Chemistry of soil potassium in Atlantic coastal plain soils: A review

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Abstract
Literature dealing with general properties of soil K and with K relationships in Atlantic Coastal Plain Soils was discussed. Potassium, among major and secondary nutrient elements, is the most abundant in soils. It, among mineral cations required by plants, is largest in non‐hydrated size. Potassium has a polarizability equal to .88 Å3 and a low hydration energy of 34 kcal g−1 ion−1. The major K forms in soils are water soluble, exchangeable, nonexchangeable, and mineral. Various dynamic interrelationships exist between these forms with the reaction kinetics between the various phases determining the fate of applied K. Many Atlantic Coastal Plain soils contain high levels of total K. Most of the total K in these soils is contained in mineral forms such as micas and K‐feldspars. These K forms are slowly released to solution and exchangeable forms that are available to plants. Many researchers have noted a lack of crop response to K fertilization on Atlantic Coastal Plain soils. This lack of response has been ascribed to the high indigenous levels of mineral and non‐exchangeable K in the soils which would become available to crops. Some researchers have also attributed the lack of response to K accumulations in subsoil from leaching of applied K. If the physical and chemical conditions were favorable in the subsoil horizons, e. g., no pan formation and no severe Al toxicity, plant roots could absorb K from the subsoil horizons.