Release of Soil Potassium on Wetting and Drying

The studies on release of soil potash with different degrees of hydration and drying revealed that under continuous moist condition, the release of potash took place only at the end of 50–60 days. Alternate wetting followed by oven-drying released maximum potash in the soils under study. Wetting followed by air-drying brought about early release of soil potash from the nonexchangeable forms. Dongargaon soil (derived from mixed rocks like granites, gneisses, etc.) released maximum potash and was followed by Poona soil (basaltic origin) and Dapoli soil (laterized basalt) in descending order. The lower moisture level (1/2 M. E.) was conducive to greater release of soil potash.