what nutrients do your plant need and how do the plants get them?

What Nutrients Do Plants Need?

​First, let’s talk about what nutrients plants need. Plants require a range of nutrients to grow and develop properly, with some being required in larger quantities than others. 

The primary macronutrients that plants need are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). 

These three nutrients are essential for plant growth and are often referred to as NPK.

• Nitrogen is crucial for the production of proteins, chlorophyll, and nucleic acids. A deficiency in nitrogen can result in stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves. 
• Phosphorus is essential for root growth, seed formation, and energy storage. A phosphorus deficiency can lead to stunted growth and weak root systems. 
• Potassium regulates water balance, activates enzymes, and plays a role in stress tolerance. A potassium deficiency can cause slow growth, reduced yields, and weak stems.

Plant MicronutrientsIn addition to NPK, plants require a range of micronutrients, which are needed in small quantities. These plant micronutrients include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). Micronutrient deficiencies can be harder to detect but can still have a significant impact on plant growth and development.

• Iron is necessary for the production of chlorophyll and plays a role in energy transfer. A deficiency in iron can lead to yellowing of leaves. 
• Manganese activates enzymes and is involved in photosynthesis. A manganese deficiency can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. 
• Zinc is involved in the production of growth hormones and the synthesis of chlorophyll.  A zinc deficiency can result in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and poor fruit production. 
• Copper is required for the production of proteins and enzymes. A copper deficiency can result in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. 
• Boron plays a role in cell division and the formation of cell walls. A boron deficiency can lead to stunted growth, malformed fruit, and reduced yields. 
• Molybdenum is involved in nitrogen metabolism. A molybdenum deficiency can cause yellowing of leaves and reduced growth. 
• Chlorine is required for water splitting during photosynthesis. A chlorine deficiency can cause wilting and necrosis of leaves.

How Do Plants Get Nutrients?

So now we know what nutrients plants need, but how do they get them? Plants obtain nutrients from the soil, water, and air. The soil is the primary source of nutrients for most plants, and the availability of these nutrients depends on various factors such as: 

• Soil pH
• Organic matter content
• Soil texture

​Plants absorb nutrients from the soil through their roots. The roots have root hairs that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Nutrients are absorbed in the form of ions, and the uptake is facilitated by active transport and diffusion. It is essential to maintain healthy soil that is rich in organic matter to ensure that your plants can access the nutrients they need to thrive.

In addition to soil, plants also obtain nutrients from the air and water. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed through tiny openings in leaves called stomata and is used in photosynthesis.  Water is also essential for plant growth, and it carries nutrients from the soil to the plant’s cells.

Source:  Plant Nutrients: A Comprehensive Guide to What Plants Need & How They Get It

NITRATE CONTENT IN BRASSICAS

Compared to other plant crops, brassicas generally have a relatively high nitrate content, often considered among the top nitrate accumulators, with vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli showing significantly higher nitrate levels than crops like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers; however, the exact nitrate content can vary depending on factors like cultivar, growing conditions, and harvest time. 

Key points about nitrate in brassicas: 

• High nitrate content:
  Brassicas like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli tend to accumulate more nitrate than many other vegetables. 
• Variation within brassicas:
  Different varieties of brassicas can have varying nitrate levels, with some cultivars accumulating more nitrate than others. 
• Factors affecting nitrate content:
  Growing conditions, like nitrogen fertilization levels, can significantly impact the nitrate content in brassicas. 

Comparison with other plant crops: 

• Higher nitrate crops:
  Lettuce, spinach, celery, and some leafy greens often have higher nitrate levels than most root vegetables, including some brassicas.
• Lower nitrate crops:
  Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and most legumes tend to have lower nitrate content compared to brassicas. 

Important considerations: 

• Cooking methods: Proper cooking can significantly reduce nitrate content in brassicas. 
• Dietary concerns: Individuals with certain health conditions may need to monitor their intake of nitrate-rich vegetables like brassicas. 

The nitrate content of Brassica vegetables varies depending on the type of vegetable and its growing conditions: 

• Kale
  The nitrate content of kale can range from 248–2810 mg per 1000 g of fresh matter, depending on the cultivar and harvest date. 
• Cabbage
  The mean concentration of nitrate in cabbage is 331 mg/kg. 
• Broccoli
  The nitrate content of broccoli is about 40 mg per 100 g serving, depending on growing conditions. 
• Spinach
  The nitrate content of spinach is about 741 mg per 100 g serving, depending on growing conditions. 

The World Health Organization and United Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO) recommend that the allowable daily intake (ADI) of nitrate is 3.7 mg/kg of body weight. 

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