Review: Transport and homeostasis of K & P ($)

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three macronutrients required in highest amounts for plant growth. N is abundant in the atmosphere, therefore plentiful if we overlook the energetic costs of converting N₂ to usable form. By contrast, K and P are present in limited amounts in the Earth’s crust, and their extraction can be challenging. Over the next few decades, achieving good crop yields by applying these macronutrients to soils will become more and more expensive. Luan et al. review current understanding of K and P transporters and the regulatory circuits that control their activities. Ultimately, exploiting this knowledge should lead to greater uptake and use efficiencies of these essential nutrients. J. Exp. Bot.  10.1093/jxb/erw444