Potassium May Have Remarkable Dispersive Effect on Soil Structure

Authors: Farahani E*

DOI: 10.23880/oajar-16000383

Volume 10, Issue 1

Abstract

Soil structure is central for ecosystem services included crop productivity and erosion control. Two important characteristics of soil structure are form and stability, which can affect soil functions such as soil fluid transport capability that regulates soil aeration and water infiltration [1]. Clay particles associated with mineral and organic soil components are essential in soil structure stability and for sustaining favourable soil conditions in agricultural soils. Monovalent cations such as sodium (Na) or potassium (K) may create clay dispersion and swelling which result in soil structural degradation [2]. Exchangeable K may disperse soil structure similar to Na, however it has received less attention because amounts of K are typically low in salt-affected soils [3]. Only a few studies have shown that K, which is one of macro-nutrients, can also affect soil structure even when the exchangeable Na concentration is small [4]. The effect of K on soil structure compare with Na directly depended on soil clay mineralogy, it means type of clay and degree of weathering also could affect possible dispersive impact of K on soil structure [1,4].

Keywords: Clay Dispersion; Exchangeable Potassium; Structural Stability

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