Plants need nutrients to grow to their full potential. They require many nutrients from the soil for overall growth. These nutrients are utilised for germination, growth, disease prevention, and reproduction. Each nutrient has its own benefits that contribute to maintaining plant health in one way or the other. These nutrients are absorbed from the soil through roots and transported to the parts of the plants above the ground. Macronutrients are the primary nutrients that ensure an optimum level of plant growth.

What are Macronutrients?

Macronutrients are the key nutrients that are crucial for the growth of plants. These nutrients are required in large quantities for various crop functions like buffering action, protecting the plant from external shock, or assisting in the development of different plant parts.

Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the primary nutrients or superfoods used by plants to perform several functions. Plants absorb these nutrients from the soil and utilise them for further processing.

Let’s talk about the key nutrients that are crucial for plant growth and survival.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients for the plant. It has an important role in the growth of leaves and stems. Nitrate (a form of nitrogen) is used by the plants for chlorophyll production and foliage growth. Nitrogen is freely available in the atmosphere, but the plants cannot directly consume it. If the nitrogen content in the soil is low, then it directly affects the plant growth. Gardeners and farmers use nitrogen fertilizers to supplement the plant with proper nutrients.

Phosphorous

Phosphorous is a macronutrient needed in plants for the growth of plant cells. It strengthens the root system and helps in the development of flowers and seeds. It is a superfood for the plant that allows it to withstand any environmental stress and improves the plant's resilience against diseases.

Plants take up phosphorous from the soil, which is released into the soil through microbial activity and weathering. If the soil does not have enough nutrients, then N-P-K fertilisers or phosphatic fertilisers are good options for increasing the phosphorous content of the soil.

Potassium

Potassium is crucial for the growth of plants at an early stage. This macronutrient is responsible for water retention and enzyme activation in plants. It also helps in the processes of photosynthesis and starch formation. Plants utilise potassium from the soil which increase their quality. Potassium plays an essential part in increasing crop yield and protecting the plant from adverse conditions.

Gardeners/farmers can check the nutritional content of the soil to evaluate the amount of potassium, or any other nutrient needed for a particular plant. If the soil lacks potassium, potassium-rich fertilisers are added to maintain the crop's health at an optimum level.

Many other nutrients like manganese, calcium, sulphur, boron, and copper are required to keep plants healthy throughout the year. Plants use these nutrients in small, moderate, or large quantities depending on their role in plant growth. These nutrients are present in the soil, and if there is any nutrient deficiency, fertilisers do the job. Commonly, nitrogen-rich fertilisers are used to increase the nutritional value of the soil.