Plant Nutrition Floral Careers Plant Propagation

Non-fertilizer Nutrients w Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O). w These elements are supplied to the plant in the water and carbon dioxide it absorbs for photosynthesis. w All 3 are essential, non-fertilizer macroelements (or macronutrients).

Macroelements w Macroelements are elements required by plants in relatively large quantities. w In addition to C, H, and O, 6 other elements are recognized as macroelements.

Macroelements w They are: Nitrogen (N) Phosphorous (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulfur (S)

Microelements w Microelements are elements needed by plants in very small quantities. w Microelements are just as important as macroelements.

Microelements w There are 8 essential microelements: Iron (Fe) Copper (Cu) Zinc (Zn) Manganese (Mn) Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorine (Cl) Nickel (Ni)

The Essential Elements Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) + 6 Macroelements + 8 Microelements =

17 Essential Elements for Plant Growth

Deficiency Symptoms of the Macroelements and Iron

Nitrogen Deficiency w General chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves. w Older leaves showing symptoms first. N deficiency in potato

Phosphorous Deficiency w Reduced plant size w Darkened foliage with a purplish cast. P deficiency in corn

Potassium Deficiency w Margins eventually turning brown. w Symptoms develop on lower leaves first. K deficiency on red currant

Calcium Deficiency w Young leaves are prominently malformed. w Poor root development. Ca deficiency on sugar beet

Magnesium Deficiency w Interveinal chlorosis. w Starts on the older leaves and progresses towards the top of the plant. Mg deficiency on grape

Sulfur Deficiency w A chlorosis develops which affects the entire plant except the very tip. w Symptoms similar to a nitrogen deficiency.

Iron Deficiency w Interveinal chlorosis developing on the youngest leaves first. w Damage confined to the upper regions of the plant. Fe deficiency on cherry

The End