BIKINI N, P, K EXPERIMENT
The purpose of this experiment is to determine
under field conditions whether
significant additions of potassium (K) to the atoll environment would reduce
the uptake of 137CS into a major food crop such as coconut.
Three separate experiments are underway.
that the uptake of 137CS is definitely
600 lbs
per acre per year.
Results from the first two indicate
reduced by adding K at rates of about
The 137CS concentration
in coconut on Eneu Island
has been reduced below the natural 40K concentration
to be determined
of application
how long this effect will last.
and the rate of application
in coconut.
It is still
In other words, the frequency
to produce and maintain the effect
must still be evaluated and will take two to three years.
In addition, we still do not know to what level the 137CS concentration
Bikini Island can be reduced where concentrations
Island.
A continued
on
are ten times those on Eneu
sampling over the next two years will resolve this issue.