Phosphorus is the least mobile of the three nutrients in soil and, under certain conditions of low soil pH, phosphorus buildup in the soil may be noted. Because of the tendency of phosphorus to remain attached to soil particles, leaching to groundwater is not usually considered a problem. The primary environmental concern with phosphorus is the possibility of phosphorus-laden soil eroding into surface waters, or soluble phosphorus carried by runoff to surface waters. This can result in an undesirable condition called eutrophication, which is excessive plant growth in lakes, ponds or streams. Potassium Manure potassium is a soluble form and is considered to be immediately and completely available to plants when it is applied.
Potassium is moderately mobile in the soil.
It can accumulate to levels detrimental to plant growth, although this condition is unusual. Small amounts of potassium may leach to the groundwater in sandy soils, but it is generally not considered to be a groundwater pollutant. For further information Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook. Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook, 2nd edition, 1997.