RELEASE OF NON-EXCHANGEABLE SOIL POTASSIUM BY RESIN-EQUILIBRATION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR CROP GROWTH

Abstract

The non-exchangeable potassium released by soil after equilibration with cation-exchange resin was determined by extraction of the mixture with neutral ammonium acetate at room temperature and compared with a similar extraction in the absence of resin. The difference obtained following a 2-day equilibration period was called moderately-available potassium.Simple linear regression of yield on exchangeable potassium or exchangeable plus moderately-available potassium accounted for only 16 and 27 per cent respectively of the variability in yield response of corn, wheat, oats and potatoes to potassium fertilizer in the field. Multiple linear regression of yield on exchangeable and moderately-available potassium accounted for an average of 37 per cent of the variation in crop response; but a multiple quadratic regression of Log (100-per cent yield) on exchangeable and moderately-available potassium accounted for an average of 56 per cent of the variability in Log (100-per cent yield). Multiple quadratic regression of absolute yield or per cent yield on exchangeable and moderately-available potassium accounted for 46 and 50 per cent, respectively, of the variability in crop response to potassium fertilizer.