The enhancing effect of K on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield has frequently been reported, but the nature of this influence has not been clearly shown. It was assumed that K contributed either to increased leaf expansion, thereby resulting in a larger photosynthetic surface, or to higher CO₂ assimilation rates per unit leaf area. Sand culture technique for growing plants was used in two greenhouse experiments, while field plants were grown in plots with soil differing in available K. Yield increases were consistently obtained with high K. Added K increased plant height and leaves per plant and per plot, The rate of leaf accumulation was higher as K increased. Leaf size and weight per unit area also increased, as did stomatal number and aperture. Larger epidermal cells and greater numbers per leaf were observed with high K nutrition. Percent K in plants was associated with rate of K application. Net photosynthesis rates of excised leaves increased with potassium application, but all K levels had similar light compensation points. Leaves from plants with added K had lower CO₂ compensation points, indicating higher efficiency of CO₂ assimilation. Based on these data, K appears to function both to increase the effective photosynthetic surface through greater leaf initiation and development and to increase the rate of CO₂ utilization per unit leaf area. The latter increase probably results from greater CO₂ diffusion into substomatal cavities. / Ph. D.