Nutrition of Greenhouse & Nursery Plants

Nutrition We all eat Why? To survive What if we didn’t eat? Plants have the same needs as we do Fertilization

Objectives To recognize the importance of plant nutrition Identify the essential nutrients and fertilizers needed for plant growth Discuss the difference between Micro and Macro nutrients Determine availability of nutrients

What is a fertilizer Why is it important Fertilizer is a product made of elements that are required or beneficial for plant growth Plants stay healthy and are maintained in vigorous growing condition Are less susceptible to pests and diseases Fertilization

Nutrient Requirements Nutrients are required for plant processes to function Transpiration Respiration Photosynthesis

Nutrients Availability The nutrients required for growth are absorbed by the plant roots Nutrients from growing medium are depleted In addition some nutrients are attracted so tightly by soil particles that they are not available for plant use

Nutrient Loss Nutrients are lost in many ways Depleted by plants Used by microorganisms Leached because of watering Conversion to gaseous form

Fertilizer Use Fertilizer returns nutrients to growing medium Adequate levels of nutrients increases the health and quality of plants Increases the yield of plant crops Promotes foliage of ornamental crops

Essential Element What is an essential element? an element required by plants for normal growth, development and completion of its life cycle, and which cannot be substituted for by other chemical compounds. Classified based on quantity required Macro-nutrients Micro-nutrients Both are equally important

Essential Elements Macro-Nutrients Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Micro-Nutrients Iron Copper Zinc Boron Molybdenum Manganese Chlorine Nickel

Non-Mineral Elements Elements that are supplied air and water Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen

Mineral Elements Are supplied by soil or growing medium Remainder of nutrients

Primary Nutrients Those elements which the plant consumes in largest amounts Nitrogen (N) Phosphorous(P) Potassium(K) Most deficient in the soil

Secondary Nutrients Not used by plants in as large quantity as primary nutrients Not as deficient in soils Calcium Magnesium Sulfur

Micro-Nutrients Needed by plants in very small quantities Removed from soils in much smaller amounts Considered trace minerals IronCopper ZincBoron MolybdenumManganese ChlorineNickel

All elements have specific functions in the growth and development of plants When a nutrient is deficient, what do you think happens to the plant process that is being supported by that nutrient? Process is slowed down or stopped

Determining availability of nutrients and the need for fertilizer Visual Most obvious Less accurate Trained eye required Soil/Media testing Tests soil nutrients Tissue testing Tests nutrients in plant