CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MINERAL
NUTRITION BSABE 1-1 GROUP 5
AGUSTIN, ANDRIE S. MAGALONG, EDWARD R.
ALVARO, JANNA NICOLE R. POLO, AICELLE ANNE L.
GAJULTOS, MA ANGELU SINGUA, IRISH N.
CROP SCIENCE 1100
INTRODUCTION
Mineral nutrients are elements acquired primarily in the form of inorganic ions from the soil.
Although mineral nutrients continually cycle through all organisms, they enter the biosphere
predominantly through the root systems of plants, so in a sense plants act as the "miners" of Earth's
crust. The large surface area of roots and their ability to absorb inorganic ions at low concentrations
from the soil solution make mineral absorption by plants a very effective process. After being
absorbed by the roots, the mineral elements are translocated to the various parts of the plant, where
they are utilized in numerous biological functions. Other organisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and
nitrogen-fixing bacteria, often participate with most in the acquisition of nutrients. The study of how
plants obtain and use mineral nutrients is called mineral nutrition.
"Mineral": An inorganic element
Acquired mostly in the form of inorganic ions from the soil
"Nutrient": A substance needed to survive or necessary for the synthesis
of organic compounds.
MINERAL NUTRITION
Mineral nutrition is a part of the complex interaction between the plants, soil and atmosphere.
It refers to the uptake of inorganic ions from the soil, for the growth and development of plants.
The nutrients required for growth of plants can be obtained from the soil, water or atmosphere.
The elements that are obtained from water or the atmosphere include carbon, oxygen and
water, whereas soil provides other elements in the form of cations or anions.
The availability of these minerals limits the plant growth and in turns affects the productivity of
plants. It is therefore, imperative to study the minerals acquired and their effective use by
plants.
MINERAL NUTRITION
Organisms require many organic and inorganic substances to complete their life cycle. All such
substances which are taken from outside constitute their nutrition.
On the basis of their nutritional requirements, organisms can be classified into heterotrophs and
autotrophs.
All non-green plants and animals, including human beings are heterotrophs.
Autotrophic green plants obtain their nutrition from inorganic substances which are present in soil in
the form of minerals, which are known as mineral elements or mineral nutrients and this type of
nutrition is called mineral nutrition.
The source of inorganic materials in the soil is minerals, they are called as mineral elements or mineral
nutrients. The process involving the absorption, distribution and utilization of mineral substances by the
plants for their growth and development is called mineral nutrition.
METHODS TO STUDY THE MINERAL
REQUIREMENT OF PLANTS
In 1860, Julius von Sachs, a prominent German botanist, demonstrated for the first time that plants
could be grown to maturity in a defined nutrient solution in complete absence of soil. This technique of
growing plants in a nutrient solution is known as hydroponics or soilless growth.
After a series of experiments, in which the roots of the plants were immersed in nutrient solutions and
wherein an element was added/ removed or given in varied concentration, a mineral solution suitable
for the plant growth was obtained.
By this method, essential elements were identified and their deficiency symptoms were discovered.
Hydroponics has been successfully employed as a technique for the commercial production of
vegetables such as tomato, seedless cucumber and lettuce.
It must be emphasised that the nutrient solutions must be adequately aerated to obtain the optimum
growth.
METHODS TO STUDY THE MINERAL
REQUIREMENT OF PLANTS
Because the plants are grown in large tanks, the process of soilless cultivation is also called
as tank farming.
Hydroponic culture solution was first prepared by Knop. The famous nutrient solutions are
Knop solution, Hoagland solution, Arnon’s solution and Sach’s solution.
Hydroponic or soilless culture helps in knowing:
1. the essentiality of mineral nutrients.
2. the deficiency symptoms developed due to non-availability of particular nutrients.
3. toxicity of plant when an element is present in excess.
4. the possible interaction among different elements present in plants.
5. the role of essential elements in the metabolism of plants.
Hydroponics is useful in areas having thin, infertile and dry soils. They conserve water, can
regulate optimum pH for a particular crop, control pests and disease, avoid problems by
weeding, reduces labour cost etc.
DIAGRAM OF A TYPICAL SET-UP FOR
NUTRIENT SOLUTION CULTURE
MINERAL ELEMENTS IN PLANTS
The mineral nutrients, which come from the soil, are dissolved in water and
absorbed through a plant’s root.
On the basis of their effects on plant, mineral elements are generally of two
types:
1. Essential
2. Non-essential
Elements which are required by plants for normal growth and development
and without which plants cannot complete their life cycle are called essential
elements.
MINERAL ELEMENTS IN PLANTS
Deficiency of essential elements cause disorder as they are incorporated by
plants in the formation of their structural or functional molecules.
About 50-60 elements are present in plant body but only 16-17 elements are
considered as essential elements. E.g., C, H, O, N, K, S, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, Cu, Mn,
B, Cl, Zn, Mo, Ni
Elements which are present in the plant body and are not required by plants
are called non-essential elements. E.g., Na, Si, Al, Se, Sr, V.
NON-MINERAL NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL
FOR PLANT LIFE
The non-mineral nutrients are hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and carbon
(C).
These nutrients are found in the air and water.
In a process called photosynthesis, plants use energy from the sun to
change carbon dioxide and water into starches and sugars. These
starches and sugars are the plant’s food.
These three elements are considered non-mineral because they are
sourced from the atmosphere and water.
CRITERIA OF ESSENTIALITY
The term essential mineral element was proposed by Arnon and
Stout (1939).
According to them an element to be considered essential, three
criteria must be met:
1. A given plant must be unable to complete its life cycle in the
absence of mineral elements.
2. The function of the element must not be replaceable by another
mineral element.
3. The elements must be directly involved in plant metabolism. For
eg. as a component of an essential plant constituents or it must
be required for a distinct metabolic step such as an enzyme
reaction.
CRITERIA OF ESSENTIALITY
Based on the mobility, elements are also classified into
three types.
1. Mobile elements : N, P, K, S and Mg
2. Immobile elements : Ca, Fe and B
3. Intermediate in mobility: Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo
Arnon and Stout (1939) divided these necessary mineral
elements into two groups on the basis of requirement
of plant: macronutrients and micronutrients.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Macronutrients are needed in larger quantities and act
aIts concentration must be 1-10 µg L-1/10m mole kg-¹ of
dry matter. E.g., C, H, O, N, K, S, Ca, Fe, Mg, P.
Macronutrients are needed in larger quantities and act
as the primary building blocks for processes like
photosynthesis, energy storage, and structural support.
They provide the essential elements for forming
proteins, chlorophyll, and cell walls while aiding in
nutrient uptake and water regulation.
MICRONUTRIENTS
Micronutrients are those elements essential for plant
growth which are needed in only very small quantities
(equal to or less than 100 mg/kg of dry matter). These
elements are sometime called minor or traced
elements.
These nutrients support enzyme activation, hormonal
regulation, and biochemical reactions while bolstering
resistance against diseases and environmental stress.
MACRONUTRIENTS
ELEMENTS SUFFIENCY DEFIENCY
Supports vigorous leaf and stem growth; Leaves turn pale green to yellow (chlorosis),
Nitrogen (N) essential for proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyll; mainly older leaves; stunted growth; reddish-
drives overall vegetative development purple pigmentation from anthocyanin buildup
Vital for energy transfer (ATP), root development, Leaves become dark bluish-green or purplish;
Phosphorus (P) flower and seed production; involved in DNA, RNA, poor root growth; delayed maturity; necrotic
and phospholipids spots on fruits/leaves
Regulates water use, stomatal function, and
Marginal leaf chlorosis progressing to necrosis;
Potassium (K) enzyme activation; enhances disease resistance
weak stems; poor fruit development and ripening
and fruit quality
MACRONUTRIENTS
ELEMENTS SUFFIENCY DEFIENCY
(Ca) Key to cell wall stability, membrane
function, and division in root/shoot tips; cofactor Death of growing points in roots and shoots;
Calcium (Ca) in enzymes Death of growing points in roots and young leaves distorted or necrotic; blossom end
shoots; young leaves distorted or necrotic; rot in fruits
blossom end rot in fruits
Central atom in chlorophyll; necessary for
Interveinal chlorosis on older leaves; leaf curling
Magnesium (Mg) photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and protein
and premature shedding; growth reduction
synthesis
Essential for protein formation, vitamins, and General chlorosis (similar to N-deficiency but in
Sulfur (S) enzyme function; part of amino acids (cysteine, younger leaves); reduced growth; leaves
methionine) become thin and brittle
MICRONUTRIENTS
ELEMENTS SUFFIENCY DEFIENCY
Essential for chlorophyll synthesis and electron Rapid interveinal chlorosis in young leaves; leaves
Iron (Fe)
transport during photosynthesis appear yellow while veins stay green
Aids in photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism; Interveinal chlorosis with brown spots; necrosis on
Manganese (Mn)
cofactor for many enzymes young leaves; reduced photosynthesis
Needed for enzyme activity, auxin (growth Stunted growth; shortened internodes (rosetting);
Zinc (Zn)
hormone) synthesis, and protein formation mottled leaves with yellowing in older tissue
Growing tips die back; poor flower/fruit
Supports cell wall formation, membrane integrity,
Boron (B) development; leaves become thick, brittle, or
pollen germination, and sugar transport
coppery
Involved in osmosis, ionic balance, and Leaf wilting and tip burn; chlorosis and bronzing;
Chlorine (Cl)
photosynthetic oxygen evolution roots thickened and stunted
MECHANISM OF ABSORPTION OF ELEMENTS
Plants absorb a large number of minerals from soil. The uptake of mineral ions by the
(sub-terminal) meristematic region of the roots.
There are two methods of absorption of mineral salts : Passive and active.
(a) Passive Absorption : It is the initial and rapid phase wherein ions are
absorbed into the "outer space" of the cells, through the apoplast pathway.
It does not require use of any metabolic energy.
(b) Active Absorption : It is the second phase of ion uptake. The ions are taken in
slowly into the 'inner space' the symplast of cells. It needs the expenditure of
metabolic energy.
The movement of ions is called flux. When the ions move into the cells, it is called influx
and the outward movement of ions is called efflux.
The mineral ions absorbed by the root system are translocated through the xylem
vessels to other parts of the plant.
ION UPTAKE IS BOTH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE:
After several decades of research on this process of ion uptake it is now believed
that the process involves both passive and active uptake mechanisms. Whether a
molecule or ion is transported actively or passively across a membrane (casparian
band, plasma membrane or tonoplast) depends on the concentration and charge
of the ion or molecule, which in combination represent the electrochemical driving
force.
Passive transport across the plasma membrane, occurs along with the
electrochemical potential. In this process ions and molecules diffuse from areas of
high to low concentrations. It does not require the plant to expend energy. Active
transport, (in contrast, to passive transport) energy is required for ions diffusion
against the concentration gradient (electro chemical potential). Thus, active
transport requires the cell to expend energy.
PASSIVE TRANSPORT MECHANISM
A) Diffusion: Simple diffusion to membranes occurs with small, no molecules (i.e.
O2, CO2). In this process ions or molecules move from the prae oÍ higher
concentration to lower concentration. It needs no energy.
B) Facilitated diffusion: For small polar species (i.e. H2O, Ions and amin specific
proteins in the membrane facilitate the diffusion down the electroc gradient. This
mechanism is referred to as facilitated diffusion.
Eg. a) Channel proteins: The specific proteins in the membrane form channels
(channel proteins), which can open and close, and through which ions or H2O
molecules pass in single file at very rapid rates. A K+ and NH4+ channel also
operates by the same process of facilitated diffusion. In addition, Na+ can also
enter the cell by this process.
PASSIVE TRANSPORT MECHANISM
b) Transporters or Co-transporters or carriers: Another
mechanism involves transporters or co-transporters responsible for
the transport of ions and molecules across membranes. Transporter
proteins, in contrast to channel proteins, bind only one or a few
substrate molecules at a time. After binding a molecule or ion, the
transporter undergoes a structural change specific to a specific ion or
molecule. As a result, the transport rate across a membrane is slower
than that associated with channel proteins.
ACTIVE TRANSPORT MECHANISM
Active transport mechanism: Larger or more-charged molecules hav
difficulty in moving across a membrane, requiring active transport mechanisms
(i.e., sugars, amino acids, DNA, ATP, ions, phosphate, proteins, etc.).
➤ Active transport across a selectively permeable membrane occurs through
powered pumps that transport ions against their concentration gradients.
➤This mechanism utilizes energy released by hydrolysis of ATP.
➤The Na+ -K + ATP pump transports K+ into the cell and Na+ out of the cell,
another example is the Ca+2 -ATP pump.
➤Thus, it can be understood from the above discussion that the ion transport
mechanisms operate both actively and passively.
➤For some of the ions the uptake mechanism is active and for some others it is
passive.
FACTORS AFFECTING MINERAL ABSORPTION
1. Temperature
• The rate of absorption of minerals is directly proportional to temperature.
• Temperature influences enzymatic activity & nutrient transport within the plant.
• Cold temperatures slow down root metabolism, making absorption less efficient.
2. Light
• A deficiency of O2 always causes a corresponding decrease in the rate
of mineral absorption. It is probably due to unavailability of ATP.
• Shade and light availability indirectly affect nutrient absorption by
influencing photosynthesis, which drives root activity and overall nutrient
demand.
FACTORS AFFECTING MINERAL ABSORPTION
3. pH Level
• Optimal pH ensures minerals remain available and extreme pH
levels can cause nutrient deficiencies.
• pH affects the rate of mineral absorption by regulating the
availability of ions in the medium.
4. Oxygen
• A deficiency of O2 always causes a corresponding decrease in the
rate of mineral absorption. It is probably due to unavailability of ATP.
FACTORS AFFECTING MINERAL ABSORPTION
5. Interaction with other minerals
• Nutrient interactions is connected in mineral absorption. Some
nutrients compete for uptake, meaning excess of one element can
suppress another. For instance, excess potassium can reduce
magnesium absorption. High phosphorus levels may limit zinc
availability.
• Balanced fertilization prevents these interactions and ensures
plants receive the right mix of nutrients.
FACTORS AFFECTING MINERAL ABSORPTION
6. Microbial Activity
• Beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, aid
nutrient cycling and breakdown organic matter into absorbable
forms.
7. Growth
• A proper growth causes an increase in surface area, the number
of cells and in the number of binding sites for the mineral ions.
• Well-developed roots allow efficient absorption of nutrients by
increasing contact with soil particles.
CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
THANK YOU Hopefully this information is useful
and inspires our future steps
CROP SCIENCE 1100
