Plant Nutrition and Fertilization

These flashcards cover key concepts related to plant nutrition, macronutrients, micronutrients, and fertilizer application, as discussed in the lecture.

Macronutrients

Essential nutrients required by plants in larger quantities, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients required by plants in smaller quantities, including iron, manganese, and zinc.

Soil pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil, which affects nutrient availability to plants.

Nitrogen fixation

The process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia or related compounds in soil.

Organic fertilizers

Fertilizers derived from natural sources such as compost and animal waste.

Synthetic fertilizers

Manufactured fertilizers that contain specific ratios of nutrients, often including a dye for safety.

NPK

The three primary macronutrients in fertilizers: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Interveinal chlorosis

A common deficiency symptom in plants where the tissue between the veins turns yellow, indicating a lack of certain nutrients like iron.

Soilless media

Growing media that does not contain soil, often using materials like peat or vermiculite.

Fertilizer application rate

The amount of fertilizer applied to the soil, determined by soil tests and crop needs.