Question

6) describe why plants require specific levels of pH, N, P, K (potassium)?

Answer 1

1) Specific pH of soil is important because it affect on availability of nutrients, toxic material, availability of fertilizer, nutrients leaching etc.

Best pH of soil is 5.5 to 7 because most bacteria grow at neutral pH. Many bacteria are important for growth of plants like nitrogen fixing bacteria. If soil pH is more acidic element like aluminum dissolve on soil which affect on growth of plants.

2) Nitrogen is important component becouse it is part of protein but it requires in appropriate amounts. Because nitrogen supply is less naturally. Nitrogen deficiency cause stunted growth, fruit flowers not produced by plant.

Excess nitrogen cause more growth of stem which makes stem weak . Also it attract more insects which damage plants. It cause stunted growth of roots.

3) Phosphorus promote growth of roots, set flowers and bud, improve vitality,a nd increase seed size. It is part of ATP so help to transfer components from one part of plant to other part.

If phosphorous is excess it make inability in plants to take up micronutrients like iron and zink which are also important for growth of plants.

4) Potassium helps plant to make carbohydrate and make disease resistance. It regulate metabolic activities.

Excess potassium agrevate uptake of magnesium, manganese , iron ,and zink. etc.

Hence N,P, K are available in less amount it affect on growth of plants in many ways and excess amount also affect. So it is important to make proper amount of these elements in soil