Major Minerals or 'Macro Nutrients'

nitrogen in periodic table

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is actually not a mineral, but a gaseous element which makes up 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is arguably the most important nutrient in plant growth and without it there would be no plants. It is found in the soil in three forms.....

read more
phosphorus in periodic table

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is one of the important major nutrients or "macronutrients", but is a double-edged sword. It has many roles in plant and root growth and the formation of DNA. It also utilises the sun's energy to convert CO2 + H2O to sugars and oxygen.

read more
potassium in periodic table

Potassium (K)

Potassium is another important macronutrient and has multiple roles in plant growth. It acts in concert with other nutrients in complex ways to the extent that we are still vague as to its exact functions. What we do know is that very specific.....

read more
calcium in periodic table

Calcium (Ca)

Strictly speaking calcium is a secondary macronutrient but is essential for plants and has an important role in maintaining soil health and fertility. Plants need a continual supply of calcium because, once fixed, it becomes immobile in plant.....

read more