Maize (Zea mays L.) Response to Potassium Application and K+ Uptake in the Soil: A Review

Abstract

Potassium (K) is among the essential macronutrients needed for plant growth and it’s also an extremely dynamic ion in both soil and plant systems. K+ moves intensely in a plant system but moderately in a soil system. The average soil deposits of K generally are plentiful, but their mainstreams are not readily available for crop uptake. Many researches have dealt with the response of crops to potassium application, but few literatures have tackled that of maize to available K and its uptake. This review seeks to discuss current progress concerning the relevance of K in maize crop production and its uptake; how this physiological action transforms into growth and yield. We have reviewed available studies on the content, roles of K in the soil-plant system and factors contributing to K uptake and transportation in plant. Also, the benefits of Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms (KSMs) as an alternative or in combination with exchangeable K+ are reviewed. Furthermore, K deficiencies in maize causing constraint in physiological activities and rendering weak resistance to pests are also discussed. The current study indicates that intensive agricultural production has led to K nutrient limitation in organic or coarse-textured soil resulting in the reduction of available K reserves. However, an optimal application of K can prevent these fertilization imbalances, which will eventually increase soil fertility.