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How can a potassium deficiency in plants be prevented?

Potassium (K) is believed to play a very important role in the firmness and structure of all plant cells. With this nutrient a proper balance of humidity in the plant through the opening and closing of the stomata (the intake of water and evaporation) is regulated. Also, protection of drought and (night)frost are ensured with the (sufficient) presence of potassium. Lastly, several roles in internal processes, such as photosynthesis, energy supply and the production and transport of carbohydrates are arranged successfully thanks to potassium. In this article, multiple tips to prevent a potassium deficiency are given by our fertilizer specialists. 
Potassium deficiency preventing
Han van der Kooij
Product specialist Fertilizers | June 22, 2023 | 4 min. reading time

Potassium deficiency

After the nutrient nitrogen, potassium’s share in plant nutrition is the second highest. However, less information about this nutrient is available. First of all, potassium is seen as a mobile element, meaning action is taken by the plant itself once a deficiency is remarked. Secondly, on the contrary to nitrogen being found in the plant’s proteins and enzymes, potassium is not incorporated in the plant.

Symptoms potassium deficiency 

Because of the nutrient potassium being mobile, deficiencies are not found very often. Still, potassium deficiencies can be seen in the crop. It can be recognized by the following symptoms:
  • Slow or stop in overall plant growth
  • Plant hanging loosely under dry circumstances
  • Yellow discoloration or dying of the edges of the leafs
  • Slow or incomplete flowering
Sometimes a potassium deficiency is called ‘Edge disease’ and should not be confused with a shortage of calcium, which also causes the edges of the leaf to turn yellow or brown. 

Difference potassium and calcium deficiency 

How can a potassium and calcium deficiency be distinguished? A shortage of calcium can emerge when a plant does not have enough calcium to take in. This shortage can be recognized by blossom end root, causing yellow-brown to black stains on the bottom of the fruits. A potassium deficiency is showed in several ways. Symptoms vary from dark green, shiny leafs to discoloring bronze leafs and leafs dying early. In tomatoes, this deficiency can be recognized if the fruits do not turn red. 

Excess of potassium 

An excess amount of potassium could negatively affect the plant: 
  • Damage caused by sodium (because of reduced intake of water)
  • Obstruction of other elements (especially sodium, boron and magnesium)

Prevent or solve a potassium deficiency or excess 

Even though the chance for the development of a deficiency is small, it is important to keep in mind. Have you spotted signs of a potassium deficiency? Act immediately. The best way to prevent or solve this deficiency, is to add a potassium fertilizer to the plant. If necessary, it can be added to the nutritional feeding schedule if the shortage keeps occurring. This same method of working applies when an excess of potassium is spotted, only the concentration of potassium should be lowered.
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How can a potassium deficiency in plants be prevented?

Potassium (K) is believed to play a very important role in the firmness and structure of all plant cells. With this nutrient a proper balance of humidity in the plant through the opening and closing of the stomata (the intake of water and evaporation) is regulated. Also, protection of drought and (night)frost are ensured with the (sufficient) presence of potassium. Lastly, several roles in internal processes, such as photosynthesis, energy supply and the production and transport of carbohydrates are arranged successfully thanks to potassium. In this article, multiple tips to prevent a potassium deficiency are given by our fertilizer specialists. 
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Plant resilienceBiology
Han van der Kooij
Han van der Kooij
Product specialist Fertilizers | June 22, 2023 | 4 min. reading time
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Potassium deficiency preventing

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Potassium deficiency

After the nutrient nitrogen, potassium’s share in plant nutrition is the second highest. However, less information about this nutrient is available. First of all, potassium is seen as a mobile element, meaning action is taken by the plant itself once a deficiency is remarked. Secondly, on the contrary to nitrogen being found in the plant’s proteins and enzymes, potassium is not incorporated in the plant.

Symptoms potassium deficiency 

Because of the nutrient potassium being mobile, deficiencies are not found very often. Still, potassium deficiencies can be seen in the crop. It can be recognized by the following symptoms:
  • Slow or stop in overall plant growth
  • Plant hanging loosely under dry circumstances
  • Yellow discoloration or dying of the edges of the leafs
  • Slow or incomplete flowering
Sometimes a potassium deficiency is called ‘Edge disease’ and should not be confused with a shortage of calcium, which also causes the edges of the leaf to turn yellow or brown. 

Difference potassium and calcium deficiency 

How can a potassium and calcium deficiency be distinguished? A shortage of calcium can emerge when a plant does not have enough calcium to take in. This shortage can be recognized by blossom end root, causing yellow-brown to black stains on the bottom of the fruits. A potassium deficiency is showed in several ways. Symptoms vary from dark green, shiny leafs to discoloring bronze leafs and leafs dying early. In tomatoes, this deficiency can be recognized if the fruits do not turn red. 

Excess of potassium 

An excess amount of potassium could negatively affect the plant: 
  • Damage caused by sodium (because of reduced intake of water)
  • Obstruction of other elements (especially sodium, boron and magnesium)

Prevent or solve a potassium deficiency or excess 

Even though the chance for the development of a deficiency is small, it is important to keep in mind. Have you spotted signs of a potassium deficiency? Act immediately. The best way to prevent or solve this deficiency, is to add a potassium fertilizer to the plant. If necessary, it can be added to the nutritional feeding schedule if the shortage keeps occurring. This same method of working applies when an excess of potassium is spotted, only the concentration of potassium should be lowered.
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Han van der Kooij will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Han van der Kooij
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Categories:
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Tags:
ArticleVegetable growingFloriculture