K Nutrition of Plantation Crops- A Review of Work Done in India
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Date
2007
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Abstract
Potash is the nutrient element most consumed by plantation crops. Although response to K differs widely among crops, it generally improves the yield and quality of the products. Potash deficiency symptoms in various plantation crops are reviewed. In coconut, potassium deficiency leads to chlorosis, leaf scorch and development of poor crown with short fronds. In arecanut, the deficiency symptoms consist of dead tissues around the leaf margin and between the veins of leaves. In cardamom, potassium deficiency results in the browning of leaves and reducing sucker production. In rubber, the characteristic symptom is the development of marginal and tip chlorosis in leaves. In tea, K deficiency leads to defoliation and debility. In coffee, a striking leaf tip and leaf edge blackening develops. The requirements of coconut, tea, coffee and rubber for potassium range from 220 to 300 kg K2O per hectare. In coconut adequate K nutiition reduces the pre-bearing age and increase the fruit set, husk weight and nut size. Copra out-turn per palm increases by over 20%. Potash fertilization to cashew and arecanut enhances the fruit set and nut Weight. In coffee and tea, K nutrition helps in the development of a strong frame. Little information is available on plantation crops other than coconut, rubber, tea and coffee.