Introduction

Nutrients are essential for life of the plants. These are divided into two main groups: macroelements and microelements. Knowing the differences between these two types of nutrients is essential to understanding how they function in the growth and development of plants.

macroelements

Macroelements are nutrients that plants need in large quantities. These are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S).

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for plant growth. It is essential for the production of chlorophyll, which is the molecule responsible for photosynthesis.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is necessary for the production of ATP, which is the main source of energy for plants. It is also important for root growth and fruit ripening.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is essential for regulating the opening and closing of stomata, which are the pores in the leaves that allow the entry and exit of gases. It is also important for plant resistance to diseases and other stress factors.

Trace elements

Microelements are nutrients that plants need in small quantities. These are iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and boron (B).

Iron (Fe)

Iron is essential for the production of chlorophyll. It is also important for cellular respiration and nitrogen fixation.

Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is necessary for the production of chlorophyll and for the release of oxygen during photosynthesis.

Zinc (Zn)

Zinc is important for chlorophyll production, protein synthesis, and plant growth.

Conclusions

• Macroelements are nutrients that plants need in large amounts, while microelements are nutrients that plants need in small amounts.
• Macroelements include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur.
• Microelements include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum and boron.
• Macroelements and microelements are equally important for the growth and development of plants.

Fonts

• Encyclopedia of Plant Nutrition. Fornes, F.; García-Sánchez, F.; Sánchez-Blanco, MJ (eds.), 2015.
• Plant Nutrition for Food Security. FAO, 2017.

Remember that knowledge about the nutrients that plants need is essential for the care and maintenance of gardens and crops.

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