1. SOURCES OF PLANT NUTRIENTS AND FORM
2032
Adam Nash

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

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

10. Micro-Nutrients Needed by plants in very small quantities
Removed from soils in much smaller amounts
Considered trace minerals
Iron
Copper
Zinc
Boron
Molybdenum
Manganese
Chlorine
Nickel

11. Determining availability of nutrients
Visual
Most obvious
Less accurate
Trained eye required
Soil/Media testing
Tests soil nutrients
Tissue testing
Tests nutrients in plant

12. Nutrient Deficient
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

13. Nitrogen Deficiency in Corn

14. Phosphorus Deficiency in Corn

15. Phosphorus Deficiency in Corn

16. Potassium Deficiency in Soys

17. Potassium Deficiency in Corn