Lesson 1: Plant Nutrients and Non-Mineral Nutrients
There are sixteen non-mineral and mineral chemical elements that help a plant grow and survive.
Non-Mineral
Hydrogen (H)
In order for a plant to photosynthesize and create sugar and other substances, they need hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and carbon (C). Plants gain hydrogen (H) directly from water (H2O).
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Oxygen (O)
Plants need oxygen (O) to respire (breath). When there is little or no light, instead of creating oxygen (O) plants breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide (CO2) just like we do.
Plants need oxygen (O) to survive. Even the roots of plants need oxygen. The root cells absorb oxygen from small air pockets in the ground. Plants can 'drown' if they are overwatered. Once the soil is too wet, the cells in the roots begin to die. Consequently, the rest of the plant die because they are dependent on their root systems to survive and gain more nutrients. |
Carbon (C)
Plants use carbon (C) in the process of photosynthesis. Plants use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into starches and sugars. Starches and sugars are food for the plants (NCAGR).
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