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pH-Dependent Bonding of Potassium by a Spodosol¹

ABSTRACT

A Spodosol Ap high in extractable Al and pH-dependent CEC was limed to pH 6.3, producing deficiency of K in tomato seedlings. This was evidenced by lowered plant yields and concentrations of K in the tissue, compared with plants grown in acid samples of the soil. Soil chemical studies were undertaken to further examine the magnitude and mechanism of this phenomenon. Treatment of acid soil samples with increasing levels of CaCO₃, CaSiO₃, CaHPO₄, or CaF₂ markedly raised CEC along with pH and lowered activity of K and extractable Al.

It was hypothesized that hydroxyl, phosphate, or fluoride ions neutralized positive charges on Al. This freed negatively charged exchange sites, and thereby raised CEC. With increased CEC, the percentage saturation of the exchange complex with K (and, therefore, availability of K) was decreased, compared with the untreated soil.

¹ Vermont Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal Article no. 218. Presentéd before Div. S-2, Soil Science Society of America, Nov. 7, 1967, Washington, D.C.

² Professor and Assistant Professor of Plant & Soil Science, respectively, Univ. of Vermont, Burlington.

Received for publication December 5, 1968. Accepted for publication March 17, 1969.