341.T1 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Plant Nutrients Plant nutrients are divided into three main categories: –Primary nutrients –Secondary nutrients –Micronutrients

341.T2 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Primary Nutrients Primary nutrients are needed by the plant in large quantities. There are six nutrients in this category: - Carbon (C)- Phosphorus (P) - Hydrogen (H)- Nitrogen (N) - Oxygen (O)- Potassium (K)

341.T3 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Secondary Nutrients Secondary nutrients are needed in quantities which are lower than primary, but greater than micronutrients. These nutrients are: - Sulfur (S)- Iron (Fe) - Calcium (Ca)- Magnesium (Mg)

341.T4 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Micronutrients Micronutrients are needed in very small amounts, and are the greatest in number. - Molybdenum (Mo)- Zinc (Zn) - Boron (B)- Chlorine (Cl) - Copper (Cu)- Manganese (Mn)

341.T5 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Nitrogen (N) Function: –Promotes rapid vegetative growth. –Gives the plant a healthy green color. Deficiency Symptoms: –Stunted growth. –Pale yellowish color. –Burning of tip margins on leaves.

341.T6 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Phosphorus (P) Functions: –Stimulates early growth and root formation. –Promotes seed growth. –Hastens maturity. –Makes plants hardy. Deficiency Symptoms: –Small growth. –Spindly stalk. –Delayed maturity. –Purplish color of leaves. –Dying of tips of older leaves. –Poor fruit and seed development.

341.T7 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Nutrients Essential to Plant Growth Potassium (K) Functions: –Improves plant’s ability to resist disease and cold. –Aids in production of carbohydrates. Deficiency Symptoms: –Slow growth. –Margins of older leaves appear scorched. –Weak stalk. –Shriveled fruit or seed.