Effect of mineral and organic fertilizers on potassium leaching in sandy loam soils

Abstract In a model experiment, a study was carried out on potassium leaching from the soil. Soil samples were taken from a protective strip of long-term experiment (established in 1981). Various fertilizers and their mixtures were introduced. The effect of organic matter on the capacity formation of the cationic soil exchange was considered. Significant differences were noted in the potassium migration during various fertilizers application. A significant role is played by liming of acidic soils. Potassium ions displace calcium ions more easily calcium ions from the soil absorption complex than aluminum. Therefore, when liming, leaching of potassium may be reduced. With the introduction of peat and peat-based fertilizers, the cation exchange capacity of the soil increased significantly. The leaching of potassium did not increase. Introduction of cattle manure without heat treatment significantly increased the migration of potassium in the soil and its leaching to the lower lying horizons. In general, the migration and leaching of substances in arable soil rely upon a number of factors and their combinations: natural and climatic factors, physical and chemical properties of the soil, the intensity of agricultural use of arable land, the type and composition of fertilizers, and the mineralogical composition of the soil. When growing plants on calcareous, fertilized with potash fertilizers soils, the loss of potassium does not exceed its leaching from non-fertilized soils.