Potash Research Articles

Long-term effects of potassium chloride, wood ash, and EDTA on 137Cs soil-plant transfer in a mixed forest of Ukraine

We conducted a 10-year field experiment to study the effects of potassium chloride, wood ash, zinc, and manganese on reducing 137Cs uptake by young leaves and green shoots of common dwarf shrubs and tree species near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. A field experiment had four treatments: a control with no fertilisation, and three fertilised treatments: potassium fertiliser (KCl), a combination of potassium fertiliser and wood ash (KCl + Ash), and a solution providing zinc and manganese (EDTA). There was approximately 30 % decrease in 137Cs uptake by most of the studied plants species growing on plots fertilised with KCl compared to unfertilised plots during intermediate (2014–2016) and late (2018–2021) periods. Combining KCl with wood ash was found to be the most effective countermeasure, reducing 137Cs uptake by up to 60% in most species, while treatment with EDTA was less effective. Generally, the decline in 137Cs uptake by plants over the study years following treatments with fertilisers was more pronounced than in the control, indicating the efficiency of fertilisation in reducing 137Cs uptake by forest plants. Our research suggests that a combination of potassium chloride and wood ash can still effectively reduce 137Cs transfer in most common forest species, even years after the accident.

Land suitability evaluation for duku (Lansium domesticum Corr.) cv. Sumber in Kudus Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Duku (Lansium domesticum) is an endemic plant in Indonesia with various benefits and distinctive tastes that many people favor. Duku originating from Kudus is known as Duku Sumber, one of the five superior duku varieties. The problem encountered today is the decreasing number of Duku Sumber plants due to land use change, and there has been no effort to increase the plant population. Information on land suitability as a basis for developing crops does not yet exist, so data about land suitability will be used as information on the wider distribution of planting areas in Kudus. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability and land use of Duku Sumber plants in the Kudus Regency. Geographic information systems and matching methods were applied to map the distribution of land suitability for Duku Sumber. The results showed that the potential and actual land suitability class for Duku Sumber are very suitable (S1) and quite suitable (S2) for the Jekulo, Hadipolo, Tenggeles, Golantepus, and Megawon areas, while the slightly suitable (S3) are Klaling, Ngembalrejo, Mejobo and Jati Wetan. The availability of nutrients (na) for nitrogen and potassium is the dominant limiting factor in this area. Nitrogen content in Jati Wetan (0.12%), Klaling (0.19%), and Hadiwarno (0.19%), while potassium content in Ngembalrejo (16.47 ppm) and Mejobo (18.57 ppm). Limitations in this area can be overcome by adding nitrogen and potassium fertilizers to become suitable land.

Influence of Sowing Method and Potassium Fertilization on Yield and Technological Traits of Some Sugar Beet Varieties

Influence of Sowing Method and Potassium Fertilization on Yield and Technological Traits of Some Sugar Beet Varieties

Efficacy of potassium schoenite as indigenous source of potassic fertilizer for potato crop grown in Western India

To attain the optimal production and quality, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farming requires a large amount of potassium fertilizers. Due to a lack of K mineral reserves, several nations, including India, import potassic fertilizers, which place additional financial strain on the country’s economy. Thus, potassium schoenite produced from sea bittern may present an attractive substitute for potassium nutrition in crop production. The current study examined the relative effect of indigenously produced potassium schoenite (PS) on potato crop. The findings demonstrated that potassium schoenite considerably increased potato growth, yield characteristics, yield, and quality of tuber. With 100% RDK (220 kg/ha K2O) through potassium schoenite + 1% foliar spray of potassium schoenite @ 30 and 45 DAP, the greatest yield attributes, total tuber yield and starch output were achieved which remained at par with 75% RDK (165 kg/ha K2O) through potassium schoenite + 1% foliar spray of potassium schoenite @ 30 and 45 DAP. Furthermore, potassium schoenite saves 25% K2O in potato production as compared to potassium sulfate and muriate of potash. Thus, indigenous potassium sources have been found to be far more effective than imported potassium sulfate and muriate of potash in enhancing potato productivity.

Synergistic conservation approaches for nurturing soil, food security and human health towards sustainable development goals

Using chemical fertilizers extensively in small farms has helped increase crop yields, supporting food security and economic growth. However, recent studies show that these fertilizers are often used inefficiently and inconsistently. This leads to environmental harm, unbalanced soil nutrients, and lower-quality food production. These issues threaten food security, which is vital for human survival and may lead to the abandonment of arable land. This situation calls for a significant shift in soil conservation research to better connect scientific findings with practical conservation methods, ensuring that agricultural progress goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability. Effective use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers is vital for both environmental sustainability and food security. Correcting nutritional imbalances, especially the disrupted N/P ratio caused by faulty fertilization practices, is key to ensuring a balanced nutrient supply. These imbalances have a substantial effect on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, altering their functionality, biodiversity and human nutrition Therefore, adopting balanced fertilization techniques is essential to combine environmental sustainability with global food security and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).To optimize nutrient consumption and production efficiency, regulations should be enacted to enforce the 4R principle, which involves applying the right nutrient source at the appropriate rate, time, method and location. This article emphasizes the connections between current agricultural practices, land use, fertilizer application, soil degradation, and future challenges. It promotes environmentally friendly farming methods that recognize the vital links between soil quality, food security, human health, and environmental sustainability.

The Effect of Potassium Dosage and Branch-Pruning on the Growth and Yield of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata Durch)

Butternut squash (C. moschata) is a honey squash plant (Cucurbita moschata Durch) which is an introduced plant from the lowlands of South America and has adapted to Indonesia. The research was carried out in the planting area of Kampung Labu Madu, Toyoresmi Village, Ngasem District, Kediri Regency from January to June 2021. Potassium is among major nutrients needed by plants in their growth and development. Potassium fertilization can help plants improve the regulation of photosynthetic mechanisms, carbohydrate translocation, protein synthesis This research was a two-factor factorial experiment prepared using a Split Plot Design. The first factor (main plot) was the branch pruning (P) treatment which consisted of 2 levels and the second factor (subplot) was the dose of KCl (K) fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels. The results of the research showed that there was a real influence in the treatment without pruning on the parameters of the number of male flowers and on the parameter of fruit weight with the best treatment being pruning, whereas for the treatment the dose of KCl fertilizer had a real effect on the parameters.

HONEY PUMPKIN STEM BORER, Apomecyna saltator FABRICIUS (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) CAN BE CONTROLLED WITH PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZER

Apomecyna saltator, a notorious pest of honey pumpkin plants, poses a significant threat to both vegetative and generative phases, leading to considerable production losses. Despite its agricultural impact, there are limited studies on effective management strategies for this pest. This research investigates the effect of combined phosphorus and potassium fertilization on controlling A. saltator infestations in honey pumpkin plants. The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Jambi University. A randomized block design with five treatments and five replications was used, testing different combinations of SP-36 phosphorus and potassium chloride (KCl) fertilizers: no fertilization (p0), SP-36 0.67 g/plant + KCl 1.25 g/plant (p1), SP-36 1.00 g/plant + KCl 1.88 g/plant (p2), SP-36 1.34 g/plant + KCl 2.51 g/plant (p3), and SP-36 1.67 g/plant + KCl 3.13 g/plant (p4). The variables observed included stem diameter, larval population, percentage of plant damage, number of attacked plant segments, fruit weight, and overall production. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results indicated that combining phosphorus and potassium fertilizers significantly increased stem diameter, fruit weight, and yield while reducing larval populations, plant damage, and affected segments. The study demonstrates that phosphorus and potassium strengthen honey pumpkin plants and negatively impact A. saltator infestations. This research highlights a novel approach to pest control, showing that targeted fertilization promotes plant health and suppresses the honey pumpkin stem borer (A. saltator). This dual benefit of nutrient application provides a sustainable and efficient pest management strategy, offering a fresh perspective on integrated crop protection.

NaCl-induced effects on photosynthesis, ion relations, and growth of Chloris gayana Kunth in the presence of two levels of KCl

Soil salinization is a widespread environmental problem that impacts agriculture. Potassium fertilization is often associated with stress mitigation. Aiming to identify the ability of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) to cope with high salt as well as to investigate the potential of K+ fertilization to alleviate stress symptoms, we investigated the combined effects of NaCl and KCl on photosynthesis, ion distribution, and growth of two Rhodes grass cultivars, Callide and Reclaimer. Plants were grown under different regimes (0, 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl + 1 or 10 mM KCl). For Reclaimer, 10 mM KCl induced positive effects in photochemistry under 0 and 200 mM NaCl, as illustrated by fluorescence transients OJIP-bands and JIP-test parameters. However, such improvements did not lead to superior biomass accumulation nor net photosynthesis compared to the corresponding treatments under 1 mM KCl, which may not justify KCl application. In Callide 10 mM KCl induced deleterious effects on photochemistry of plants under low NaCl levels. High salinity (600 mM) induced stress-triggered biomass reduction of up to 70% in both cultivars, but all plants remained photosynthetically active. Exposure of both cultivars to NaCl concentrations equal to or higher than 200 mM triggered response mechanisms such as the ability to accumulate inorganic solutes accounting to osmotic potential, stomata closure, and excretion (up to 70%) of the retained Na+ onto the leaf surface irrespective of KCl. Our data reinforce that Rhodes grass is an auspicious forage crop for saline environments and, therefore, in revegetation programs for saline soils pasture in subtropical regions.

Combustion-explosion suppression and environmental protection of typical sulfur-containing hazardous chemicals.

Sulfur, as a crucial chemical raw, poses increased combustion-explosion risks when mixed with other hazardous substances due to its dual nature as both an oxidant and a reducing agent. Additionally, sulfur-induced combustion and explosions can result in environmental pollution. Combustion-explosion suppression technology plays a crucial role in industrial production by effectively preventing hazardous chemical explosion incidents. This research investigates the combustion-explosion suppression of black powder, a common hazardous chemical containing sulfur, by utilizing two solid-based blast suppressants, NH4H2PO4 and NaHCO3. On this basis, examining changes in the oxidation states of sulfur and explaining the mechanisms of combustion-explosion suppression through the examination of combustion-explosion products. Additionally, numerical calculations are employed to analyze the evolution patterns of gaseous and solid-phase products throughout the entire combustion-explosion process. Research indicates that NaHCO3 exhibits a more effective combustion-explosion suppression effect on black powder compared to NH4H2PO4, which attributed to the valence state transformation of sulfur and the reduction of carbon oxidation. Furthermore, with the enhancement of combustion-explosion suppression effect, K2S, which a pollutes the environment, is gradually transform converted into potassium fertilizer K2SO4, which benefits plants. These results offer new insights into the research of combustion-explosion suppression of sulfur-containing substances and environmental protection strategies.

Influence of biofertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and physiological modulations for water and fertilizers managing

Biofertilizers constitute a safe way to alleviate the impacts of water shortage and the overload of chemical fertilizers. This work focuses on the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on potato's agro-physiological response, beneath the reduction of water, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers. Five microbioal treatments (C: Control, AMF: Mycorhizae, B1: Bacillus halotolerans, B2: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B1B2: B.halotolerans+ B.amyloliquefaciens) were tested in arrangement with two nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) rates (F1: Entire rate, F ½: Half rate) and three irrigation levels (100 % of crop water requirement: 100 % ETc; 75 % ETc; 50 % ETc) in a two year factorial split plot design. We studied vegetative growth, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, water status, osmoticums, N, P, K and enzymatic antioxidants accumulation. Data obtained in 2019–2022 showed that AMF and B1B2 biofertilizers were beneficial to improve Root/Shoot, Dry Underground Part/Aerial Part, leaf area (LA), water saturation deficit (WSD), chlorophyll index (SPAD) and tuber yield under 75 % ETc. The photosynthetic promoter effect of biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, compared to 50 % ETc was observed in the following trend B1B2>AMF>B1. The efficacy of B1B2 and AMF were coupled to high catalase (CAT) activity. Potatoes treated with B1B2 were found to be efficient for 75 % ETc in terms of proline accumulation. The AMF was more effective in terms of soluble sugars (SS) accumulation and control of osmotic potential (Ψs). Taking together, the B1B2 and AMF could be regarded as efficient biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, alleviating the impacts of water stress and the problem of excessive fertilization in potatoes.

Application of hydrogel polymers and fertilizers for increasing winter wheat grain yield in conditions of rain-fed agriculture

This study aims to address the critical issue of water scarcity, which is being intensified by climate change and presents significant challenges to rain-fed agriculture, especially in arid regions. The research focuses on enhancing winter wheat grain yield productivity under rain-fed conditions through the utilization of locally produced, environmentally friendly hydrogel polymers. The methodology involved a field experiment conducted in the Spitak community, Armenia, from 2022 to 2023, covering an area of 630 m². Along with control groups, the study had 21 experimental treatments that used Aquasource and Van polymers in different ways, with and without nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer. The findings indicated that the application of Aquasource and Van polymers at doses of 50-100 kg ha⁻¹ and 750-1000 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, without fertilizers significantly increased soil moisture absorption during the tillering and heading stages by 11.5-12.5% and 5.5-7.5%, compared to the controls. On the other hand, using these polymers with NPK fertilizer (N50P50K50 and N100P100K100) together made it harder for plants to absorb water, especially when more polymers were used. Soil moisture levels had a substantial impact on winter wheat grain yield metrics during these growth stages, demonstrating a strong correlation (R = 0.71-0.91). Enhanced moisture absorption resulting from polymer application led to a 22-24% increase in winter wheat grain yield. The practical implications of this study lie in its identification of key factors that influence winter wheat yield in rain-fed agriculture, particularly regarding locally sourced polymer dosage and application methods, both independently and in conjunction with fertilizers.

Potassium fertilization and defoliation intensity effects on forage characteristics of “BRS Zuri” guineagrass

Potassium fertilization and defoliation intensity effects on forage characteristics of “BRS Zuri” guineagrass

Impact of Potassium Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Small Millets

Aims: To evaluate the impact of varying potassium application levels on the growth and yield of small millets and to assess the economic viability of potassium fertilization in small millet farming. Methodology: A split plot design experiment was carried out, featuring four crops as the main treatments: C1 - Proso millet, C2 - Barnyard millet, C3 - Kodo millet, and C4 - Browntop millet. Potassium fertilizer was applied at four different rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg/ha) as sub-treatments. Throughout the cropping period, various morpho-physiological traits were monitored, including plant height (cm), tiller count per plant, and yield-related metrics such as the number of panicles per plant, 1000-grain weight (g), and biomass production per plant (g). At harvest, yield data and yield attributes were recorded, followed by an economic analysis. Results: The results indicated that, Proso millet showed a plant height increase from 75.85 to 94.37 cm, number of productive tillers (4.73) with high potassium doses, while Barnyard millet reached a maximum height of 119.13 cm, grain yield significantly increased from 1547 kg/ha without potassium to 2055 kg/ha with the highest potassium dose. Barnyard millet (achieving the highest gross return of Rs 61650/ha and a B: C ratio of 2.20 with the highest potassium dose. Conclusion: Application of potassium 20 kg/ha, along with the recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus, recorded 31.8% higher yield, greater tolerance to lodging, reduced pest and disease incidence and remunerative economics in millet cultivation.

Optimized nitrogen and potassium fertilizers application increases stem lodging resistance and grain yield of oil flax by enhancing lignin biosynthesis

The lodging issue is a significant factor that hinders the enhancement of oil flax production efficiency in northern China. Crop lodging or not, and lignin content in the stems are closely related, and how nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilization interaction regulate lignin biosynthesis in the stems of oil flax requires further in-depth study. Therefore, the research aims to enhance the lodging resistance and facilitate an increased yield of oil flax. We are examined the interaction of different nitrogen fertilizers (75, 150, and 225 kg N ha-1) and potassium fertilizers (60 and 90 kg K2O ha-1) on oil flax lignin metabolism, lodging resistance, and grain yield in 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The results indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels and their interaction treatments are facilitated lignin accumulation, achievement of lodging resistance and high yield. Compared to CK, the 75-150 kg N ha-1 in combination with 60 kg K2O ha-1 treatments significantly enhanced the enzyme activities (TAL, PAL, POD, and CAD) and the gene expressions (4CL1 and F5H3) for lignin syntheses, lignin content dramatically increased 29.63-43.30%, improved stem bending strength and lodging resistance index, and grain yield increased 23.27-32.34%. Correlation analysis indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer positively regulated the relative enzyme activities and genes expression for lignin to facilitated lignin biosynthesis and accumulation, and enhanced stem bending strength and lodging resistance index. Positive correlations were found among the relative enzyme activities and gene expressions for lignin, lodging resistance and grain yield. To summarize, 75-150 kg N ha-1 in conjunction with 60 kg K2O ha-1 treatment was promoted to lignin biosynthesis and accumulation, enhanced the lodging resistance and grain yield of oil flax in the dryland farming region of central Gansu. Furthermore, it served as a technical guide for cultivating stress tolerance and high-yield oil flax in the dryland farming region.

Response of Nutrient Levels of Oil Palm Leaves (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) to Polyhalite and KCl Fertilizers Application in Dystrudepts Soil

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a significant plantation crop extensively cultivated in Indonesia, particularly in the Riau region, where it is often grown on marginal lands, such as typical dystrudepts. Low soil pH and limited water-holding capacity necessitating effective fertilization management strategies characterize typic Dystrudepts. One approach to address these challenges is the application of slow-release fertilizers. Polyhalite, a mineral fertilizer, contains slow-release nutrients including potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Given that oil palm plants have a high demand for potassium to support their growth and productivity, providing substantial quantities of readily available potassium fertilizers, such as potassium chloride (KCl) is essential. The synergistic application of polyhalite and KCl is anticipated to enhance plant nutrient absorption, thereby improving leaf nutrient levels. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Polyhalite fertilizer, both alone and in combination with KCl fertilizer, on the leaf nutrient levels of oil palm plants. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, consisting of five treatment factors: Control (NPK), Polyhalite at 25% combined with KCl at 75%, Polyhalite at 50% combined with KCl at 50%, Polyhalite at 75% combined with KCl at 25%, and Polyhalite at 100%. Each treatment was replicated three times, resulting in 60 plants across four plants per treatment. The data collected from the research will be analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by the 5% Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). The findings indicate that the application of Polyhalite at 75% in combination with KCl at 25% significantly increased the levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the leaves of the oil palm plants

Effect of Adding Potassium and Organic Fertilizers on the Soil NPK Content and the Productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)

Effect of Adding Potassium and Organic Fertilizers on the Soil NPK Content and the Productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)

Estimation of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Arpa River Based Soil of Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Abstract: This research explores the investigation and significance of electrical conductivity in the quality of agricultural soil. Soil electrical conductivity is an indirect measurement that is associated with several physical and chemical characteristics of soils. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil is directly correlated with the concentration of nutrients and inversely correlated with the soil depth. The soil electrical conductivity (EC) values are indicative of the salinity level in the soil. greater EC values correspond to greater salt concentrations in the soil, whereas lower EC values indicate lower salt concentrations. A total of six soil samples were collected from various points along the Arpa River and sent to the soil test laboratory for examination. All samples were analysed using conventional techniques. For this investigation, one of the crucial soil parameters that was taken into consideration is electrical conductivity (EC). The objective of this study is to assess agricultural land using electrical conductivity. The measured electrical conductivity ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 dS/m. The anticipated value is between 0 and 2 decisiemens per metre (dS/m). All soil samples exhibit a standard level of electrical conductivity. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurements and total dissolved solids (TDS) may be used to determine the necessary quantity of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilisers

Optimizing Sweet Cherry Attributes through Magnesium and Potassium Fertilization

Plant nutrition through fertilizer application plays a crucial role in enhancing crop quality and yield, necessitating a balanced fertilization approach. Sweet cherry, esteemed as one of the most prized crops worldwide, was the focus of this three-year study spanning from 2019 to 2021, involving the sweet cherry cultivar Burlat. This study investigated the foliar application of magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) to enhance fruit quality parameters. Different doses of Mg (250 g hL−1 and 125 g hL−1) and K (100 g hL−1 and 50 g hL−1) and a control treatment were administered to sweet cherry trees to assess their impact on fruit quality. At the commercial ripening stage, fruits from each treatment were harvested for comprehensive evaluation, including biometric and chromatic parameters, fruit firmness, routine parameters, sensory profile, and nutrient content analysis. Results from the study revealed notable enhancements in fruit weight and dimensions, particularly in the control treatment in 2020. Furthermore, Mg125 and Mg250 treatments exhibited improved color development and accelerated maturity by increasing the total soluble solids content while decreasing titratable acidity. Sensorial profiling indicated that Mg125 and Mg250 treatments intensified color intensity and sweet taste while mitigating sour taste perceptions. Conversely, potassium fertilization, especially the K50 treatment, led to increased fruit firmness and nutrient content. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing sweet cherry production practices globally.

Updating soil organic carbon for wheat production with high yield and grain protein

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is crucial for mitigating global warming and significantly impacts crop production. While the relationship between SOC and wheat yield is well-documented, its effect on wheat grain protein content, which is essential for food security and human health, remains unclear. This study gathered management data from wheat farmers and collected plant and soil samples in the Huang-Huai winter wheat region, China’s primary wheat-growing area, from 2015 to 2022. Boundary line analysis was used to quantify the responses of wheat yield and protein content to variations in SOC. Our findings reveal that increases in SOC significantly enhance wheat yield and protein content. The highest yields, reaching up to 10,848 kg ha–1, and a maximum protein content of 17.3 % were observed in soils with SOC ranging from 7.8–18.1 g kg–1, and high-yielding, high-protein wheat exhibited higher spike numbers and grain weights and more efficient nutrient accumulation from soil or fertilizer to shoots. Optimizing SOC levels to produce high-yielding, high-protein wheat could substantially reduce nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer use by 9.42×104, 0.70×104, and 3.66×104 Mg per year, decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 3.36 Mt CO2 eq and generate an economic benefit of 2.77 billion USD. In conclusion, our study expands the understanding of SOC’s role in crop production beyond crop yield, providing valuable insights for producing high-yielding, high-protein wheat.

Postponed Application of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Mitigates the Damage of Late Spring Coldness by Improving Winter Wheat Root Physiology.

Late spring coldness (LSC) is the main limiting factor threatening wheat yield and quality stability. Optimal nutrient management is beneficial in mitigating the harms of LSC by improving wheat root physiology. This study proposed a nutrient management strategy that postponed the application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), effectively strengthening wheat's defense against LSC. This experiment used the winter cultivar "Yannong19" (YN 19) as plant material for two consecutive years (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). Two fertilizer treatments were used: traditional P and K fertilizers application (R1: base fertilizer: jointing fertilizer = 10:0) and postponed P and K fertilizers application (R2: base fertilizer: jointing fertilizer = 5:5); wheat plants at the anther connective formation stage shifted to temperature-controlled phytotrons for normal (T0, 11 °C/4 h) and low temperatures (T1, 4 °C/4 h; T2, -4 °C/4 h) as treatments of LSC. The results showed that under low temperature (LT) treatment, compared with R1, the R2 treatment increased the concentrations of osmotic adjustment substances (soluble sugars and soluble protein contents by 6.2-8.7% and 3.0-8.9%), enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities by 2.2-9.1%, 6.2-9.7% and 4.2-8.4%), balanced the hormone concentrations (increased IAA and GA3 contents by 2.8-17.5% and 10.4-14.1% and decreased ABA contents by 7.2-14.3%), and reduced the toxicity (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide content and O2·- production rate by 5.7-12.4%, 17.7-22.8% and 19.1-19.1%) of the cellular membranes. Furthermore, the wheat root physiology in R2 significantly improved as the root surface area and dry weight increased by 5.0-6.6% and 4.7-6.6%, and P and K accumulation increased by 7.4-11.3% and 12.2-15.4% compared to R1, respectively. Overall, the postponed application of P and K fertilizers enhanced the physiological function of the root system, maintained root morphology, and promoted the accumulation of wheat nutrients under the stress of LSC.