What are signs of potassium deficiency in plants?

Potassium deficiency in plants is commonly indicated by symptoms such as brown curling leaf tips and yellowing between veins, particularly on older leaves. This phenomenon occurs because potassium is essential for various plant processes, including water regulation, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis. When potassium is lacking, the plant struggles to manage its water uptake effectively, leading to drought stress symptoms, which manifest as the characteristic browning at the edges of leaves and interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between the leaf veins).

While sparse leaf growth, pale green leaves, and small fruit size can be associated with other nutrient deficiencies or environmental stress, they are not specific indicators of potassium deficiency. Therefore, recognizing the specific symptoms of potassium deficiency, particularly the browning and curling at the tips of leaves along with the yellowing, allows for accurate diagnosis and potential remedies to improve plant health.