What Does Primary Nutrients (NPK) Mean?
Primary nutrients are nutrients that are
required by plants in larger quantities than other nutrients. The primary nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K).
Deficiency of these elements limits plant health, yield, and growth, therefore these nutrients are the three most essential elements supplied by fertilizers. However, this does not mean primary nutrients are more important than other essential nutrients.
These primary nutrients are sometimes abbreviated as NPK or N-P-K
(See also: Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients)
Maximum Yield Explains Primary Nutrients (NPK)
The three primary nutrients are:
1. Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is found in amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. This element is also a component of enzymes and proteins. A nitrogen deficiency in plants and grains leads to a reduced protein content. Excessive nitrogen gives plants extremely dark green leaves and enhances vegetative plant augmentation. The primary benefits of nitrogen include:
- Promoting the plant's strength
- Making use of the plant's carbohydrates
- Maintain the plant's health
- Assisting in protein manufacture
2. Phosphorous (P)
Phosphorus is another essential primary element for plants. It is a major component of both RNA and DNA, and the ATP system in plants. Phosphorous deficiency leads to delayed maturity, poor plant and root growth, early fruit drop, and reduced yield. Too much phosphorous might induce a zinc dearth through biochemical exchanges. The primary benefits of phosphorous include:
- Facilitating photosynthesis
- Controlling and monitoring cell division
- Regulating the use of starches and sugars
3. Potassium (K)
Potassium is ranked as the third main primary nutrient required by plants. Potassium deficiency in plants leads to reduced plant yield and weakens the stems. Excess potassium reduces magnesium uptake as a result of chemical reactions. The primary benefits of potassium include:
- Facilitating water usage
- Adjusting disease resistance
- Metabolizing nutrients
- Regulating loss of excess water
