Potassium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is classified as a macronutrient because plants take up large quantities of it during their life cycle. Here are some of the ways that potassium benefits plants:

• Regulates water movement: Potassium is associated with the movement of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates in plant tissue. It helps maintain turgor, reduces water loss, and wilting.

• Activates enzymes: 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.

• Regulates stomata: Potassium helps regulate the opening and closing of the stomata, which regulates the exchange of water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. This is important for photosynthesis and respiration.

• Increases root growth: Potassium increases root growth and improves drought resistance.

• Improves crop quality: Potassium affects quality factors such as size, shape, color, and vigor of the seed or grain, and improves the fiber quality of cotton. It also increases protein content of plants.

If the supply of potassium from the soil isnt adequate, a fertilizer program must supply the potassium. Deficiency of potassium can stunt plant growth and reduce yield. Typical symptoms of potassium deficiency in plants include brown scorching and curling of leaf tips as well as chlorosis (yellowing) between leaf veins. Plant growth, root development, and seed and fruit development are usually reduced in potassium-deficient plants.