Are we overfertilizing our fields? Researchers challenge conventional soil testing
A new study led by Dr. Shikma Zaarur of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with Dr. Ran Erel of the Agricultural Research Organization–Volcani Institute, reveals that agricultural soils may contain a substantial unaccounted-for reservoir of potassium, an essential nutrient for plant growth, that is largely overlooked by conventional soil testing methods. The findings could pave the way for more precise fertilizer recommendations, potentially reducing unnecessary fertilizer use while supporting sustainable agricultural production.
关注点13个月温室试验显示,作物吸收的钾有50%–74%来自非交换态矿物储备,黏质土施钾几乎不增产,而贫钾红砂土增产约13.5%,提示应按土壤矿物组成而非仅速效钾值调整钾肥推荐。