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Potassium is one of the key elements for life on earth. It is required in large quantities by all plants and animals and is obtained by plants from the soil in which they grow. Animals obtain their potassium from plants, either directly or by eating other animals (and animal products) which have fed on plants.
Potassium - a Nutrient Essential for Life
Potássio - um Nutriente Essencial para a Vida
This booklet summarizes the main issues related to potash fertilizers, with following topics discussed:
- How much potassium is needed by humans?
- How much potassium is needed by plants?
- Potassium deficiency and its symptoms
- Potassium in the soil
- Potassium production and reserves
- Potassium and the environment
- Potash fertilizers
The booklet also contains two large newly drawn schematics on “Potassium Functions within the Plant” and “The Potassium Cycle in Soil and Agriculture” and a few color pictures. The publication is available in English and Portuguese on the IPI website.
March 2013
English