ASSESSMENT OF THREE EXTRACTION METHODS ON THE CONCENTRATION OF AVAILABLE POTASSIUM (K) IN SOILS FORMED FROM DIVERSE PARENT MATERIALS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

This study was carried out to assess the efficacy of using three extraction methods on the concentration of available potassium on soils formed from Coastal plain sand (CPS) from Obio Akpa in Oruk Anam L.G.A, Sandstone from Mbiakpa Ibakasi in Ini L.G.Aand Beach ridge sand from Ikot Ibiok in Eket L.G.A were sampled at two depths (0 – 15 and 15 – 30cm). The soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory using standard procedures. For the determination of available potassium, three extractants: ammonium acetate (NH AOc), 4 hydrochloric acid (HCl), and barium chloride (BaCl2) were used. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics, and means were compared using Fisher's Least Significant Differences (FLSD) at a 0.05 probability level. The results revealed that the soil was sandy loam in texture, acidic to moderately acidic (4.65 – 5.85), with low nitrogen (0.08 - 0.17) and high available phosphorus (52.95 – 82.45mg/kg). The extracted K differed in concentration and increased in the order: HCl <BaCl < NH AO . 2 4 C Among the extractants, NH AO extracted more of the available K in the study soils and is 4 C therefore recommended for the extraction of available potassium in the studied soils.