Abstract
The effects of the new de-icer potassium carbonate on the growth and species composition of a mixed sward and on the pH and electrical conductivity of the soil were examined in a four-year field trial and compared with sodium chloride. There were small positive effects of K 2 CO 3 on the biomass yield of the sward at application rates up to 200 g m -2 yr -1 , while effects were less negative than those of NaCl at annual application rates of 200 - 400 g m -2 yr -1 . The species composition of the sward changed considerably with K 2 CO 3 application, Agropyron repens becoming the dominant species. The pH was elevated slightly more by K 2 CO 3 than by NaCl application. Electrical conductivity as an index of soil salinity was increased by both de-icers. K 2 CO 3 was more adsorbed to soil colloids than NaCl, so that the rise in E.C. resulting from application of the former was restricted to the uppermost 10 cm of soil.
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