1、Revisiting potassium

Soil potassium (K) deficit is extremely challenging for global food security, necessitating optimal K-fertilization strategies to reconcile crop productivity and soil fertility.

2、Excessive application of chemical fertilizer and organophosphorus

For anthropogenic drivers, the path coefficients of usage of fertilizer and pesticides, which was often excessively applied in China, were 0.921 and 0.909, respectively causing they the two...

3、Applied potassium negates osmotic stress impacts on plant physiological

Herein, we conducted a meta-analysis using data from 2381 paired observations to investigate plant responses to potassium application across various morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters under both osmotic and nonosmotic stress.

4、Long

Imbalanced fertilization and inadequate of straw return have led to soil potassium (K) depletion and fertility decline in croplands of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. However, how these changes affect soil microbial communities remains unclear.

5、How Excess Potassium Can Affect Plant Nutrient Uptake

Excessive potassium disrupts plant nutrient uptake primarily through antagonistic interactions with calcium, magnesium, and certain micronutrients, leading to deficiencies despite their presence in the soil.

Long

We investigated the long term effects of K application on K use and soil status. K increased grain yield, but this effect decreased with excessive application. Returned straw, deep soil K utilization, weathering soil K pools may alleviate soil K deficits.

Potassium limits productivity in intensive cereal cropping

This study quantifies potassium (K) limitations in Indonesia’s intensive cereal cropping systems and reveals that current soil K levels and fertilizer applications are inadequate to meet...

Potassium fertilization: paradox or K management dilemma?

In 2014, Khan et al. presented evidence that soil exchangeable K (Exch-K) increases over time without addition of potassium (K) to the soil despite the removal of K in crops on a soil rich in montmorillonite and illite. The authors term this behavior ‘The potassium paradox’.

Impact of active root zone soil potassium levels on cotton yield and

Applying potassium fertilizer in potassium-deficient soils is a common practice in agricultural production. Moreover, in the pursuit of higher yields, the quantity of potassium fertilizer applied has increased, leading to concerns about its excessive use.

Effects of Excess Potassium on Plant Health

Excess potassium in soil may result from several factors: Over-fertilization: Applying large amounts of potassium-rich fertilizers without proper soil testing leads to accumulation. Irrigation with High K Water: Using irrigation water containing high levels of potassium salts.

In agricultural production, potassium fertilizer is a critical component, playing a vital role in plant growth and development. improper use or excessive application of potassium fertilizer can lead to potassium deficiency in plants, disrupting their normal growth. Below is a detailed analysis of the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for potassium deficiency resulting from excessive fertilization.

I. Cause Analysis

1. Insufficient Soil Potassium Content: The potassium level in soil is a key factor determining whether plants experience deficiency. If the soil inherently lacks potassium, even excessive fertilization may fail to meet the plant’s requirements. This can manifest as yellowing, brittle leaves, stunted growth, or even plant death.

2. Over-Fertilization: Excessive potassium application can paradoxically induce deficiency. While potassium promotes growth, overly concentrated soil potassium may exceed the plant’s capacity for absorption, leading to insufficient uptake and deficiency symptoms.

3. Unsuitable Soil pH: Soil pH affects potassium availability. Acidic soils generally enhance potassium effectiveness, while alkaline soils reduce it. Failing to adjust pH during fertilization can lower potassium absorption efficiency.

4. Pest and Disease Impact: Pathogens (e.g., fungi, bacteria) may produce toxins inhibiting potassium uptake, while pests directly damage plant tissues, disrupting nutrient absorption and growth.

5. Improper Irrigation: Irrigation water containing ions like calcium or magnesium can form precipitates with potassium, reducing its availability. Excessive irrigation may also elevate soil salinity, further hindering potassium absorption.

II. Symptoms of Deficiency

1. Leaf Symptoms: Physiological potassium deficiency manifests as dry, scorched edges or tips of leaves, progressing to yellowing or browning. This indicates impaired photosynthesis and nutrient synthesis.

2. Growth Retardation: Potassium-deficient plants exhibit slow growth due to disrupted energy metabolism and impaired synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other essential compounds.

3. Reduced Stress Resistance: Deficient plants struggle to withstand environmental stresses (e.g., drought, extreme temperatures), exacerbating nutritional imbalances and potentially leading to death.

III. Prevention and Control Methods

1. Rational Fertilization: Apply potassium fertilizer in "small, frequent doses" tailored to soil conditions and plant stages. Avoid excessive single-time applications.

2. Soil pH Adjustment: Test soil pH before fertilization. Use lime or ammonium sulfate to optimize acidity/alkalinity, enhancing potassium availability.

3. Select Suitable Varieties: Choose high-quality, locally adapted, potassium-efficient crop varieties to minimize deficiency risks.

4. Field Management:

   • Remove weeds, residues, and pest-damaged tissues.
   • Ensure consistent irrigation to avoid salinity buildup.
   • Improve soil structure with organic fertilizers to boost water and nutrient retention.

5. Integrated Pest Control:

   • Address pests/diseases promptly at early stages.
   • Monitor fields regularly for abnormalities.
   • Introduce resilient varieties to enhance stress resistance.

Excessive potassium fertilization can ironically cause deficiency. To ensure healthy plant growth, combine controlled potassium use with soil management, pH adjustment, and integrated pest control.