Effect of P & K on response to moisture stress

Potassium contributes greatly in helping the plants to achieve water economy. This is true especially in rainfed crop in hills where moisture stress often occurs during plant emergence and tuber initiation stage. Potassium application although does not economize on water needs of the crop, it increases water use efficiency in terms of tubers yield/mm water. Phosphorus on the other hand indirectly helps the plants tolerate water stress by increasing rooting.