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Nutritional elements for plants - Coggle Diagram
Nutritional elements for plants
Macronutrients
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is essential for root health, growth of new roots and root hairs, and the development of leaves. It is generally in short supply in the North Coast's acid soils. Lime, gypsum, dolomite and superphosphate all supply calcium. Lime is the cheapest and most suitable option for the North Coast; dolomite is useful for magnesium and calcium deficiencies, but if used over a long period will unbalance the calcium/magnesium ratio.
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, the green colouring material of plants, and is vital for photosynthesis (the conversion of the sun's energy to food for the plant). Deficiencies occur mainly on sandy acid soils in high rainfall areas, especially if used for intensive horticulture or dairying. Heavy applications of potassium in fertilisers can also produce magnesium deficiency, so banana growers need to watch magnesium levels because bananas are big potassium users.
Potassium (K)
Potassium increases vigour and disease resistance of plants, helps form and move starches, sugars and oils in plants, and can improve fruit quality.
Sulfur (S)
Sulfur is a constituent of amino acids in plant proteins and is involved in energy-producing processes in plants. It is responsible for many flavour and odour compounds in plants such as the aroma of onions and cabbage.
Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus helps transfer energy from sunlight to plants, stimulates early root and plant growth, and hastens maturity
.
Carbon (C)
Carbon forms the backbone of most plant biomolecules, including proteins, starches and cellulose. Carbon is fixed through photosynthesis.
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is a key element in plant growth. It is found in all plant cells, in plant proteins and hormones, and in chlorophyll.
Oxygen (O)
Oxygen is a component of many organic and inorganic molecules within the plant, and is acquired in many forms.
Micronutrients
Sodium
Sodium is involved in the regeneration of phosphoenolpyruvate in CAM and C4 plants. Sodium can potentially replace potassium's regulation of stomatal opening and closing.
Manganese
Manganese is necessary for photosynthesis, including the building of chloroplasts. Manganese deficiency may result in coloration abnormalities, such as discolored spots on the foliage.
Zinc
Zinc is required in a large number of enzymes and plays an essential role in DNA transcription
.
Copper
Copper is important for photosynthesis. Symptoms for copper deficiency include chlorosis.
Nickel
In higher plants, nickel is absorbed by plants in the form of Ni2+ ion. Nickel is essential for activation of urease, an enzyme involved with nitrogen metabolism that is required to process urea.
Chlorine
Chlorine, as compounded chloride, is necessary for osmosis and ionic balance; it also plays a role in photosynthesis.
Boron
it affects flowering and fruiting, pollen germination, cell division, and active salt absorption. The metabolism of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and water are strongly affected by boron.
Cobalt
Cobalt has proven to be beneficial to at least some plants although it does not appear to be essential for most species.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a cofactor to enzymes important in building amino acids and is involved in nitrogen metabolism.
Silicon
Silicon is not considered an essential element for plant growth and development. It is always found in abundance in the environment and hence if needed it is available.
Iron
Iron is necessary for photosynthesis and is present as an enzyme cofactor in plants. Iron deficiency can result in interveinal chlorosis and necrosis.