Potassium does not enter the plant structure much like nitrogen and phosphorus. It mostly makes itself felt in some vital events of the plant. For example; It plays a role in adjusting the water potential of the plant and in the creation and transportation of carbohydrates. Apart from these, it also plays an active role in the transformation of amino acids into proteins.

   Potassium affects many quality elements in plants. It is the most important element affecting fruit quality, color, smell, aroma, durability, hardness, resistance to diseases and storage length.

   Potassium is taken into the plant body in the form of K+ ion, and its deficiency, like nitrogen, first manifests itself in old leaves. Excessive potassium intake reduces magnesium uptake and causes the plant's top shoot to slow down.

Functions of Potassium in the Plant

· It maintains water balance in the plant by adjusting the salt concentration and osmotic pressure of the tissues.

· It increases the resistance of plants to drought, frost and salt damage.

· It plays a role in transporting structures such as proteins and carbohydrates formed in the leaves of plants to the fruit and increases the yield and quality by filling the fruit.

· It helps the activity of many enzymes necessary for photosynthesis and respiration.

· It increases product quality. Color, taste, aroma, hardness, storage stability and shelf life of the fruit; It is the most important element affecting potassium deficiency.

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

· It is first seen in old leaves. It is seen as yellowing and then drying at the tips and edges of old leaves (the leaf retains its green color).

· Older leaves are smaller. In advanced cases, most of the leaf is destroyed. it dries but does not fall off.

· A general water stress is observed in the plant. The plant is lifeless. Its development slows down.

· Resistance to diseases and pests decreases.

· Deterioration in the shape of seeds and fruits, decrease in fruit quality, fruits become smaller and less palatable.

Conditions That Reduce Potassium Intake

· Sandy light soils with high potassium loss.

· Limeç soils with high ratio.

· Excessive amount of phosphorus in the soil.

· Soils with low potassium content

· Excessive rainfall, excessive flood irrigation.