These are the elements that plants need to survive. Essential elements, whether in large amounts or in minute quantities, are chemical elements that plants need in order to complete their normal life cycle . The functions of these elements in the plant cannot be fulfilled by another. Thus making the element essential for the plant growth and development.
Elements that are needed in large quantities are called macronutrients while those in minute or trace quantities are called micronutrients.
Below is a table of the essential elements of plants.
|
Name |
Symbol |
Atomic number |
Atomic weight |
Classification |
Importance to plants |
|
Nitrogen |
N |
7 |
14.01 |
Macronutrient |
Constituent of chlorophyll, amino acids and nucleic acids |
|
Potassium |
K |
19 |
39.10 |
Macronutrient |
Stimulates a number of enzymatic activities; involved in opening of stomata |
|
Calcium |
Ca |
20 |
40.08 |
Macronutrient |
Contributes to cell membrane stability, cell wall rigidity, and cell division |
|
Magnesium |
Mg |
12 |
24.31 |
Macronutrient |
A major component of chlorophyll; activates enzymes for respiration, photosynthesis, and DNA synthesis |
|
Phosphorus |
P |
15 |
30.97 |
Macronutrient |
Component of membrane phospholipids, nucleic acids, sugar phosphates, ATP, & ADP |
|
Sulfur |
S |
16 |
32.07 |
Macronutrient |
Component of some amino acids and some coenzymes for the plant’s metabolic and synthetic processes |
|
Chlorine |
Cl |
17 |
35.45 |
Micronutrient |
Involved in water-splitting reaction in photosynthesis, cell division, osmoregulation, and closure of stomata |
|
Iron |
Fe |
26 |
55.85 |
Micronutrient |
Component of proteins involved in photosynthesis, respiration, & nitrogen fixation; required for chlorophyll synthesis |
|
Boron |
B |
5 |
10.81 |
Micronutrient |
Involved in sugar transport, cell wall synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, & pollen tube growth |
|
Manganese |
Mn |
25 |
54.94 |
Micronutrient |
Required for photosynthetic evolution of oxygen; cofactor in many enzymes |
|
Zinc |
Zn |
30 |
65.39 |
Micronutrient |
Component of many enzymes; involved in gene regulation |
|
Copper |
Cu |
29 |
63.55 |
Micronutrient |
Cofactor of enzymes involved in redox reactions; involved in cell wall lignifications |
|
Molybdenum |
Mo |
42 |
95.94 |
Micronutrient |
Catalyst for nitrogen metabolism |
|
Nickel |
Ni |
28 |
58.69 |
Micronutrient |
Component of urease and hydrogenase; involved in mobilization of nitrogenous compounds |
Reference: Alejar, A.M.A. and Sese, M.L.D.(1999).Fundamentals of plant physiology. Philippines: Plant Physiology Society of the Philippines, pp. 77-90
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Hi,What are the sources of the essential elements needed for plant growth? what you say?
Nicely done. If possible, please show or at least provide a link to this table of elements in plants – percent in volume and/or mass.
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