Since we haven’t done a short botany class in a long time, how about we talk about the microelements What do your plants need to be able to grow and develop properly? Although the fertilizers that we find in gardening stores and nurseries will be very useful to cover the needs of essential chemical elements, we rarely think of those that, although in smaller quantities, we must also give them.
We are going to see the different microelements that there are, as well as their function.
Essential chemical elements
First of all, let’s remember what the three chemical elements that should not be missing are for:
- Nitrogen: helps the growth of stems and leaves. In addition, it prevents the yellowing of the leaves, and is essential for photosynthesis to take place by synthesizing chlorophyll.
- Phosphorus: the element of growth. Without it, the plants could not grow. Strengthens the development of the roots, stimulates the formation of flower buds and the development of fruits.
- Potassium: it is the ally of plants against pests and diseases, as well as against meteorological phenomena such as drought or frost. As if that were not enough, it regulates photosynthesis, since with it the starches and sugars that the plant needs can be formed.
Trace elements
The microelements that our plants need most are: iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel.
- Iron: it is essential for the production of chlorophyll.
- Manganese: helps cellular respiration.
- Zinc: an element that is also very important in the production of chlorophyll, and also intervenes in the preservation of plant growth hormones, auxins.
- Copper: intervenes in photosynthesis, and is essential for the plant to have an adequate balance of the bioelements that regulate transpiration.
- BoronBoron stimulates plant growth by promoting cell division, flowering, and seed production.
- Molybdenum: it is vital to fix the Nitrogen in the atmosphere.
- Chlorine: favors growth, and strengthens the defense system of the plant.
- Nickel: Nickel turns out to be an essential microelement for the feeding of vegetal beings, since it influences the metabolism of urea formation.
So, it is highly recommended combine chemical fertilizers with natural fertilizerssuch as compost or worm castings.
