What problems does potassium deficiency cause?
Soils that are very low in potassium reduce yields and quality. A real problem for many is the effect low potassium has on nitrogen efficiency. If only nitrogen is applied on potassium deficient soils, overall yields can be reduced far below where the same amount of nitrogen is applied on soils with adequate potassium. This reduces the amount of grain or forage produced per pound of nitrogen. In addition, inadequate potassium can also substantially change the application rate of nitrogen that is economically optimum. So, unless potassium deficiencies are rectified, nitrogen management becomes very uncertain. What if the fertilizer budget is limited? First, take at least one representative soil sample per field. This costs much less than a dollar per acre on most fields. Second, target fields with very low or low potassium levels. These are expected to be most responsive to potassium inputs. On targeted fields, be sure to apply at least a portion of the recommended potassium. Remember,
