Studies on the potassium requirements of different crops

Abstract

A field experiment on a potassium deficient Typic ustochrept soil of the University Farm at Pura, Kanpur compared the responses of wheat, chickpea, mustard and Egyptian clover to added potassium for two consecutive years commencing in 1979–80. All the crops responded to potassium fertilization. Sensitivity of various crops to potassium deficiency was in the order: Egyptian clover > chickpea > wheat > mustard. Higher sensitivity of Egyptian clover and chickpea compared to wheat was in agreement with their comparatively high root cation exchange capacity. Mustard by contrast showed higher root cation exchange capacity and exhibited least potassium sensitivity because of its higher potassium utilization efficiency. Leaf K content and total uptake of potassium by all crops was increased by applying potassium upto the highest level.