nutrition in plants

Importance of nutrition in plants

Nitrogen

Functions of nitrogen in plants

Component of amino acids and proteins

Essential for chlorophyll synthesis

Sources of nitrogen for plants

Soil

Fertilizers

Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency

Stunted growth

Yellowing of leaves

Phosphorus

Functions of phosphorus in plants

Sources of phosphorus for plants

Soil

Fertilizers

Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency

Poor root development

Dark green or purple leaves

Potassium

Functions of potassium in plants

Enzyme activation

Regulates water balance

Sources of potassium for plants

Soil

Fertilizers

Symptoms of potassium deficiency

Wilting

Yellowing and browning of leaf edges

Iron

Functions of iron in plants

Essential for chlorophyll synthesis

Involved in energy transfer

Sources of iron for plants

Soil

Iron chelates

Symptoms of iron deficiency

Yellowing of young leaves

Interveinal chlorosis

Zinc

Functions of zinc in plants

Enzyme activation

Regulates hormone balance

Sources of zinc for plants

Soil

Zinc fertilizers

Symptoms of zinc deficiency

Stunted growth

Chlorosis and malformed leaves

Manganese

Functions of manganese in plants

Enzyme activation

Involved in chlorophyll production

Sources of manganese for plants

Soil

Manganese fertilizers

Symptoms of manganese deficiency

Yellowing between veins

Reduced growth

Transpiration

Process of water movement in plants

Water loss through stomata

Pull of water through xylem

Factors affecting transpiration rate

Temperature

Humidity

Mineral uptake

Mechanisms of mineral absorption by roots

Active transport

Passive diffusion

Importance of providing proper nutrition for plant growth and development