The Influence of K-Depletion on Mineralogical Changes in Pedons from Two Field Experiments and in Soils from Four Pot Experiments

Abstract The influence of K-depletion on four potted soils and on soils of two long term field experiments has been investigated. The results of the investigation show that K-depletion causes both chemical and mineralogical changes in the clay fraction. It causes a relative increase in the content of “amorphous” Al. On the contrary it causes a decrease in the total contents of AI, Mg and K. Mineralogically the content of illite decreases, whereas smectite increases with K-depletion. The CEC of the clay fraction also increases with K depletion.