Potassium influences on yield and quality production for maize, wheat, soybean and cotton

Abstract

Potassium is one of the principle plant nutrients underpinning crop yield production and quality determination. While involved in many physiological processes, potassium's impact on water relations, photosynthesis, assimilate transport and enzyme activation can have direct consequences on crop productivity. Potassium deficiency can lead to a reduction in both the number of leaves produced and the size of individual leaves. Coupling this reduced amount of photosynthetic source material with a reduction in the photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area, and the result is an overall reduction in the amount of photosynthetic assimilates available for growth. The production of less photosynthetic assimilates and reduced assimilate transport out of the leaves to the developing fruit greatly contributes to the negative consequences that deficiencies of potassium have on yield and quality production. Goals aimed toward increasing crop productivity and improved quality dictate either increased potassium supply or more efficient use of potassium. Developing plants that more efficiently use potassium might be a worthwhile goal for geneticists.

Potassium Fertilization and Physiological Soybean Seed Quality

“…Potassium fertilization can influence germination and seed vigor since it is an es-sential element for oil synthesis and transport in soybeans [1] [2]. Similar results were obtained by [3], who found that seed vigor was significantly affected by potassium fertilization rates.…”

“…There are several reports in the literature showing that the effect of potassium on physiological quality, yield, and chemical composition is due to the natural content of the nutrient in the experimental area. According to [1], it is necessary to carry out experiments in areas of low natural nutrient content.…”

Potassium fertilization and sowing seasons on protein yield in soybean cultivars

“…From the dose that resulted in the MTE of each cultivar, there was a reduction in protein yield (kg ha -1 ), possibly as a direct consequence of the antagonistic effect of K 2 O, which reduced the absorption of other cations, i.e., it had strong competitive effect on the nutrients (Ca, Mg, N and P), negatively influencing the development of the plants (Malavolta, 1980). Pettigrew (2009) andVeiga et al (2010) claim that K plays vital roles and is essential in the synthesis and transport of protein to the organs.…”

“…According to Pettigrew (2009) andRengel &Damon (2008), under conditions of low K availability in the soil, soybean cultivars adapted and efficient regarding this nutrient exhibit better production performance.…”

Physiological quality of soybean and wheat seeds produced with alternative potassium sources

“…Nevertheless, K fertilization responses in soybean plants can be achieved by a number of management regimes when the soil tests low for available K (Pettigrew, 2008). Jeffers et al (1982) studying soybean production at three locations, observed high percentages of moldy and dead seeds under conditions of K deficiency, but seed germination was improved by K fertilization.…”