be extremely acidic and not suitable for the plants . In that case , the addition of a neutralizer is necessary , whether that be aquarium “ pH-Up ,” Dyna-Gro ProTekt , or some other means . Recognizing the importance of pH in the overall equation of plant nutrition , the blend developed for Michigan State University ’ s study was designed to provide the proper pH when used with pure water .
Phalaenopsis - Third Quarter , Vol . 22 ( 1 & 2 ) 2012
What Do Fertilizer Components Do ? There are approximately 20 elements necessary or beneficial for plant growth and blooming . Some are derived from air and water , carbon ( C ), hydrogen ( H ), and oxygen ( O ), while others are mostly absorbed from the nutrient solutions we provide . Six of the elements that should be supplied in your fertilizer , the “ macronutrients ”, are used heavily by plants : nitrogen ( N ), phosphorus ( P ), potassium ( K ), calcium ( Ca ), magnesium ( Mg ), and sulfur ( S ). The remaining essential elements , the “ micronutrients ”, are required in small amounts only : boron ( B ), chlorine ( Cl ), copper ( Cu ), iron ( Fe ), manganese ( Mn ), sodium ( Na ), zinc ( Zn ), molybdenum ( Mo ), and nickel ( Ni ). Additionally , it appears that both silicon ( Si ) and cobalt ( Co ) may play a beneficial role in plant health . Below is a brief synopsis of the roles the elements from fertilizers play in the life of your plants . Nitrogen ( N ) is a major component of proteins , hormones , chlorophyll , vitamins and enzymes essential for plant life . Nitrogen metabolism is a major factor in stem and leaf growth ( vegetative growth ). Too much nitrogen can delay or prevent flowering , while deficiencies can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth . Phosphorus ( P ) is necessary for photosynthesis , protein formation and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism . It is essential for flowering . Phosphorus deficiency , sometimes associated with purple leaves , results in slow growth , poor flower production or premature loss of flowers . Potassium ( K ) is necessary for the formation of sugars , starches , carbohydrates , for protein synthesis , and cell division in plants . It helps to control water absorption and loss , improves the physical sturdiness and cold hardiness of your plants , and enhances flower color . Too little potassium can result in mottled , spotted or curled leaves , or a burned look to the leaves .
Sulfur ( S ) is a structural component of amino acids , proteins , vitamins and enzymes and is essential to produce chlorophyll , so a deficiency usually shows up as light green leaves .
Magnesium ( Mg ) is a critical structural component of the chlorophyll molecule and is necessary for functioning of plant enzymes to produce carbohydrates , sugars , and fats . Magnesium-deficient plants show yellowing between veins of older leaves , and they may appear limp . Some feel that regular supplementation of magnesium in fertilizers is important .
Calcium ( Ca ) plays a role in the functioning of enzymes , is part of the structure of cell walls , helps control the water content of cells , and is necessary for cell growth and division . Some plants must have calcium to take up nitrogen and other minerals . Calcium , once deposited in plant tissue , cannot move to other plant tissues , so must be supplied regularly . Without a sufficient supply of calcium , your plants may display stunted or stopped growth . Other possible symptoms include distorted new growth , black spots on leaves , or yellow leaf margins . Recent studies indicate that calcium apparently plays a much bigger role in plant health than previously thought . Iron ( Fe ) is necessary for enzyme functionality and is important for the synthesis of chlorophyll . It is essential for young , actively growing tissues . Iron deficiencies are indicated by the pale color of young leaves followed by yellowing , and large veins . An adequate supply of soluble iron in the plant nutrient also inhibits the formation of phenol compounds , which can kill roots .
Manganese ( Mn ) is involved in enzyme activity for photosynthesis , respiration , and nitrogen metabolism . In young leaves , a deficiency may be indicated by a network of green veins on a light green background similar to that seen in an iron deficiency . Dark spotting may occur near the veins . In extreme cases , the light green parts become nearly white , and leaf loss may occur . Boron ( B ) is used in cell wall formation , for membrane integrity within cells , for calcium uptake and may aid in the transfer of nutritional sugars between plant parts . Boron affects a variety of plant functions , including flowering , pollen germination , seed development , cell division , water balance , and the movement of hormones . Boron must be available throughout the life of the plant as , like calcium , it is fixed in the plant once absorbed . Deficiencies can lead to very stunted or irregular growth , with leaves that are thick , curled and brittle . Roots can become discolored , cracked and covered with brown spots . Zinc ( Zn ) is a component of enzymes or as an important aid in the functioning of them , especially auxins , the plant growth hormones . It is essential to carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis . Deficient plants have mottled leaves with irregular chlorotic areas . Zinc deficiency leads to iron deficiency causing similar symptoms . Copper ( Cu ) is concentrated in roots of plants and plays a part in nitrogen metabolism . It is a component of several enzymes and may be part of the enzyme systems that use carbohydrates and proteins . Deficiencies can result in the die back of the tips of new growths . Molybdenum ( Mo ) is a structural component of the enzyme that reduces nitrates to ammonia . Without it , the synthesis of proteins is blocked and plant growth ceases . Seeds may not form completely , and nitrogen deficiency may occur if plants are lacking molybdenum . Symptoms may include pale green leaves with rolled or cupped margins . Chlorine ( Cl ) is involved in osmosis , the ionic balance necessary for plants to take up mineral elements and in
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