Soil Fertility and Nutrient management (1+1)

Classification of essential nutrients

• Essential nutrients are classified in to two major groups based on relative utilization or absorption by the plants and also based on their biochemical behavior and physiological functions.

  I. Based on relative utilization or absorption by the plants;

  A. Macro or Major Nutrients
  B. Micro nutrients

• Further Macronutrients are classified into two types

  1. Primary Nutrient: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. These three elements are also called as fertilizer elements.
  2. Secondary Nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur. .

II. Classification based on their biochemical behavior and physiological functions.

Group	Nutrient elements	Biochemical Functions
Group I	C,H,O, Ca	They are basic structural elements. They are Major constituent of plants (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and organic matter. These elements are also involved in enzymes process. They provide energy for growth and development by oxidative break down.
Group-II	N,P & S	Accessory structural elements of the more active and vital living tissues. Essential component of metabolically active compounds like amino acids, proteins, enzymes and non-proteinaceous compounds. They involve in energy storage (ATP & ADP) and transfer (Phosphate esters).
Group-III	K, Ca, Mg	Regulators & carriers for the most part of plant metabolism. They involve in synthesis and translocation of carbohydrates, maintain ionic charge balance and induce enzyme activation.
Group-IV	Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, Cl.	Catalysts and activators. These elements Involve in oxidation-reduction reactions, chlorophyll synthesis and also exists in organic combinations.

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