The remedy of potassium deficiency in watermelon

Watermelons require a significant amount of potassium throughout their growth cycle, with an average absorption of about 12.39 grams per plant. This is 1.2 times the amount of nitrogen and 3.4 times that of phosphorus. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining plant health, nutrient transport, and sugar accumulation in fruits. When potassium is lacking, the plant's resistance decreases, vascular tissues weaken, and the overall ability to synthesize and transport nutrients is compromised. This directly affects the sweetness and quality of the fruit, leading to lower yields and poor marketability.

The symptoms of potassium deficiency are quite noticeable. Plants grow slowly, with thin vines and wrinkled leaves. The edges of older leaves may turn brown and die, gradually spreading inward. In severe cases, the center of the leaf turns light green, and the margins may appear scorched. Fruit setting is also significantly reduced—those that do develop tend to be small and lack sufficient sweetness.

To address this issue, it's important to apply potassium at the right time and in the correct amounts. At the seedling stage, 3-5 kg of potassium per mu (approximately 0.67 acres) is recommended. Once the vines start to run, increase the application to 8-10 kg per acre. Alternatively, you can use 30-60 kg of wood ash per acre as a natural source of potassium. Foliar sprays with a 0.4%-0.5% potassium solution can also be effective, especially during critical growth stages. These measures help restore plant vitality, improve fruit quality, and ensure a more bountiful harvest.