1、Impacts of long

The weathering of K-bearing minerals and fertilization significantly changed soil SK and RK contents, and hydromica was the main source of SK. P fertilizer was more important in increasing crop yield than N fertilizer and straw with long-term zero K inputs.

2、Potassium in agriculture – Status and perspectives

In this review we summarize factors determining the plant availability of soil potassium (K), the role of K in crop yield formation and product quality, and the dependence of crop stress resistance on K nutrition. Average soil reserves of K are generally large, but most of it is not plant-available.

3、Growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake in wheat are affected by differences in nitrogen levels and forms and potassium supply

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are essential macronutrients for plants growth; however, the mechanism by which K mediates negative effects on ammonium-sensitive plants is still poorly understood.

4、The potassium paradox: Implications for soil fertility, crop production and human health

Contrary to the inculcated perception of KCl as a qualitative commodity, more than 1400 field trials predominately documented a detrimental effect of this fertilizer on the quality of major food, feed and fiber crops, with serious implications for soil productivity and human health.

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

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 in Crop Production

This chapter reviews three main aspects of K + in crop production—namely, K availability in the soil, the function of K + in the plant, and potash fertilizer application. The soil is considered as a source of K + to plant roots.

Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Application Strategies in Corn–Soybean Rotations

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are essential nutrients for corn and soybean, comprising a significant proportion of total fertilizer expenditures, and can be yield limiting in many major crop production areas in the United States.

Estimating the potential to reduce potassium surplus in intensive vegetable fields of China

Potassium (K) is important for crop quality, and this knowledge has stimulated substantial K fertilizer application in intensive cropping systems of China, resulting in an unbalanced nutrient supply and the squandering of K resources.

Relationships between the Soil Exchangeable Potassium and Growth Responses of some Vegetable Crops to Potassium Fertilizer

Pot experiments were carried out to clarify the effect of K fertilizer on the growth of some vegetable crops in the volcanic ash soils with different levels of exchangeable K.

Potassium fertilization: paradox or K management dilemma?

In many soils, the Exch-K soil test is the simplest, but it is generally recognized that the response of the crop to Exch-K and applied K fertilizer can be affected by many factors, e.g., climate, water deficit and limiting nutrient supply other than K.

In agricultural production, potassium fertilizer is an indispensable nutrient. The application of potassium significantly impacts crop growth and yield. A deficiency in potassium leads to a series of problems that disrupt normal plant development. Below are the potential effects of potassium shortage on crops:

I. Impaired Plant Physiological Functions

1. Reduced Photosynthesis: Potassium is critical for photosynthesis. It promotes chlorophyll synthesis and enhances photosynthetic efficiency. Deficiency weakens photosynthesis, causing stunted growth and yellowing.
2. Disrupted Cell Osmotic Balance: Potassium ions regulate water balance in cells. Deficiency alters osmotic pressure, leading to abnormal water uptake or loss, which hinders growth.
3. Respiratory Dysfunction: Potassium ions modulate respiratory processes. Deficiency disrupts energy metabolism, affecting overall development.
4. Reduced Enzyme Activity: Potassium activates key enzymes. Deficiency lowers enzyme activity, blocking biochemical reactions and growth.
5. Decreased Stress Resistance: Potassium enhances drought/frost tolerance. Deficiency weakens stress resistance, making plants vulnerable to environmental extremes.
6. Poor Root Development: Potassium is vital for root growth. Deficiency restricts root expansion, reducing water/nutrient absorption.
7. Unbalanced Nutrient Distribution: Potassium guides nutrient transport. Deficiency causes uneven distribution, leading to localized deficiencies or excesses.
8. Lowered Disease Resistance: Potassium strengthens pest/disease defenses. Deficiency increases susceptibility to infections.
9. Reduced Fruit Quality: Potassium affects fruit firmness, color, and taste. Deficiency lowers marketability.
10. Growth Retardation: Potassium regulates development. Deficiency causes short stature, small leaves, and fewer flowers/fruits.
11. Lower Germination Rates: Potassium supports seed viability. Deficiency reduces germination success.
12. Biodiversity Loss: Potassium influences species diversity. Deficiency may reduce plant variety in ecosystems.
13. Soil Structure Degradation: Potassium stabilizes soil. Deficiency leads to compacted or loose soil, harming root systems.
14. Reduced Soil Microbial Activity: Potassium fuels microbial processes. Deficiency slows nutrient cycling and soil health.
15. Altered Soil pH: Potassium buffers soil acidity. Deficiency shifts pH, affecting nutrient availability.

II. Yield Reduction

1. Lower Yields: Reduced photosynthesis decreases biomass, cutting total output.
2. Poor Quality: Fruits/leaves shrink, pale, or lose flavor, reducing market value.
3. Delayed Maturation: Slowed growth postpones harvest, disrupting supply chains.
4. Increased Pest/Disease Risk: Weakened defenses attract pests, exacerbating yield losses.
5. Shortened Life Cycle: Incomplete development reduces productivity.
6. Economic Losses: Lower yields decrease profitability, hitting farmers’ incomes.
7. Market Shortages: Supply drops drive price spikes, affecting food security.
8. Export Challenges: Reduced surplus limits international trade opportunities.
9. Rural Instability: Income losses strain communities, risking social unrest.
10. Environmental Degradation: Over-farming to compensate may worsen soil/water pollution.
11. Energy Overuse: Intensive farming practices to boost yields increase resource consumption.
12. Wasteful Practices: Excessive fertilizer use to offset deficiencies harms sustainability.
13. Ecosystem Disruption: Monocropping due to poor yields endangers biodiversity.
14. Sustainability Threats: Short-term fixes undermine long-term agricultural resilience.

III. Mitigation Strategies

1. Rational Fertilization: Adjust N-P-K ratios based on soil tests; use organic/bio-fertilizers to improve soil health.
2. Irrigation Management: Adopt drip/sprinkler systems to optimize water use and prevent salinization.
3. Integrated Pest Control: Prioritize biological/physical methods to reduce chemical reliance.
4. Improved Varieties: Plant stress-resistant, high-yield cultivars suited to local conditions.
5. Soil Amendment: Deep ploughing + organic matter addition to enhance structure/fertility.
6. Weather Monitoring: Use forecasts to preempt drought/flood damage.
7. Farmer Training: Educate on scientific practices (e.g., precision agriculture).
8. Policy Support: Government subsidies for soil testing, tech adoption, and insurance.
9. Research Innovation: Invest in potassium-efficient fertilizers and crop breeding.
10. Global Collaboration: Share technologies and climate-resilient crop strains across regions.
11. Market Data Systems: Provide real-time price/demand info to guide planting decisions.
12. Crop Insurance: Offer risk protection against weather/pest disasters.
13. Incentive Programs: Subsidize sustainable practices to alleviate economic burdens.
14. Tech-Driven Solutions: Develop eco-friendly agrochemicals and smart farming tools.

This translation maintains the original structure, technical terminology, and detail while adapting to English scientific writing conventions. Key terms (e.g., "photosynthesis," "osmotic pressure") are standardized, and causal relationships are clarified for readability.