Potassium deficiency in maize. Image credit thompsonslimited.com
ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: Mineral Nutrition
- Besides water and carbon dioxide plants also need many different mineral salts from their environment.
- These mineral salts are required in small quantities.
- They are taken up by the plant in solutions form as ions with water and are distributed around the plant.
- Each mineral element has a specific function in the plant.
- The three most important mineral elements are: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.
Mineral Uses and their deficiencies
| Mineral Element | Use | Deficiency Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Protein formation. Good leaf growth | Stunted growth. Leaves turn yellow/Chlorosis |
| Phosphorus | Producing energy-carrier molecules. Good root growth. | Purple leaf colour. Stunted roots. |
| Potassium | Flower and Fruit formation | Yellow/brown leaf margins. Early death. |
To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.
