Plant Nutrition - It's Elemental
Updated: December 4, 2012
The Periodic Table of Plant Nutrition
21
Sc
Scandium
39
Y
Yttrium
57-71
La
Lanthanides
89-103
Ac
Actinides
22
Ti
Titanium
40
Zr
Zirconium
72
Hf
Hafnium
104
Rf
Rutherfordium
2
He
Helium
10
Ne
Neon
18
Ar
Argon
36
Kr
Krypton
54
X
Xenon
86
Rn
Radon
Fig 1: Structural Elements ■, Primary Nutrients ■, Secondary Nutrients ■, Micronutrients ■.
Macronutrients
Structural Elements
Hydrogen, carbon and oxygen are essential elements for life. All organic compounds are made from a combination of these elements. The plant uses these elements in the production of energies, food and structural organs.
1
H
Hydrogen
1.0079
Obtained primarily from water, hydrogen is essential for building sugars and other essential molecules. H+ ions power proton pumps that provide energy for the plant.
Available Form: H2O, H+
Recommended Product: Stealth RO200 Water Purifier
8
O
Oxygen
15.9994
Cellular respiration releases energy stored in chemical bonds. In order to be able to extract this energy, cells consume O2 and release CO2 and H2O as a by-product.
Available Form: O2
Recommended Product: H2O2 by Nutrilife
Primary Nutrients
7
N
Nitrogen
14.0067
Nitrogen froms the basic building blocks for all proteins and enzymes. A nitrogen deficient plant will lack sufficient chlorophyll and experience slow growth.
Available Form: NO3-, NH4+
Recommended Products: Sensi Grow A, Sensi Grow B
15
P
Phosphorus
30.9738
Phosphorus is an essential component of the energy rich compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Phosphorus is also used to make several biomolecules including DNA, RNA and phospholipids. Phosphorus uptake can be increased through the use of mycorrhiza. The older leaves of a phosphorus deficient plant will appear intensely green and in extreme cases may turn purple.
Available Form: H2PO4-, HPO42-
Recommended Products: Sensi Bloom A, Sensi Bloom B
19
K
Potassium
39.0983
Used in K+ ion pumps, potassium regulates the opening and closing of stomata. Potassium is also a precursor in the production of chlorophyll. A potassium deficient plant is more prone to heat stress, chlorosis and pathogens.
Available Form: K+
Recommended Products: Sensi Bloom A, Sensi Bloom B
Secondary Nutrients
20
Ca
Calcium
40.078
Regulates the uptake of nutrients.
Available Form: Ca2+
Recommended Products: MagiCal, CALiMAGic
12
Mg
Magnesium
24.3050
Forms the center of each chlorophyll molecule. Appearing in the older leaves first, a magnesium deficient plant will have intervenal necrosis and metallic brown spots.
Available Form: Mg2+
Recommended Products: MagiCal, CALiMAGic
14
Si
Silicon
28.0855
Strengthens cell walls making the plant more resistant to heat stress and pathogens. May increase essential oil production in several plants. Silicon can also protect against Fe and Mn toxicity.
Available Form: SiO2, K2SiO3
Recommended Products: Rhino Skin, Silica Blast
Micronutrients
25
Mn
Manganese
54.938045
Building block of chlorophyll and is required for photosynthesis.
Available Form: Mn2+
Recommended Product: FloraMicro
26
Fe
Iron
55.845
Necessary element for the production of energy (ATP) by the electron transport chain.
Available Form: Fe2+, Fe3+
Recommended Product: FloraMicro
The amount of each nutrient required by the plant plays no role in its importance. Each element is equally important and a deficiency will stunt plant growth ultimately leading to reduced yields.
