
Plants need just the right amount of magnesium, calcium, nitrate and water to stay healthy. Nitrate ions - nitrogen is needed for two very important biological molecules - amino acids and nucleotides. A lack of nitrate ions means that less DNA and protein is synthesised. This will affect a range of processes in the plant including:

Many toxic compounds in plants, of which thousands have been identified, have evolved as toxic mechanisms to prevent damage or ingestion by competing organisms. Adverse health effects caused by natural plant toxins or minerals, which may be short-term or long-term, result in significant economic losses to the animal industry.

Students will state the four minerals needed for healthy plant growth, describe the function of minerals and symptoms of mineral deficiency, and explain why fertilisers are used by farmers. The resource includes a detailed and engaging lesson PowerPoint with differentiated activities, worksheets, and quizzes for students to complete.

• Zinc (Zn) -Zinc helps metabolize the carbohydrates that produce growth hormones in the plant. Where are Minerals for Plants Found? Minerals needed by plants are found all over the surface of the earth. Sedimentary rock covers up to 80 percent of the Earth's crust and is the primary component of soil.

six basic facts have been established: (1) plants do not need any of the solid materials in the soil—they cannot even take them up; (2) plants do not need soil microorganisms; (3) plant roots must have a supply of oxygen; (4) all plants require at least 14 mineral nutrients; (5) all of the essential mineral nutrients may be supplied to plants as …