Question

Write the uses and deficiency symptoms of any four macronutrients essential for plants.

Answer 1

Nutrient element

1. Nutrient elements also called as minerals are required by the plants to grow well and complete their life-cycle.
2. They are divided into- macronutrients and micronutrients.
3. Macronutrients are required in large quantities like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
4. Micronutrients are required in lesser amounts like zinc, manganese, iodine, carbon, hydrogen, etc.

Uses of Macronutrients-

1. Nitrogen (N) is important for protein formation.
2. Phosphorus (P) is the main constituent of cell membrane and also of protein.
3. Potassium (K) is present in abundant in growing tissues and also required for closing and opening of stomata.
4. Calcium (Ca) is required during cell division and in the normal functioning of the cell membrane. Metabolic activities are also regulated by this mineral.

Deficiency symptoms of macro nutrients:

1. Deficiency of Nitrogen causes yellowing of leaves, wrinkling of grains.
2. Deficiency of phosphorus causes purple and red spots on leaves, seed germination delays.
3. Deficiency of potassium causes poor growth of the plant and also reduces the rate of transpiration.
4. Deficiency of calcium (Ca) leads to discoloration of leaves, rotting of fruits, leaves, stunted growth.