What are the symptoms of a lack of potassium in plants?

Plants need many nutrients in order to live and have good health, and of all, one of the most important is potassium. Thanks to it, it can perform its functions such as growing and feeding, since it is involved in photosynthesis.

Therefore, it is not surprising that it is included in all chemical fertilizers. You can not miss! But sometimes, either due to a bad crop or due to ignorance, problems derived from a lack of potassium can arise. Let's see what are the symptoms that we will see and what we can do to help them.

What is the function of potassium in plants?

Potassium is a nutrient found in the soil, and once it comes into contact with water, it becomes accessible to your root system. From it, it is taken to the cells, where it will fulfill each of its functions, his:

• Regulate the opening and closing of the stomata - they are the pores of the leaves, branches and trunk.
• Trigger the activation of enzymes and, therefore, it is essential to produce adenosine triphosphaph (ATP), which is the energy that cells need to be able to carry out their chemical processes.
• Regulate the absorption of water through the roots and its loss through the stomata.
• Improve tolerance to lack of water.
• Intervene in the synthesis of proteins and starch.

How do you know if you are not absorbing enough potassium?

Symptoms of a lack of potassium in plants are as follows:

• Chlorosis: the middle and lower leaves turn yellowish, with burnt margins.
• Slow growth rate: potassium is very important for growth, when it is lacking, the plant is delayed.
• Fall of leavesUnless remedied, the plant could defoliate in no time.
• Low tolerance to temperature changes and lack of water: when potassium is lacking, not as much water circulates through the vessels of the plant, so it becomes weaker.
• Low resistance to pestsYour immune system will not be able to fight them the same way it did when you were healthy.

How to help her?

It's very simple. Just go to a nursery and buy a compost rich in potassium. Once at home, follow the directions, and in a short time you will have improved. You can also get it No products found.. Of course, you have to know that the yellowish leaves will no longer take on the green color, but those that come out new will come out healthy.

I hope it has served you 🙂.