Routine applications of which nutrient are beneficial to turfgrass tolerance to climatic stress?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Potassium
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Iron

Answer: (B)

Potassium is the nutrient most closely linked to a plant’s ability to tolerate climate-related stresses. It helps regulate water balance inside cells, acting as a key osmotic player that keeps cells turgid during drought and temperature swings. By supporting stomatal function, potassium helps control transpiration and maintain cooling, which reduces heat and drought damage. It also aids the transport of sugars and other nutrients to roots and storage tissues, promoting recovery after stress and supporting overall vigor when conditions become tough. Because of these roles, routine potassium additions improve turfgrass tolerance to drought, heat, cold, and other climatic stresses. Nitrogen mainly drives growth and can make plants more vulnerable to stress if not balanced; phosphorus emphasizes root development but isn’t as directly tied to abiotic stress tolerance; iron improves color and chlorophyll content but not the stress tolerance mechanism itself.