Potassium Deficiency
scouted July 15, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Potassium deficiency
- Background
- A soybean field in Pasquotank County was being scouted, and it was observed that 1% of the field was affected by mottled yellowing in the leaves. The patches recur during low rainfall years year after year. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The problem was identified as a potassium deficiency. Potassium deficiency usually presents as yellowing, reddening, and dying leaf margins on older leaves during vegetative growth and on upper leaves during grain fill. Stunted plants and/or slow growth are common. Since K uptake is diffusion-driven, deficiency may be more often seen under drought conditions.
