Nutrition of Greenhouse & Nursery Plants

Nutrition

We all eat

Why?

To survive

What if we didn’t eat?

Plants have the same needs as we do

Fertilization

Objectives

To recognize the importance of plant nutrition

Identify the essential nutrients and fertilizers needed for plant growth

Discuss the difference between Micro and Macro nutrients

Determine availability of nutrients

What is a fertilizer

Why is it important

Fertilizer is a product made of elements that are required or beneficial for plant growth

Plants stay healthy and are maintained in vigorous growing condition

Are less susceptible to pests and diseases

Fertilization

Nutrient Requirements

Nutrients are required for plant processes to function

Transpiration

Respiration

Photosynthesis

Nutrients Availability

The nutrients required for growth are absorbed by the plant roots

Nutrients from growing medium are depleted

In addition some nutrients are attracted so tightly by soil particles that they are not available for plant use

Nutrient Loss

Nutrients are lost in many ways Depleted by plants

Used by microorganisms

Leached because of watering

Conversion to gaseous form

Fertilizer Use

Fertilizer returns nutrients to growing medium

Adequate levels of nutrients increases the health and quality of plants

Increases the yield of plant crops

Promotes foliage of ornamental crops

Essential Element

What is an essential element?an element required by plants for normal growth, development and completion of its life cycle, and which cannot be substituted for by other chemical compounds.  

Classified based on quantity requiredMacro-nutrients

Micro-nutrients

Both are equally important

Essential ElementsMacro-Nutrients

CarbonHydrogen OxygenNitrogenPhosphorousPotassiumCalciumMagnesiumSulfur

Micro-NutrientsIronCopperZincBoronMolybdenumManganeseChlorineNickel

Non-Mineral Elements

Elements that are supplied air and water

Carbon

Hydrogen

Oxygen

Mineral Elements

Are supplied by soil or growing medium

Remainder of nutrients

Primary Nutrients

Those elements which the plant consumes in largest amounts

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorous(P)

Potassium(K)

Most deficient in the soil

Secondary Nutrients

Not used by plants in as large quantity as primary nutrients

Not as deficient in soils

Calcium

Magnesium

Sulfur

Micro-Nutrients

Needed by plants in very small quantities

Removed from soils in much smaller amounts

Considered trace minerals

Iron Copper

Zinc Boron

Molybdenum Manganese

Chlorine Nickel

All elements have specific functions in the growth and development of plants

When a nutrient is deficient, what do you think happens to the plant process that is being supported by that nutrient?

Process is slowed down or stopped

Determining availability of nutrients and the need for fertilizer

VisualMost obviousLess accurateTrained eye required

Soil/Media testingTests soil nutrients

Tissue testingTests nutrients in plant