Plant Nutrients and Deficiency Diseases

Plants require essential nutrients for growth, development, and metabolic activities. These nutrients are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients depending on the quantity required by plants.

Nitrogen Deficiency and Chlorosis

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient and a major component of chlorophyll molecules. When plants do not receive enough nitrogen, chlorophyll production decreases, causing leaves to lose their green colour and turn yellow. This condition is known as chlorosis.

Macronutrients and Micronutrients in Plants

Macronutrients are required in large quantities and include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Micronutrients are needed in very small amounts and include iron, copper, chlorine, zinc, manganese, boron, and molybdenum.

Role of Nitrates in Protein Synthesis

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil through their roots. These nitrates provide nitrogen, which is used in the formation of amino acids and proteins. Without nitrates, plants cannot synthesize the proteins required for growth and repair.