Plant Nutrients and Fertilizers

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Questions and Answers

Why is atmospheric nitrogen not directly available to plants?

  • It is toxic to plants in its atmospheric form.
  • Plants lack the necessary enzymes to break it down.
  • It is present in very low concentrations in the atmosphere.
  • It must be converted to a 'fixed' form such as ammonia. (correct)

Which of the following macronutrients primarily supports strong stem growth and the movement of water in plants?

  • Nitrogen
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium (correct)
  • Sulfur

What role do certain bacteria play in making atmospheric nitrogen available to plants?

  • They release nitrogen from the soil.
  • They convert nitrogen into a 'fixed' form, like ammonia. (correct)
  • They convert nitrogen into carbon dioxide.
  • They absorb nitrogen directly into their tissues.

Which of the following is a primary function of phosphate in plant cells?

<p>Production of DNA and ATP. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what range is the typical concentration of macronutrients found in plant tissue on a dry matter basis?

<p>0.15% to 6.0% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these elements is considered a secondary macronutrient for plants?

<p>Sulfur (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the typical concentration of micronutrients in plant tissue?

<p>Parts per million. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a main component of plants?

<p>Iron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the macronutrient nitrogen primarily play in plant development?

<p>Leaf growth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between how plants obtain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen compared to nitrogen?

<p>Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are widely available as water and carbon dioxide, while plants need a 'fixed' form of nitrogen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a fertilizer?

Any natural or synthetic material added to the soil to supply one or more plant nutrients.

What are the three main macronutrients?

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

What does Nitrogen (N) promote?

Leaf growth.

What does Phosphorus (P) promote?

Development of roots, flowers, seeds, and fruit.

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What does Potassium (K) promote?

Strong stem growth, movement of water in plants, and promotion of flowering and fruiting.

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What are the three secondary macronutrients?

Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).

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List some micronutrients.

Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), and boron (B).

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What compounds are the basis of fertilizers?

Compounds containing essential elements that act as the basis of fertilizers.

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What is Nitrogen fixation?

The process by which some bacteria and their host plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

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What is the difference between straight and complex fertilisers?

Straight fertilizers provide one or more nutrients, complex fertilisers provide nutrients of various types

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Study Notes

  • Fertilizer is any material of natural or synthetic origin added to the soil to supply one or more plant nutrients.

Main Macronutrients

  • Nitrogen (N) promotes leaf growth
  • Phosphorus (P) is for the development of roots, flowers, seeds, and fruit
  • Potassium (K) strengthens steam growth, water movement, flowering, and fruiting

Secondary Macronutrients

  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Sulfur (S)

Micronutrients

  • Copper (Cu)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Molybdenum (Mo)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Boron (B)
  • Silicon (Si), Cobalt (Co) and Vanadium (V) are of occasional significance

Nutrients for Plant Life

  • Nutrients are classified according to elements, but elements are not fertilizers
  • Compounds containing the elements are the basis of fertilizers
  • Macronutrients are consumed largely in plant tissue between 0.15% to 6.0% on a dry matter basis
  • Plants mainly consist of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen
  • Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen can be from water and carbon dioxide
  • Nitrogen is the most important fertilizer since it is found in proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll
  • Atmospheric nitrogen must be in "fixed" form to be nutritious; some bacteria and legumes convert it to ammonia
  • Phosphate is a main energy carrier in cells needed for the production of DNA and ATP, and certain lipids

Micronutrients

  • Micronutrients are consumed in smaller quantities ranging from 0.15 to 400 ppm; less than 0.04% dry matter
  • Micronutrients are often present at the active sites

Fertilizer Classification

  • Fertilizers are classified as "straight fertilizers" if they provide a single nutrient
  • Fertilizers are classified as inorganic if they provide two or more nutrients
  • Inorganic fertilizers contain materials extracted from mineral deposits or animal-derived matter

Organic Fertilizers

  • Organic fertilizers include compost and animal waste
  • The bags print benefits, and can improve the long-term health of soil

Inorganic Fertilizers

  • Inorganic fertilizers provide necessary nutrients
  • Choosing an inorganic fertilizer should be based on what nutrient your plants need

Kinds of Fertilizers

  • Straight fertilizers provide primary plant nutrients, like urea and ammonia
  • Complex fertilizers provide multiple plant nutrients, such as Diammonium

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