Vegetables – Homestead on the Range

Selenium in Plants

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.

Healthy, nutrient-rich food starts with vibrant soil. You can build that vibrant soil in your backyard in 10 steps.

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.

By paying closer attention to what nature is telling us, we have an opportunity to bring our gardens back into balance.

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.

K-State has an excellent collection of gardening resources on a wide range of topics available as free PDF downloads.