NITROGEN (N)

·          Nitrogen is a part of all living cells and is a necessary part of all proteins, enzymes and metabolic processes involved in the synthesis and transfer of energy.

·          Nitrogen is a part of chlorophyll, the green pigment of the plant that is responsible for photosynthesis. 

·          Helps plants with rapid growth, increasing seed and fruit production and improving the quality of leaf and forage crops. 

·          Nitrogen often comes from fertilizer application and from the air (legumes get their N from the atmosphere, water or rainfall contributes very little nitrogen)

·          Nitrogen is also an important part of the plant structure.

·          In the roots, nitrogen is found in proteins and enzymes. They help the nutrients and water be taken up into the plant.

PHOSPHORUS (P)

·          Like nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis. 

·          Involved in the formation of all oils, sugars, starches, etc.

·          Helps with the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy; proper plant maturation; withstanding stress.

·          Effects rapid growth.

·          Encourages blooming and root growth.

POTASSIUM (K)

·          Potassium has many functions in plant growth. It;

·          Is essential for photosynthesis,

·          Activates enzymes to metabolize carbohydrates for the manufacture of amino acids and proteins,

·          Facilities celll division and growth by helping to move starches and sugars between plant parts,

·          Adds stalk and stem stiffness,

·          Increases disease resistance,

·          Increases drought tolerance,

·          Regulates opening and closing of stomata’s,

·          Gives plumpness to grain and seed,

·          Improves firmness, texture, size and color of fruit crops, and

·          Increases the oil of oil crops,

·          Potassium regulates many metabolic processes required for growth, fruit and seed development

ZINC (Zn)

·          Functions as a catalyst in many enzyme systems.

·          Essential for the transformation of carbohydrates

·          Regulates consumption of sugars

·          Part of the enzyme systems which regulate plant growth

MAGNESIUM (Mg)

·          Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis.

·          It also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth.

·          Is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars)

·          It regulates uptake of the other essential elements

·          Enhanced the production of oils and fats.

CALCIUM (Ca)

·          Calcium activities enzymes,

·          Is a structural component of cell walls

·          Influences water movement in cells and is necessary for cell growth and division

·          Calcium, once deposited in plant tissue, is immobile so there must be a constant supply for growth

·          Deficiency causes stunting of new growth in stems, flowers and roots.

MICROELEMENTS

·          Microelements interact positively with other macronutrients increasing their efficiency

·          Microelements assist or are catalysts to many of the biochemical reactions that ensure plant growth and survival.

·          Microelements are essential elements needed for photosynthesis and growth