Functions and Deficiency Symptoms of Plant Nutrients

From: Agricultural Science SS 2

S/N	ELEMENT	FUNCTION	DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
1.	Nitrogen	It aids plant’s growth and reproduction. It promotes vegetative and shoot system growth. It promotes chlorophyll formation. It is necessary for synthesis of plant hormones.	Stunted growth. Yellowing of leaves. Leaves tend to drop. Poor formation of fruits and flowers.
2.	Phosphorus	It aids enzyme reactions and it is a constituent of cell division Increases soil resistant to diseases. It helps in ripening of fruits. It helps in root development and seed germination.	Logging results in cereal crops. Stunted growth. Leaves turn purple and brownish in colour. Poor root development. Immature fruit drop.
3	Potassium	It is an important constituent of plant tissue that also aids synthesis of carbohydrates. It activates various plant enzyme reactions. It promotes development of young plants. It helps in nitrate uptake in the soil.	Weak slender stems. Delayed growth. Premature loss of leaves. Brown colour at margin of leaves.
4	Calcium	It helps in translocation and storage of carbohydrate and proteins in seeds and tubers. It is necessary for normal growth of root tips and it controls toxicity of aluminum, manganese and sodium ions It improves soil pH.	Causes stunting of root system. Weak slender plants. Pale yellow colour of leaves.
5	Magnesium	It is important in the synthesis of carbohydrate as it is a constituent of chlorophyll. It assists in transportation of phosphate for fruit seeds development. It enhances plant growth and normal cell division.	Chlorosis along leaf veins. Stunted growth. Premature leaf fall.

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