There are 14 essential plant nutrients, including macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients like iron and manganese. Potassium is a key macronutrient required in large amounts for proper plant growth, development, and reproduction as it is involved in water movement, enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and maintaining cell turgor pressure. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include wilting, drooping, short stems, small leaves, and yellowing, while excess potassium does not appear to be toxic to plants.

4. Essential plants nutrients
• There are about 14 essential plants nutrients which helps in improving and
protecting plant health .
• These essential nutrients are ,
N , P , K , Mg , S , Ca , Fe , Mn , Zn , Cu , B , Mo , Cl

5. Macronutrients and Micronutrients
N , P , K , are known as macronutrients .
Macronutrients are required in large quantity .
While the remaining Fe , Mn , Zn , Cu , Cl , Co , S , Sl are known as
micronutrients.
Micronutrients are required in small quantity .

6. Potassium Significance
• Potassium is an essential plant nutrient and is required in large amounts for
proper growth and reproduction of plants.
• It affects the plant shape, size, color, taste and other measurements attributed
to healthy produce.
• Plants absorb potassium in it’s ionic form , K +

7. Continues….
• Potassium is associated with the movement of water , nutrients and
carbohydrates in plant tissue .
• It’s involved with enzyme activation within the plant , which affects protein ,
starch and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production .
• The production of ATP can regulate the rate of photosynthesis .
• Potassium speeds up the activity of several enzymes.

8. • Potassium is produced in activity dividing cells of the buds , roots tip and the
young leaves .
• It also takes part in the maintenance of turgidity of cells.
• They play a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism.
• Potassium is essential for translocation of sugar.

10. Potassium Deficiency
• Potassium-deficient plants are easily distinguished by their tendency to wilt
on dry , sunny days .
• The overall appearance of the plant is wilted or drooping .
• Deficient plants will have a stocky appearance with short internodes .
• Younger leaves’ growth is inhibited , and they have small leaf blades .
• Yellowing is the first sign of potassium deficiency . ( Chlorosis )

11. • The potassium deficiency symptoms are more susceptible to disease and
drought.

14. Excess of Potassium
• Potassium concentration in plants varies between 0.2 and 2.5 % but can
reach as high as between 3-8% .
• Excess potassium does not appear to have a toxic effect on plants .