Mineral Nutrition
Comprehensive Overview in 20 Slides
Introduction to Mineral Nutrition
• Mineral nutrition involves the study of
minerals essential for plant growth.
• Plants require minerals for development,
metabolism, and reproduction.
• Minerals are absorbed as inorganic ions from
soil.
Essential Elements
• Classified into macronutrients and
micronutrients.
• Essential if absence prevents plant from
completing life cycle.
• Divided by quantity required.
Macronutrients
• Required in large amounts.
• Include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P),
Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg),
Sulfur (S).
• Constitute structural components or are
involved in metabolic activities.
Micronutrients
• Required in trace amounts.
• Include Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn),
Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo),
Chlorine (Cl), Nickel (Ni).
• Play roles in enzyme function and electron
transport.
Criteria of Essentiality
• Element must be necessary for normal growth
and reproduction.
• Its function must not be replaceable by
another element.
• It must be directly involved in plant
metabolism.
Functions of Nitrogen
• Component of amino acids, proteins, nucleic
acids.
• Promotes vegetative growth.
• Deficiency leads to yellowing (chlorosis).
Functions of Phosphorus
• Part of ATP, nucleic acids, and phospholipids.
• Important for energy transfer and root
development.
• Deficiency causes stunted growth and purple
coloration.
Functions of Potassium
• Regulates stomatal opening and closing.
• Activates enzymes, involved in protein
synthesis.
• Deficiency causes leaf scorching and weak
stems.
Calcium and Magnesium
• Calcium – important for cell wall and
membrane stability.
• Magnesium – central atom in chlorophyll,
enzyme activation.
• Deficiency causes weak cell walls and
interveinal chlorosis.
Sulfur and Micronutrient Functions
• Sulfur – component of amino acids like
cysteine and methionine.
• Micronutrients – cofactors in enzymes, aid
photosynthesis and respiration.
• Essential even in small quantities.
Mineral Uptake Mechanisms
• Passive absorption – along concentration
gradient.
• Active absorption – against concentration
gradient using energy.
• Ions are absorbed from soil through root hairs.
Translocation of Minerals
• Minerals move through xylem with water.
• Can be redistributed from older to younger
tissues.
• Regulated by transpiration and root pressure.
Deficiency Symptoms
• Symptoms appear in older or younger leaves
depending on mobility.
• Chlorosis, necrosis, stunted growth,
premature leaf fall.
• Each element shows specific deficiency signs.
Toxicity of Mineral Elements
• Excess of minerals can be harmful.
• Leads to toxicity symptoms and nutrient
imbalance.
• E.g., excess manganese can block iron and
magnesium uptake.
Soil as Mineral Source
• Soil provides most essential minerals.
• Mineral availability depends on soil pH,
texture, and moisture.
• Organic matter improves mineral retention.
Hydroponics
• Technique of growing plants in nutrient
solutions without soil.
• Used to study mineral requirements
experimentally.
• Allows precise control of nutrient supply.
Role of Mycorrhizae
• Symbiotic fungi associated with plant roots.
• Help in absorption of phosphorus and water.
• Enhance plant tolerance to stress.
Fertilizers and Mineral Supply
• Fertilizers supplement soil nutrients.
• Include NPK fertilizers, organic manures, and
micronutrient sprays.
• Excessive use can lead to pollution and
toxicity.
Mineral Nutrition in Agriculture
• Correct nutrition boosts crop yield and quality.
• Deficiency correction improves plant health.
• Integrated nutrient management is crucial.
Conclusion
• Minerals are vital for plant life and ecosystem
balance.
• Balanced nutrition ensures better plant
growth and productivity.
• Understanding mineral needs helps
sustainable agriculture.

Mineral_Nutrition_presentation_20_Slides.pptx

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Introduction to MineralNutrition • Mineral nutrition involves the study of minerals essential for plant growth. • Plants require minerals for development, metabolism, and reproduction. • Minerals are absorbed as inorganic ions from soil.
  • 3.
    Essential Elements • Classifiedinto macronutrients and micronutrients. • Essential if absence prevents plant from completing life cycle. • Divided by quantity required.
  • 4.
    Macronutrients • Required inlarge amounts. • Include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S). • Constitute structural components or are involved in metabolic activities.
  • 5.
    Micronutrients • Required intrace amounts. • Include Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Chlorine (Cl), Nickel (Ni). • Play roles in enzyme function and electron transport.
  • 6.
    Criteria of Essentiality •Element must be necessary for normal growth and reproduction. • Its function must not be replaceable by another element. • It must be directly involved in plant metabolism.
  • 7.
    Functions of Nitrogen •Component of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids. • Promotes vegetative growth. • Deficiency leads to yellowing (chlorosis).
  • 8.
    Functions of Phosphorus •Part of ATP, nucleic acids, and phospholipids. • Important for energy transfer and root development. • Deficiency causes stunted growth and purple coloration.
  • 9.
    Functions of Potassium •Regulates stomatal opening and closing. • Activates enzymes, involved in protein synthesis. • Deficiency causes leaf scorching and weak stems.
  • 10.
    Calcium and Magnesium •Calcium – important for cell wall and membrane stability. • Magnesium – central atom in chlorophyll, enzyme activation. • Deficiency causes weak cell walls and interveinal chlorosis.
  • 11.
    Sulfur and MicronutrientFunctions • Sulfur – component of amino acids like cysteine and methionine. • Micronutrients – cofactors in enzymes, aid photosynthesis and respiration. • Essential even in small quantities.
  • 12.
    Mineral Uptake Mechanisms •Passive absorption – along concentration gradient. • Active absorption – against concentration gradient using energy. • Ions are absorbed from soil through root hairs.
  • 13.
    Translocation of Minerals •Minerals move through xylem with water. • Can be redistributed from older to younger tissues. • Regulated by transpiration and root pressure.
  • 14.
    Deficiency Symptoms • Symptomsappear in older or younger leaves depending on mobility. • Chlorosis, necrosis, stunted growth, premature leaf fall. • Each element shows specific deficiency signs.
  • 15.
    Toxicity of MineralElements • Excess of minerals can be harmful. • Leads to toxicity symptoms and nutrient imbalance. • E.g., excess manganese can block iron and magnesium uptake.
  • 16.
    Soil as MineralSource • Soil provides most essential minerals. • Mineral availability depends on soil pH, texture, and moisture. • Organic matter improves mineral retention.
  • 17.
    Hydroponics • Technique ofgrowing plants in nutrient solutions without soil. • Used to study mineral requirements experimentally. • Allows precise control of nutrient supply.
  • 18.
    Role of Mycorrhizae •Symbiotic fungi associated with plant roots. • Help in absorption of phosphorus and water. • Enhance plant tolerance to stress.
  • 19.
    Fertilizers and MineralSupply • Fertilizers supplement soil nutrients. • Include NPK fertilizers, organic manures, and micronutrient sprays. • Excessive use can lead to pollution and toxicity.
  • 20.
    Mineral Nutrition inAgriculture • Correct nutrition boosts crop yield and quality. • Deficiency correction improves plant health. • Integrated nutrient management is crucial.
  • 21.
    Conclusion • Minerals arevital for plant life and ecosystem balance. • Balanced nutrition ensures better plant growth and productivity. • Understanding mineral needs helps sustainable agriculture.