Potassium activates the starch-synthesizing enzyme, facilitates the translocation of photosynthate, and helps to relocate the storage substances in a starchy crop.

Potassium deficiency symptoms occur first on older leaves, because potassium is a highly mobile element in the plant. The potassium content in the leaf decreases rapidly in the fruit enlargement period because a lot of potassium is translocated to the fruit.

The principal function of potassium is to grow meristematic tissues.

Potassium regulates the plant stomata and water use. At low concentrations, potassium decreases the growth rate, the size of the fruit, and the moisture content in the tissues. Therefore, potassium plays a vital role in cell enlargement. When the stomata are opened, the potassium content in guard cells is high; when the stomata are closed, the potassium content in guard cells low. In the light. Guard cells produce ATP through photosynthesis and absorb potassium by using energy from ATP. Consequently, when potassium is accumulated in the guard cells, the turgor pressure rises resulting in the opening of the stomata.

Potassium promotes synthesis of the carbon dioxide-fixing enzyme, decreases the diffusive resistance of CO2 in the leaf, and activates various enzyme reaction systems.

The absorption of potassium is metabolic and its rate is high and increases the fluidity in the system. The main route of translocation is bound for meristematic tissues. Sometimes, potassium is translocated again from old tissues to young tissues.

Potassium functions to regulate the absorption of moisture, to enhance the translocation of photosynthates and to activate metabolic enzymes.

Potassium is abundant in leaves, the stems and the root tips as almost a form of salt. Potassium is very mobile in the plant, because it always exists as an ion or an easily ionizable form.

Potassium functions to help transport carbohydrates, to vitalize carbon assimilation, to control the turgidity (swollen) of protoplasm and to improve resistance to drought and freezing of plant tissues.

Potassium reduces lodging problems, increases yield and improves the quality of crops.

Potassium deficiency occurs in plants that lack potassium in the plant or soil. The lack of potassium leads to an abnormal enzyme system and restrains various metabolisms. Consequently, the plant is disturbs/obstructs in its growth.

When WS-K is deficient, the branch shows growth deterioration, maturity is stunted, and yield/quality is deteriorated.

It is rare to have WS-K deficiency in initial stages of growth. In general, the symptoms of deficiency appear after the plant grows up to a certain point.

Chlorosis starts from the old leaves whose edges become yellowish brown. Chlorosis appears as a spot in the middle of leaves in some plants.

When roots and stems are getting thin, especially when lignifications of vascular bundles in the stem are suppressed consequently becoming less resistant to cold.

The seeds of fruits become small and matures late.

Chlorosis usually starts from the old leaf, but the tip of the leaf in the middle may discolor and dry out even at the peak of growth.

Clay jar / mud pot

Porous paper (Paper towel)

Tobacco stems

Water

Rubber Band / Thread

Dry tobacco stems and cut them in to pieces. (Do not ground too fine to avoid making powder).

Put 1kg of tobacco stem in the hemp/cotton cloth bag and dip it in 5 Lt of water in order to dissolve potassium in water (crude liquid of natural potassium). It takes about 7 days.

Magnesium deficiency occurs if the potassium level is excessive.

It is similar to gas disorder and occurs in the middle part of leaves.

Optimum temperature range is 23~25 °C.

It is good to select a cool and shaded area with no direct sunlight.