Soil Fertility

Soil Fertility

Ability to supply elements to plants in optimal quantities to promote growth.

Essential Nutrient

Element necessary for plant growth and reproduction.

Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O)

• Are derived from air (Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen) and water

• Make up 95% of weight

• Required for photosynthesis and respiration

Macronutrients

• Nitrogen (N)

• Phosphorous (P)

• Potassium (K)

• Sulphur (S)

• Calcium (Ca)

• Magnesium (Mg)

Micronutrients

• Iron (Fe)

• Manganese (Mn)

• Boron (B)

• Molybdenum (Mo)

• Chlorine (Cl)

• Zinc (Zn)

• Copper (Cu)

Nitrogen (N)

• Used for production of chlorophyll, proteins, DNA, cell division and stem growth

• Sources: dissolved in rain, decaying organic materials, gas captured by soil bacteria

• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with plants - Rhizonbium ex. clover, alder

Phosphorus (P)

• Used to make cell membranes, DNA, and energy transfer substances, stimulates root growth

• Found in organic and inorganic sources in soil

• Much is unavailable to plants

Potassium (K)

• Helps plants adapt to environmental stress e.g. drought/cold tolerance, stem sturdiness

• Comes from mineral weathering

• Also found in sedimentary rocks

Micronutrient function

• enzyme activators for plant functions like chlorophyll formation and cell division

• Created through mineral weathering

• Narrow range between sufficiency and toxicity that’s related to pH

Nutrient deficiency

Plant condition where an essential nutrient is not sufficiently available

Symptom

A visual sign or condition that results from a deficiency.