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Role of Potassium and Deficiency Symptoms
Plants absorb potassium (K) as the potassium ion, K+, Potassium is a major cell electrolyte, used to balance charge within the plant produced from the uptake of anions such as nitrate (NO3-1), sulfate (SO4-2) and chloride (Cl-1) ions, as well as from the internal production of organic acids. Potassium is an enzyme activator and helps regulate stomates, which are special gate cells in leaves that open and close, allow air and water vapor to pass into and out of the plant.
In sugarbeet, sodium can substitute for potassium for many functions. Although not classified as an essential element for all plants, sodium is important for sugarbeets in the absence of potassium in sugarbeet. Some potassium is required when sodium levels are high, but sodium is not required when potassium levels are adequate.
In many plants, such as corn, wheat and bean, potassium deficiency results in stunted plants and yellowing of the outer leaf margins of older leaves. Severe deficiency can advance the yellowing into necrosis, or a "scorched" appearance. Potassium deficiencies of sugarbeet begin with irregular brown patches between the veins on older leaves. Advanced stages will show general bronzing of the areas between the leaf veins. Leaf tissue will eventually brown and die, but petioles will remain green for some time. Sugarbeet leaves will also give off a faint putrescine odor when potassium deficient.
Potassium deficiency can be verified by soil and plant analysis, however, in sugarbeet, the sodium levels need to be determined, also.
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