Some details about Mineral deficiency in plants

Mineral deficiency in plants

                        The basic needs of plants and animals are the same. They require carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins and water for their growth and development. Green plants can prepare their food from simple substances through the process called photosynthesis. There are three sources that supply inorganic nutrients to plants. These sources are soil, air and water. 

                Plant absorb a wide range of mineral elements. Out of more than 105 elements discovered, only about 20 elements are essential for normal growth of plants. There are some elements which are required in large quantities by the plants. They are called macronutrients. They include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, potassium, calcium, magnesium and silicon, NPK are the three main mineral elements supplied to crops as chemical fertilizers.

              There are some elements which are required in less amount by the plants. They are called micronutrients. They include iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, zinc, boron and chlorine.

                Deficiency of any element in plants may lead to symptoms such as chlorosis, necrosis, stunted growth and other characteristic symptoms.

                    carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are the building blocks of macromolecules like carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Now you will study the roles of some other elements in plants.

1. Nitrogen

            This is the mineral element required by plants in plenty. It is absorbed as nitrites, nitrates and ammonium ions. This is very essential for meristematic tissues. e.g. growing tips of plants. It is one of the constituents of proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins and hormones. Its deficiency causes yellowing of older leaves chlorosis, stunted growth, late flowering and inhibition of cell division.

2. Phosphorus

                 It is absorbed by plants in the form of phosphate ions. It is one of the constituents of cell membrane and nucleic acids. Its deficiency causes delay in seed germination, and premature fall of leaves and flower buds.

3. Potassium 

               It is absorbed as potassium ions. It is more abundant in meristematic tissues. It is essential for maintaining acid base balance in cells and opening and closing of stomata. Its deficiency causes shortening of inter nodes, yellow edges to leaves and premature death. 

4. Magnesium 

                It is absorbed by the plants in the form of magnesium ions. It is a constituent of chlorophyll pigment. Its deficiency induces chlorosis between leaf veins.

5. Boron

                 It is absorbed in the form of borate ions. It is essential for pollen germination, cell elongation, cell differentiation and carbohydrate translocation. Its deficiency includes formation of lesions in the stem and roots. Its deficiency also causes stunted growth.