Soil acts as a source of nutrient elements, and the availability of nutrients is
determined by soil properties. The different elements are grouped according to their
biochemical behavior and physiological functions. The nutrients that are needed in
moderately large amounts are called macronutrients. The plant macronutrients
comprise nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium. The
micronutrients are required for plant growth in much smaller quantities than
macronutrients. These micronutrients contain boron, copper, iron, manganese,
molybdenum, and zinc. All of these nutrients are absorbed through the roots. Water
will transfers the nutrients from soil to the roots of the plant. In this chapter, we will
discuss the physiological role of essential and non-essential elements and the effects of
some general environmental stressors, such as salinity, drought, and metals, on nutrient
uptake by plants.
Keywords: Deficiency symptoms, Drought, Essential elements, Heavy Metals,
Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Salinity.
