good aeration is essential for root respiration and potassium uptake.
- Soil temperature.
The optimum temperature for potassium absorption is from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. At low temperatures, this process slows down.
- Cultivation system.
The availability of potassium in the soil decreases in systems without plowing and ridging. The exact reason for this decrease is unknown, although research results indicate limited root growth combined with limited root distribution in the soil.
Knowing these factors will help optimize plant growing processes, which will increase yields and fertilizer use efficiency.
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