Potassium
In order to develop properly, the plant must receive nutrients in a timely manner. The most important of these is potassium. Its insufficient amount in the soil layers helps to replenish potash fertilizers. It is customary to calculate the content of an element in the form of its oxide (K2O).
In plant cells, potassium is present in ionic form in the cytoplasm and cell sap. It is smaller in the old parts of plants, as well as in the roots, seeds and tubers. Young leaves and stems are rich with potassium. There are more potassium cereals in straw than in grains. Together with manure, the element returns to the soil (straw is used as bedding for animals), thereby restoring its fertility.
With sufficient flow of potassium into the plant:
• The oxidation processes in the cells are more intense.
• Cellular metabolism is increased.
• The plant tolerates the lack of moisture easier.
• Photosynthesis is accelerating.
• Enzymatic activity increases.
• It is easier to exchange proteins and carbohydrates.
• Plants adapt to sub-zero temperatures more quickly.
• More organic acids are formed.
• The resistance to pathogenic factors increases.
With a lack of potassium:
• Complex carbohydrates are not synthesized from the simple ones.
• The formation of protein in the cells stops.
• Development of reproductive organs gets delayed.
• Stalk becomes weak.
Plants need potassium more than any other nutrient.