Plant Nutrients

• Plants need nutrients to


  Be healthy and have proper growth
• Nutrients plants need

  Mg (Magnesium)

  K (Potassium)

  P (Phosphorus)

  N (Nitrogen)

  S (Sulfur)
• Nitrogen is

  Taken up in the form of nitrates and is used by the plants to make protein.
• Phosphorus is

  Taken up in the form of phosphates and is used by plants to make cell membranes, for the development of roots and the synthesis of nucleic acids.
• Potassium is


  Taken up as potassium salts and is used in the process of photosynthesis.
• What is the effect of nitrogen on plant growth?

  Nitrogen helps form chlorophyll, photosynthesize, and increase biomass.
• What are the signs of nitrogen deficiency in plants?


  Signs include small and stunted growth, yellow leaves, and slow growth.
• What are the sources of nitrogen for plants?

  Nitrogen can be sourced from nitrogen fixation, nitrates, ammonium compounds, and artificial fertilizers.
• What is the role of phosphorus in plant growth?


  Phosphorus helps develop strong root systems and increases resistance to disease.
• What are the signs of phosphorus deficiency in plants?


  Signs include slow growth, poorly developed roots, and red or purple patches on leaves.
• How can phosphorus be supplied to plants?

  Phosphorus can be supplied by fertilizers made from crushed rock, phosphate, superphosphate, and bone meal.
• What is the role of potassium in plant growth?

  Potassium helps with photosynthesis, strong stem development, and seed formation.
• What are the signs of potassium deficiency in plants?


  Signs include yellow spots on leaves, weak stems, and inability to form seeds properly.
• How can potassium be supplied to plants?

  Potassium can be supplied in the form of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate.
• What happens to mineral nutrients when plants die and decompose?


  • Nutrients are returned to the soil.
  • If harvested, nutrients are removed from the soil.
  • This can lead to deficiencies, especially of macro-nutrients.
• How can farming affect soil nutrient levels?


  • Farming can worsen natural soil deficiencies.
  • Crops may remove more nutrients than are replenished.
  • This impacts future food production.
• What is leaching in the context of plant nutrients?

  Leaching is the process where dissolved nutrients are washed away from the soil.
• What are the potential consequences of increased use of inorganic fertilizers?


  Increased use can lead to environmental issues and nutrient imbalances in soil.
• What is the method for observing the effects of fertilizer on plant growth?

  1. Plant seedlings.
  2. Add fertilizer (treatment).
  3. Water regularly without disturbance.
  4. Observe daily and note observations.
• What does NPK stand for in fertilizers?

  NPK stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
• What are the advantages of using NPK fertilizers?


  NPK fertilizers provide essential nutrients for plant growth and improve crop yields.
• What are the disadvantages of using NPK fertilizers if the soil already contains sufficient nutrients?


  Disadvantages include potential nutrient imbalances and environmental harm.
• What might be the source of minerals in well-drained soil?


  Minerals can come from organic matter, decomposed plants, and natural soil composition.
• How could a gardener diagnose small and yellow leaves in plants?

  The gardener should check for nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen or potassium.
• Why is the use of inorganic fertilizers increasing in agriculture?


  Inorganic fertilizers are increasing due to the need for higher crop yields and food production.
• What are the likely environmental effects if the use of inorganic fertilizers continues to increase?


  Likely effects include water pollution, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.