Potassium Deficiency
Potassium Deficiency  Potassium Deficiency also know as potash deficiency is caused by a shortage of potassium in the soil. The deficiency is most common in on light, sandy soils, and those with a low clay or high peat content. Deficiency symptoms are not commonly seen in the field but plants will suffer from potash limitation long before any visual effects on the leaf are apparent.General stress from drought, cold, water-logging, etc. will be aggravated if the plant is short of potassium and crops with better Potassium supply will grow through such difficulties more satisfactorily. Potassium deficiency can also be one reason for early lodging in crops. Efficient plant nutrition requires the correct balance of all nutrients, and in principle individual plant foods should not be considered on their own Function- Potash is responsible for the transport mechanisms in the plant whereby materials made by photosynthesis in the leaf can be moved to other parts of the plant for growth, formation of seed and deposition of oil. It is vital in the water regulation of the plant and plays an important balancing role with nitrogen to ensure healthy, vigorous growth and natural resistance to disease, pests and stress. Susceptible Plants - Potato, tomato, apple, currents, pear other edible and ornamental fruiting plants. Symptoms- Brown scorching on leaf tips and margins, which may curl up. Purple-brown spots may appear on the underside. Potassium can cause poor flowering and fruit set. Plants may be more prone to frost damage and disease.
Prevention and Control- Improve soil structure. Plant-based potash fertilizers, seaweed meal, and comfrey liquid can be used to supply potassium. Apply well rotted manure that has been stacked under compost. Add wood ash which has a good potash content to the compost pile. Do not add it directly to the soil as it is very soluble. Avoid over fertilizing; too much potassium can be as harmful to a garden than not enough.
Test the soil pH prior to any fertilizer applications. Pura Vida Organics Grow 2-6-6 Improve Soil Structure- An important but often overlooked problem causing potassium and other mineral deficiencies is poor soil structure. Most soils today lack earthworms and microbes,which are key to building and maintaining soil structure. Earthworms are nature's soil aerators. Live Earthworms
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