Essential elements used by plants in relatively large amounts for plant growth are called macronutrients. The major macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) are also macronutrients. All six nutrients are important constituents in soil that promote plant growth. Concentrations of these macronutrients in the soil are generally determined before the site is disturbed in order to complete a site reclamation plan. Knowing the initial macronutrient concentrations of the soil before disturbance can allow reclamationists to ensure that the same concentrations of macronutrients are in the soil after reclamation for revegetation purposes. When a site is revegetated, will fertilizer application be necessary? How much fertilizer will be necessary? Can the fertilizer simply be applied to the surface or will it need to be tilled into the soil? Which plants will grow in the area? These are some of the important questions that must be answered prior to mineland restortation. For more information on revegetation practices for reclamation, click here.
In addition to macronutrients, there are various trace elements that are necessary for plant growth. These trace elements are needed in smaller quantities than macronutrients. If the trace element is required for plant growth it is called a micronutrient. These include aluminum, arsenic, boron, cadmium, chlorine, copper, iron (sometimes thought of as a macronutrient), lead, manganese, sodium, zinc, and others. For more information on trace elements, see Munshower (1994).
2007-01-12
01:06:55
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4 answers
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asked by
abhinav r
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Botany