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Importance of potassium explained

Staff Reporter

It gives strength to plants

THENI: Splitting the number of fertiliser applications to crops throughout the cultivation period will boost productivity of horticulture.

This was highlighted at a seminar on `Role of potassium on fruit crops and other horticulture crops,' held at the Horticulture College and Research Station (HCRS) in association with the International Potassium Institute, Switzerland, held in Periakulam on Saturday.

In his inaugural address, IPI Coordinator for Asian countries, Nosov Vladimir, said periodical research proved that potassium gave strength and immunisation power to plants. Health of plant was maintained by prescribed application of potassium.

Without the support of other fertilisers, nitrogen-based fertilisers alone could not function effectively in plants. Deficiency of potassium in plants turned leaves into brown colour and yellow spots and dryness of leaf edges.

Periodical application of potassium in prescribed quantity wiped out ring viral disease in papaya plants. Colour, appearance, quality and size of fruits were enhanced and reduced post harvest damage and improved quality while processing.

Potassium supplement was a must for horticulture crops particularly in rain-fed areas and to protect plants in drought conditions. Potassium even replenished lands that lost their nutrient values after harvesting. Mostly fruit plants that absorbed nutrients from soil did not return those values to lands. Potassium compensated such nutrient loss in the soil, he said.

Agri-scientist, S. Selvaraj, said lack of quality seeds and saplings were the main reasons for poor yield. Quality production should be ensured for better yield.

The HCRS, Dean S. Anbu, in his special address appealed that potassium chloride should be subsidised for effective propagation among farmers, as potassium induced flowering of all horticulture crops.

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