Potassium status of the major rice soils of Kerala state in relation to their granulometric composition

Abstract

A study on the contribution of various size fractions towards !he total K content of the five major acid rice soil groups viz., Kari, Karapadom, Kayal, Kole and low level laterites of Kerala State was conducted. The possible reason for the lack of response of potassic fertilisers in the heavy clay soils like Kari, Kole and Kayal soils is discussed. Higher incidence of coarse fractions and high content of K in such fractions from the laterites suggest the possibility of increased release of reserve K by better soil management practices like application of organic matter.