16 Nutrients Your Plants Crave and Why They Need Them
Many gardeners know that it takes more than just the big three (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) nutrients for your plants to reach their full potential, but not everyone knows why! Lets take a brief look at the purpose and benefits provided by all 16 essential nutrients and get a better understanding of what our gardens crave.
Atmospheric Elements
Oxygen
Plants need to take in Oxygen for their normal respiration, generally taken in at night, though they do not release it until daylight during photosynthesis.
Carbon
A major component of photosynthesis, it converted into growth energy for the plant.
Hydrogen
In the form of water, plays an essential role in photosynthesis, energy production, and growth.
Macronutrients: Found in most starter fertilizers
Nitrogen
Key component of photosynthesis, as well as a building block of DNA, RNA, and the plants proteins. Vital during periods of rapid growth.
Phosphorus
Building block of nucleic acids, regulating protein synthesis. Key in the the division of cells, new tissue production, and energy transformation.
Potassium
Carbon Dioxide regulation through opening and closing of stomata during photosynthesis. Also aids in the production of ATP, an essential energy component in plant growth and development.
Micronutrients: Just as important as Macro nutrients, though needed in smaller doses.
Calcium
Cell wall production
Sulfur
Chlorophyll production
Pigmentation
Magnesium
Food uptake
Seed formation
Photosynthesis aid through pigmentation
Iron
Aids Chlorophyll production
Nitrate and Sulfate reduction
Aids in energy production
Manganese
Chlorophyll production
Pollen germination and production
Cell growth and pathogen resistance in the root zone
Zinc
Growth hormone production
Enzyme facilitation
Boron
Aids in cell development
Regulates plant metabolism
Copper
Activation and facilitation of enzymes for photosynthesis and plant respiration
Metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and Nitrogen
Molybdenum
Nitrogen fixation
Enzyme component
Chlorine
Opening and closing of stomata
Photosynthesis aid through water splitting