Animal Sciences Commons^™

Growing South Dakota (Fall 2010), College Of Agriculture &. Biological Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Focused on Lean Growth: Despite Challenging Times, Dean Barry Dunn Has a Vision of Growth and Excellence for ABS
[Page] 6 Building Better Communities: Horizons Helps Small Town South Dakota
[Page] 8 On Campus
[Page] 9 Urban Opportunities: A New Twist to Attract Urban Youth
[Page] 10 Saddle Up: Steers for State Helps SDSU Rodeo Program Attain Success [Page] 12 Inspiring Students: This Professor's Teaching & Research Style Is Earning Awards and Student Accolades
[Page] 14 Fish Feed :The Newest Market for South Dakota Crops 15 College News [Page] 16 Field Notes from Lyman County: Bob Fanning's Experience …

Potassium For High Rainfall Pastures, Mike Bolland, Bill Russell

Bulletins 4000 -

Potassium plays a major role in plant growth. It maintains the solutions in plant cells at ionic strengths suitable for maintaining strong plant walls and for the proper functioning of leaf pores (stomata) and plant processes such as photosynthesis, transport of sugars and enzyme activation.

Potassium does not become a direct part of the plant structure but acts to regulate water balances, nutrient and sugar movement in plant tissue. Plants deficient in potassium cannot use other nutrients and water efficiently. They are less tolerant of stresses such as drought and waterlogging and are more susceptible to pests and diseases.