Lecture 3Plant nutrition

3.4a

Essential ElementsEssential elements: macronutrients and

micronutrients

Essential ElementsEssential elements: macronutrients and

micronutrients

Classification of nutrients according to theirbiochemical function

Classification of nutrients according to theirbiochemical function

Classification of nutrients according to theirbiochemical function

Special techniques are used in nutritional studies

- growth of plants with theirroots immersed in nutrientsolution without soil- requires a large volume ofnutrient solution and frequentadjustment- oxygen supply forroot through bubblingsystem- plants my also be grown insupporting material such assand, gravel, vermiculite…- roots receive ample supply ofoxygen

Special techniques are used in nutritional studies

- plants are grown with theirroots suspended in air whilebeing sprayed continuouslywith a nutrient solution- provides easy manipulationof the gaseous environmentaround the root- but requires higher levels ofnutrients than hydroponicculture to sustain plantgrowth- nutrient solution periodicallyrises to immerse plant rootsand then recedes, exposingthe roots to moistatmosphere- but requires higher levels ofnutrients than hydroponicculture to sustain growth