Lecture 3 Plant nutrition

Essential elements: macronutrients and micronutrients

Essential elements: macronutrients and micronutrients

Classification of nutrients according to their biochemical function

Classification of nutrients according to their biochemical function

Classification of nutrients according to their biochemical function

Special techniques are used in nutritional studies - growth of plants with their roots immersed in nutrient solution without soil - requires a large volume of nutrient solution and frequent adjustment - oxygen supply for root through bubbling system - plants my also be grown in supporting material such as sand, gravel, vermiculite… - roots receive ample supply of oxygen

Special techniques are used in nutritional studies - plants are grown with their roots suspended in air while being sprayed continuously with a nutrient solution - provides easy manipulation of the gaseous environment around the root - but requires higher levels of nutrients than hydroponic culture to sustain plant growth - nutrient solution periodically rises to immerse plant roots and then recedes, exposing the roots to moist atmosphere culture to sustain growth