Abstract
Laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted to study the potassium-buffering capacity and response to applied K by wheat in 14 identified soil series of Hisar (India). A linear relationship was observed between exchangeable and saturation-extract K concentrations in almost all the soils. The K-buffering capacity varied widely and was significantly correlated with K fixation capacity, CEC and non-exchangeable K content of the soil. No significant correlations with dry matter yield, total K uptake and exchangeable K were observed and this was explained on the basis of a major contribution of non-exchangeable K to plant-utilized K. Responses to applied K were observed in only five of the 14 soils; however, the K uptake increased with increasing K application.
