Plants need minerals for healthy growth
There are 7
types minerals that a plant requires for healthy growth, three of them
are essential. These enter the plant through the root hair cells by
active uptake in the form of ions in solution (in water). They pass into
the root and travel through the xylem to the rest of the plant. The 3
essential minerals are required in fairly large quantities and they
are: Phosphates - have crucial role in carrying out photosynthesis and
respiration. They are also important components of DNA and cell
membranes Potassium - it activates the enzymes that carry out respiration, photosynthesis
and makes ATP (energy molecule). DNA PROTEIN AMINO ACID The other 4
minerals are only used in very small amounts and they are: Magnesium
and Iron - both are
required for making chlorophyll. Sulphur - required for healthy root growth. Calcium - helps in the cell wall formation.
Nitrates - essential for the production of AMINO ACIDS, DNA and Proteins.
Lack
of Phosphates - results in poor
root growth and chlorosis. Lack
of Potassium - results in yellow
spotting of leaves - chlorosis. Lack
of Magnesium - results in yellow spotting of leaves -
chlorosis. Lack
of Iron - results in yellow spotting of
leaves - chlorosis. Lack
of Iron - results in yellow spotting of leaves -
chlorosis. When farmers use only one type of crop in the same
field year after year (Monoculture), the soil becomes deficient in the minerals
which that particular plant uses lots of. If plants do not have all these
essential minerals, they will suffer from deficiency disease. Hence,
farmers use fertilisers to protect their crops from disease and ensure
good quality fruit, yield or plants. Fertilisers replenish lost minerals.Lack
of these minerals lead to deformed growth in a plant.
Lack
of Nitrates - results in
reduced plant growth and leads to yellow
spotting of leaves, known as chlorosis.
Test your understanding of the essential minerals plants need and the signs of mineral deficiencies. 1. Which mineral is essential specifically for a plant to have healthy growth? 2. If a plant has purple younger leaves and poor root growth, which mineral is it likely lacking? 3. Magnesium is a vital mineral because it is used by the plant to make: 4. A plant with yellow leaves and dead spots is showing signs of a deficiency in: 5. What is the visible symptom of a plant that does not have enough magnesium?🔬 Knowledge Check: Plant Minerals
Click to Reveal Answers
2. Phosphates (Needed for healthy roots; lack causes purple leaves).
3. Chlorophyll (Magnesium is the key component used to produce it).
4. Potassium (Needed for healthy leaves; lack causes yellow leaves with dead spots).
5. Yellow leaves (The result of not being able to make enough chlorophyll).
Tags:Plants, Minerals, Nitrates, Phosphates, Megnesium, Potassium, Iron