Plant nutrients Flashcards
Why does a plant need Nitrogen (N) ?
Plants need it to form Chlorophyll
Provides rich, leafy growth.
What plants are fed (N) and why?
Cabbages and lawns.
fed to plants for their leafy growth
What are the symptoms of a Nitrogen deficiency?
Slow, spindly growth
Chlorosis-yellowing of leaves due to lack of chlorophyll.
Foliage can go “Bluish” in older leaves
Chlorophyll breaks down in older leaves first to give the younger leaves their Nitrogen
leaves smaller than normal
Under-developed fruit
older leaves can go red
What happens to a plant if their is too much Nitrogen?
A high salt concentration at the roots can be produced
This can easily be lost by leaching
Fine lawns or bowling greens become susceptible to attacks of Fusarium fungus
More vunerable to pest attack due to lush leafy growth
More likely to be damaged by cold as its soft growth
Why does a plant need Phosphorus (P)?
Needed for cell division respiration seedling growth ripening of fruit root development
Large amounts are packed into the seeds and meristems of roots and shoots
Essential at seedling stage
Why is Phosphorus essential to a plant at its seedling stage?
The growing root needs it so it can establish itself.
The roots need to be able to tap into the supplies in the soil before all the reserves in the seed are used up.
What are the implications of too much Phosphorus?
Can affect the development of MYCORRHIZA
What is mycorrhiza?
the association between plant roots and fungus, they take the place of root hairs in many plants and lichens
What are the effects of a Phosphorous deficiency?
Poor root development
There will be reduced growth of the stem and root
There can be bluish/purple stem colourings with/without speckling.
How do you remedy a Nitrogen deficiency?
Ammonium sulphate Nitrochalk-mx of ammonium and limestone Nitrate of soda Fish meal FYM Hoof and horn meal
Why would you use Fish meal for a (N) deficiency?
It is organic
quick acting
gives a steady supply over many weeks
What are the 6 plant macronutrients?
major elements
Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulphur (S)
What are the eight micronutrients?
Trace elements
Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Manganese (Mn) Boron (B) Zinc (Zn) Nickel (Ni) Chlorine (Cl) molybdenum (Mo)
Whats the difference between Macro and Micro nutrients?
The difference is the AMOUNT needed for maintaining good healthy plant growth
Where are the plant nutrients obtained from and what do they do?
Obtained from soil or growing compost.
They are diluted in the soil solution and transported to sites in the plant structure where they are needed
What major elements does a plant obtain from the atmosphere?
Carbon (C)
Oxygen (O)
Hydrogen (H)
Why does a plant need Potassium (K)?
For successful flowering and fruiting
Helps improve hardiness from frosting/injury/disease/drought
Control of water movement within a plant
important for all functions within cells
What are the signs of a Potassium deficiency?
Brown, scorched leaves
Poor performance of flowers and fruits-made worse if large amounts of Nitrogen added
Why does a plant need Magnesium (Mg)?
Many roles, including making chlorophyll.
Plants in clay soils rarely have this deficiency
Sandy soils regularly cropped often have Mg shortages.
What plant/fruit often shows signs of a Mg shortage?
Tomato- rectified by measured applications of Epsom salts.
Why does a plant need Calcium (Ca)?
Involved in formation of cell walls and the middle lamella
Dicots need more than monocots
What are the signs of a Ca deficiency?
Inward curling of leaves
Death of growing point
Appears in younger tissues first
Leaves look like they’re wilting
What is a remedy for a Ca deficincy?
Apply ground limestone
Give an example of a Calcium deficiency in plants and/or fruit.
Tulip “topple” The flower head can’t be supported by the stem
Tomatoes “Blossom end rot”
Apples “Bitter Pit”
Why does a plant need Sulphur (S)?
Synthesis of proteins
This is rarely in short supply
Large quantities needed
What are the signs of a Sulphur deficiency?
Chlorosis in younger leaves first
Why is Iron (Fe) important in plant growth?
Enables photosynthesis
Important in forming chlorophyll and chloroplasts
What are the symptoms of an iron deficiency?
Chlorosis
commonly caused by “Lime-induced” chlorosis.
Too much lime present.
First seen in new leaves
Areas between leaf veins yellow-if severe ivory
Hw can you “green up” turf without adding Nitrogen?
Add an Iron fertilizer or supplement.
AKA: ferrous sulphate
