Potassium in Plants

Potassium is an essential plant nutrient and is required in large amounts for proper growth and reproduction of plants. Potassium is considered second only to nitrogen, when it comes to nutrients needed by plants, and is commonly considered as the “quality nutrient.” It affects the plant shape, size, color, taste and other measurements attributed to healthy produce.

Plants absorb potassium in its ionic form, K⁺.

Roles of Potassium in Plants

Potassium has many different roles in plants:

In Photosynthesis, potassium regulates the opening and closing of stomata, and therefore regulates CO₂ uptake. It triggers activation of enzymes and is essential for production of Adenosine Triphospate (ATP). ATP is an important energy source for many chemical processes taking place in plant issues.

Potassium plays a major role in the regulation of water in plants (osmo-regulation). Both uptake of water through plant roots and its loss through the stomata are affected by potassium. Potassium is also known to improve drought resistance.

Protein and starch synthesis in plants require potassium as well. Potassium is essential at almost every step of the protein synthesis. In starch synthesis, the enzyme responsible for the process is activated by potassium.

Activation of enzymes – potassium has an important role in the activation of many growth related enzymes in plannts.

Deficiency of Potassium in Plants

Potassium deficiency might cause abnormalities in plants, usually they are growth related.

Cholrosis – scorching of plant leaves, with yellowing of the margins of the leaf. This is one of the first symptoms of Potassium deficiency. Symptoms appear on middle and lower leaves.

Slow or Stunted growth – as potassium is an important growth catalyst in plants, potassium deficient plants will have slower or stunted growth.

Poor resistance to temperature changes and to drought – Poor potassium uptake will result in less water circulation in the plant. This will make the plant more susceptible to drought and temperature changes.

Defoliation - left unattended, potassium deficiency in plants results in plants losing their leaves sooner than they should. This process might become even faster if the plant is exposed to drought or high temperatures. Leaves turn yellow, then brown and eventually fall off one by one.

Other symptoms of Potassium deficiency: