Field Crops – Homestead on the Range

Zinc in Plants

Zinc toxicity; photo courtesy of USA ARS

Zinc may be a micronutrient, but it is of vital importance to garden and field crops. Take a look at this list of roles.

Sulfur is a rather interesting mineral when it comes to plants. It is essential for growth and photosynthesis.

The role of sodium in plant health is unclear at present. Most experts say plants do not need it and therefore cannot suffer deficiency.

Prince's plume, an indicator of high soil selenium levels

Scientists do not consider selenium to be an essential plant nutrient. However, it is beneficial because it helps plants resist stressors.

Potassium deficiency

Potassium ions are found in every living cell, probably because they are necessary to activate enzymes controlling so many crucial processes.

Phosphorus deficiency in corn

Phosphorus is associated with fruit production in the minds of gardeners because it is the most important element for germination and growth.

Photo courtesy of USDA ARS.

Because plants contain so much nitrogen, it is little wonder that they require ample amounts. Without it, plants simply cannot grow.

Healthy pecan branch; nickel-deficient pecans have shorter, rounder leaves called "mouse ears."

Until recently, scientists did not consider nickel essential for plant growth. Now nickel is recognized as an essential nanonutrient.

Plants use molybdenum for one purpose, but that purpose is of tremendous importance—producing enzymes to enable the plant to use nitrogen.

Effect of manganese on yield in rye; control on left, treated crop on right

Manganese is an important micronutrient. It helps to activate some of the key enzyme systems in plants. But it has many other roles, too.