The Influence of Foliar Application of Potassium on Yield and Quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Plants Grown under Sandy Soil Conditions

2 Abstract: The experiments were conducted under sandy soil conditions in Nubaria (west delta region) to study the response of carrot plants to foliar application of potassium. Different levels of foliar potassium fertilizer (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2ml/L) were applied. Plant growth, productivity, root quality and chemical analysis of leaves (N, P and K) were recorded in response to the application of these treatments. The results showed that carrot plants responded positively to all K levels. Vegetative growth parameters (including plant height, number of leaves and fresh and dry weight of leaves) were significantly enhanced by the levels of K especially at the higher levels while control plants obtained the lowest values. The level 1.5 ml/L seems to be optimal for carrot plants as increasing the K level more than this level did not give significant increment. Similar results were observed concerning root length, diameter, fresh and dry weight of roots and total soluble solids (T.S.S.) in roots. Results concerning the chemical analysis of carrot leaves are discussed. The results indicated that foliar application of K under sandy soil conditions improved root quality as well.