Other macro-elements

Abstract

In addition to nitrogen, there are a number of other elements which are essential to plant growth; those required in relatively large amounts are known as macro- or major elements, whilst those required only in relatively small amounts are known as micro- or trace elements. Irrespective of the actual quantities required by the plants, however, both groups are equally essential; only a few elements such as barium, fluorine, iodine, and strontium do not appear to be essential for plant growth. The essential macro-elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur.