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Dissolution of Illite—A Possible Mechanism of Potassium Release¹

ABSTRACT

The rate of potassium aluminum, iron and magnesium release from Fithian illite in dilute salt solutions and at pH 3, was studied. It was found that cumulative cation release was proportional to the square root of the duration of the treatment. The rate of Al release was similar to the rate of K release, whereas the rate of Fe and Mg release was about three x that of K and Al release. Since the only known mechanism for the release of the lattice cations is the dissolution of the clay, it is proposed that dissolution of the clay lattice is also the dominant mechanism by which potassium is released from the clay. Two consecutive reactions, a rapid exchange reaction and a slow first-order reaction, explain the experimental observations.

¹ Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel. 1975 Series, no. 121-E.

² Soil scientists, Institute of Soils and Water, ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel.

Received for publication March 10, 1975. Accepted for publication June 10, 1975.