Nutrients needed by the plants are mostly available through the nutrient solution. The three most needed by the plants are the primary macro nutrients and these are namely: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Nutrients are needed by the plants to growth rapidly and produce high yields. Hydrogen, Carbon, and Oxygen are the three most important elements needed and are readily absorbed from the water through the roots and from the air through the leaves. Beyond these three elements, the mineral nutrients are available in dissolved form with the nutrient solution. In this article, we will discuss the primary macro nutrients or the commonly heard acronym NPK. With the elements are the corresponding nutrient disorders.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen, with a chemical symbol N, is one of the primary macro nutrients which are essential for plant growth. The atmosphere is 78% Nitrogen. In soil gardening, there is a mechanism called Nitrogen fixation that converts free Nitrogen in the air into a form that can be absorbed by the roots.

Nitrogen is very essential because once inside the plant, it is converted to make proteins. These proteins are needed for producing new cells for the plant’s growth. Therefore, it is responsible for leaf and stem growth as well as for the replacement of old plant parts.

The deficiency of Nitrogen manifests in older leaves first. The older leaves turn into pale yellow color. It can also be observed that the new leaves and stems become weak. On the contrary, overabundant supply of nitrogen will produce soft and weak growth. Prolonged Nitrogen surplus will likewise delay fruit production and will hurt your overall yield.

Phosphorus

The next macro nutrient is the Phosphorus or the chemical symbol P. This element is vital for photosynthesis, the process of cooking the actual plant food taking place in the leaves. It likewise serves as a catalyst for faster energy transfer inside the plant’s system.

Phosphorus is also a requirement for building strong plant root system. Moreover, it is also vital for flower and seed production as studies revealed that ample phosphorus are critical while germination and flowering.

Like Nitrogen deficiencies, Phosphorus deficiencies will also show in older leaves first. One will observe an unusual, deep green leaves on a stunted plant. In addition, the presence of brown or purple spots in the leaves confirms the lack of Phosphorus.

Potassium

Potassium, with a chemical symbol of K, is also essential in photosynthesis by increasing chlorophyll in the leaves. It further acts as a regulator of stomata openings to better catch oxygen. Its function in activating the production and transport of sugars and starches all throughout the plant is also another important role.

Potassium is a requirement for stronger root growth for better water absorption. It likewise triggers enzymes to fight plant diseases. Overall, Potassium is very important with hydroponic gardening for higher yield. It is vital for all the stages of growth because of its involvement in cell division, particularly in fruit development.

Signs of potassium deficiency include mottling of older leaves with yellow spots between veins, dark yellow for younger leaves, and flower and fruit drop. As a warning, Potassium deficiency can be deceiving as plants grow tallest and look healthy.