Distribution of different forms of potassium under temperature conditions of Kashmir

A study was conducted in temperate conditions of Kashmir valley to study the distribution of different form of potassium. Surface soil samples were collected from two different agro-climatic zones of district Anantnag i.e. High altitude zone (1965–1850 msl) and low altitude zone (1540–1695 msl). Surface soils were fine textured ranging from clay loam to silty clay loam with organic carbon content varying from 0.61–1.73%. Water soluble K ranged from 0.010–0.038 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹], available K ranged from 0.134–0.313 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹], Exchangeable K ranged from 0.124–0.275 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹], Boiling HNO₃ K ranged from 1.568–2.938 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹], Non exchangeable K ranged from 1.434–2.625 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹] and Lattice K ranged from 29.730–51.859 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹]. The total potassium content in these soils varied from 31.60–54.50 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹]. Available potassium was positively and significantly correlated with organic carbon (r=0.960)*, cation exchangeable capacity (r=0.874)* and clay (r=0.642**) and was negatively correlated with CaCo₃ (r=0.740*), sand (r=-0.365*) and silt (r=-0.734*).

Highlights

• Total potassium content in these soils varied from 31.60–54.50 [cmol(p⁺)kg⁻¹].

• Available potassium was positively and significantly correlated with organic carbon, cation exchangeable capacity and clay and was negatively correlated with CaCo₃ sand and silt.