Nutrients

I recently wrote this version of the information I found on www.agr.state.nc.us - Plant Nutrients for a report I am writing about horticulture. I plan on updating it later with information from other resources...

All plants will require certain amounts of various nutrients during it's growth. The type and amount of the nutrients required will differ in various stages of growth, and like water too much of a good thing can hurt if not kill your plant. It's very important to note the optimum nutrient solution for your plant selection for each of it's stages of growth. This will be a long studied subject, because there are many different nutrients, many different sources of these nutrients, and like other factors each stage of growth calls for different levels of these nutrients.

Technically Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), and Hydrogen (H) are nutrients used by plants but the nutrients most important in this section are the mineral nutrients. There are 13 mineral nutrients divided into two groups; Macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are used in higher quantity than micronutrients by the plant. Within macronutrients there are also two groups; Primary and Secondary. The primary macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) which is where the N-P-K value comes from on fertilizer solutions. The secondary macronutrients are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S.) As you may have guessed, the secondary macronutrients are used less than the primary macronutrients. The micronutrients (also referred to as microelements, trace elements, and micronutrients) are; Boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn.)

Primary Macronutrients

Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is a part of all living cells and is a necessary part of all proteins, enzymes, and metabolic processes involved in creating and transferring energy. It is a part of chlorophyll which gives plants their green color and is essential to photosynthesis. Nitrogen is used by the plant when it is growing leaves, fruit, and flowers. Over all nitrogen is the most used nutrient by plants. Nitrogen often comes from fertilizer and from the air.

Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorous is also essential to the process of photosynthesis. It is used when energy from light is converted into oils, sugars, starches, etc. Phosphorous is attributed to helping plants withstand stress and properly maturing. Phosphorus often comes from fertilizer, bone meal, and superphosphate.

Potassium (K)
Potassium helps plants build proteins during photosynthesis. It is attributed to reduction of diseases and fruit quality, and is usually the second most used nutrient by plants. Potassium is supplied to plants by minerals in soil, organic materials, and fertilizer.

Secondary Macronutrients

Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is used by plants in building cell walls and provides for normal transport and retention of other elements. It is believed that calcium can counteract the effect of alkali salts and organic acids inside a plant. Calcium often comes from dolomitic lime, gypsum, and superphosphate.

Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium like nitrogen is a part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and is essential to the process of photosynthesis. Magnesium is often found in minerals in the soil, organic material, fertilizers, and dolomitic lime.

Sulfur (S)
Sulfur is used by the plant to produce proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. It is used in the formation of chlorophyll. Sulfur is attributed to root and seed growth, resistance to cold temperatures, and vigorous foliage growth. Sulfur is often found in rainwater, fertilizer, and gypsum.

Micronutrients

Boron (B)
Boron helps plants use and regulate other nutrients. It also aids in the production of sugar and carbohydrates. Boron is considered essential to seed and fruit growth. Boron is often found in organic material and borax.

Copper (Cu)
Copper is used by the plant for growth of its reproductive organs. It is also attributed to aiding root metabolism and utilization of proteins.

Iron (Fe)
Iron is essential for the formation of chlorophyll. Iron is often found in soil, iron sulfate, and iron chelate.

Chloride (Cl)
Chloride is attributed to aiding plant metabolism. Chloride is often found in soil.

Manganese (Mn)
Manganese functions with enzyme systems involved in breaking down carbohydrates and nitrogen. Manganese is often found in soil.

Molybdenum (Mo)
Molybdenum like manganese aids in the use of nitrogen. Molybdenum is often found in soil.

Zinc (Zn)
Zinc is essential for the transformation of carbohydrates within plants. It also regulates consumption of sugars and is part of the enzyme systems which regulate plant growth. Zinc is often found in soil, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and zinc chelate.