Tuesday, 11 July 2006
45-20

Assessment of Some Potassium Rich Sediments as Natural Slow Amendment to Soil.

Gamil W. Ageeb, National Research Center, El Bohus St., Dokki, Cairo, 11211, Egypt

It has been demonstrated that the potassium rich rock and/ or minerals contain potassium ions in the form of K2O able to be assimilated. Therefore the main objective of this research is to study the chemical and mineral constitutes of three sediments from: Rod Ishab, Umm Kheiam and W.Ghadir at Eastern Desert. The obtained results indicate that the soluble and exchangeable forms of potassium are quite sufficient for plant growth. The detailed petrographic examination of the thin sections under the polarizing microscope indicated the dominance of feldspar groups (microcline, orthoclase and plagioclase) with some quartz and mica. These minerals show cleavage and cracks due to alteration and weathering in different degrees. The total K content originated mainly from orthoclase and microcline KAlSi3O8 that dominate in the studied deposits is found in considerable proportions (6.96 – 8.60 % K2O %). The mobilization of potassium from these potassium rich rocks can occur through grinding and mixing with organic materials. The recommended application can substitute partly or completely the chemical fertilizers (i.e K2SO4) which is rather expensive and easily soluble and can be lost through drainage. Keyword: potassium rich rocks, chemical, petrography, Egypt.


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