Abstract
A laboratory experiment was undertaken using four separate extraction methods—HNO3, NH4OAC, BaCl2, and HCl to determine the amount of potassium that was readily available in soils from various parent materials. Soil Auger samples were taken from locations at Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Itak Ikot Obio Ise in Ini Local Government Area, and Obio Akpa in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, representing the three parent materials of Beach Ridge Sand (BRS), Sand Stone (SS), and Coastal Plain Sand (CPS), respectively, to evaluate the effectiveness of the extractants. The study's findings indicate that HNO3, NH4OAc, BaCl2, and HCl had the highest mean values in the order of listing across all of the areas that were examined. This suggests that HNO3 is more effective at the extraction of K from the BRS, CPS, and SS. The results indicate that the association between NH4OAc and soil ECEC was significant at 0.05 level of probability, while that between NH4OAc and soil Ca and HCl was significant at 0.01 level of probability. The results also demonstrated a significant association between HCl and soil ECEC at a 0.01 level of probability as well as a significant relationship between BaCl2 and Av. P and OM at a 0.01 level of probability. According to observations and inferences drawn from these connections, HNO3 is an effective all-purpose extractant that might be utilized as a K extractant in each of the soils under study. Based on the result, HNO3 and NH4OAc extractant is recommended to be used in these soils.