Effect of Potassium in plants

Abstract

While K does not become a part of the chemical structure of plants, it plays many important regulatory roles in development. Potassium (K) increases crop yield and improves quality. It is required for numerous plant growth processes. Plants depend upon K to regulate the opening and closing of stomata. It is absorbed in the form of ions- K+. 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.Nov 30, 2016 A small fraction of the plant K requirement is attained by root interception. The bulk of K has to be transported to the growing roots by mass-flow and diffusion in which diffusion mechanism plays the major role. Studies were undertaken to evaluate soil and plant parameters that might have influence on K supply mechanisms in soil and on plant uptake of K. The mechanism of K supply to wheat root was compared with corn and onion. The major mechanism of K supply to corn and onion roots was exchange and solution diffusion. The mechanism of K supply to different crop species is attributable to differences in the K requirements, water flux rates and to the differences in root parameters.