Plants have nutritional requirements just like humans in order to grow, develop and complete their life cycle. The supply of nutrients to the plants should be balanced, ensuring not to over or under-fertilize. Nutrients are classified according to their importance to plants and are categorized by Primary, Secondary and Micro nutrients.

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, form the structural matter in plants and are freely available from air and water. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may not be available in quantities or forms sufficient to support plant growth and additional nutrients must be added.

Primary nutrients:
The primary, or macro, nutrients required by plants are Carbon ©, Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K).

Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is important for normal plant development. Nitrogen is a component of amino acids, a protein which include nucleic acids, enzymes, light-harvesting pigment and chlorophyll. Nitrogen promotes plant growth and dense, bright foliage.

Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus commonly misspelled "Phosphorous" is an essential part of the enzyme responsible for aiding crops to fix light energy. Nucleic acids carries genetic information and is important in stimulating root development. Phosphorus is an integral part of nucleic acids.

Potassium (K)
Potassium assist in the processes which ensure carbon assimilation and the transport of photosynthates through the plant for storage of sugars and proteins, and growth. Potassium is important for water regulation and intake. Sufficient potassium help plants resist frost, drought and certain diseases.

{mos_sb_discuss:7}