Potassium deficiency in crops - an emerging problem in red and lateritic soils.
Naidu L. G. K., Reddy R. S., Rao E. V. S. P., Krishan P., Nasre R. A.
Author Affiliation: National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (ICAR), Regional Centre, Hebbal, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka, India.
Journal of Potassium Research 12 : 23-29
Abstract : Red and lateritic soils in India cover 91 million ha and have low to medium available K status. A survey conducted around Bangalore, India, showed the occurrence of K deficiency in various plants. Plants grown on three soil families (Typic Kandiustalfs, Kandic Paleustalfs, and Typic Kanhaplustalfs) suffered from K deficiency. Leaf tip burning, marginal chlorosis, scorching, and inward curling were the most common visual symptoms associated with K deficiency. Typical K deficiency symptoms were observed in mango (Mangifera indica), guava (Psidium guajava), jack (Artocarpus integrifolius [A. integer]), Annona, scented geranium (Pelargonium), soap nut (Sapindus trifoliatus), squirt (Spathodea campanulata), champac (Michelia champaca), ornamental rose (Rosa sinensis) and Lagerstroemia, camels foot tree (Bauhinia purpurea), and cassava (Manihot esculenta). Analysis of normal and chloratic leaves of plants supported the observation that plants were suffering from K deficiency. Available K status of sub soil (15-60 cm depth) correlated with plant deficiency.