Nutrient Management Research Database

This resource covers the relationship between potassium nutrient and plant disease.

Plants that have adequate nutrient levels are more resistant to a variety of diseases. In particular, the balance between N and K is important. As N inputs increase, adjusting K fertilization is needed to match the increased K demand.

Adequate K is associated with plants' ability to maintain strong, healthy stalks.

Rates of the following diseases can be lowered by proper K fertilization:

• Stalk rot and lodging in corn
• Leaf-spot disease in bermudagrass
• Powdery mildew in cucumbers

Proper K fertilization can also increase yield and crop quality.

The list of benefits to K fertilization contained in this article is not exhaustive.