FUNCTION OF PRIMARY MACRONUTRIENTS IN PLANT GROWTH

FUNCTIONS OF MACRONUTRIENT IN PLANT GROWTH

                              1) NITROGEN
   Naturally nitrogen occur as a gas in atmosphere, however plants can only absorb it when in form of nitrate ions (NO3-) or ammonium ions (NH4-). Some plants can absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere by using nitrogen fixing bacteria.

                 Function
     - Nitrogen is a among the elements that form proteins and protoplasm of all plants cells.
          there fore protein needed in large amount than other nutrients. 
     - It forms part of chlorophyll molecules which gives plants the green colour. Chlorophyll is
          is necessary for photosynthesis
     - It control the availability of Phosphorous and potassium in plants.
     - it increase the grain size and protein content in cereals.
     - It help in manufacture of enzymes and plant in hormones.
     - Nitrogen promotes root growth.

                EFFECT OF NITROGEN DEFISIANCY

 - plants leaves turn yellow fall prematurely
- stunted growth in plants
- chlorosis, that iseaves lose chlorophyll and turn yellow or yellowish green
                                             

                  2) PHOSPHOROUS
Phosphorous exist in soil either in organic form or inorganic form, micro organisms in the soil convert organic phosphorous into phosphates which can be absorbed by plants.
Phosphorous are relative insoluble in soil water and there fore are not easily leached.

             FUNCTION
- Phosphorous help in root nodule formation in leguminous plants such as beans and groundnuts.
- it strengthen plants stems thus preventing lodging.
- It is a constituent of nucleoproteins which are required during cell division.
- phosphorous is essential in flowering, fruits and seed formation.
- it is important in protein, fat and protein synthesis.
- it promote the resistance to disease in plants

              EFFECT OF PHOSPHOROUS DEFICIENT
- stunted growth
- increase production of anthocyanin
- poor development of roots, barkss, flowers and seeds
                                               

             3) POTASSIUM.

  Potassium is abundant found in clay clay soil since it is a constituents element of clay particles. It is the second most essential element after nitrogen.

                 Function.
- patassium is important in carbonhydrate formation and translocation of food.
- it is useful in neutralizing organic acid in plants
- Regulate nitrogen and phosphorous uptakes.
- it is component of the chlorophyll molecules
- it Regulate osmosis uncells
- it improve tissues formation
- it assists in protein synthesis
- it strengthens plant stalk hence preventing lodging and microbial attack.

            EFFECT OF POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY

- leaf curling
- leaf surface loose chlorophyll and became yellow
- premature leaf fall
- leaf margin becomes scorched while the central part remain green
- stunted growth