Soil Potassium
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is CompositeFramework, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.
Evidence & Context
Potential Upper Limit or Detrimental Threshold (Colwell K, mg/kg and/or Cation Ratios): Exchangeable potassium consistently > 8-10% of the soil's Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). A Magnesium to Potassium (Mg:K) ratio < 1.5:1 in herbage, indicative of soil imbalances. Sustained Colwell K levels falling into the "High" agronomic ranges (e.g., for Sandy Loams: >170-200 mg/kg; for Clay Loams: >250-300 mg/kg) should trigger investigation for potential nutrient imbalances, unnatural enrichment, or negative shifts in native species diversity.
Indicators of potential upper detrimental thresholds for soil potassium including Colwell K concentration, exchangeable potassium percentage of CEC, and herbage Mg:K ratio.
Upper detrimental threshold indicators for soil potassium based on multiple metrics.
Based on documented risks of nutrient imbalances and animal health issues linked to high soil potassium levels.
Sources (3)
Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ...
View SourceDo regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 17, 2025
View SourceAgriculture Victoria. (2025). Understanding soil tests for pastures. Farm Management.
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
www.act.gov.au, accessed May 11, 2025
View Source