Potassium Forms in Brown Sarson Growing Soils in District Kupwara, Kashmir

Abstract

Distribution of different forms of potassium and their correlation with soil physico-chemical  properties was studied in Brown Sarson growing soils of district Kupwara. The study was carried out to pave a way for drafting proper fertilization plan keeping in view the importance of potassium for crops and reluctance of farmers in applying the same. The study area was divided into two regions i: e upper belt and lower belt and surface soil samples (0-25 cm), ten from each belt were collected for analysis. The soil samples collected were studied for potassium forms and physico- chemical properties. The soils analyzed were clay loam to loamy in texture and acidic to neutral in reaction. The organic carbon content was higher in lower belts as compared to upper belts. The potassium fractions followed an order total-K > lattice-K > acid soluble-K > non exchangeable- K> available-K> exchangeable-K> water soluble-K. All forms of K were positively correlated to organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and clay content and negatively correlated with pH and calcium carbonate.