Plant Nutrition and Nutrients Quiz

Study Notes

Nutrients and Plant Growth

Nutrients refer to inorganic ions from the soil essential for plant growth.
Chemical forms of elements applied to plants are termed nutrients.
Nutrition encompasses the supply and absorption of the required chemical compounds for plant growth and metabolism.

Sources of Nutrients

Nutrients for higher plant growth come from three primary sources: atmosphere, water, and soil.
The atmosphere provides carbon and oxygen in the form of carbon dioxide; essential for photosynthesis and aerobic respiration.
Soil contributes to mineral ions that are vital for plant development.

Essential Mineral Elements

The term essential mineral element was introduced by Arnon and Stout in 1939, indicating the necessity of certain elements for plant growth.
A total of 16 essential elements are recognized for all higher plants: C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Cl, and Mo.
Absence of any essential element results in specific deficiency symptoms, disrupts metabolism, and can lead to premature plant death.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients, or major nutrients, are required in larger quantities for plant growth.
Key macronutrients include C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S.
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are sourced from the atmosphere and water; nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are sourced from the soil, often through chemical fertilizers.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients, also known as trace elements, are required in smaller quantities.
While the text does not specify which micronutrients are necessary, typical examples include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine.

Essential Elements for Plant Growth

Sixteen elements are essential for all higher plants: C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Cl, Mo.
Absence of any essential element leads to metabolic dysfunction and premature plant death.
Deficiency symptoms are characteristic of the specific element that is lacking.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are required in larger quantities for plant growth.
Key macronutrients include:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O) sourced from atmosphere and water.
- Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S) sourced from soil.
Chemical fertilizers are commonly used to supply these nutrients via soil or foliage application.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are needed in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients.
These are also known as minor nutrients or trace elements.
While not specified in the provided text, common micronutrients include Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl).
Essential for various plant functions despite being required in minuscule amounts.

Description

This quiz covers the essential nutrients required for plant growth, including their sources and chemical forms. Understand how nutrients from the soil, atmosphere, and water contribute to the development of higher plants. Test your knowledge on plant metabolism and nutrition.