| Element | Role in Plant | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | Air | |
| Hydrogen (H) | Water | |
| Oxygen (O) | ||
| Nitrogen (N) | Constituent of proteins, chlorophyll and nucleic acids | |
| Phosphorus (P) | Constituent of many proteins, coenzymes, nucleic acids and metabolic substrates; important in energy transfer | Soil |
| Potassium (K) | Involved with photosynthesis, carbohydrate translocation, protein synthesis, etc. | Soil |
| Calcium (Ca) | A component of cell walls; plays a role in the structure and permeabililty of membranes | Soil |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Enzyme activator, component of chlorophyll | Soil |
| Sulfur (S) | Important Component of plant proteins | Soil |
| Boron (B) | Believed to be important in sugar translocation and carbohydrate metabolism | Soil |
| Iron (Fe) | Involved with chlorophyll synthesis and in enzymes for electron transfer | Soil |
| Manganese (Mn) | Controls several oxidation-reduction systems and with photosynthesis | Soil |
| Copper (Cu) | A catalyst for respiration; a component of various enzymes | Soil |
| Zinc (Zn) | Involved with enzyme systems that regulate various metabolic activities | Soil |
| Molydbenum (Mo) | Involved with nitrogen fixation | Soil |
| Cobalt (Co) | Essential for symbiotic nitrogen fixation | Soil |
| Chlorine (Cl) | Involved with oxygen production in photosynthesis | Soil |
Placed on the Internet April 13, 1997
WebMaster Dr.
Curtis E. Swift, Area Extension Agent, Horticulture
Colorado State University Extension
2775 US Hwy 50, Grand Junction, CO. 81503
voice: 970-244-1834
fax: 970-244-1700