• Question: why do plants need potassium?

    Asked by wookiee to Amelia, Izzy on 20 Mar 2014.
    • Photo: Isabel Webb

      Isabel Webb answered on 20 Mar 2014:

      Potassium is an important molecule found in many different proteins and enzymes, and is essential to make them work.

      Potassium is also used to help regulate water within the cells – potassium can be pumped in and out of the cells, and then water follows. Sodium is also used to do this.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 20 Mar 2014:

      Potassium is needed for many functions in the plant cell, to keep it working, we need it too!

      If a plant does not have enough potassium its growth will be stunted and it will have ugly brown spots

      This is why when you are at the garden centre you will notice that all the composts on sale will contain potassium! Potassium is easily washed away by the rain, so it is a good idea to keep it topped up in your garden!

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