Be able to define an essential nutrient in plant specificSol

Be able to define an essential nutrient (in plant specific)

Solution

Essential nutrients are the ones which plant cannot synthesise of its own and which are absolutely essential for the growth and development of the plant.

3 criterias are given to decide for the essentiality of the nutrient :

1. It should be required for the growth and reproduction of plant, in absence the plant cannot complete its life cycle or set the seeds.

2. The requirement of the element should be specific . Its deficiency cannot be met by some other element.

3. The element should directly be involved in the plant metabolism.