Potassium is a paramount macro-element for overall survival of living things. It is an abundant mineral macronutrient present in both plant and animals tissues. It is necessary for the proper functioning of all living cells. Potassium is relatively abundant in the earth's crust making up to 2.1% by weight. Potassium is mined in the form of potash (KOH), sylvite (KCl), Carnallite and Langbeinite. It is not found in free nature.
Importance of potassium to plants
Potassium is an indispensable constituent for the correct development of plants. It is important in photosynthesis, in the regulation of plants responses to light through opening and closing of stomata. Potassium is also important in the biochemical reactions in plants. Basically, potassium (K) is responsible for many other vital processes such as water and nutrient transportation, protein, and starch synthesis.
Potassium Uptake
Bio-availability and uptake of K by plants from the soil vary with a number of different factors. The rate of respiration by plants is largely the determining factor for proper uptake and transport of potassium by plants. Its uptake is dependent on sufficient energy (ATP). Potassium plays a vital role in the translocation of essential nutrients, water, and other substances from the roots through the stem to the leaves. It is also made available through fertilizers in the form of K2O. Plant tissues analyze the form of these fertilizers and convert it into a more bio-available form. It is absorbed in the form of ions- K+.
Functions of Potassium in plants
Potassium (K) essentially plays a major role in plant physiological processes. Therefore, it is required in large amounts for proper growth and reproduction in plants. It is considered vital after nitrogen as far as nutrients needed by plants are concerned. It is also termed "the quality nutrient" for its contributing factor in a number of biological and chemical processes in plants. Here is why Potassium is important in plants:
- Potassium regulates the opening and closing of stomata thus regulating the uptake of CO2 thus enhancing photosynthesis.
- It triggers activation of important biochemical enzymes for the generation of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP provides energy for other chemical and physiological processes such as excretion of waste materials in plants.
- It plays a role in osmoregulation of water and other salts in plant tissues and cells.
- Potassium also facilitates protein and starch synthesis in plants.
- It activates enzymes responsible for specific functions.
Potassium deficiency in plants
Regardless of its availability from soils, potassium deficiency may occur and might start from the lower leaves and progress towards other vital parts of the plants. Deficiency might cause abnormalities in plants affecting reproduction and growth. Severity depends on with the type of plant and soil. Some of the potassium deficiency symptoms may include:
- Chlorosis: May cause yellowing of leaves, the margin of the leaves may fall off, and also lead to shedding and defoliation of the leaves.
- Stunted growth: Potassium being an important growth catalyst, its deficiency or insufficient might lead to slow growth or poor developed roots and stems.
- Poor resistance to ecological changes: Reduced availability of potassium will directly result in less fluid circulation and translocation of nutrients in plants. This will directly make plants susceptible to temperature changes.
Importance of potassium in agriculture
Potassium is important in agriculture and soil gardening. It is used as a constituent in artificial fertilizers. Potassium fertilizers have been seen to increase crop yields, enhance production of grains rich in starch and protein content of plants. Additionally, potassium fertilizers may help improve plants immunity to weather changes, diseases, and nematodes.
Potassium is majorly used in hydroponics to improve root growth and enhance drought tolerance. It also enhances the building of cellulose and thus reduces lodging.