Microelements - There are 17 essential elements (3 + 14) for trees that
we know of. We break them down to two categories. Macroelements and
Microelements. Macroelements are the big guys - N+P+K which is Nitrogen,
Phosphorus and Potassium. Calcium, Sulfur and Magnesium are also
microelements. They are required for life in higher amounts. On a weight
basis, about 99% of most plants are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
phosphorous, and sulfur.
Then we go to the group called microelements. They should not be called
minor elements. Indeed, when they are lacking, life stops. They are
needed in very low amounts. Some microelements are Copper, Chlorine, Boron,
Nickel, Molybdenum, Zinc, Iron, Manganese. Sodium [Na] and Cobalt [Co] may
also be required in very micro amounts. Cobalt may be essential for the
mycorrhizal fungi. Selenium is found in some desert plants. Nickel is
required by the bacteria that form galls on leguminous trees. The bacteria fix
nitrogen. Silicon may be required by some plants and animals. Some soils are
lacking in some essential elements. Boron [Bo] must be added to grow pines in
some areas of the world. A healthy tree depends on the correct amounts of
essential elements in the soil.
You should know just a little about what each one does. Just to be on the safe
side. Some of the above are required by the fungi and not so much by the tree.
A NUTRIENT IS A COMBINATION OF AN ENERGY SOURCE WITH AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT THAT
DOES NOT YIELD ENERGY. If we could provide food for plants we would put
the sun out of business.
Microelements 2 - On a weight basis, about 99% of most plants are made up of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The other elements are called microelements. Sodium [Na] and cobalt [Co] may also be required in very micro amounts. Cobalt may be essential for the mycorrhizal fungi.
See “Food”.
See "Essential Elements".
For a Periodic Table of The Elements do a Google search for "Periodic Table of The Elements".
Dictionary MAIN
PAGE
Text & Graphics Copyright © 2007
Keslick & Son Modern Arboriculture
Please report web site problems, comments and words of interest,
not found.
Contact