Potassium critical nutrient for plant abiotic stress tolerance. А review

Veselina Vasileva

Abstract: Among the macroelements, potassium is a primary nutrient that facilitates the optimal growth and development of plants. It regulates the physicochemical properties of cellular colloids, activates multiple enzymatic systems, and modulates the exchange of organic acids and carbohydrates. Potassium exerts a main influence on crop resistance to abiotic stresses, including, drought, soil salinity, waterlogging, high light intensity, low temperature, and frosts.
The paper provides a synthesis of the current knowledge on the contribution of potassium to plant growth and development under dynamic environmental scenarios. Despite its critical importance, potassium has been historically underrated in comparison to nitrogen and phosphorus, and there has been insufficient focus on its uptake and efficient utilization. Ensuring sustainable land management, preserving soil fertility, and ensuring food security for the rapidly growing global population amidst the challenges of climate change represent some of the most pressing issues that we must address in the present and future. The question is why shouldn’t potassium be the key to solving them?

Keywords: climate changes; cold stress; drought stress; potassium; salt stress; stress; waterlogging stress

Date published: 2023-05-03