|
Gardening Basics |
||
| Main Menu | Article | Google Ads |
|
|
||
Basic Nutrients:Among the most important nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Nitrogen is the most important soil nutrient. It is contained in all proteins and is an important element of chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. Light-green leaves are a typical sign of nitrogen deficiency. Too much nitrogen, on the other hand, leads to plants becoming too succulent and susceptible to disease. Phosphorus is also a component of plant protein and plays an important role in energy metabolism. Phosphorus is leached away by rain. potassium is used by the plants for the development of their cell walls an thus provide for a stable structure. Calcium or lime improves the structure of the soil. It has a neutralizing effect on soil acids and, like potassium, is used in cell walls. too much calcium in the soil can limit the uptake of trace elements. Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll and thus is important for the plant's energy supply. Besides these chief nutrients there are also trace elements such as sulfur, iron, copper, and zinc, these are needed in the smallest quantities. Back to Principles of Gardening page.
|
|
|