Variability in Soil Test Potassium and Crop Yield

How great is the variability in potassium (K) soil test levels across fields and years? How does this variability impact crop responses to applied K? How well do currently-used soil test K methods predict the likelihood that crops will respond to K additions? Research in Iowa is showing that the current practice of using dried samples in soil test K procedures may sometimes provide inaccurate indications of whether or not crops will respond to additional K. This finding was used to alter soil test K recommendations in 2002. Specifically, higher soil test levels are now considered optimum for crop production. In addition, band placement of K is recommended over broadcast applications in reduced tillage systems where corn and soybeans are grown.

In 2005, work was focused on the effects of K soil test levels on crop removal rates in an effort to better understand what constitutes a maintenance application of K. IA-09F