Methods of Potassium Fertilizer Application

Annual Crops

Since potassium uptake depends primarily on root interception, placement of potassium fertilizers with or near the seed is usually the most effective method of application provided the rate of application is not greater than the seed can tolerate. If too much potassium or other fertilizer is placed with the seed, germination and emergence may be delayed or reduced.

Fate of Potassium in Soils

Three forms of K (unavailable, slowly available or fixed, readily available or exchangeable) exist in soils. A description of these forms and their relationship to each other is provided in the paragraphs that follow. The general relationships of these forms to each other are illustrated in following Figure: