THE EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM APPLICATIONS ON DROUGHT STRESS IN SUGAR BEET: PART II. PLANT NUTRITION CONTENT

This is the second in a series of papers describing the effects of potassium applications on drought stress in sugar beet. Drought is a natural phenomenon that can affect water resources and agriculture. In this research, the effect of potassium applications under drought stress on some plant nutrition of sugar beet, which is a strategic plant, was investigated. In the experiment, irrigation levels were kept at 33%, 66% and 100% of field capacity. Different doses (10-20-40-80 mg kg-1) of potassium were applied to the plants. The plants were grown in the growth chamber under controlled conditions (day/night 16/8 hours, 25/15 0C, 60-70% humidity). According to the results, the effect of irrigation x potassium interaction on the shoot and root sodium (Na) potassium (K) calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content Na/K and Na/K ratio was found to be statistically significant. Shoot and root sodium content decreased with potassium applications under drought conditions (33%). Shoot and root potassium, phosphorus content increased with potassium applications in both drought and sufficient water conditions. Shoot calcium content change irregular with potassium application while root calcium decreased with potassium application under drought conditions (33%). Shoot and root sodium/potassium ratio decreased with potassium applications in both drought and sufficient water conditions. Shoot and root sodium/calcium ratio change irregular with potassium applications. Therefore, it can be said that potassium may play a critical role in reducing the negative effect of drought stress and uptake plant nutrition in sugar beet.