Plant Nutrition I By: Becky McGuire

Plant Nutrients needed for growth, development, production

16 essential nutrients 1. non-mineral = C, H, O 2. mineral = other primary = N, P, K 4. secondary = Ca, Mg, S, B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn 5. analogy: C HOPKNS café Mg B Mn CuZn MoCl

Nutrient Functions & Deficiency Symptoms Nitrogen Function a. Rapid growth b. Chlorophyll formation c. Using amino acids and proteins

Nutrient Functions & Deficiency Symptoms NDeficiency –A. Yellow –B. Little growth

Nutrient Functions & Deficiency Symptoms Phosphorus Functions –Root growth –Forming seeds Deficiency: --purple stems and leaves

Nutrient Functions & Deficiency Symptoms Potassium Function –Healthy –Disease resistance –Stalk strength Potassium Deficiency –Weak stems –Brown margins

Nutrient Functions & Deficiency Symptoms Calcium Functions –Cell walls –Cell division Calcium Def. –Deformed terminal leaves

Nutrient Functions & Deficiency Symptoms Magnesium Functions –chlorophyll use/forming –Nutrient uptake Magnesium Def. –Chlorosis: yellowing of lower leaves

Nutrient Supply A. C, H, O = CO2 and H2O (photosynthesis) B. Others = soil C. Macrominerals: needed in large amounts D. Microminerals: needed in small amounts