Studies on Potassium Fixation and its Relationship with Chemical Characteristics of Some Desertic Soils of Western Rajasthan

Abstract

Potassium fixation in some soil groups of Jodhpur and Nagaur districts of arid Rajasthan has been studied. The K-fixation capacities of grey brown loam, light brown loam, Luni alluvium and hard pan soils, on an average were: 0.535, 0.451, 0.180 and 0.140 meq/1OOg soil respectively. Sub-surface soils showed higher K-fixation capacities. K-fixation capacity was found to bear a significant positive relationship with organic matter content, fixed K and non-exchangeable K. Highly significant correlation was found between K-fixation capacity and CEC and clay content of soil. Organic matter in soil was found to have depressing effect on K-fixation capacity when regressed along with CEC of soil. In these soils, either CEC or clay content can be an important indicator in determining the extent of K-fixation capacity.