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 4 potted soils and on soils of 2 long term field experiments was investigated. K-depletion causes both chemical and mineralogical changes in the clay fraction. It causes a relative increase in the content of amorphorus Al. It causes a decrease in the total contents of Al, Mg and K. Mineralogically the content of illite decreases, whereas smectite increases with K-depletion. The CEC [cation exchange capacity] of the clay fraction also increases with K depletion.