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Nutrient Management Research Database
General Information
Research Title
Link to File
Research Specifications
Authors
Summary/Abstract from Original Source
Research Highlights
Design and Methods
This study monitored the behavior of potassium (K) in the soil and its availability to potassium trees in two commercial orchards.
Initial exchangeable K levels at the 0-6 inch depth were 156 ppm and 97 ppm for the two fields. Exchangeable K is used as a measure of crop K availability.
Orchards were planted at 247 trees/acre.
Potassium (as potassium sulfate) was applied monthly at rates of 0, 1.1, 2.2 and 3.3 lbs K/tree/year through a sprinkler fertigation system.
Soil samples were taken at every 6 inches from 0-30 inch depths.
Crop K accumulation was estimated as the amount of K accumulated in fruits and leaves.
Results
Potassium fertilization increased exchangeable K. Potassium sulfate applied at the rate of 2.2 lbs/tree/ac more than tripled exchangeable K at a depth of 12 inches. When K was not added, trees continued to deplete soil K.
Soil K decreased with depth. Increased K additions resulted in K accumulating deeper within the soil. This reflects the ability of soil to slow hte downward movement of K.
The orchard with silt loam soil resisted changes in exchangeable soil K levels with fertilization, a property referred to as potential buffering capacity for soil K.
Trees in the plots amended with K were able to accumulate more K, which increases yields.
Additional Information
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