What are some of the minerals required by plants in large amout and small amounts and their functions
Plants require both macronutrients (required in large amounts) and micronutrients (required in small amounts) for healthy growth and development. Some of the essential minerals required by plants and their functions are:
Macronutrients:
1. Nitrogen (N) - essential for plant growth, leaf development, and protein synthesis.
2. Phosphorus (P) - necessary for root growth, flower and seed formation, and energy transfer.
3. Potassium (K) - important for overall plant health, disease resistance, and water regulation.
4. Calcium (Ca) - needed for cell wall structure, root growth, and nutrient uptake.
5. Magnesium (Mg) - involved in photosynthesis and enzyme activation.
6. Sulfur (S) - essential for protein formation, enzyme activity, and plant metabolism.
Micronutrients:
1. Iron (Fe) - required for chlorophyll synthesis and electron transfer in photosynthesis.
2. Manganese (Mn) - involved in enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and nitrogen metabolism.
3. Zinc (Zn) - necessary for enzyme function, growth regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism.
4. Copper (Cu) - important for enzyme activity, photosynthesis, and plant respiration.
5. Boron (B) - essential for cell wall formation, sugar transport, and hormone regulation.
6. Molybdenum (Mo) - needed for nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity in plants.