Potassium intensity and capacity relations in remediated salt-affected soils [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The objective of the current work is to investigate the intensity and capacity (the so-called "I and Q) relations of K during remediation of salt-affected soils collected from EI-Sharkia Governorate. Gypsum requirements were added to soils placed in pots as sulfur or phosphogypsum followed by intensive leaching. Sub-samples were taken for analysis to determine parameters including potassium activity ratio at equilibrium (ARk e) and potential buffering capacity for potassium (PBCk). Subsequently, wheat was grown on the pots to full maturity then grains were harvested and analyzed for K uptake. Data inspection for AR \ shows a rather modest significant correlation coefficient between the ARke and the clay content but highly significant with the EC. The highest AR\ value reached 0.026 (M/L) 1/2 but decreased considerably upon remediation. On the other hand, clayey soils have the highest PBCk value reaching 109.6 cmol kg-1 I (M/L)1/2 . Furthermore, there is an invariable increase in the PBCk after the remediative treatments. The biological experiment did not indicate a significant correlation between the AR e and the grain yield of wheat and revealed a modest significant correlation with K uptake. On the other hand, the corresponding correlation coefficients with the PBCk are highly significant. It is rational to interpret these results on the pretext that since the AR\ parameter is an intensive property, it would be liable to sudden changes given the extreme dynamic nature of the soil environmental conditions. Excessive salinity and sodicity.

Summary in Arabic.

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