Abstract

Eighteen (18) surface soil samples were collected from six sites in Mateen mountain, from
three different locations (ARIZ, BAMARNI, BIBADI) in Duhok governorate, North of Iraq. The
research aimed to study the potassium form status and its relationship with the soil's Physicochemical
properties. The result indicated that the soils were alkaline, and electrical conductivity
ranged between (0.4-0.6) ds.m-1 is a normal range. Moreover, the highest value of organic matter
and cation exchange capacity CEC was found in forest soil (4.68%,32.66 cmol+.kg), respectively,
than in Grassland (1.92%, 19.38 cmol+.kg). Most soils ranged between clay to clay loam in soil
texture; according to land use, there is a highly significant difference between all forms of
potassium K (soluble K, available K, exchangeable K, total K) in forest soil than in Grassland
except non-exchangeable K form. While the distribution of potassium forms depending on
location, the water-soluble K was higher in Bibadi and Bamarni (0.108 and 0.085) cmol+.kg
respectively as compared to Arize. However, there was no significant difference between
available K and exchangeable K, non-exchangeable potassium in forest soil more than in
Grassland, and total Potassium was higher in Ariza and Bibadi locations compared to the Bamarni
area. The predictability of potassium forms depended on soil properties; organic matter, cation
exchange capacity CEC, and clay content.