LESSON-2-PLANT-NUTRIENTS
Page 1
Title and Author
Title: Plant Nutrients
Author: Reno Emmanuel C. Pajigal, LPT
Institution: National College of Science and Technology Senior High School
Page 2
Nutrient Absorption
Nutrients in the soil can be supplemented through fertilizers or manure.
Fine root hairs of a plant are responsible for the uptake of nutrients.
Larger roots mainly function for water absorption and structural support.
Page 3
Importance of Fine Root Hairs
Even large trees possess fine root hairs to efficiently absorb nutrients and water.
Plant nutrients consist of various chemical elements and compounds vital for growth, development, and reproduction.
Page 4
Nutrient Categorization
Plant nutrients are categorized based on their requirements, not their importance.
All 17 essential elements are equally important regardless of their necessity or presence in a plant.
Page 5
Essential Elements Criteria (Arnon and Stout, 1939)
A plant cannot complete its life cycle without the element.
The function of the element cannot be substituted by another element.
The element is directly involved in the plant's metabolism.
Page 6
Historical Context
These criteria were proposed by Arnon and Stout in 1939 in their study "The Essentiality of Certain Elements in Minute Quantity for Plants with Special Reference to Copper."
Metabolism: The element is directly involved in the plant's metabolism.
Page 7
Additional Criteria for Essential Elements
Required by a large number of plant species.
Lack of the element causes disorders or issues in various processes.
Missing elements must be replenished to prevent further plant degradation.
Page 8
Classification of Nutrients
Plant nutrients are classified into:
Basic nutrients: Obtained from air and water.
Page 9
Macronutrients
Essential nutrients required in large quantities for plant growth:
Primary Macronutrients: Key elements contributing to nutrient content, enzyme functions, and cell integrity.
Page 10
Secondary Macrnutients: Essential but required in smaller amounts than primary nutrients.
Secondary nutrients are still crucial for plant growth and development.
Page 11
Micronutrients
Essential in smaller quantities for optimal growth and reproduction.
Also known as trace elements due to their minute presence.
Page 12
Summary Table of Nutrients
BasicMac Nutrients: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O2)
Macronutrients:
Primary: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K)
Secondary: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S)
Micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni)
Page 13
Primary Macronutrient: Nitrogen (N)
Functions
Protein Production: Component of amino acids, essential for proteins.
Chlorophyll Production: Vital for photosynthesis and energy conversion.
Page 14
Functions of Nitrogen Continued
Structural Role: Important for plant structure.
Genetic Information: Key component of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA).
Nutrient Uptake: Participates in nutrient and water uptake in roots.
Page 15
Nitrogen Deficiencies
Yellowing: Pale or yellowing leaves, primarily affecting older leaves.
Stunted Growth: Spindly appearance and reduced growth.
Smaller Leaves and Fruits: Diminished leaf and fruit size.
Page 16
Nitrogen Deficiencies Continued
Premature Leaf Drop: Early dropping of foliage.
Red Spotting: Occurrence of red spotting, especially in stone fruits.
Page 18
Primary Macronutrient: Phosphorus (P)
Functions
Energy Conversion: Assists in capturing and converting solar energy to ATP.
Biomolecules: Present in critical nucleic acids (DNA/RNA).
Page 19
Phosphorus Functions Continued
Cell Structure: Integral for maintaining cellular membranes.
Stress Tolerance: Enhances plant resilience against various stresses.
Page 20
Phosphorus Functions Continued
Root Growth: Promotes early establishment of roots.
Reproductive Success: Improves flowering and seed production.
Disease Resistance: Bolsters plant immunity to diseases.
Page 21
Phosphorus Deficiencies
Leaf Discoloration: Dark green or purple tints in foliage.
Leaf Size: Smaller than normal leaves, curled or distorted.
Premature Leaf Drop: Early defoliation can occur.
Page 22
Phosphorus Deficiencies Continued
Stunted Growth: Delays in maturity and overall growth.
Poor Root Development: Development issues in root systems.
Page 24
Primary Macronutrient: Potassium (K)
Functions
Enzymatic Activation: Activates enzymes crucial for metabolic processes.
Cell Structure: Aids in the formation of cell walls.
Page 25
Potassium Functions Continued
Water Management: Crucial for maintaining turgor, influencing water movement.
Nutrient Absorption: Facilitates the uptake of nutrients.
Page 26
Potassium Functions Continued
Stress Adaptation: Helps plants respond to environmental stressors.
Quality Nutrification: Affects plant quality characteristics like taste and shelf life.
Page 27
Potassium Deficiencies
Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning leaves, edges may die back.
Leaf Shape: Crinkling or abnormal leaf habits.
Page 28
Potassium Deficiencies Continued
Plant Appearance: General wilting or drooping.
Flowering and Fruiting: Impairments in flowering, yielding smaller fruits.
Page 30
Secondary Macronutrient: Calcium (Ca)
Functions
Cell Structure: Important for cell wall integrity and stability.
Cell Division: Involved in the process of cellular division and elongation.
Page 31
Calcium Functions Continued
Nutrient Uptake: Enhances the absorption of other nutrients.
Root Growth: Supports favorable conditions for root development.
Page 32
Calcium Functions Continued
Microbial Activity:Stimulates beneficial microbial population in the soil.
Nitrogen Fixation: Aids nitrogen-fixing bacteria in utilizing atmospheric nitrogen.
Page 33
Calcium Deficiencies
Leaf Appearance: Young leaves may appear small or have brown spots.
Growth Issues: Stunted overall growth and root tip inhibition.
Page 34
Calcium Deficiencies Continued
Fruit Issues: Blossom end rot in fruiting plants.
Root Appearance: Short and stubby root formation.
Page 36
Secondary Macronutrient: Magnesium (Mg)
Functions
Photosynthesis: Central component of chlorophyll, essential for energy conversion.
Enzyme Activation: Activates multiple key enzymes in plants.
Page 37
Magnesium Functions Continued
Protein Synthesis: Plays a significant role in the creation of proteins.
Stabilization: Stabilizes membranes and cellular structures.
Page 38
Magnesium Functions Continued
Seed Germination: Important for energy storage during germination.
Stress Management: Reinforces plant defenses against environmental stresses.
Page 39
Magnesium Deficiencies
Interveinal Chlorosis: Yellowing in the tissue between leaf veins.
Leaf Drop: Premature shedding of older leaves.
Page 40
Magnesium Deficiencies Continued
Stunted Growth: Reduced plant size and height.
Reduced Yield: Compromises fruit quality and production.
Page 42
Secondary Macronutrient: Sulfur (S)
Functions
Protein Production: Integral part of amino acids and, therefore, proteins.
Chlorophyll Formation: Necessary for chlorophyll biosynthesis.
Page 43
Sulfur Functions Continued
Oil Synthesis: Contributes to the production of aromatic oils in some vegetables.
Vitamin Production: Essential for synthesizing certain vitamins.
Page 44
Sulfur Functions Continued
Stress Management: Aids in managing both biotic and abiotic stresses.
Soil pH Effect: Can be used to modify soil pH levels positively.
Page 45
Sulfur Deficiencies
Leaf Yellowing: Pale green leaves forming, spreading from tips.
Growth Issues: Smaller, less vigorous plants than their healthy counterparts.
Page 46
Sulfur Deficiencies Continued
Delayed Maturity: Impacts flowering and fruiting timelines.
Root Appearance: Abnormal root characteristics such as browning.
Page 48
Micronutrient: Iron (Fe)
Functions
Chlorophyll Synthesis: Essential for the formation of chlorophyll.
Enzyme Activation: Acts as a cofactor in key metabolic reactions.
Page 49
Iron Functions Continued
Oxygen Transport: Helps move oxygen across the plant.
Root Growth: Vital for rooting systems and their extension.
Page 50
Iron Deficiencies
Chlorosis: Yellowing of leaves primarily between dark green veins.
Leaf Size: Young leaves may remain undersized and pale.
Page 51
Iron Deficiencies Continued
White Leaves: In severe cases, leaves can appear almost white.
Brown Spots: Discolored spots appearing across leaf surfaces.
Page 53
Micronutrient: Manganese (Mn)
Functions
Photosynthesis: Crucial for the water-splitting reaction in photosystem II.
Enzyme Activation: Activates enzymes involved in various growth processes.
Page 54
Manganese Functions Continued
Chlorophyll Formation: Assists in synthesizing chlorophyll.
Germination: Accelerates germination and maturity processes.
Page 55
Manganese Functions Continued
Nutrient Availability: Enhances the availability of phosphorus and calcium.
Pathogen Defense: Provides plant defense mechanisms against diseases.
Page 56
Manganese Deficiencies
Leaf Appearance: Pale green or yellow leaves, especially interveinal.
Necrotic Spots: Dead spots developing on the leaves.
Page 57
Manganese Deficiencies Continued
Growth Issues: Stunted plants, with reductions in overall size.
Contorted Growth: May result in abnormal plant growth appearance.
Page 59
Micronutrient: Zinc (Zn)
Functions
Enzyme Activation: Part of over 300 enzymes affecting plant metabolism.
Protein Synthesis: Fundamental for protein construction.
Page 60
Zinc Functions Continued
Chlorophyll Formation: Key for producing chlorophyll.
Growth Regulation: Involvement in the regulation of overall plant growth.
Page 61
Zinc Functions Continued
Defense Mechanisms: Crucial in defending plants from pests.
Macromolecule Stabilization: Helps stabilize critical cellular structures.
Page 62
Zinc Deficiencies
Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing and discoloration of leaf tips.
Delayed Growth: Stopping of plant vertical growth.
Page 63
Zinc Deficiencies Continued
Abnormal Coloration: Leaves exhibiting unusual colors like purple or bronze.
Shortened Internodes: Shortening between leaf nodes.
Page 65
Micronutrient: Copper (Cu)
Functions
Photosynthesis: Key in the production of chlorophyll.
Vitamin Production: Related to the synthesis of vitamin A.
Page 66
Copper Functions Continued
Cell Wall Formation: Essential for forming plant cell walls.
Stress Resistance: Aids in plant adaptation to stress.
Page 67
Copper Deficiencies
Leaf Appearance: Young leaves may cup and appear bluish-green.
Leaf Edge Deterioration: Margins may burn or die back.
Page 68
Copper Deficiencies Continued
Stem Weakness: Stems may lack strength and structural integrity.
Growth Issues: General stunted growth and reduced vigor in plants.
Page 70
Micronutrient: Boron (B)
Functions
Cell Wall Stability: Involvement in stabilizing plant cell walls.
Sugar Transport: Enhances transport of sugars to growing tissues.
Page 71
Boron Functions Continued
Pollination: Essential for proper pollen grain function and seed set.
Nitrogen Fixation: Key element for nitrogen fixation in legumes.
Page 72
Boron Deficiencies
Leaf Symptoms: Characteristics may include browning and necrosis.
Stem Growth: Abnormal swelling or cracking in stem tissue.
Page 73
Boron Deficiencies Continued
Root Development: Stunted growth and poor root development.
Flower and Fruit Formation: Reduced flower and fruit yield.
Page 75
Micronutrient: Chlorine (Cl)
Functions
Photosynthesis Role: Involved in the oxygen evolution process of photosynthesis.
Stomatal Regulation: Regulates leaf pore activity and water loss.
Page 76
Chlorine Functions Continued
Nutrient Transport: Aids the transportation of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Water Management: Assists in cellular water movement and cell hydration.
Page 77
Chlorine Functions Continued
Disease Resistance: Potentially helps reduce disease severity.
Stem Strengthening: Enhances structural integrity leading to reduced lodging.
Page 78
Chlorine Deficiencies
Leaf Appearance: Chlorosis and necrosis could arise on leaf surfaces.
Wilting: Leaves may show wilting, especially around edges.
Page 80
Micronutrient: Molybdenum (Mo)
Functions
Nitrogen Fixation: Integral to the nitrogenase enzyme for nitrogen conversion.
Nitrate Use: Helps in using nitrates from the soil.
Page 81
Molybdenum Deficiencies
Flower and Fruit Quality: Poor fruit and flower production quality.
Necrosis: Dead leaf patches may occur in severe deficiency.
Page 83
Micronutrient: Nickel (Ni)
Functions
Urea Conversion: Cofactor for enzyme urease to manage urea, preventing toxicity.
Nitrogen Fixation: Aids in nitrogen fixation for legumes.
Page 84
Nickel Functions Continued
Iron Metabolism: Facilitates the absorption of iron within plants.
Seed Germination: Influences early plant growth processes.
Page 85
Nickel Deficiencies
Leaf Symptoms: Young leaves may exhibit chlorosis.
Developmental Issues: Growth may become stunted, and abnormal patterns may develop.
Page 88
Summary of Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
Boron: Yellowing and browning at leaf tips; abnormal stems.
Calcium: Stunted leaf growth; dry dropping buds.
Sulfur: Light green leaves indicating deficiencies.
Iron: Pale leaves without spots.
Manganese: Pale leaves showing symptoms.
Copper: Pale pink and dark green leaves; wilting.
Zinc: Pale narrow leaves with dead spots.
Molybdenum: Light leaves with dark spots; sticky secretions.
Magnesium: Leaf paleness without spots.
Potassium: Dying and dropping leaf tips.
Phosphorus: Short plants with dark green colors.
Nitrogen: Stunted growth; extremely pale plants.
Page 89
Forms of Nutrient Uptake
Cations and Anions
Cations:
Nitrogen (Ammonium): NH4+
Potassium: K+
Calcium: Ca2+
Magnesium: Mg2+
Manganese: Mn2+
Copper: Cu+ or Cu2+
Anions:
Nitrogen (Nitrate): NO3-
Phosphorus: HPO42-, H2PO4-
Sulfur: SO42-
Iron: Fe2+ or Fe3+
Zinc: Zn2+
Page 90
Indicator Crop Plants for Nutrient Deficiency
Nitrogen (N): Maize, Mustard, Small Millets
Phosphorus (P): Maize, Barley
Potassium (K): Maize, Potato, Tobacco, Beans
Calcium (Ca): Lucerne, legumes
Magnesium (Mg): Potato, Maize, Oat, Wheat, Pea
Iron (Fe): Sorghum, Barley
Sulfur (S): Lucerne, Mustard, Sunflower
Molybdenum (Mo): Oat, Brassica species
Manganese (Mn): Oat, Sugarbeet.