Diffusion of Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium in Bozeman Silt Loam as Influenced by Temperature and Moisture

Abstract

Abstract A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the influence of temperature and moisture on the diffusion of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) to an H‐saturated resin sink in Bozeman silt loam with bulk density of 1.45 g/cm 3 . Diffusion of K and Ca to the resin sink was significantly ( P < 0.005) influenced by temperature (5, 15, and 30°C), but that of Mg was not. Soil moisture (10, 17, and 28%) significantly ( P < 0.005) influenced the diffusion of all three cations. The temperature by soil moisture interaction was significant for all three cations. The concentrations of extractable K, Ca, and Mg in four concentric soil layers, each about 1 mm in thickness, around the resin sink also were measured during the 96‐hour diffusion period. The concentration of each cation in each layer was significantly influenced by temperature and moisture.