How to Lower Soil Potassium

Lowering Soil Potassium

• 1

  Scoop up and turn over the soil, using a shovel, to loosen it. Repeat this process throughout the area with high potassium levels.

• 2

  Water the area thoroughly with a garden hose. The water will help dissolve the water-soluble potassium in the soil. Let the soil dry completely, then repeat steps 1 and 2 two more times. Allow the soil to dry before continuing.

• 3

  Position a soil sifter on top of a wheelbarrow. Shovel out the soil and dump it into the soil sifter. Pull out as many rocks as possible and discard them. Feldspar and mica minerals, found in many rocks, release potassium into the soil.

• 4

  Purchase a fertilizer that displays a "0" as the last number on the product label. This number equals the measurement of potassium used in commercial fertilizers. Applying fertilizer with potassium can increase the amount in the soil to an unhealthy level for plant growth.

• 5

  Crush eggshells in a large bowl, or substitute the eggshells for soft rock phosphate, wood ash or crushed seashells. Add 1 part crushed eggshells or substitute to 10 parts organic compost and add it to the soil. The calcium in the composite mix will help balance out the potassium levels in the soil.