Learning to: Understand plant mineral requirements By the end: State minerals required by plants for healthy growth. Give reasons for each mineral. Explain effects of mineral deficiencies.

Potassium deficiency Potassium is required for producing enzymes involved in photosynthesis and respiration A deficiency results in older yellow leaves with dead spots and a thin weak stem

This plant is deficient in potassium- notice the older leaves turning yellow

Deficiency in Nitrogen Nitrogen is required for making proteins and chlorophyll A deficiency results in stunted growth, small pale leaves with yellow older leaves and a thin weak stem

This plant is deficient in nitrogen – notice the yellow older leaves

Deficiency in Phosphorus Phosphorus is required for energy transfers in photosynthesis and respiration A deficiency results in poor root growth, stunted shoots and dark purple-green leaves