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Potassium (K) for Citrus Trees

Mongi Zekri and
Other Contacts: Davie Kadyampakeni


Release Date: 9/18/2019

Reviewed At: 8/12/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-ss583-2013

Agriculture

Abstract

Citrus fruits remove large amounts of K compared to other nutrients. Potassium moves from leaves to fruit and seeds as they develop. Potassium is necessary for several basic physiological functions such as the formation of sugars and starch, synthesis of proteins, normal cell division and growth, and neutralization of organic acids. Potassium is important in fruit formation and enhances fruit size, flavor, and color. This nutrient also helps to reduce the influence that adverse weather conditions (such as drought, cold, and flooding) have on citrus trees.

About this Publication

This document is SL381, one of a series of the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date July 2013. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Zekri, M., & Obreza, T. (2013). Potassium (K) for Citrus Trees. EDIS, 2013(7). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ss583-2013

Authors

Mongi Zekri
Mongi Zekri
County agent
University of Florida

multi-county citrus UF/IFAS Extension agent for Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties

Thomas Obreza
Thomas Obreza

former senior associate dean for Extension, director of IFAS Nutrient Management Program, and associate director of UF/IFAS Office of Dean for Extension and Florida Cooperative Extension Office, and professor emeritus, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, Gainesville, FL

Contacts

Davie Kadyampakeni
Davie Kadyampakeni
Specialist
University of Florida

associate professor, Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center

Publication #SL381