A Review on Evaluation of Soil Potassium Status and Crop Response to Potassium Fertilization

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Because large amounts are absorbed from the root zone in the production of most agronomic crops, it is classified as a macronutrient. Different soils types can supply K for crop production, but when the supply from the soil is not adequate, K must be supplied in a fertilizer program. This review paper provides information important to the basic understanding of K soil status and nutrition of plants, its reaction in soils, its function in plants, and its role in efficient crop production. Keywords: soil potassium status, potassium fertilization, crop response