Brief Notes on Plant Nutrients

Plant nutrition basically refers to the supply and absorption of chemical compounds or inorganic material, which further helps the plants to grow and improve their metabolism. It is the process through which plants absorb and utilize essential elements required for their growth and reproduction. Several inorganic minerals are used by plants for nutrition. Complex interactions, including weathering of rock minerals, decaying organic matter, animals, and other microorganisms, occurs so that inorganic minerals can be formed in the soil. 

The term ‘plant nutrition can also be used to define the study of chemical elements and compounds essential for the growth, reproduction, and improving the metabolism of the plants. In the absence of plant nutrition, it is not possible for them to complete a normal life cycle and thus, grow and reproduce. 

What are the mineral nutrients?

There are 20 mineral nutrients in plants that are essential for their growth.

• Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen are three mineral nutrients that are supplied by water and air to plants.
• These six mineral nutrients in plants are required in large amounts named phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and sulfur.
• The remaining 11 mineral nutrients are required in trace amounts by the plants, and these include iron, sodium, Silicon, chlorine, nickel, Boron, copper, manganese, zinc, cobalt, and molybdenum. 

The elements of plant nutrition

The following mentioned are the elements of plant nutrition that are crucial for its growth:

Macronutrients

The below-mentioned are macronutrients contributing majorly to the growth and reproduction of the plants:

• Nitrogen: Nitrogen is a major component consisting of hormones, enzymes, chlorophyll, and proteins that are essential for plants to live a long life. The major factor contributing to the growth of stem and leaf, the deficiency of nitrogen, can reduce yield, delay flowering and fruiting, and also cause yellowing of the leaves. 
• Phosphorus: Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient required for seed germination, protein formation, photosynthesis, growth, and metabolism of plants. Supply and absorption of phosphorus are required for the formation of flowers and fruit. 
• Potassium: When it comes to the formation of sugars, carbohydrates, protein synthesis, starches, and cell division in the roots and other parts of plants, potassium is the major contributing macronutrient in the same. In addition to this, it helps in adjusting the water balance, improving the rigidity of the stem, and enhancing the flavour and colour of the fruits. 
• Calcium: It is the calcium that activates enzymes and influences water movement in the cells. It acts as an important structural component of a plant’s cell walls and helps in the growth and division of the cells. The deficiency of calcium can result in the stunting of new growth in the stems, roots, and also flowers.
• Sulphur. Now that sulphur is a structural component of proteins, amino acids, enzymes, and vitamins, this particular macronutrient is essential for the production of chlorophyll. It imparts and enhances the flavour of vegetables. 
• Magnesium: Critical structural component of the chlorophyll molecule; magnesium is essential for the functioning of plant enzymes so that they can further produce carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. Magnesium majorly contributes to the formation of nuts and fruits and is also essential for the germination of the seeds. 

Micronutrients

The below-mentioned are micronutrients for plants are essential for their growth, reproduction, and metabolism:

• Iron: Iron is the micronutrient that plants need for multiple enzyme functions and as a catalyst for the synthesis of chlorophyll. By seeing the colour of the leaves, it can be known if the plants lack iron or not. The deficiency of iron in plants is followed by the pale leaf colour of the young leaves.
• Manganese: Manganese is the micronutrient for plants that are involved in their major processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism. The deficiency of manganese in the young leaves of the plants may show a network of green veins on a light green background. 
• Boron: Essential for the formation of the cell wall, membrane integrity, calcium uptake, and translocation of sugars, Boron affects a minimum of 16 functions in the plants. Some of these functions include pollen germination, cell division, fruiting and flowering, exchange of water and movement of hormones to different parts, etc. 
• Zinc: Zinc, a component of enzymes, contributes to carbohydrate metabolism, intermodal elongation, and protein synthesis. Plants deficient in zinc have mottled leaves along with irregular chlorotic areas.
• Copper: Concentrated in the roots of plants, copper contributes to nitrogen metabolism. Copper is a micronutrient forming a component of several enzymes that uses proteins and carbohydrates. 

Conclusion

The term plant nutrition defines the supply and absorption of inorganic or chemical compounds that plants need to grow, reproduce, and boost metabolism. Plant nutrition includes several minerals, macro, and micronutrients without the supply of which it is not possible for the plants to carry or complete essential life cycles such as reproduction, respiration, photosynthesis, pollination, seed germination, flowering, etc. The above-mentioned article will help you know everything about plant nutrition in detail.