Plant Growth Requirements Ms. Avinelis

Plant Requirements to Grow-Student Quick Write What are some of the things a plant needs to grow?

Plant Growth Requirements Water Nutrients Temperature Soil Light Air

Water Water is used in photosynthesis Water is absorbed into roots and transported through the rest of the plant.

Water Contained in the cell Makes up 70-90% of the plant The water helps transport nutrients Inadequate water can stress the plant Provides the medium for many biochemical reactions. Only 1% is actually used by the plant

Which Plant is Stressed? What is the cause of this stress? B

Nutrition Plants require 17 elements from the soil. In most loam soils, enough minor elements are present for minimal plant growth. Helps plant function.

Nutrition Plant food is divided into 3 groups; Primary- nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium Secondary- calcium, magnesium, sulfur Minor- boron, copper, chlorine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, & nickel.

Temperature Plant growth is greatly influenced by heat. Plants can grow with uniform temperature. Plants can heat and cool themselves. Roots are affected less by temperature Leaf shape assists with temperature control

Soil Soil has nutrients and minerals Nutrients dissolve into the water Aeration is the best method of improving soil. Organic matter assists soil structure. The soil types determines the amount of moisture retention.

Soil Acidity Most plants grow best in a soil with a pH from 5.6 to 7.0 7 is considered to be neutral.

Light Absorbed through leaves Use energy from the sun to make food  (Photosynthesis), must be present or plant cannot manufacture food.  

Air Taken in through leaves. Plants and animals exchange air Animals and humans take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.  Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.