RHS Level 2 R2102 Plant Nutrition Flashcards
Plant nutrition and the root environment
Name the range of nutrients required for healthy plant growth?
Major: Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Calcium Magnesium
Minor:
Iron
State one role of nitrogen in the plant.
Nitrogen promotes shoots and leafy growth.
It’s needed in the greatest quantity.
State one role of phosphorus in the plant.
Phosphorus promotes root growth.
It is required for photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, produce quality and root development.
State one role of potassium in the plant.
Potassium promotes flowering and fruiting.
It regulates functioning of stomatal guard cells, is essential in photosynthesis and is important in disease resistance and hardiness against cold and drought.
State one role of calcium in the plant.
Calcium binds cells together, is a major constituent of plant cell walls middle lamella.
It can also influence meristem activity, particularly in root tips.
State one role of magnesium in the plant.
Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll.
It also activates certain enzymes and is involved in the movement of phosphorus in the plant.
State one role of iron in the plant.
Iron is required in chloroplasts as part of photosynthesis.
Describe the visual symptoms of nitrogen deficiency.
Yellowing of the oldest leaves first.
Reduced growth rate and eventual stunting.
Describe the visual symptoms of Phosphorus deficiency.
In older plants purpling/blueing of older leaves.
Poor seedling growth.
Describe the visual symptoms of Potassium deficiency.
Dead patches on leaves, particularly the margins of older leaves.
Describe the visual symptoms of Calcium deficiency.
Cupping and burning of leaf tips. Blackening of young leaves. Blossom end. Rot in tomatoes. Bitter pit in apples.
Describe the visual symptoms of Magnesium deficiency.
Yellowing between leaf veins.
Deficiency shows first in older leaves and will move to the younger more productive leaves if in short supply.
Describe the visual symptoms of Iron deficiency.
Yellowing between veins of New leaves followed eventually by older leaves
Describe the influence of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus on plant growth and development.
Nitrogen is needed for leafy growth, phosphorus is needed to promote root growth and seedling growth and is required for photosynthesis. Potassium is needed to promote flowering and fruiting and is essential in photosynthesis.
