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POTASSIUM ROLE IN MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE
Abstract
Potassium (K) is a crucial mineral nutrient that plays a significant role in various physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Disruptions in potassium supply can severely impair vegetative development, making efficient potassium fertilization strategies essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. As the most abundant inorganic cation in plant cells, potassium is vital for proper physiological functioning, primarily existing as a free ion (K?). It is indispensable for several physiological functions, including carbohydrate biosynthesis, osmotic regulation, stomatal function, and water transport, while also acting as a cofactor for numerous enzyme systems to support metabolic activities and maintain a favorable ionic environment. At the cellular level, potassium sustains turgor pressure, influencing cell expansion and overall plant growth. Its high mobility enables the regulation of osmotic balance and electrochemical stability, enhancing water use efficiency and fortifying plants against water stress. At the ecological scale, potassium modulates photosynthetic efficiency, homeostatic balance, and metabolic adaptations to abiotic stress, contributing to the stability and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. This review explores potassium's role in enhancing plant resilience to climate change, focusing on its impact on drought tolerance, temperature and saline stress adaptation, and nutrient balance. By analyzing recent findings, the study assesses potassium-s contribution to agricultural stability and potential strategies for optimizing its use in climate-smart farming.
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