Release of Potassium from Muscovite

Muscovite mica in the particle size range of 2–50µ was treated with different salt solutions (0.0lM)for various time intervals at room temperature. Sodium salts with divalent anions (CO^2-₃ and SO^2-₄) brought more K in solution than the same cation in combination with monovalent anions (CI and HCO₃⁻)• The highest amount of K in solution was obtained with ammonium compounds amongst all the salts used. As for divalent cations, Mg²⁺ was more effective than Ca²⁺ in releasing K. Mineral acids released more K than organic acids with acetic acid releasing the least amount from mica. Maize plants were grown in solution culture where mica was the only source of K. Potassium uptake by plant from mica ranged from 4.0lµg to 7.94µg per gram of dry matter.