1、Revisiting potassium

Applying K fertilizer can exacerbate soil salinization (Jose et al., 2016) and deteriorate soil structure by creating clay dispersion (Farahani et al., 2018), with subsequent negative effects on soil properties.

2、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.

3、Effective potassium management for sustainable crop production based on

Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient for sustainable crop production. The impact of exogenous K input on soil K apparent balance has been increasingly investigated; however, the effects of K input on K reserves and crop yields in soils with different characteristics are not well understood.

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

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.

5、Understanding the Role of Potassium Chloride in Fertilizers: Benefits

Discover the vital role of potassium chloride in fertilizers, enhancing plant growth, nutrient balance, and soil health for optimal crop yields.

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...

Potassium Fertiliser

Potassium fertilizer refers to substances like KCl or potassium sulphate used to provide essential potassium to plants for optimal growth. It should be placed strategically in the soil to ensure efficient absorption by plant roots.

Potassium fertilization: paradox or K management dilemma?

Their suggestion to replace KCl by potassium sulfate (K 2 SO 4) would be expensive due to the difference in the unit price of K in these two fertilizers. Additionally, there could be problems in rain-fed agriculture as, under such conditions, KCl is the only source of Cl for plants.

Effects of Different Potassium Fertilizers on Growth and

The results showed that at 60 days after emergence，plant heights，stem diameters，the leaf SPAD values and biomasses of K 2 SO 4 treatment were significantly higher than those of KCl treatment，and those of K 2 SO 4 + KCl treatment were between the two treatments.

Fertilization with Phosphorus, Potassium, and Other Nutrients

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are primary macronutrients required in significant amounts by crops. Both are nonmobile in the soil since they are retained in the solid fraction and consequently, their management has some common characteristics. Most soil P and K are not available to plants.

Bingtang oranges, a popular citrus fruit known for their vibrant color, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and rich content of vitamin C and minerals, significantly benefit from potassium fertilization in terms of quality and yield. Below is a detailed analysis of the advantages and potential drawbacks of using potassium fertilizer on Bingtang oranges:

I. Benefits

1. Enhanced Growth: Potassium fertilizer promotes robust growth, particularly during the young fruit stage. It stimulates cell division and elongation, strengthens stress resistance and pest/disease resilience, and improves photosynthetic efficiency, enabling better sunlight utilization and increased yields.

2. Improved Quality: Potassium enhances fruit firmness and toughness, reducing physical damage during handling. It also boosts sugar content and vitamin C levels, resulting in sweeter, more nutritious fruits.

3. Extended Shelf Life: By improving disease resistance and slowing water loss, potassium reduces post-harvest spoilage. It delays ripening, preserving appearance and taste during storage.

4. Yield Increase: Potassium fertilization promotes root development, enhancing water and nutrient absorption. Combined with improved photosynthesis, this directly translates to higher fruit output.

5. Cost Savings: Reduced pest/disease incidence lowers pesticide use, cutting production costs. Improved soil water retention and nutrient efficiency decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers, further minimizing expenses.

6. Environmental Benefits: As a natural fertilizer, potassium minimizes toxic byproducts, reducing agricultural pollution. It fosters soil microbial activity, accelerating organic matter decomposition and enhancing soil health.

7. Economic Value: High-quality, high-yield Bingtang oranges command better market prices, increasing profitability for farmers and boosting economic returns.

8. Social Impact: Sustainable potassium use supports eco-friendly agriculture, aligning with green development goals and contributing to long-term social well-being.

9. Technological Advancement: Research into optimized potassium application drives innovation in precision farming, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

10. Brand Enhancement: Premium-quality Bingtang oranges gain market recognition, strengthening brand reputation and expanding market share.

11. Farmer Income Uplift: Improved yield and quality translate to higher incomes for farmers, lifting living standards.

12. Agricultural Modernization: Potassium integration advances scientific farming practices, enhancing productivity and competitiveness in modern agriculture.

13. Soil Health: Potassium optimizes soil structure and permeability while promoting microbial activity, enriching soil fertility over time.

14. Crop Resilience: Potassium strengthens plants’ ability to withstand drought, cold, and diseases, ensuring stable production under adverse conditions.

15. Synergistic Effects: As a critical nutrient for photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and metabolic processes, potassium is indispensable for maximizing crop potential.

II. Drawbacks

1. Cost Issues: Potassium fertilizer is relatively expensive. Overuse can disrupt soil nutrient balance, while improper application may lead to inefficiency or environmental harm. Expertise is required to avoid misuse.

2. Environmental Risks: Excessive potassium can cause eutrophication of water bodies and soil contamination. Some formulations contain heavy metals, posing long-term health hazards if mishandled.

3. Soil Degradation: Long-term over-application may compact soil structure, reduce organic matter, and impair water retention,threatening agricultural sustainability.

4. Resource Waste: Not all crops absorb potassium equally. Inefficient use or fixation by soils can lead to wastage, exacerbating resource depletion.

5. Dependency Risks: Over-reliance on potassium may overshadow other essential farming practices (e.g., organic fertilizers), creating vulnerabilities in agricultural systems.

6. Ecological Concerns: Potassium production consumes water/energy and may involve harmful chemicals, contributing to resource strain and ecological footprints.

7. Market Volatility: Fluctuating potassium prices due to global supply-demand shifts or policies introduce financial uncertainty for farmers.

8. Mismanagement Risks: Without tailored application based on soil/crop needs, potassium use may fail to deliver expected benefits, leading to economic losses.

While potassium fertilizer offers substantial benefits for Bingtang oranges—including growth promotion, quality improvement, and sustainable gains—it requires careful management to mitigate costs, environmental impacts, and resource misallocation. Balancing scientific application with ecological awareness ensures optimal outcomes for both agriculture and the planet.