For example, a 200 bu/acre corn crop takes up or utilizes about 266 lb/acre of potash. Nutrient uptake or utilization is an important consideration, but crops take up far more potassium than they remove with the harvested portion. To convert from K₂O to K, multiply K₂O by a factor of 0.83. To convert from K to K₂O, multiply K by 1.2. Soil and plant tissue analysis values are usually expressed in terms of percent potassium (K), but fertilizer recommendations are expressed as K₂O. Note: Potassium content of fertilizers is expressed as K₂O, although there is no such compound in fertilizers, nor is it absorbed by or found in the plant in that form. The period during grain formation is apparently not a critical one for supply of potassium. Translocation of potassium from the leaves and stems to the grain was much less than for phosphorus and nitrogen. However, plants generally absorb the majority of their potassium at an earlier growth stage than they do nitrogen and phosphorus.Įxperiments on potassium uptake by corn showed that 70 to 80 percent was absorbed by silking time, and 100 percent was absorbed three to four weeks after silking. Time of potassium uptake varies with different plants. Helps retard the spread of crop diseases and nematodes. Maintains turgor, reduces water loss and wilting Increases root growth and improves drought toleranceĪctivates at least 60 enzymes involved in growthĪids in photosynthesis and food formation Potassium increases crop yields because it: Potassium affects quality factors such as size, shape, color and vigor of the seed or grain, and improves the fiber quality of cotton.
Because potassium improves the overall health of growing plants and helps them fight against disease, it is known as the "quality" nutrient. They are also less resistant to pests, diseases and nematode attacks. Plants deficient in potassium are less resistant to drought, excess water, and high and low temperatures. Potassium is essential in nearly all processes needed to sustain plant growth and reproduction.
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