Unit 1: Principles of Plant Nutrition for Human Performance

**Plant nutrition** is the study of the nutrients required by plants for growth, development, and reproduction. In this unit, we will explore the key terms and vocabulary related to the principles of plant nutrition for human performance in the context of the Certified Specialist Programme in Plant Nutrition for Sports Medicine Professionals.

**Macronutrients** are the essential nutrients required by plants in large amounts. These include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are obtained from air and water, while the other macronutrients are obtained from the soil.

**Micronutrients** are the essential nutrients required by plants in small amounts. These include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. Although only required in small amounts, micronutrients are still essential for plant growth and development.

**Primary macronutrients** are the three macronutrients required by plants in the largest amounts: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients are often referred to as N-P-K and are the main components of most commercial fertilizers.

**Secondary macronutrients** are the macronutrients required by plants in smaller amounts than the primary macronutrients. These include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).

**Beneficial elements** are nutrients that are not essential for plant growth and development but can improve plant health and productivity. These include sodium (Na), silicon (Si), and cobalt (Co).

**Mobile nutrients** are nutrients that can be moved within the plant to areas of need. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

**Immobile nutrients** are nutrients that cannot be moved within the plant and must be supplied to the growing parts of the plant. These include calcium, sulfur, and boron.

**Nitrogen fixation** is the process by which nitrogen gas (N2) in the air is converted into ammonia (NH3) or other forms of nitrogen that can be used by plants. This process can be carried out by certain bacteria, blue-green algae, and lightning.

**Nitrogen cycle** is the series of biological, chemical, and physical processes by which nitrogen is converted from one form to another in the environment. The nitrogen cycle includes nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.

**Nitrogen deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate nitrogen for growth and development. Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields.

**Phosphorus deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate phosphorus for growth and development. Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include stunted growth, dark green leaves, and purple or red coloration of leaves and stems.

**Potassium deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate potassium for growth and development. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include yellowing of leaf edges, curling of leaves, and reduced yields.

**Calcium deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate calcium for growth and development. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include stunted growth, distorted leaves, and dieback of shoot tips.

**Magnesium deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate magnesium for growth and development. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include yellowing between leaf veins, interveinal chlorosis, and reduced yields.

**Sulfur deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate sulfur for growth and development. Symptoms of sulfur deficiency include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields.

**Iron deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate iron for growth and development. Symptoms of iron deficiency include yellowing of leaves, interveinal chlorosis, and reduced yields.

**Manganese deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate manganese for growth and development. Symptoms of manganese deficiency include interveinal chlorosis, reduced growth, and reduced yields.

**Zinc deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate zinc for growth and development. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields.

**Copper deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate copper for growth and development. Symptoms of copper deficiency include stunted growth, wilting, and reduced yields.

**Boron deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate boron for growth and development. Symptoms of boron deficiency include stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced yields.

**Molybdenum deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate molybdenum for growth and development. Symptoms of molybdenum deficiency include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields.

**Chlorine deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate chlorine for growth and development. Symptoms of chlorine deficiency include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields.

**Fertilizers** are substances that are added to the soil to provide nutrients to plants. Fertilizers can be organic or synthetic and can contain one or more nutrients.

**Organic fertilizers** are fertilizers that are derived from plant or animal sources. Examples of organic fertilizers include compost, manure, and bone meal.

**Synthetic fertilizers** are fertilizers that are manufactured chemically. Examples of synthetic fertilizers include ammonium nitrate, urea, and potassium chloride.

**N-P-K ratio** is the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a fertilizer. For example, a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.

**Soil testing** is the process of analyzing soil to determine its nutrient content and pH level. Soil testing can help identify nutrient deficiencies and excesses and guide fertilizer application.

**pH** is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline.

**Liming** is the process of adding lime to soil to raise its pH and make it less acidic. Liming can improve nutrient availability and plant growth.

**Nutrient uptake** is the process by which plants absorb nutrients from the soil. Nutrient uptake is affected by several factors, including soil pH, soil temperature, and nutrient availability.

**Nutrient mobility** is the ability of a nutrient to move within the plant. Nutrients that are mobile can be transported to areas of need, while immobile nutrients must be supplied to the growing parts of the plant.

**Nutrient deficiency** is a condition in which a plant is not receiving adequate nutrients for growth and development. Nutrient deficiencies can be caused by several factors, including soil nutrient depletion, poor soil structure, and improper fertilization.

**Nutrient toxicity** is a condition in which a plant is receiving too much of a particular nutrient. Nutrient toxicity can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields.

**Tissue testing** is the process of analyzing plant tissue to determine its nutrient content. Tissue testing can help diagnose nutrient deficiencies and guide fertilizer application.

**Foliar feeding** is the process of applying nutrients directly to plant leaves. Foliar feeding can be an effective way to correct nutrient deficiencies and improve plant growth.

**Nutrient management** is the process of managing nutrient availability and uptake to optimize plant growth and development. Nutrient management includes soil testing, fertilizer application, and tissue testing.

In conclusion, understanding the key terms and vocabulary related to the principles of plant nutrition is essential for sports medicine professionals seeking to optimize human performance through plant nutrition. By understanding the