Potassium Deficiency (plants) - Prevention and Cure

Prevention and Cure

Prevention and cure can be achieved in the shorter term by adding potassium-specific fertilizer, often called potash, which consists of K₂CO₃. Rock potash may be a good solution because it has a high potassium content but is released slowly to reduce overdose. Common forms of inorganic fertilizers include potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and monopotassium phosphate. Other potassium-rich treatments include feeding with home-made comfrey liquid, adding seaweed meal, composted bracken, compost rich in decayed banana peels, or other organic potassium-rich fertilizers. Wood ash has high potassium content, but should be composted first as it is in a highly soluble form. Adequate moisture is necessary for effective potassium uptake; low soil water reduces K uptake by plant roots. Liming acidic soils will also increase K retention in the soil by reducing leaching. In the longer term the soil structure should be improved by adding plenty of well rotted compost or manure. Additionally, improving soil structure will help reduce leaching.