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Potash (Potassium)

Potassium derives its more common name of ‘potash’ from the ancient discovery that ash from wood fires gathered in pots and applied to crops greatly enhanced the plants yield and vigour.

Potash is a major plant nutrient, often referred to as a macronutrient due to the large quantities which plants require for healthy growth. In fact the amount of potash required by many species is similar or greater to the requirement for Nitrogen.

Potash has many roles in a wide variety of processes in plants and animals but the principle functions can be summarised as follows.

Water balance in the plant (osmoregulation) Potash is required to maintain the water pressure in the plants transport systems and in the cells. In this way, potash also plays a vital role in ensuring that other nutrients are transported efficiently around the plant, particularly from roots to the leaves, fruits and seeds. If potash is deficient, this transport system is compromised, the plant is more likely to be damaged in times of water stress and less able to transport the products of photosynthesis.

Enzyme Activation. Potash is required by many enzymes in the plant as a type of trigger. Enzymes are special substances in nature which control virtually all of the many reactions and chemical pathways that occur within living organisms.

Natural anti-freeze. The specific chemical properties of potash mean that a solution of water containing Potassium has a lower freezing point and thus adequate potash in the plant effectively gives the plant some anti-freeze properties. This can be particularly important with non-extreme frosts often experienced in the UK when the temperature is around the zero mark.

For more detailed information on every aspect of potash use visit the Potash Development Association (PDA) website. The PDA is an independent organisation providing information, guidance and advice for anyone using potash and is widely considered to be the expert voice on use of this nutrient.