Functions of macro-nutrients in plant growth

Functions of Macro-Nutrients in Plant Growth

Each plant requires a specific amount of nutrients for proper growth. If the nutrients are too low or too high, it can negatively affect plant growth. Therefore, providing the right amount of nutrients is crucial for the health of plants. The macro-nutrients—Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium—are essential for plant development. The table below summarizes the functions, effects of deficiencies, and sources of these macronutrients.

Types of Nutrient	Functions of the Nutrient	Effects of Deficiency of the Nutrient	Sources of the Nutrient
Nitrogen	(i) It facilitates growth of leaves. (ii) Used in protein synthesis. (iii) It is responsible for the formation of chlorophyll in the leaves, therefore it is required for photosynthesis. (iv) Promotes stem growth.	(i) Stunted growth. (ii) Leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This results into death and fall of leaves. (iii) A decrease in the amount of protein. (iv) Reduced number of flowers. (v) Plant prematurity, poor quality, and low yield of crops.	(i) Soil. (ii) Fertilizers containing nitrogen. (iii) Bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to produce nutrients containing nitrogen.
Phosphorus	(i) It promotes photosynthesis. (ii) It promotes root growth. It is required in large amounts in young plants, especially in the buds of roots. (iii) It promotes flowering and fruit development. (iv) Prevents various diseases in plants. (v) Improves the quality of crops.	(i) Causes slow growth in plants, weakens plants, and causes stunted growth. (ii) Results into plants taking a long time to mature. (iii) Leads to plants producing poor and few fruits.	(i) Soil, fertilizer containing phosphorus.
Potassium	(i) It is required for root growth. (ii) It helps in maintaining water balance in plants during photosynthesis by controlling the action of opening and closing of the stomata. (iii) It helps in the distribution of carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. The carbohydrates are either used by plants for growth or stored for future use. (iv) It increases plant ability to fight against diseases. (v) Increases the quality, size, and number of fruits, leaves, cereals, and seeds.	(i) Plant leaves lose their chlorophyll color and turn yellow. (ii) Plants take a long time to mature and growth becomes stunted. (iii) Plant stem becomes weak and is at high risk of attack by diseases. (iv) A decrease in size, quality, and number of fruits, leaves, cereals, and seeds.	(i) Soil, fertilizers containing potassium, and ash.

Temperature

Plants require optimum temperature for proper growth. Suitable temperature is necessary during seed germination, photosynthesis and respiration. When the temperature is excessively high, plants dry off. In addition, very low temperatures lead to failure of plants to make their own food and may die. When seeds are not stored at suitable temperature or not sown in the soil with optimum temperature, their germination will be affected.