What are essential elements for plants? Give the criteria of essentiality? How are minerals classifieds depending upon the amount in which they are needed by the plants?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Essential elements are the elements which are necessary for a plant to grow and reproduce.The deficiency of these elements cannot be replaced by any other.There are two types of essential elements which are:

A) Macro elements :These are present in large amounts like Calcium, Magnesium etc.

B) Micro Elements: Present in small amounts like Iron,Zinc etc.

Criteria of essentiality :The essentiality not only depends on the presence of an element in the plant but also on the following criteria:

1. If the plant is unable to grow and reproduce without the presence of an element.

2. The element is specific and cannot be replaced by any other element.

3. The element is directly involved in the metabolism process.