Macro essential secondary elements for plants

Dear readers, we have already talked about the importance of nutrients in the growth and development of plants, in one of the previous articles mention was made of the most named macronutrients in agriculture since plants require it in greater quantities, but there are also other nutrients that have specific functions in crops. Therefore, in this article we will describe the function of the essential secondary macro elements in crops and what are some of their visible symptoms when their requirements are not met.

- CALCIUM (Ca): it is an important nutritional element that favors the growth of plants, among its functions are: to increase the general vigor of the plant and the hardening of the stems, it has been related to the synthesis of proteins, because it increases the absorption of nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO3), influences the absorption of other nutritional elements such as boron and stimulates the production of grains and seeds.

As for the visual symptoms when there is a deficiency of this element, the deformation of the young leaves is evident, they curl at the tips downwards or upwards, in some cases the young leaves remain closed, it can influence the development of the radical system, the roots have a gelatinous appearance and the fruits can present apical rot.

- MAGNESIUM (Mg): This element, according to Castillo (2005), is the only mineral constituent of the chlorophyll molecule and is located in the central part, is related to the metabolism of phosphorus (p) and is considered to be specific in the activation of numerous enzymatic systems. Among its functions are: being a fundamental part of chlorophyll as mentioned above, it intervenes in the formation of sugars, it is necessary so that other nutritional elements can be absorbed, it acts as a phosphorus transporter in plants and intervenes in the translocation of starch.

On the other hand, the same author pointed out that magnesium is a mobile element being easily translocated from the oldest to the newest or youngest parts of plants, for this reason in case of a deficiency the symptoms often appear first in the oldest and lowest leaves of the plant. They have mottled or chlorotic leaves with a typically reddish tone sometimes with dry spots.

- SULFUR (S): this element within its functions is to help maintain the dark green of the leaves and promotes the growth of the roots and the vigor of the plants.

With regard to the visual symptoms due to deficiency of this element, it can be said that they are similar to those that occur when there is a nitrogen deficiency, these symptoms are: the leaves turn pale green or yellow, especially between the veins, this chlorosis is more severe in the older leaves.

These three elements complete the list of macro essential elements for plants, it is necessary to remember that the soil is the anchoring site of plants and also the reservoir of all the nutritional elements for the growth of crops, the soil component must be able to supply in sufficient quantities all the necessary nutrients to the plants. However, sometimes due to the inadequate management of agroecosystems many of the soils have a deficient reserve of nutrients, this being one of the indicators of low fertility, although other indicators such as biological ones intervene.

For the aforementioned, dear readers, is that a rational management of the soil component should be carried out, because it can be sown on fertile surfaces with adequate amount of nutrients, but as you progress with the cultivation these elements can be depleted, so it is required to perform soil analysis, to know the deficiencies and be able to correct them with sustainable methods that do not interfere with the biological activity,