2102 - Plant Nutrition Flashcards
Major nutrients (Macro)
- Nitrogen - N
- Phosphorus - P
- Potassium - K
- Calcium - Ca
- Magnesium - Mg
Minor Nutrients (Micro)
- Iron - Fe
also
- Sulphur - S
- Manganese - Mn
- Boron - B
- Copper - Cu
- Zinc - Z
- Molybdenum - Mo
What do Nutrients do…
- for Structural components of cells, tissues, organs
- for enzymes (plant chemical reactions)
- Maintain chemical balances in plant for eg Osmosis
All nutrients are essential for plant health and growth but Major nutrients are required in larger amount (NPK the most)
Excessive levels of nutrients can be toxic and lead to Plasmolysis and plant death
Macronutrients - Nitrogen N
- essential in large quantities for plant growth
- is the most common deficiency for plant growth
- for Proteins that form building blocks of plant cells and tissues, eg Chloroplasts
Good supply associated with
- Healthy vigorous leafy growth
Deficiency leads to…
- Weak Growth
- Yellowing Chlorotic Leaves
- Leaf drop
- Plant takes N from lower leaves to support new growth so old leaves show signs of deficiency first
(Urea, or Sulphate of Ammonia)
Macronutrients - Phosphorus P
- component of DNA so required in cell Nucleus
- Cell division so linked with Juvenile growth roots/shoots
Good supply associated with
- Good root growth
- Stem growth
Deficiency leads to…
- Stunted Growth
- delayed and weak flowering or fruiting
- bluey green mature leaves with purplish stems
- early leaf drop
(Bone Meal)
Macronutrients - Potassium K
- Used for nutrient transport
- Stomatal activity
Good supply associated with…
- Good fruiting and flowering
Deficiency leads to…
- scorching of leaves
- blue-green coloration of semi-mature leaves
- chlorosis
- stunting
(Tomato Feed - Tomorite)
Macronutrients - Calcium Ca
- most soils are abundant in Ca, but tend to be lacking in Acidic soils
- Cell Wall and Cytoplasm production
- Chlorotic young leaves
- blossom end rot in tomatoes / squash
rectified by adding Lime to the soil
Macronutrients - Magnesium Mg
- Ingredient in Chlorophyll so essential for Photosynthesis
- Mobile in plant tissues
- Can be deficient in Sandy or thin Soil (leaching)
Deficiency leads to…
- Interveinal Chlorosis starting in older leaves
- Rectified by application of Epsom Salts as a soil drench
Micronutrients - Iron Fe
- Required for production of Chlorophyll (like Nitrogen and Magnesium)
- Usually present in soils but pH dependant. High pH reduces availability to calcifuge / ericaceous plants.
- not mobile in the plant so effects young growth
Deficiency leads to…
- General interveinal chlorotic young leaves.
Add Sequestered Iron (foliar feed) Camelias, Currant etc..
