Lesson 2 Section 3 Flashcards
What are the six essential Macronutrients?
Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Calcium Magnesium Sulphur
Name 6 Micronutrients?
Baron (B) Iron (FE) Copper (Cu) Manganese (Mn) Zinc (Zn) Molybdenum (Mu)
What is the key role of nitrogen in plant nutrition?
Nitrogen is essential for young healthy growth of stems and leaves.
Nitrogen is essential in the formation of Chlorophyll.
Name 2 organic & 2 inorganic sources of nitrogen?
Organic : 1. Fish Meal 2. Farmyard Manure (fym)
Inorganic : Ammonium Sulphate & Nitrate of Soda
What are the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency?
Weak or stunted growth esp. in spring
Leaves small and CHLOROTIC sometimes distorted. Leading to yellowing or Reddish colouration before premature leaf drop.
Stems can be red or purple due to Anthocyanin production.
Decrease in the size and quantity of fruit produced.
What are the symptoms of excessive nitrogen in plants
Lots of leafy dark green sappy growth
Foliage easily damaged by frosts and pests
New wood takes longer to ripen from green to brown.
What is the key role if Phosphorus?
The production of healthy roots
Where is phosphorus is found in soil and how is it released?
Phosphorus is found in organic matter and hummus and is released into the soil through microbial activity primarily as phosphates
What is meant by the term Fixed in relation to phosphates and what is the optimal PH required by plants to be able to absorb phosphorus?
Phosphates can become Fixed meaning they are unavailable for plants to use this occurs in highly acid or alkaline soils the optimum PH is between 6 & 7
Why is phosphorus important to plants
It is required for cell division and the development of the MERISTEM tissue. It is a constituent in EVERY LIVING CELL. It is involved in the production of protein. It occurs within the Protoplasm. Organic phosphates also aid respiration
Give examples of organic and inorganic phosphorus
Inorganic- Superphosphate
Organic - Rock Phosphate
Bone Meal
What are the symptoms of phosphorus deficiency?
Slow growth
Dull yellow or even purple & red in older foliage
Poor root growth & cropping
What is the key role of potassium?
Crucial for flower, fruit and seed development
Which minerals is Potassium present in?
Feldspars
Micas
Clay minerals eg montmorillonite
Within salt minerals in Chile
What is potassium used for in plants
It’s required for all cell metabolic processes. It contributes to photosynthesis It affects Respiration It plays a role in plant Turgor It regulates Stomata It is mostly found in the cell Vacuole It is an osmotic regulator
What is potassium known for?
Increased hardiness and disease resistance by thickening cell walls