What is the conversion factor for potassium (K) to potassium oxide (K2O)?

The conversion factor from potassium (K) to potassium oxide (K2O) is derived from the molecular weights of each compound. Potassium has a molecular weight of approximately 39.1 grams per mole, while potassium oxide is comprised of two potassium atoms and one oxygen atom, resulting in a molecular weight of about 94.2 grams per mole (39.1 g/mol for K multiplied by 2, plus 16 g/mol for O).

To find the conversion factor, the weight of potassium in potassium oxide needs to be calculated:

1.2 (the approximate grams of K in 1 mole of K2O) divided by 100 (the full weight of K2O) gives a ratio of about 0.12. To convert this to a factor, we consider K in terms of K2O representing a unit weight parameter, essential for nutrient management calculations.

Thus, when calculating the ratio of K to K2O for practical applications in nutrient management, the factor is approximately 1.2. This means that for every 1 unit of potassium, you would consider it as 1.2 units of potassium oxide, making this conversion crucial for accurately assessing nutrient availability and ensuring proper fertilization practices.