In fertilizer analysis, what does K represent?

In fertilizer analysis, the letter K represents potassium. This is significant because potassium is one of the three primary macronutrients that plants need for growth and development, alongside nitrogen and phosphorus. It plays a critical role in various physiological processes within plants, including water regulation, enzyme activation, and the synthesis of proteins and starches.

K is often included in the fertilizer labeling system, which follows the N-P-K format where N stands for nitrogen, P for phosphorus, and K for potassium. This labeling helps farmers and agronomists determine the nutrient composition of fertilizers and select the appropriate products to support plant health and crop yield effectively. Understanding the role of potassium and its symbol in fertilizer helps ensure that plants receive balanced nutrition for optimal growth.