Potassium Quantity-Intensity Parameters in Relation to Clay Mineralogy and Period of Equilibrium

Quantity-intensity parameters were determined for profile samples of three soil series in each soil group of smectitic, illitic and kaolinitic at two equilibrium periods. PBCK did not follow any definite pattern down the profile, however, AReK value was the highest in surface soil than its subsurface counterparts. Significant correlations were found between PBCK and clay content as well as CEC and between AR_c^K and per cent K saturation. Higher variability in Q/I parameters for smectitic and kaolinitic soils could be explained by soil properties at equilibrium period B (30 minutes shaking and then keeping the suspension for overnight), while that for illitic soils, the equilibrium period A (30 minutes shaking) was found most suitable.