Nutrients

Question 1

List the macro nutrients of plants.

Answer 1

o Nitrogen (N)
o Phosphorous (P)
o Potassium (K)
o Calcium
o Magnesium
o Sulfur

Question 2

List the micro nutrients of plants.

Answer 2

o Boron
o Iron
o Copper
o Nickel
o Chlorine
o Zinc
o Manganese

Question 3

What are the major symptoms of nitrogen deficiency?

Answer 3

o The older leaves turn yellowish first since nitrogen is readily moved from
the old leaves to the new growth.

Question 4

What are the major symptoms of phosphorus deficiency?

Answer 4

o Leaf color is a dull, bluish green that becomes purplish or bronzy. Leaf
edges often turn scorched brown.
o Very mobile so symptoms show on old leaves first

Question 5

What are the major symptoms of potassium deficiency?

Answer 5

o Causes stunted growth with leaves close together.
o Starting with the older leaves, the leaf tips and edges turn scorched brown
and leaf edges roll.
o Can result in crop lodging

Question 6

What is the difference between mobile nutrient and immobile nutrients?

Answer 6

o Deficiencies of immobile nutrients show in plant new growth while
mobile nutrient deficiencies are observed first on the older leaves.

Question 7

Describe the major sources of inorganic nitrogen in agriculture.

Answer 7

o Anhydrous has highest available nitrogen per unit (82%). Applied by
specialist equipment to inject into soil. Seal immediately to avoid
volatization.
o Urea also susceptible to volatization, hence not suitable for surface
application.
o Ammonium nitrate is easy to apply but can cause fertilizer burn.
o Ammonium sulfate is recommended where S is deficient.
o UAN solutions are commonly used on winter wheat.