Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Essential plant nutrients are divided into macronutrients (needed in large quantities) and micronutrients (needed in trace amounts).
Macronutrients are further categorized into primary and secondary nutrients based on their metabolic demands and application frequencies in crop production.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Essential plant nutrients are classified as follows:
• Primary Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). These are required in the largest amounts by crops and are most commonly added through chemical fertilizers.
• Secondary Macronutrients: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S). These are required in moderate amounts and are often already present in sufficient quantities in the soil or added as amendments.
• Micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl). These are needed in tiny amounts.
Among the options given:
- Ca (Calcium), Mg (Magnesium), and S (Sulfur) are secondary plant nutrients.
- K (Potassium) is a primary plant nutrient.
Step 3: Final Answer
Potassium (K) is a primary plant nutrient.