Nutrient deficiencies under stress in legumes: An overview - Legumes Under Environmental Stress: Yield, Improvement and Adaptations - page 56

7

Control(1)

PSII

6

150 mM(2)

200 mM(3)

5

Chlorophylla

4

PSI

3

(1)

2 Cinnamic acids

(2)

1

(3)

500 600 700 800

Wavelength (nm)

Figure 3.4 Emission spectrum of Saccharum officinarum plant under intense salinity.

Table 3.1 List of important nutrients required for plant growth.

Non-mineral nutrients Macronutrients Secondary nutrients Micronutrients Essential micronutrients for some plants

Carbon Nitrogen Calcium Boron Sodium

Hydrogen Phosphorus Magnesium Chloride Nickel

Oxygen Potassium Sulphur Copper Cobalt

Iron Vanadium

Manganese Silicon

Molybdenum

Table 3.2 Effects of nutrient deiciency on plant development.

Deficient nutrient Effect on development

Nitrogen Reduces growth and branching in legumes

Phosphorus Stunted growth of plant, abnormal dark-green leaves. Also affects the metabolism,

germination of seeds and ripening of fruits

Potassium Legume stands degenerate to weeds and grass

Calcium Reduces root and plant development

Magnesium Reduces plant growth

Sulphur Reduces protein production and nodule formation

Boron Reduces nitrogen fixation, growth, nodule formation

3.3 effects of nutrient deficiency 3.4 Methods to control nutrient

deficiency

Important nutrients have been classified on the basis of
plants' requirements (Table 3.1). Nutrient deficiencies in
plants can lead to marked effects on growth and
development, and can lead to death (Table 3.2).
Macronutrient deficiencies can be observed easily but
the micronutrient deficiency symptoms are more chal-
lenging to observe and identify.

The principal way to control nutrient deficiency is to
first diagnose the plant with the particular deficiency.
For this, soil analysis has to be carried out. Using the
data from this analysis, the appropriate remedy can be
applied to provide the plant with the particular nutrient
appropriate to the plant's needs in a timely fashion.