Potassium Fertilization in the Production of Vegetables and Fruits

Abstract

Consumption of vegetables worldwide has increased, not only by population growth but also by the trend of changes in consumers' eating habits, making it inevitable to increase production. The consumer of vegetables has become more demanding, having to produce them in quantity and quality, as well as maintaining their supply throughout the year. Hydroponics is an alternative technique of cultivation in a protected environment, in which the nutritious solution is replaced by the nutrient solution. Among the essential mineral nutrients for plants, K stands out for its influence on quality attributes that affect the concentration of phytonutrients critical for human health. It acts as the determinants in the commercialization of vegetables, and can be found in various foods such as vegetables, and fruits. Adequate levels of this nutrient will benefit the consumer's health and also prevent disease. Among the essential plant nutrients, K stands out for its influence on quality attributes that affect the concentration of phytonutrients critical to human health. The horticulturist should prioritize the use of potassic fertilizers with lower salt content, if possible free of chlorine and containing magnesium and sulfur. However, it is essential to remember that the high potassium content in plants can induce deficiency of calcium and magnesium.

Sources of Potassic Fertilization in Soybean Production under Different Irrigation Blades

“…On the other hand, in the treatments with the irrigation blades with 30% and 70% KCl, which is a more soluble fertilizer, higher levels of carotenoids were obtained, due to the greater release of K + and Clions. Considering that the osmoregulation of guard cells is due to the entrance of K + and Clions and to the synthesis of malate 2within these cells [9], stomatal closure is one of the first responses to water stress, reducing photosynthesis activity, due to a smaller CO 2 assimilation and increased photorespiration [24]. Regardless of the source used, the potassium fertilization that was used in this experiment is in agreement with that recommended for the crop, which favored the adequate functioning of stomatal opening and closing mechanism in the guard cells and tissue turgidity, which is regulated by K. K-deficient plants are less able to absorb water and are more subject to stress when the water content is below the critical for the crop [11].…”

“…When the plant is subjected to adverse conditions, a series of internal protection mechanisms are activated, and the osmotic adjustment is one of the most efficient physiological mechanisms to maintain cellular turgescence, under conditions of low soil water potential [8]. In plants submitted to water stress, the K + ion efflux of guard cells, which lose water to neighboring cells, leads to a decrease in turgescence and stomatal closure [9].…”

Doses De Potássio E Lâminas De Irrigação Na Qualidade De Mudas De Eucalipto

“…Embora não tenha função estrutural na planta, o potássio é um importante macronutriente para atuar na ativação de cerca de 50 enzimas (TAVARES et al, 2013;MARQUES et al, 2018). Em situações de baixo potencial hídrico, o K destaca-se por ser o principal íon presente nos vacúolos celulares relacionados ao controle osmótico e consequente transpiração, sendo de extrema importância na manutenção da turgidez interna das células (D'AVILA et al, 2011;BATTIE-LACLAU et al, 2016).…”