Nitrogen(N)
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| Nitrogen |
Function:-Nitrogen
is the most critical nutrient for optimum farm production. Since it is readily
leached from the soil, its level in soil is typically low, however the levels required
for optimum crop growth are quite high and thus generous application is
typically required. Nitrogen reduces all aspects of crop and pasture production
e.g. growth, yield and quality.
Symptoms of Deficiency :-Plants which have Nitrogen for only limited growth, may exhibit
chlorosis especially in the older leaves. In severe cases, the leaves first
yellow and then tan as they die. Some plants (tomatoes, maize) may exhibit a
purplish colouration of the stems, petioles and on the underside of their leaves
.
Phosphorous (P)
Potassium (K)
Phosphorous (P)
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| Phosphorus |
Function:-Phosphorous
is an essential element for cell division and growth. It is required for
photosynthesis, sugar and starch production, energy transfer and the movement
of carbohydrates within the plant and reproduction.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Plants exhibit stunted growth and leaves are often dark green in
colour.Oldest leaves become dark brown as they die. Maturity may be delayed.
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| Potassium |
Function:-Potassium
is an essential element for protein, carbohydrate and fat synthesis and is
required for the proper functioning of chlorophyll and other enzymes involved
in photosynthesis,respiration and protein formation.It is essential for cell
division, cell electrolyte balance and for the functioning of plant stomates.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Crops suffering this deficiency appear scorched around the edges and
surfaces are irregularly chlorotic. In legumes, the chlorotic spots form
patterns around the leaf edges. Cereal grains develop weak stalks and their
roots may become more prone to infection by root rotting organisms.These two
factors may result in collapse of the crop by wind or rain.
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| Iron |
Iron (Fe)
Function:-Iron
is an essential element required for the synthesis of chlorophyll. It is
involved in the activation of many enzymes used in photosynthesis and
respiration.
In animals, iron is a key constituent of haemoglobin, the species that
carries oxygen in the blood.
Iron is relatively immobile and is generally in short supply in alkaline
soils.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Young leaves develop chlorosis in the interveinal areas which may
develop into white leaves with necrotic spots.Stunted growth.
In animals, iron deficiency results in anaemia, wasting and eventual
death.
Manganese (Mn)
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| Manganese |
Function:-Manganese
is an essential nutrient for the growth of both plants and animals. In plants
it enhances root growth, disease resistance and the development of fruit. It is
required for the synthesis of chlorophyll and assimilation of nitrate. It is
involved in the activation of many enzymes involved in photosynthesis and
respiration.
In animals, manganese is essential for growth, reproduction, skeletal
growth and carbohydrate metabolism.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Symptoms vary with species; in cereals – grey – white spots, flecks and
stripes may appear in the interveinal areas. In legumes, interveinal chlorosis
of young and middle aged leaves and tissue may rapidly become necrotic. Seed
disorders e.g. “split seed” or “marsh spot” may develop. In animals, deficiency may result in malformed bones with enlarged
joints and may affect the reproductive cycle e.g. fertility.
Boron (B)-Non Metal Nutrient
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| Boron |
Function:-Boron
is an essential element in plant nutrition. It is essential for root tip,
pollen tube and shoot growth and the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Leaf blades may be distorted and stems may become brittle and crack e.g.
“stem crack” in celery. Shorter intermodal length, retarded growth or necrosis
of the terminal buds and youngest leaves. Reduction or failure to seed and
fruit. Malformation of fruit.
Zinc(Zn)
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| Zinc |
Function:-Zinc
is an essential nutrient required for the functioning of a large number of
enzymes involved in the growth and reproduction of both plants and animals. It
is required for the synthesis and functioning of chlorophyll, is involved in
the plant hormone system and as a catalyst for the plant growth regulator,
auxin.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-In plants, shortened internodes with excessive branching (resetting) of
small, dark green deformed leaves. In cereals and grasses – chlorotic bands
(yellow, red) may appear either across or within the veins. Stunted growth and
necrosis of older leaves.
In animals, crusty growths, cracking of skin and loss of hair.
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| Copper |
Function:-Copper
is an essential nutrient required for the functioning of a large number of
enzymes involved in the growth and reproduction of both plants and animals. It
is required for the synthesis and functioning of chlorophyll, is involved in
the plant hormone system and acts as a catalyst for the plant growth regulator,
auxin.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Young leaves become dark green,twisted and deformed. Necrotic spots may
appear. In grains and grasses,seed production is reduced and seed heads may be
white and empty.Deficiency in animals may include reduced milk production,
infertility,skeletal defects and bone fragility,anaemia, cardiovascular
diseases in cattle, rough coats or hair abnormalities e.g. “steely wool” in
sheep, “swayback” in lambs and “illthrift” in cattle.
Molybdenum(Mo)
Function:-Molybdenum
is an essential element for both plants and animals. In plants, Molybdenum is
required for protein synthesis.It enhances both photosynthesis in plants and
nitrogen fixation in legumes. In animals, Molybdenum is a constituent of
several important enzymes, and plays a role in animal fertility, the estrus
cycle, and mammary anticarcinogenesis.
Symptoms of Deficiency:-In plants, reduced and irregular leaf blade formation, interveinal
mottling and chlorosis around the edges of older leaves. Necrotic spots at leaf
tips and edges, smaller root nodules coloured white or green (not pink),growth
inhibition in legumes.
Lower reproduction rates in animals.
Magnesium(Mg)
Symptoms of Deficiency:-Interveinal chlorosis of older leaves. Also
Grass tetany.
Easy Identification of deficiency of Nutrient Elements chart:-
Easy Identification of deficiency of Nutrient Elements chart:-
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| NPK deficiency |
