Potassium Fertilizer Sources Research Articles

Effects of Potassium Rates and Sources on Fiber Quality Parameters in Four Cultivars of Cotton Grown in Aridisols

Abstract A field experiment was conducted using four cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars: CIM-448, CIM-1100, NIAB-Karishma, and S-12 supplied with four rates of potassium fertilizer (0, 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 kg K ha−1) and two sources of potassium fertilizer (K2SO4, KCl) to determine the effect of potassium fertilizer on fiber quality. Result showed that fiber quality parameters differed significantly in response to various potassium fertilizer levels and sources in different cultivars. Fiber length, fiber fineness, fiber strength, and fiber maturity ratio increased due to addition of potassium fertilizer. Sulphate of potash had an edge over muriate of potash in improving fiber quality parameters. Each of fiber quality parameters was positively correlated to potassium concentration in fiber tissues at maturity, potassium concentration in leaf tissues at bloom stage and ammonium acetate extracted- potassium in the soil. These investigations indicate that adequate potassium supply to developing fruit was an important determinant of lint parameters to produce quality cotton.

Effect of type of potassium fertilizer on enzymic discoloration and phenolic, ascorbic acid, and lipid contents of potatoes

Two sources of potassium fertilizer, KCl and K 2 SO 4 , were compared as to their effect on enzymatic discoloration and phenolic, ascorbic acid, and lipid concentrations of Ontario and Pontiac potatoes. Each potassium source was supplied at the rate of 627.2 kg/ha K 2 O equivalent prior to planting of seed potatoes. Both sources of potassium fertilization decreased enzymatic discoloration and phenolic concentration and increased the ascorbic acid, lipid, and water contents of both Ontario and Pontiac cultivars

Ornamental plants most likely to be killed by iron deficiency and some control measures

Abstract A list of over fifty plant species that are commonly used as ornamentals and which are susceptible to iron deficiency, especially in calcareous soils, is given. Although many susceptible plants die of iron deficiency, there are now control measures that will increase survival. Susceptible plants should perhaps be avoided, if possible, on calcareous soils, and the more resistant cultivars may be planted. The next most important control is avoidance of excess soil moisture. Two ways to achieve this are to improve water permeability with polymer soil conditioners and with regulation of irrigation. Soil acidification is helpful, and only part of the soil need be acidified. Elemental sulfur has limited value because it is not readily oxidized by microorganisms in high pH calcareous soils. Iron can be applied to plants by foliar, tree trunk, or root applications, all with varied success. Root application can be preventative and/or corrective. Iron can best be added to roots in zone applications and could include iron salts, iron chelates, natural iron pyrites, waste iron products, or organic matter‐iron mixtures. Avoidance of nutrient imbalances is extremely important in preventing iron deficiency in plants. Proper choice of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer sources can help control iron deficiency.

The Effect of Source and Rate of Potassium on the Performance of ‘Concord’ Grape Vines Grown on Clay Loam Soils1

Abstract The responses of ‘Concord’ grape vines (Vitis labrusca L.) to 3 potassium fertilizer sources (KCl, K2SO4, and KNO3) used at 2 rates were compared. Fertilizers were applied for 10 years to vines on a poorly drained Jeddo clay loam soil. Performance on a moderately well-drained Oneida clay loam as influenced by KCl and K2SO4 levels was also studied. There was no reduction in yield, fruit quality, or vine vigor with high rates of KCl. KCl and K2SO4 were equally effective in increasing petiole K but the response was slow under Jeddo clay loam conditions. Yield, vigor, and petiole K levels were less with vines receiving KNO3 than with those receiving other sources of K, or with the non-treated control vines. KNO3 was undesirable as a source of K. Petiole K was higher in grape vines growing on Onedia clay loam than on Jeddo clay loam; in addition, they responded more quickly to applied K irrespective of source. There was an indication of a yield response one year to high levels of KCl but no such response occurred with K2SO4. No toxic response to high rates of KCl was detected at either location.