K - Potassium , Potash

K is used so as not to cause confusion with P which represents phosphorous. Potassium is found in high concentrations within plant cells.   Plants require potassium ions in the cells for the opening and closing of stomates and in the synthesis of proteins essential for plant health. 

Traditionally, plant tissues were burned  in containers or pots for the ash which was high in potassium thus the name potash was adopted.

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