Biology XI: 12 Mineral Nutrition(1 Essential Mineral Elements)

Essential Mineral Elements Study of Mineral Requirements by Plants Technique: Hydroponics Given by: Julius Von Sachs Requirements: Purified water and mineral nutrient salts Hydroponics: Growing plants in a defined nutrient solution, in the complete absence of soil This enables us to study the effect of adding, removing or varying the concentration of any particular mineral element. Essential elements can be identified by this method, and their deficiency symptoms can be worked out. Essential Mineral Elements All elements found in or accumulated by a plant may not be essential for its growth and survival. Criteria for the essentiality of an element are: Absolutely necessary for the completion of the life cycle of a plant; necessary for its growth and reproduction Its requirement is specific, and not replaceable by any other element Directly involved in the metabolism of the plant Categories of Essential Elements Essential elements are 17. Basically categorised according to: Their requirements Functions performed in a plant