Potassium distribution in root and non‐root zones of two cotton genotypes and its accumulation in their organs as affected by drought and potassium stress conditions. Issue 1 (7th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Xiao; Mohamed, Ibrahim; Ali, Maha; Abbas, Mohamed H. H.; Shah, Ghulam Mustafa; Chen, Fang
• Is Part Of: Journal of plant nutrition and soil science. Volume 182:Issue 1(2019:Feb.)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2018-11-07
• Subjects: Gossypium hirsutum -- potassium deficiency -- drought -- potassium fractions -- soil microorganisms; Plants -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Soil science -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/jpln.201800026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1436-8730

Abstract

Abstract: A rhizobox experiment was conducted to compare the differences of soil potassium (K) distribution and absorption between two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes under drought and K‐deficit conditions. Treatments included two levels of water (drought and optimum soil moisture: 25% and 35% volumetric water content) and K fertilizer rates (0 and 0.48 g potash kg −1 soil) applied to two cotton genotypes (namely HEG and LEG). Both the genotypes showed significant differences in total K accumulation without exogenous K addition. After absorption, soil content of the readily available potassium (RAK) decreased rapidly. This promoted the conversion of the mineral K into slowly available potassium (SAK). Drought significantly decreased the cotton growth and K use efficiency, and thereby reduced the effect of K fertilizer. Consequantly, the contents of RAK and SAK were greatly increased. However, K bioavailability was decreased under water stress conditions. Differences in root parameters and soil microorganisms between two cotton genotypes were significantly increased and had marked relations with available soil K contents. This study provides important information for understanding the mechanism of K use efficiency, especially under water and K stress.