The 16 essential nutrients
To achieve the maximum genetic potential of a plant, 16 essential nutrients must be present in the growing environment. Of the 16, three are available in the air and water, and the remaining 13 are derived directly from the soil (see illustration below).
To achieve the maximum genetic potential of a plant, 16 essential nutrients must be present in the growing environment. Of the 16, three are available in the air and water, and the remaining 13 are derived directly from the soil (see illustration below).
Nutrients from air and water (3)
These three nutrients are part of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins.
1. Carbon (C)
2. Hydrogen (H)
3. Oxygen (O)
Nutrients from soil (13)
Most of the nutrients utilized by the plant are found in the soil. These nutrients are divided into three categories: macro-nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micro-nutrients.
Macro-nutrients (3)
4. Nitrogen (N) - a major component of protein
5. Phosphorus (P) - an indispensable component of adenosine triphosphate
6. Potassium (K) - regulates osmotic balance and cell turgor
Secondary nutrients (3)
7. Calcium (Ca) - like potassium, also regulates osmotic balance and cell turgor
8. Magnesium (Mg) - an essential constituent of chlorophyll
9. Sulfur (S) - essential for the formation of most proteins
Micro-nutrients (7)
10. Boron (B) - essential in cell division
11. Chlorine (Cl) - helps in the growth and development of plants
12. Copper (Cu) - important in the utilization of protein and in chlorophyll formation
13. Iron (Fe) - essential in chlorophyll formation
14. Manganese (Mn) - part of an enzyme involved in chlorophyll synthesis
15. Molybdenum (Mo) - needed in the reduction of nitrates to nitrite
16. Zinc (Zn) - an essential component of many plant enzymes
These three nutrients are part of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins.
1. Carbon (C)
2. Hydrogen (H)
3. Oxygen (O)
Nutrients from soil (13)
Most of the nutrients utilized by the plant are found in the soil. These nutrients are divided into three categories: macro-nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micro-nutrients.
Macro-nutrients (3)
4. Nitrogen (N) - a major component of protein
5. Phosphorus (P) - an indispensable component of adenosine triphosphate
6. Potassium (K) - regulates osmotic balance and cell turgor
Secondary nutrients (3)
7. Calcium (Ca) - like potassium, also regulates osmotic balance and cell turgor
8. Magnesium (Mg) - an essential constituent of chlorophyll
9. Sulfur (S) - essential for the formation of most proteins
Micro-nutrients (7)
10. Boron (B) - essential in cell division
11. Chlorine (Cl) - helps in the growth and development of plants
12. Copper (Cu) - important in the utilization of protein and in chlorophyll formation
13. Iron (Fe) - essential in chlorophyll formation
14. Manganese (Mn) - part of an enzyme involved in chlorophyll synthesis
15. Molybdenum (Mo) - needed in the reduction of nitrates to nitrite
16. Zinc (Zn) - an essential component of many plant enzymes