lesson 7 (nutrients) Flashcards
What are the macronutrients?
Major component of hormones, proteins, chlorophyll, vitamins, and enzymes necessary for plant life. Is a main factor in stem and leaf growth
Nitrogen
Essential for seed germination, photosynthesis, protein formation, and flower and
fruit formation
Phosphorus
Needed for formation of sugars, starches, carbohydrates, protein synthesis and cell
division in roots and other parts of the plant. It helps in the maintenance of water
balance, improves stem rigidity and cold hardiness, enhances flavor and color on fruit
and vegetable crops, increases the oil content of fruits and is significant for leafy
crops.
Potassium
A structural component of cell walls which activates enzymes, influences the movement of water in cells and is needed for cell growth and division. Some plants need it to take up nitrogen and other minerals. Is easily leached.
Calcium
A critical structural component of the chlorophyll molecule and is needed for the functioning of plant enzymes to produce carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. It is used for fruit and nut formation and essential for germination of seeds.
Is leached by watering and must be supplied when feeding. It can be applied as a foliar spray to correct deficiencies.
Magnesium
Structural component of proteins, vitamins, and enzymes. It is necessary to produce chlorophyll. It gives flavor to many vegetables.
Sulfur
What are the micronutrients?
Iron
Manganese
Boron
Zinc
Copper
Molybdenum
Chlorine
Nickel
Needed for many enzyme functions and as a catalyst for the synthesis of chlorophyll.
It is important for the young growing parts of plants. Under conditions of high pH
is unavailable to plants.
Iron
Involved in enzyme activity for respiration, nitrogen metabolism and photosynthesis.
Manganese
Needed for cell wall formation, membrane integrity, calcium uptake and aids in the translocation of sugars.
Boron
A functional cofactor of many enzymes including auxins (plant growth hormones). It
is essential to carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and internodal elongation
(stem growth).
Zinc
Concentrated in roots of plants and plays a part in nitrogen metabolism. It is a
component of several enzymes and may be part of the enzyme systems that use
carbohydrates and proteins.
Copper
A structural component of the enzyme that reduces nitrates to ammonia. Without it,
the synthesis of proteins is blocked and plant growth ceases. Root nodule (nitrogen
fixing) bacteria also require it. Seeds may not form completely, and nitrogen deficiency may occur if plants are lacking it.
Molybdenum
Helps in electron transport in chloroplast. It is involved in osmosis (movement of
water or solutes in cells), ionic balance necessary to take up mineral elements and
photosynthesis.
Chlorine
