Mineral Requirements

Mineral Requirements

Nitrogen

• Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that plants use to produce amino acids - the building blocks of proteins.
• Nitrogen deficiency may result in yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) as the plant uses the nitrogen in older leaves to provide for new growth.
• Plants also require nitrogen to create nucleic acids, essential for DNA and RNA production.

Phosphorus

• Phosphorus aids in energy transfer as it is a key component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
• This nutrient also helps with the formation of DNA and RNA.
• A deficiency in phosphorus may cause the plant’s leaves to turn purple due to pigment changes.

Potassium

• Potassium is important for protein synthesis and for the opening and closing of stomata.
• It aids in the production and transfer of sugars and starches throughout the plant.
• Lack of potassium can lead to curling of leaf tips and yellowing of leaves.

Calcium

• Calcium provides structure and strength to the plant cell walls.
• It plays a role in stabilising the membranes of the plant cells and is involved in cell growth and division.
• Deficiency in calcium can lead to weak growth and development, especially in the root tips and young leaves.

Magnesium

• Magnesium is a major component of the chlorophyll molecule which is responsible for photosynthesis.
• It also aids in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and the transportation of phosphorus in plants.
• Insufficient levels of magnesium can lead to yellowing or browning between leaf veins.

By understanding these essential mineral requirements, we can better comprehend how nutrients affect plant health, and the role they play in key biological processes such as photosynthesis, cell growth and protein synthesis.