Effect of potassium fertilizers on soybean yield

Abstract

Experiments of potassium fertilizers (KC1, K2SO4, K-Mag and vinasse) were conducted in four types of soil: Ortho Red Yellow Podzolic (PV), Dusky distrophic Latosol (LR), Dark Red medium texture Latosol (LE), and Red Yellow medium texture Latosol (LV). The first three fertilizers were applied broadcast at the rate of 150kg/ha of K2O in the first year, whereas vinasse was applied annually at the rate of 50,000 1/ha just before planting soybeans. The results showed that there was a decrease in the concentration of potassium, both in the soil and leaves, anually, during the three years for all four soils. There was a positive response in the yield of soybeans to potassium in the LV soil on the second year and in the PV soil on the third year, however no diferences among potassium fertilizers was observed. The cultivar IAC-9 showed its high capacity to extract not only K but also Ca and Mg.