Know Your Nutrients
PRIMARY NUTRIENTS
Nitrogen
Used most out of the three primary macronutrients, nitrogen is the major constituent in chlorophyll. It affects shoot and root growth, density, color, disease resistance and stress tolerance.
Phosphorus
Second most important primary macronutrient, phosphorous is an essential part of photosynthesis and impacts the rate of seedling development, maturation and root growth.
Potassium
The third most important primary macronutrient, and typically occurs naturally in the soil. Potassium is essential for cell division, cell electrolyte balance and the functioning of the stomates and influences drought tolerance, cold hardiness and disease resistance.
SECONDARY NUTRIENTS
Calcium
Buffers the soil pH, making it more alkaline, and is essential for root health, growth of new roots and root hairs and the development of leaves.
Magnesium
Essential for photosynthesis (part of chlorophyll), improves utilization and mobility of phosphorus and acts as an activator of many plant enzymes.
Sulfur
Found in amino acids that make up plant proteins, and activates certain enzyme systems.
MICRONUTRIENTS
Boron
Aids production of sugar and carbohydrates and in cell division and cell wall formation.
Chlorine
Required for photosynthesis.
Copper
Involved in photosynthesis, respiration and the formation of lignin. Regulates cell wall construction and cell growth and division.
Iron
Essential for the formation of chlorophyll, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism.
Manganese
Stimulates enzymatic activity, helps chloroplast production and enhances root growth and fruit development. May influence resistance to certain diseases.
Molybdenum
Helps in nitrogen fixation and is required for protein synthesis.
Nickel
Essential component of the plant’s natural defense system.
Zinc
Required for the synthesis and functioning of chlorophyll, is involved in the plant hormone system and is a catalyst for auxin.