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The Fixation and Release of Applied Potash on Three Coastal Plain Soils 1
Author(s) -
Blume J. M.,
Purvis E. R.
Publication year - 1939
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1939.00021962003100100005x
Subject(s) - potash , citation , fixation (population genetics) , library science , mathematics , computer science , potassium , sociology , chemistry , demography , population , organic chemistry
T role of potassium in the chemical and physico-chemical phenomena of the soil has been the subject of exhaustive research; yet, one of the more practical aspects of the problem has not been entirely clarified. This concerns the fate of the potassium applied to soils in commercial fertilizers. The larger part of the element so added is probably utilized by the current crop; however, a considerable fraction remains in the soil in a water-soluble, replaceable, or fixed form. The controversial issues concern the fraction of the unutilized potassium which enters each of these three forms, and the ease with which it changes from one form to another. In areas where large quantities of commercial fertilizer are used, this unutilized potassium, plus the potassium returned to the soil in plant residues, represents, over a period of years, a considerable investment to the grower. The practical considerations of the problem are apparent for it is important that the grower know what part of this investment is available for future use and what part is lost or becomes a frozen asset. This paper presents a study of the fate of potassium applied to three representative virgin soils of the vegetable-growing area of eastern Virginia.