Plant
Nutrition
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For all plants to grow strong and healthy,
they need a supply of nutrients just like we need a supply of nutrients in the
form of food. Plants use nutrients from the soil, these can come from a number
of sources. All plant nutrients can be found naturally in healthy well looked
after soil. However some soils can be deficient in one or more nutrient. The
three main plant nutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K).
There are also many more nutrients and minerals that plants need in order to
flourish.
These nutrients can be supplied
to the plant by the use of a fertiliser, applied to the soil. There are many
types and forms of fertiliser available. There are organic and inorganic or
artificial fertilisers available. An organic fertiliser is one that is derived
from a once living material, or contains carbon in its structure. For example
any plant material such as leaves, straw, woodchips, dead plants can be classed
as organic. Any animal manure is also organic. An inorganic or artificial
fertiliser is one made from other materials such as petroleum based
products.
There are advantages and
disadvantages to using both types of fertiliser.
Nitrogen is used by plants for
leaf and stem growth, it helps the plant make food from sunlight. A deficiency
of nitrogen is characterised by a yellowing of the leaves, and poor growth.
Nitrogen is easily lost through the soil by rain, known as leaching, therefore
regular small amounts are best applied.
Phosphorous ensures good plant
root growth. A deficiency is characterised by purpled blue leaves and a stunted
root system.
Potassium is used by plants to
produce flowers and fruit, and helps with photosynthesis. A deficiency is
characterised by brown leaf edges, poor flower and fruit colour and general
poor condition of plants.
Although nitrogen, phosphorous
and potassium are the three main plant nutrients, plants need other minerals in
the soil to make them flourish to their best and maintain strong healthy
growth. Plants that are deficient in some or all nutrients will be small,
discoloured and more susceptible to pest and disease attack.
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