Question:
What are the essential elements for plants? Give the criteria of essentiality? How are minerals classifieds depending upon the amount in which they are needed by the plants?
Solution:
There are two types of essential elements they are macro and microelements. Macro elements are present in large amounts like calcium, magnesium etc. Whereas microelements are present in small amounts like iron and zinc.
Criteria of essentiality: The essentiality not only depends on the presence of an element in the plant but also on the following criteria:
1. Without an element, the plant cant grow and reproduce
2. The element cannot be replaced by other elements because it is specific.
3. The element is directly involved in the metabolism process.