Potassium accelerates root development for plants in general, encourages excessive branching and lateral root formation. If enough potassium is available, the plants will form more branched roots. Root diameter expands, root length and root growth rate increase. In potassium deficiency, root development becomes superficial and lateral root formation decreases. Plants that do not get enough potassium are mostly high in nitrogen and low in carbohydrates. As a result, root development and growth are adversely affected.
Lying, which is especially important in cereals, is closely related to the development status of the stem and its carbohydrate content. Potassium, which has a positive effect on carbohydrate synthesis, enables the stem to grow stronger in plants.
It has been determined that plants that cannot get enough potassium are more affected by frost and are damaged. Depending on the amount of potassium applied and therefore the potassium content of the leaves, frost damage on the potato plant is significantly reduced.
Plants that do not get enough potassium usually mature later. Some fiber plants such as cotton reach maturity when the fiber yield and quality are low in potassium deficiency.
Various studies carried out; showed that potassium plays a facilitating role in the positive effect of nitrogen. The effectiveness of nitrogen increased depending on the amount of potassium applied. In the absence of sufficient potassium in the environment, the absorbed nitrogen is converted into free amino acids and protein synthesis cannot be done sufficiently.
Potassium increases the resistance of various plants against diseases and pests. It has protective effects on plants.
