What is the Importance of Potassium for Plants?

In the agricultural sector, potassium has 2 different important functions for plants. It particularly affects reactions in plant cells that are crucial for plant development. It is a necessary nutrient source for enzymes that play an active role in sugar and protein production in plant cells to perform their tasks. It activates these enzymes. The amount of Potassium plants need for this biochemical event is at the micro level.

Its second role in plants is to enable certain reactions that allow the high-concentration potassium-rich fluid in the cell sap to pass through the porous cell wall into the cell, providing rigidity to the plant. With potassium's role here, root cells help preserve the leaf's energy, enabling better photosynthesis.

What is the Importance of Photosynthesis in Plants?

Photosynthesis is an extremely important biological event for plants. Through photosynthesis, plants collect energy from sunlight to produce sugar. Plants contain stomata. When these stomata are open, water inside the plant is lost. Therefore, the plant needs to close its stomata to prevent water loss.

By controlling the potassium concentration within the plant's guard cells, it regulates the opening and closing of the stomata.

Sugar is a very important substance for plants. For the plant to be able to produce and store sugar in a very healthy way, potassium is extremely important.

Potassium is very important for roots, tubers, and fruit. By coordinating the salt concentration within the cells, it prevents damage in cases of extreme drought and frost. It also enables more effective defense against harmful insects and plant diseases.

Having an adequate level of potassium in plants ensures a better oil content in oil-producing plants.

The Importance of Potassium in Sugar Beet Production?

For sugar beets to produce sugar very well, they need to get plenty of sunlight. For this, broad-leaved sugar beets absorb more sunlight. To enable sugar beets to get better sunlight, their potassium needs must be well met. Sugar beet growers should pay close attention to potassium levels when planting beets.

In the agricultural sector, controlled fertilization keeps the yield obtained from the plant at an optimal level. The proper presence of potassium ensures that the plant makes the most efficient use of its nitrogen source.

What is the Importance of the Amount of Potassium in the Soil for Plants?

When plants receive enough potassium, nitrogen use reaches an optimal level. This allows plant roots to lengthen, reducing the loss rate. At the same time, nitrate residue in the soil also decreases.

As the plant roots begin to lengthen, they supply an adequate level of potassium from the water present in the soil.

A very fast-growing grain crop takes up y kg of Potassium (K) per hectare (10,000 m2). This amount is higher for sugar beets. In sugar beet production, it takes up 8 kg of Potassium (K) per hectare (10,000 m2). Of course, these conditions apply to soils with adequate potassium levels.

For soils that do not have a sufficient amount of potassium, some fertilization activities are carried out using it as a potassium source. The following chemical substances are used in the production of these agricultural chemicals.

• Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate (TKPP)
• Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
• Monoethanolamine (MEA)

Among these, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate and Potassium Carbonate are used as potassium sources. Monoethanolamine, on the other hand, is important for plants as a Nitrogen source.

How Does Potassium Affect Yield in Orange Production?

Potassium is an important nutrient requirement for orange trees. In orange production, a potassium source in the form of Potassium Oxide affects the following factors.

These are;

• Fruit Weight
• Production amount per tree
• Juice content
• Acidity
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Among these values, fruit weight, production amount per tree, juice content, and the amount of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) increase, while the amount of acidity decreases.

What is the Importance of Potassium in Barley Production?

In a barley field that meets its potassium needs adequately (6 kg K/ha), the amount of barley produced is approximately 4.90 tonnes per hectare. These soils, meeting the potassium requirement, produce 2.60 tonnes of straw per hectare.

In contrast, another soil that cannot meet the potassium needs (0.5 kg K/ha) produces 3.10 tonnes of grain per hectare, while producing 1.10 tonnes of straw per hectare.

What are the Global Usage Rates of Potassium?

The sector where potassium is most used is agriculture, at 95%. It is also used as a substitute for calcium and magnesium salts that cause water hardness. Additionally, it is used as a de-icer. However, its use in these areas is not profitable.

What is the Effect of Potassium on Photosynthesis and Carbohydrate Production?

Potassium affects the photosynthesis process in plants. During photosynthesis, plants use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into nutrients such as glucose and oxygen. Potassium helps plants produce more glucose and carbohydrates by increasing the efficiency of chloroplasts in this process.