Expert: Walter Hintz - 2/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: How does potassium occur in an Avocado? Is the extent of this mineral determined only by soil content?

ANSWER: Elements in plants are taken up with water from the soil

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QUESTION: Thank you for your reply. In conclusion I can grow Avocado in a non-potassium environment and it will not have any potassium in it. Is there any occurrence where minerals are synthesised by plant life. Does this also mean that no elements to be found within the avocados grown in a non-potassium environment would act as potassium would on human nutrition?

Answer
If there is no K in the soil there will be none in the plant.  it must be taken in through the root system. K is important in plant growth so absence of it may affect the plant.
Minerals cannot be synthesized. Potassium and sodium have similar effects on human physiology.