Surendranath College
24/2, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Baithakkhana, Sealdah, Baithakkhana, Kolkata, West Bengal
700009
Semester:- 6th Year:- 3rd
Paper Name:- Plant Physiology Paper Code:- CC 13
Name:- Rinki Chowdhury
University Roll No.:- 223115 – 11 – 0007
University Reg No.:- 115 – 1211 – 0341 – 22
-: Contents :-
Introduction
Criteria and Types of Essential
Elements
Roles and Deficiency Symptoms of
Essential Elements
Methods of Study and Use of Nutrient
Solutions
Conclusion
References
Acknowledgement
Green plants are autotrophic and can synthesize
their own food (energy-rich organic molecules)
through photosynthesis by taking CO2 from the
atmosphere and water and minerals from the
soils. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic
solids with a definite chemical composition.
Thes chemical minerals are essential for
metabolism, growth and development of plants.
Mineral elements are of two types i.e., Essential and Non- Essential elements may be classified
essential elements. into two groups:-
Essential elements: Chemical analysis of plant ash has shown
that plants contain about 60 different elements. Some o them
are necessary for the normal growth and development of the
plants . These are called as essential elements. Rest of them Essential
are called as non-essential elements. Elements
Criteria For Essentiality:
Must play direct role in plant metabolism.
Plant can’t complete its life cycle in the absence of that
particular element.
Major Elements Minor Elements
It’s can’t be replaced by any other elements at their
specific role.
or Macro or Trace
Elements Elements
Major Elements:- The essential elements which are required by the plants in comparatively very large amounts
(1000mg or more/kg of dry matter) are called as major elements or macro elements. They are:
• C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg.
Minor Elements:- The essential elements which are required by the plants in very large amounts (100mg or
less/kg of dry matter) or traces by the plants are called as minor elements or trace elements. They are :
• Fe, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Ni, Cl and Mo.
Introducing with Chelating Agents:- But in some soil which has high pH, micro nutrients are become insoluble
and unavailable. So that’s why some particular molecules bind to the metals forming stable complexes. These
particular molecules are known as Chelating Agents. These enhance availability of the micro nutrients to the
plants in that particular soil. Eg., EDTA, Citric acid, Tartaric acid, etc.
-: Roles and Deficiency Symptoms of Essential Elements :-
Element Deficiency Symptoms Role in Plants Chelating Agent Example
Yellowing of older leaves, stunted Protein synthesis, chlorophyll
Nitrogen (N) -
growth production
Dark green/purplish leaves, stunted
Phosphorus (P) Energy transfer, root development -
growth
Potassium (K) Yellow/brown leaf edges, weak stems Enzyme activation, water regulation -
Distorted young leaves, weak cell
Calcium (Ca) Cell wall structure, root development -
walls
Magnesium (Mg) Interveinal chlorosis in older leaves Central atom in chlorophyll -
Yellowing of young leaves, stunted
Sulfur (S) Protein synthesis, enzyme function -
growth
Chlorophyll synthesis, electron
Iron (Fe) Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves EDTA, DTPA, EDDHA
transport
Manganese (Mn) Interveinal chlorosis, necrotic spots Enzyme activation, photosynthesis EDTA, DTPA
Short internodes, small leaves, Enzyme activation, hormone
Zinc (Zn) EDTA
chlorosis production
Copper (Cu) Wilting, dieback, chlorosis Enzyme function, lignin synthesis -
Cell wall formation, membrane
Boron (B) Death of growing points, brittle stems -
integrity
Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorosis, necrosis, poor growth Nitrogen fixation, enzyme function -
Not commonly deficient in natural Urease activation, nitrogen
Nickel (Ni) -
conditions metabolism
Hydroponics
Methods of Study and Use of Nutrient Solutions
Hydroponics: Growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich
water. Allows precise control of nutrient intake.
Aeroponics: Roots are suspended in the air and misted with
nutrient solutions, promoting oxygen exposure.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): A thin film of nutrient solution
flows over plant roots, providing continuous nutrient supply.
Mineral nutrition is essential for healthy plant growth,
development, and metabolic functions. Each nutrient plays
a specific role, and its deficiency can lead to visible
symptoms and reduced productivity. Understanding and
managing mineral nutrition ensures better crop yield and
sustainable agriculture.
-: References :-
Books :-
The text of Botany – Hait, Bhattacharya and Ghosh
Fundamentals of Plant Physiology – Dr. V. K. Jain, S. Chand
Websites :-
www.slideshare.com
www.khanacademi.com
-: Acknowledgement :-
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr.
Suranjana Sarkar for her guidance and support
throughout this presentation on Mineral Nutrition.
I am also thankful to Surendranath College for providing
the opportunity to explore this topic.
This project has greatly enhanced my understanding of
essential plant nutrients and their significance.
