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2026 Vol.59, Issue 3 Preview Page

Original research article

Natural rock powder as an alternative potassium fertilizer: evidences from a short-term Chinese cabbage cultivation experiment
Hyunmin Lee1
,
Taehee Baek2
,
Namhee Yi2
,
Jinhwan Park1
,
Mina Lee3
,
Young A Oh4
,
Dong Ryul Lee5
,
Kwon-Rae Kim6*
1Master Student, Department of Smart Agro-industry, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725 Korea
2Master student, GreenBio Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Korea
3Researcher, Agri-Food Bio Convergence Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Korea
4Team Manager, Agro-Matereial Research Team, Namhae Chemical corporation, Yeosu 59618, Korea
5Assistant Manager, Agro-Matereial Research Team, Namhae Chemical corporation, Yeosu 59618, Korea
6Professor, Department of Smart Agro-industry, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Korea
*Corresponding Author
31 August 2026. pp. 291-301
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Abstract

Purpose: Natural rock powder fertilizer (NRP), primarily composed of potassium (K) feldspar (KAlSi3O8), has attracted attention as a mineral-based K source for organic agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of NRP as an alternative to conventional mineral K fertilizer for Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) cultivation.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted to compare a conventional mineral fertilizer treatment with four different NRP:treatments: two application rates (standard and double rates) and two application modes (micro-particles and foliar application). The chemical properties and nutrient availability of NRP were analyzed, and Chinese cabbage growth, plant nutrient concentrations, and soil chemical properties were evaluated.

Results: Fresh weight, head width, head length, and plant K concentrations did not differ among treatments. In particular, the NRP standard-rate treatment showed plant growth and tissue K concentration comparable to the conventional mineral fertilizer treatment, suggesting the potential of NRP as a K source for Chinese cabbage cultivation under the tested soil conditions. In addition, plant calcium (Ca) concentrations were significantly higher in NRP-treated plants, suggesting that NRP may also supplement Ca due to its high soluble Ca contents.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of NRP as an alternative K source for Chinese cabbage cultivation particularly in organic farming systems. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effects on K and other mineral nutrition under field conditions.

Growth characteristics and plant K concentration of Chinese cabbage under conventional fertilizer and natural rock powder (NRP) treatments.
Keywords
Chinese cabbage
Natural rock powder
Organic agriculture
Potassium feldspar
Potassium
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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Society of Soil Science and Fertilizer
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국토양비료학회
  • Journal Title :Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국토양비료학회 학회지
  • Volume : 59
  • No :3
  • Pages :291-301
  • Received Date : 2026-07-16
  • Revised Date : 2026-08-20
  • Accepted Date : 2026-08-20
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7745/KJSSF.2026.59.3.291
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