Question
Question: Is calcium a micronutrient for plant growth?...
Is calcium a micronutrient for plant growth?
Solution
Micronutrients are the nutrients that are required by our body in very small quantities. The nutrients are very much essential for functions like repair and maintenance. Some examples of micronutrients in plants are copper, boron, manganese etc.
Complete answer:
The nutrients are very much essential for the proper functioning of a system. The nutrients are classified into two categories- Micronutrients that are required in very small quantities and macronutrients that are required in large quantities.
Let us discuss the essential micronutrients in plants.
There are seven vital micronutrients that are essential for the growth of the plants. The micronutrients in plants are only the minerals. The deficiency of these micronutrients can lead to stunted growth, under development etc. The seven essential micronutrients are boron, copper, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and sulphur.
Calcium is an essential micronutrient which plays a vital role in the formation of the cell wall. It is an important component of the cell membrane. It plays a vital role in protecting the plants against pathogens. The deficiency of calcium leads to darkening of the leaves with the dry tips.
So, we can say that calcium is one of the important micronutrients needed by the plants.
Note:
The micronutrients are absorbed by the roots from the soil. The other important micronutrients are-
1. Boron- It helps in cell division and pollen germination.
2. Zinc- It helps in photosynthesis.
3. Manganese- It is important for nitrogen metabolism.
4. Iron-It is essential for transfer of energy. It is an essential component in the functioning of a photosystem.
5. Copper- It helps in cell division, photosynthesis and production of grains and seeds.
6. Sulphur- It helps in formation of chlorophyll.