Intercropping also promotes the uptake of phosphorus. The inter-specific uptake of phosphorus (P) was prominent when grasses were intercropped with legumes, especially, fava bean Some intercropping systems promoted the uptake of potassium (K), although potassium is mainly present in the form of ions in soil and is transferred by diffusion. The uptake and utilization of potassium by crops is related to their genetics and the fertilizer used.