ABSTRACT
Carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are nonmineral elements plants get from atmosphere and water. Thirteen mineral elements present within the soil are recognized as being essential for plant growth. The primary elements (N, P, K) need large quantities and the secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg, and S) are needed in lesser amounts for most crops. The micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Cl and Zn) are used as plant food elements in very small amounts. Sodium, nickel, silicon, cobalt, and arsenic, produce significant effects in plants and are required in very small quantities. Mobility of nutrients in soil and within the plant varies depending on the kind of mineral and number of influencing factors. Nutrient uptake of plants directly affect the overall growth and development of the plant, and in turn growth directly depends on the optimal environmental conditions existing around the plant. Nutrient deficiency or toxicity symptoms often differ among species and varieties of plants. Estimating nutrient removal by crops grown on land is one component of nutrient management planning. Effective nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is a key for cropping systems as a whole and for nutrient use within them.
