1、Effects of Fertilization Approaches on Plant Development and
Fertilization is an important part of citrus crop management. However, limited details are available about the fertilization approach on citrus plant development. A pot experiment for the fertilization approaches and fertigation levels were conducted in this study.
2、Integrated Physiological and Metabolomic Analyses of the Effect of
Studies have indicated that fruit splitting is caused by a combination of environmental factors that trigger its occurrence with a genetic predisposition. These factors include a nutritional imbalance, low potassium (K) and calcium (Ca 2+) and an irregular supply of water.
3、Optimized nutrients management improved citrus yield and fruit quality
Optimized fertilization management could synergistically improve citrus yield, fertilizer use efficiency, and fruit quality.
4、Citrus fruit yield response to nitrogen and potassium fertilization
Supplementary water application improves nutrient use efficiency. Soil acidification. Adjustments on nitrogen and potassium are necessary under fertigation.
5、Nutritional status of different citrus trees and the recommended
Mineral nutrient contents in citrus fruits, as well as the fertility status of citrus orchard soils were investigated across China, specific fertilizer rates of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were proposed for each type of citrus in China.
Role of Potassium in Fruit Crop Quality and Yield Enhancement
Potassium plays a crucial role in enhancing fruit crop quality and yield. Often referred to as the “quality nutrient,” potassium influences a variety of plant physiological functions that directly impact fruit development, taste, appearance, and resistance to stress.
What Do Citrus Growers Need to Know About Fertilizer Application for
Citrus trees require a balanced supply of macronutrients —nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—to thrive: Nitrogen (N): Fuels leaf and branch growth. Phosphorus (P): Supports strong root systems and overall tree health. Potassium (K): Enhances fruit size, flavor, and disease resistance.
Foliar spraying of potassium sulfate during fruit development
Potassium sulfate (K2 SO 4) is the best source for potassium supplementation to improve citrus fruit quality. Six-time K 2 SO 4 foliar application throughout fruit development noticeably increased the fruit quality, specifically sugar accumulation.
Integrated Physiological and Metabolomic Analyses of the Effect of
Potassium (K) nutrition plays a key role in alleviating a variety of peel disorders in tree fruit, but the effect of this nutrient on the physiological and metabolic profiles involved in the...
Potassium as an Essential Nutrient for Citrus Plant: A Review
The main Citrus fruits are oranges, lemons, beets, tomatoes, and they all are categorized as acid fruits. The applications of potassium fertilizers are vital for the better production of Citrus plants. This review article focuses on potassium (K), its role, its applications for Citrus plant.
The reasons why citrus fruits become less firm after potassium fertilization can be analyzed in detail from the following aspects:
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Mechanism of Potassium Fertilization Potassium fertilizer is one of the essential nutrients required for plant growth and plays a critical role in plant development. In citrus fruits, potassium promotes fruit maturation while improving quality and taste. By regulating water balance within plants, enhancing cell membrane stability, and facilitating sugar accumulation, potassium helps increase fruit firmness and storage durability. When applied, increased potassium content in citrus fruits directly improves their structural integrity.
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Relationship Between Potassium and Fruit Firmness The impact of potassium on fruit firmness manifests through multiple mechanisms:
- It strengthens cell wall structure and elasticity, creating more resilient fruit tissue.
- Stimulates pectin synthesis, a key adhesive substance that binds fruit cells tightly to prevent cracking.
- Maintains optimal internal water balance, reducing firmness loss caused by dehydration.
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Analysis of Softening Phenomena Post-Fertilization Increased potassium levels in citrus fruits may trigger several effects:
- Accelerated cellulose production (a tensile-strong material) enhances structural support.
- Elevated pectin content improves cellular cohesion, increasing compactness.
- Imbalanced nutrient distribution might lead to insufficient supporting compounds.
- Excessive potassium could induce water reduction, negatively affecting turgidity-related firmness.
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Contributing Factors Beyond Potassium Effects Additional elements may cause post-fertilization softening:
- Soil deficiency: Insufficient soil potassium or unsuitable pH impairs absorption efficiency.
- Environmental stress: Drought or heat waves reduce plant's potassium uptake capacity.
- Pest/disease damage: Poorly managed infestations disrupt healthy growth patterns.
- Over-fertilization: Excessive application disrupts nutrient equilibrium.
post-fertilization softening results from complex interactions between direct potassium effects and external variables. To maintain optimal citrus firmness, it is recommended to implement balanced fertilization practices, optimize irrigation schedules, monitor soil health, employ integrated pest management, and adjust application rates according to specific environmental conditions. These comprehensive measures will ensure both fruit quality and consumer appeal.

