Why Shouldn’t Potassium Fertilizer Be Applied in the Late Growth Stage?

Deep Farm  2025-10-19 15:49:28   4  4 Like

Why Shouldn’t Potassium Fertilizer Be Applied in the Late Growth Stage?

1、Can High

high-potassium fertilizers can be applied in the late stage of chili growth, but caution is key. Avoid excessive use, prioritize balanced fertilization, and monitor plants regularly to ensure optimal results and soil health.

2、Effects of the Foliar Application of Potassium Fertilizer on the Grain

In the late growth stage of wheat, potassium deficiency occurs even under sufficient nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) levels, so it is necessary to supplement potassium through foliar spraying.

Effects of the Foliar Application of Potassium Fertilizer on the Grain

3、Effects of Different Potassium (K) Fertilizer Rates on Yield Formation

As one of the most important nutrients for plants, potassium (K) has substantial effects on growth and development of crops. Present study was conducted in three different sites in South China in late season in 2019 with the objective to study the effects of different applied amounts of K fertilizer on yield formation and lodging of rice.

Effects of Different Potassium (K) Fertilizer Rates on Yield Formation

4、Fertilization with Phosphorus, Potassium, and Other Nutrients

When applied as fertilizer, both nutrients are quickly fixed in the soil solid fraction, mainly by adsorption or precipitation. Thus, in contrast to N, leaching risk is usually negligible, except in soils with very low adsorption capacity (e.g., very sandy soils).

Fertilization with Phosphorus, Potassium, and Other Nutrients

Why shouldn't multi

During this critical stage, the plant absorbs the most nutrients, with potassium making up the largest share, followed by nitrogen and phosphorus, which together account for about 81.49% of the total potassium absorption. The pattern of nutrient absorption also changes depending on the growth stage.

Effects of Agricultural Potassium Fertilizer Application on Soil Carbon

This review examines the impact and regulatory mechanisms of potassium fertilizer on the soil carbon cycle, discussing how potassium fertilizer affects soil carbon storage and flow through...

When to Apply Potassium Fertilizer? Boost Soil Productivity

A: Yes, potassium fertilizer can be used on lawns and gardens to promote healthy growth and development. However, it’s essential to follow recommended application rates and consider factors like soil type and plant requirements.

Effect of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Application on Soil

At Assosa, a field experiment was conducted to determine how soil chemical characteristics and accumulation of phosphorus and potassium in potato tissue responded to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application.

Effects of potassium fertilization on winter wheat under different

Potassium fertilization is, however, uncommon in the NCP, primarily due to the relatively high soil test K as surveyed in the 1980s (National Extension Center of Agricultural Technique in China, 2004).

The Best Time to Apply Potassium Fertilizer for Lawns

Among the various nutrients required by turfgrass, potassium plays a vital role in promoting healthy growth, improving stress tolerance, and enhancing disease resistance. However, applying potassium fertilizer at the right time is crucial to maximize its benefits and avoid wastage or lawn damage.

Potassium fertilizer is one of the indispensable elements in agricultural production, playing a critical role in plant growth. The application of potassium fertilizer significantly improves crop yield, enhances quality, and strengthens stress resistance. not all potassium fertilizers are suitable for application during the late growth stages of crops. Below, we explore the reasons why potassium fertilizer should not be applied in the later stages of crop development.

1. Properties and Functions of Potassium Fertilizer

Potassium fertilizer is an inorganic salt with high concentration, primarily absorbed by plants in the form of ions through the soil solution. It promotes the synthesis of cell walls, increases osmotic pressure within cells, and thereby enhances drought resistance and disease resistance. Additionally, potassium fertilizer boosts protein synthesis, improves photosynthetic efficiency, and strengthens overall plant growth and stress resistance.

2. Absorption Characteristics of Potassium

Potassium has poor mobility in soil, so its utilization efficiency depends on factors such as soil type, pH, and organic matter content. During the early growth stages, when root systems are underdeveloped, soil potassium may be insufficient. Applying potassium fertilizer at this stage rapidly increases available potassium to meet crop demands. In contrast, during late growth stages, roots are fully developed, and soil potassium becomes relatively abundant. Excessive application of potassium fertilizer at this time can lead to leaching and loss of potassium, reducing soil fertility.

3. Optimal Timing for Potassium Application

The timing of potassium application directly affects its utilization efficiency and crop performance. Generally, the best period for applying potassium fertilizer is during the early growth stages, from sowing to before the tillering stage. Crops have higher potassium demands during this period, and proper application improves yield and quality. Applying potassium fertilizer in late growth stages not only fails to meet crop needs but also risks leaching, which diminishes soil fertility.

4. Relationship Between Potassium, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus

Like nitrogen and phosphorus, potassium is essential for crop growth. Fertilization should follow a balanced "nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium" (NPK) principle to avoid imbalanced nutrient ratios. Overemphasis on potassium while neglecting nitrogen and phosphorus can disrupt crop development, reducing yield and quality. Thus, potassium application should align with specific crop needs and soil conditions to prevent excess.

5. Application Methods for Potassium Fertilizer

To maximize potassium utilization, adopt effective application methods. For example:

  • Mix potassium fertilizer with other nutrients to improve solubility and uptake.
  • Use deep placement or furrow application to minimize leaching.
  • Adjust potassium types and dosages based on crop growth stages and soil conditions.

6. Impact of Potassium on Crop Growth

Potassium’s effects on crops include:

  1. Root Development: Enhances root growth and nutrient/water absorption.
  2. Photosynthesis: Boosts leaf photosynthetic efficiency and growth vigor.
  3. Disease Resistance: Strengthens immune responses to reduce disease risk.
  4. Quality Improvement: Increases fruit sweetness, taste, and market value.

Early application of potassium fertilizer is more appropriate because it quickly addresses soil potassium deficiencies and supports crop needs while enhancing soil fertility. Late-stage application, risks leaching and reduced soil health. potassium application should align with crop-specific requirements and soil conditions to optimize results.

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