|
Secondary Nutrients
 |
Calcium (Ca) |
-
Strongly
influences proper soil pH
-
Essential
to strong cell wall structure and cell
division
-
Can
improve soil structure, water retention
and infiltration
|
|
 |
Magnesium (Mg) |
-
Plays an
important role in photosynthesis and
chlorophyll production
-
A
necessary component in many essential
enzyme systems within the plant
-
Important
in aiding the translocation of
phosphorous
|
|
 |
Sulfur (S) |
-
Works
with nitrogen to produce new protein for
plant growth
-
Plays an
important role in the utilization of
oxygen by the plant
-
Influences the level of activity of soil
microorganisms
|
|
|
Micronutrients
Iron (Fe)
- Necessary for the
formation of the chlorophyll
- Iron deficiencies
are most common in wet, cold or high pH soils
- Aids in the
activation of a number of biochemical processes
within the plant
|
Manganese (Mn)
- Important to the
formation of chlorophyll and the activation of
the initial growth process
- Generally
available in sufficient quantities in the soil
|
Zinc (Zn)
- Necessary for the
production of chlorophyll
|
Copper (Cu)
- Important in the
synthesis of certain plant growth substances
- Serves as an
activator for several essential enzymes
- Needed only in
small quantities; large amounts can be toxic to
turfgrass plants
- Deficiencies are
usually only found in highly alkaline (high pH)
organic soils or heavily leeched soils
|
Chlorine (Cl)
- Although
essential for proper plant function, only small
quantities are required
- May help in the
regulation of osmotic pressure within the plant
cell
- Deficiency is
rarely observed
|
