The three most important nutrients, without any one of which plants could not survive, are referred to as the primary macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
Nitrogen is a key component in many of the processes needed to carry out growth. In particular, nitrogen is vital to chlorophyll, which allows plants to carry out photosynthesis (the process by which they take in sunlight to produce sugars from carbon dioxide and water). Nitrogen is also a significant component in amino acids, the basis of proteins. Nitrogen also aids in the compounds that allow for storage and use of energy
Phosphorus also plays a role in an array of functions necessary for healthy plant growth, contributing to structural strength, crop quality, seed production, and more. Phosphorus also encourages the growth of roots, promotes blooming, and is essential in DNA.
Potassium is also vital in a variety of other processes that contribute to growth and development. Potassium is often referred to as the “quality element,” because of its contribution to many of the characteristics we associate with quality, such as size, shape, colour, and even taste, among others.