Which element is considered one of the three major plant nutrients along with nitrogen and phosphorus?

Which element is considered one of the three major plant nutrients along with nitrogen and phosphorus?

• A. iron
• B. potassium
• C. calcium
• D. zinc

Answer: (B)

Potassium is the third element that plants need in large amounts along with nitrogen and phosphorus. These three are the major macronutrients because they are required in much greater quantities than the others. Potassium plays a wide role in plant health: it helps regulate water balance and stomatal openings, activates many enzymes, supports photosynthesis and carbohydrate transport, and contributes to strong stems and good fruit quality. Deficiencies show up as stressed, weak growth and poor fruit development, which is why potassium is grouped with nitrogen and phosphorus as a primary nutrient together with those two. Other elements like iron and zinc are micronutrients needed in much smaller amounts, and calcium is important too but is considered a secondary macronutrient rather than one of the three primary macronutrients.

Potassium is the third element that plants need in large amounts along with nitrogen and phosphorus. These three are the major macronutrients because they are required in much greater quantities than the others. Potassium plays a wide role in plant health: it helps regulate water balance and stomatal openings, activates many enzymes, supports photosynthesis and carbohydrate transport, and contributes to strong stems and good fruit quality. Deficiencies show up as stressed, weak growth and poor fruit development, which is why potassium is grouped with nitrogen and phosphorus as a primary nutrient together with those two. Other elements like iron and zinc are micronutrients needed in much smaller amounts, and calcium is important too but is considered a secondary macronutrient rather than one of the three primary macronutrients.