Too much potash/potassium?

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biedlers Martinsburg, WV Feb 09, 2011

We just recently moved to a new location and had our soil tested by the local extension service. I had a question about the results we received for potash (K) or potassium. This is the only info that we were given:

a) Our level of K was 255, which was classified as very high. But no range was given to let us know what's "just" high, normal, low, etc.

b) They did not recommend we add any potash to our soil. Well, duh!

I am not finding much useful information with googling. Are there any potential harmful effects to having very high levels of potassium in the soil?

Thanks.

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Aslan89 Harlingen, TX Feb 09, 2011

Hello there, I am taking plant physiology currently but most information here refers to deficiencies. Do you know your PH level? If it is high also then plants would not absorb as much potassium anyway. I'll try and find some better information for you.

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Aslan89 Harlingen, TX Feb 09, 2011

80 - 160 is a normal range. 80 being lower medium and 160 being upwards of high concentrations. The reason they told you not to add any is because potassium is essential in plants. If you don't add any, your plants will use the extra potassium and bring that level down. It did not mention a high level being harmful to plants, they use it to activate many different enzymes involved in respiration and photosynthesis. In other words though, don't worry about it haha! Hope this helps, I had to bust out my textbook :)

This message was edited Feb 9, 2011 4:09 PM

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Feb 11, 2011

All species of plants need different elements, etc to grow properly and I would suggest you look around your neighbourhood to look at what's growing well and this will give an idea of what is best grown in your type of soil, there are ways to change the structure and texture of your soil but this would be best done after reading books from book store or public library, look for books for plant growing as they always tell you what type of soil such and such a plant / shrub or tree needs to grow properly. once you have the info to hand, it gets easier to buy plants that wont die on you or cost a fortune and struggle, it's fun and makes you more knowledgeable of you gardens needs as well as your own. good luck. WeeNel.

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