Applying potassium when farming?

Question

why would a farmer need to apply potassium when farming?

Answer 1

Potassium is necessary for the reproductive growth i.e flowering and fruiting of a plant.It helps to keep the crop healthy by increasing it's resistance to diseases and pest.That is why proper dose of potassium is necessary for crop growth and yield.

Answer 2

A farmer must apply potassium when farming to replace the amount removed by his crop.  It is as simple as that.

Answer 3

in many crops potassium is the largest requirement of all of the nutrients except nitrogen.  If you don't have sufficient potassium the crop either will not grow or will be restricted in growth lowering yields.

Answer 4

Potassium is the major ion within every plant (as well as animal) cell. It is involved in water homeostasis and in the shrinking and swelling of cells. Plant cells have pumps and channels on their membranes that move potassium in or out. For example, a high concentration of potassium ions within the cell leads to the intake of water and subsequent increase in cell size. By regulating which cells shrink or swell, a plant can move its leaves up or down (for example, the mimosa plant closes in response to touch). In the stomata—tiny openings on the leaves that control the evaporation rate of water from the plant—special guard cells also shrink and swell.

More potassium is removed from the soil by plants than any other mineral.  This must be replaced by the farmer each year if he is to keep up production.  Potassium can be replaced by conventional fertilizer or through animal manure and organic compost.