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* Exchangeable K is held on the soil colloids and is readily available to plants. This fraction also makes up a small percentage of the total K in the soil. | * Exchangeable K is held on the soil colloids and is readily available to plants. This fraction also makes up a small percentage of the total K in the soil. | ||
* Non exchangeable K is held within the clay fraction of the soil and is neither soluble nor available to plants. Non exchangeable K makes up the largest portion of total K in the soil, except in highly acid, sandy soils or on soils that are high in organic matter, where non exchangeable K levels are relatively low. As soil minerals weather, non exchangeable K gradually becomes available. | * Non exchangeable K is held within the clay fraction of the soil and is neither soluble nor available to plants. Non exchangeable K makes up the largest portion of total K in the soil, except in highly acid, sandy soils or on soils that are high in organic matter, where non exchangeable K levels are relatively low. As soil minerals weather, non exchangeable K gradually becomes available. | ||
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Sometimes, when soil potassium levels are high, plants may take up more potassium than is needed for maximum yield. This "luxury consumption" (see figure) by alfalfa and forage grasses can lead to high levels of potassium in the forage part of the ration. It is important to remember that this luxury consumption is not only influenced by soil potassium levels but also the soil test level of the other cation elements as well as soil moisture and growing conditions. | Sometimes, when soil potassium levels are high, plants may take up more potassium than is needed for maximum yield. This "luxury consumption" (see figure) by alfalfa and forage grasses can lead to high levels of potassium in the forage part of the ration. It is important to remember that this luxury consumption is not only influenced by soil potassium levels but also the soil test level of the other cation elements as well as soil moisture and growing conditions. |