Potassium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is classified as a macronutrient.

Role in Plant Growth

Potassium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is classified as a macronutrient due to large quantities of potassium being taken up by plants during their life cycle. When soils are deficient in potassium, it must be supplied in a fertilizer program. Potassium is associated with movement of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates in plant tissue. Potassium is involved with enzyme activation within the plant which affects protein, starch and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The production of (ATP) can regulate the rate of photosynthesis.

Potassium also helps to regulate the opening and closing of the stomata which regulates the exchange of water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. If potassium is deficient or not supplied in adequate amounts, growth is stunted and yield is reduced. For perennial crops such as alfalfa, potassium has been shown to play a role in stand persistence through the winter.

Other Roles of Potassium Include:

Increased root growth and improves drought resistance
Maintains turgor; reduces water loss and wilting
Aids in photosynthesis and food formation
Reduces respiration, preventing energy losses
Enhances translocation of sugars and starch
Produces grain rich in starch
Increases protein content of plants
Builds cellulose and reduces lodging
Helps retard crop diseases