Potassium
Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency
- Light green, yellow older leaves which develops into leaf scorch
- Stunted growth
- Lodging
- Reduced disease resistance
- Weakened Stalks
- Misshapen seed and fruit
Function
- Aids in Photosynthesis and the functioning of chlorophyll
- Controls the opening/closure of stomata
- Formation and translocation of starches, sugars, proteins and fats
- Protein formation
- Aids with enzyme actions
- Maintenance of cell internal pressure
- Reducs wilting and respiration by maintaining balance of salts and water in cells
- Increases root growth and resistance to disease and drought
- Decreases lodging
Treatment Options
Apply a good fertility program in the soil with enough Potassium to fulfill the targeted yield goals. Complement with a foliar program containing high percentage of Potassium especially when farming a light textured or sandy soil; dealing with compacted soil or a soil with low organic matter. Apply Potassium especially when the crop is subject to a drought or an excessive rainfall.