Mineral Requirements for Plants
Mineral elements are crucial for the healthy growth and development of plants. In addition to carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, plants require a variety of mineral elements. These minerals are absorbed from the soil, unlike carbohydrates such as glucose, which are produced from carbon dioxide and water. The essential mineral elements are classified into two categories:
- Macronutrients: These are nutrients needed by plants in large amounts, including Potassium, Calcium, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sulphur, Magnesium, Iron, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus.
- Micronutrients: These are nutrients required in smaller amounts, such as Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Cobalt, Chlorine, Molybdenum, and Boron.
When a plant is lacking any of these essential minerals, it shows specific signs of deficiency.
Macronutrients
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Sulphur
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
Nitrogen
Functions:
- Key component of enzymes and protoplasm.
- Essential for the formation of nucleic acids and chlorophyll.
Deficiency:
- Stunted growth.
- Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis).
Phosphorus
Functions:
- Promotes strong root development.
- Essential for the formation of coenzymes.
- Supports fruit formation and maturation.
Deficiency:
- Poor root development.
- Stunted growth.
Sulphur
Functions:
- Important for the formation of certain proteins in protoplasm.
Deficiency:
- Yellowing of leaves.
- Stunted growth.
Potassium
Functions:
- Helps form amino acids.
- Important for cell membrane structure.
- Activates respiration and photosynthesis.
- Promotes crop maturation.
Deficiency:
- Yellowing and browning at leaf margins.
- Premature death of plants.
Magnesium
Functions:
- Essential for chlorophyll formation.
- Helps with cell division.
- Activates many coenzymes.
Deficiency:
- Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis).
- Poor growth.
Calcium
Functions:
- Aids in storing proteins and carbohydrates in roots and tubers.
- Important for the formation of the cell wall.
- Provides structural support to the plant.
Deficiency:
- Poor root development.
- Death of terminal buds.
- Stunted growth.
Iron
Functions:
- Involved in protein formation.
- Essential for chlorophyll synthesis.
Deficiency:
- Yellowing of leaves.
- Stunted growth.
Micronutrients
- Copper
- Manganese
- Chlorine
- Molybdenum
- Boron
- Zinc
- Silicon
- Cobalt
Copper
Functions:
- Component of respiratory enzymes.
Deficiency:
- Poor growth.
Manganese
Functions:
- Activates certain enzymes.
Deficiency:
- Death of shoots.
Chlorine
Functions:
- Essential for oxygen release during photosynthesis.
Deficiency:
- Wilting of leaves.
- Necrosis.
- Reduced growth.
Molybdenum
Functions:
- Activates enzymes for nitrate reduction.
- Important for nitrogen fixation by bacteria.
Deficiency:
- Poor growth.
Boron
Functions:
- Involved in the movement of sugars and calcium within the plant.
Deficiency:
- Brown shoots.
- Poor pollen tube growth.
Zinc
Functions:
- Activates various enzymes.
- Involved in the production of auxin (growth hormone).
- Plays a role in protein synthesis.
Deficiency:
- Poor growth.
Silicon
Functions:
- Contributes to the formation of cell walls.
Deficiency:
- Slower growth.
Cobalt
Functions:
- Important for enzyme activities.
Deficiency:
- Poor growth.