Soil Potassium
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.
Evidence & Context
A proposed optimal range for soil potassium (Colwell K, 0-10 cm) in sustainable cropping systems within the target biome, adjusted for soil texture, is: Sands and Sandy Loams: Approximately 100–170 mg/kg. Clay Loams and Clays: Approximately 150–250 mg/kg.
Optimal range for soil potassium (Colwell K, 0-10 cm) in sustainable cropping systems
This benchmark represents the optimal soil potassium range for sustainable cropping systems in the target biome, adjusted for soil texture to support robust plant growth and productivity.
This range is inferred from 'ideal' and 'adequate' ranges established for well-managed agricultural systems and aligns with K levels in less disturbed native temperate woodlands.
Sources (3)
Soil fertility in grazing systems: Manage potassium to manage nitrogen - Crops and Soils, accessed July 28, 2025,
View SourceUnderstanding soil tests for pastures
View SourceScanlan, C. A., et al. (2013). Soil Quality: 10 Plant Nutrition. CCMA Soil Health Knowledge Base.
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Long-term rundown of plant-available potassium in Western Australia requires a re-evaluation of potassium management for grain production: a review - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 17, 2025,
View Source
Regenerative agriculture – Case studies from Western Australia, accessed May 10, 2025
View Source