SOIL-PLANT RELATIONSHIP

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 At the end of this lesson, students
should be able to:
1. Identify essential elements in soils,
their forms, and roles;
Learning
2. Determine when the nutrients are
Outcomes available for plant uptake as
affected by different factors; and
3. Discuss the causes of decline in soil
fertility
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Plant nutrition
• The supply and absorption of chemical elements or
compounds required by the plant

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 NUTRIENTS
chemical elements or compounds
required by plants for normal growth

METABOLIC PROCESSES
are mechanisms by which elements
are converted to cellular materials
or as sources of energy, or to drive
reactions

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Philippine setting
• One of the causes of low crop yields in the Philippines is
low soil fertility
• Continuous cropping without replenishment of the soil
nutrients inevitably result in depletion of its fertility
• Every time a crop is harvested, the nutrients absorbed are
removed from the soil

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▪ Soil is the natural medium for plant growth
▪ It provides anchorage, nutrients, water, and air to plants
▪ Ideal soil volume- 45% inorganic or mineral matter, 5%
organic matter, 25% air and 25% water.
▪ Favored biological life
▪ The capacity of the soil to supply nutrients, influenced by
physical, chemical, and biological properties.

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 • Macronutrients - needed by plants in
large quantities
air - C, H and O,
Essential soil - N, P, K (Primary macro
nutrients)
Elements in
Ca, Mg and S (Secondary
Soils and macro nutrients)
their Forms
• Microelements are Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B,
Mo, Co, Cl and Ni. derived from
various minerals
Criteria for essentiality of nutrient
elements

Plants cannot complete The nutrient is an integral No other element can substitute
their life cycle in the component of a plant for the element if it is
absence/deficiency of structure and/or absent/lacking in supply. Its
any one of the nutrient participates in one or deficiency can only be
elements, more metabolic corrected by addition of that
processes in the plant element.
 Elements Available Form
1. Carbon (C) CO2
2. Hydrogen (H) H2O, H2
3. Oxygen (O) O2
4. Nitrogen (N) NH4+, NO3-
Table 1. Forms of
5. Phosphorus (P) H2PO4-,HPO4=, PO4=
elements that
6. Potassium (K) K+
are available for 7. Calcium (Ca) Ca++
plant use 8. Magnesium (Mg) Mg++
9. Sulfur (S) SO4=
10. Iron (Fe) Fe++
11. Manganese (Mn) Mn++
12. Zinc (Zn) Zn++
13. Copper (Cu) Cu++
14. Boron (B) BO3=
15. Molybdenum (Mo) MoO4=
16. Chlorine (Cl) Cl –
17. Nickel Ni2+
18. Cobalt Co2+
Sources of Nutrient Elements

• The essential nutrient elements

can be derived from organic
matter, minerals, air, and water.
• The air partly supplies N, contains
78% N.
• N is being supplied to the plants
through biological nitrogen
fixation and when lightning
converts it to NO3-.
• The major source of N is organic
matter.
• OM contains about 5% nitrogen.
Sources of
Nutrient Elements
• Phosphorus is released from soil OM.
• OM contains about 1% P.
• The major inorganic sources of P in the soil
are acid-soluble P, calcium phosphate,
aluminum phosphate and iron phosphate.
Sources of Nutrient
Elements
• Potassium can be found in minerals like
feldspars and micas which contains 90% of
soil K.
• It can also be found inside of clay minerals
which is 9% of soil K (i.e., unavailable for
plant uptake).
• Available for plant uptake are those that
are present on the soil exchange sites (1%)
and in the soil solution (0.1%).
Sources of
Nutrient Elements
• Sulfur can be found in organic matter which
contains about 1%.
• It is also present in minerals, i.e., gypsum and
pyrite.
• When sulfur is released into the soil, it is in the
forms of H2S, FeS, and SO42- .
Sources of Nutrient Elements
Other macronutrient elements are present in organic matter but at very
low concentrations. Most comes from the weathering of minerals such
as:

Calcium – this element can be found in hornblende, plagioclase,

dolomite, and calcite.

Magnesium – this element can be found in hornblende, dolomite, and

biotite.
Sources of
Nutrient Elements

• catalysts for enzymatic reactions

• As regulators of the movement of water in
or out of the cell and maintenance of
turgor pressure
• As regulators of membrane permeability,
• As structural components of the cell or of
electron receptors in the electron transport
system, or
• As buffers (which maintain the pH within
cells).
Sources of
Nutrient Elements

• Two‐thirds of all the naturally occurring

chemical elements have been found in
plants.
• used metabolically by particular species
• non‐useful chemicals are sequestered in
cell vacuoles, as crystals, or as non‐soluble
compounds and remain in the plant
throughout its life
• Plants can be useful in locating deposits of
minerals, e.g. gold or uranium
• Some plants grow only in soils in which a
particular element is present and are said
to be indicator plants of that element.
ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS
FUNCTIONS AND
DEFICIENCY
SYMPTOMS
Functions
of essential
elements in
plant nutrition
Functions
of essential
elements in
plant nutrition
Function of Nitrogen (N) Deficiency Symptoms
• component of chlorophyll • yellowing of leaves (chlorosis),
and enzymes, essential for
plant growth processes. • stunted growth, and
• reduced yields
• essential component of
amino acids and related • yellowing can progress from the
proteins lower leaves to the upper
• stimulates root growth and leaves,
development • produce fewer flowers and fruits.
• encourages vegetative
growth and gives a deep
green color to the leaves.
Influence of Nitrogen on Plant
Development
Oversupply
• when too much N is applied,
excess vegetative growth
occurs, and the plants lodge
with the slightest wind.

• crop maturity is delayed,

and the plants are more
susceptible to disease and
insect pests.
NITROGEN
amount of N in available forms in the
soil is small, while the quantity withdrawn
annually by crops is comparatively large
too much N in readily soluble forms,
lost in drainage and may become a water
pollutant
N can be added to the soil by some
microbes that “fix” it from the atmosphere
NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA

Azotobacter Clostridium Rhizobium

Able to convert 1st known free-living Gram-negative soil
atmospheric N to N-fixing bacterium bacteria that fix N.
ammonia Form an
endosymbiotic N-
fixing association with
roots of legumes and
other flowering plants
NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA

Nostoc Anabaena
A genus of A genus of
cyanobacteria (blue- filamentous
green algae) fix N cyanobacteria,
known for N-fixing
ability
 NITRIFYING BACTERIA

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NITROCOCCUS
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NITROSOMONAS
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bacterium which
increase
the bioavailability of
oxidizes ammonia into nitrite NITROBACTER
nitrogen to plants oxidizing nitrite into nitrate
in soil and marine systems
 DENITRIFYING BACTERIA

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Thiobacillus denitrificans Pseudomonas denitrificans Micrococcus denitrificans

ability to a Gram- converts nitrates in soil into

oxidize sulfur and uranium c negative aerobic bacterium nitrogen gas
ompounds in a nitrate- that performs denitrification
dependent manner
FORMS OF NITROGEN AVAILABLE FOR PLANT UPTAKE

1. Nitrate (NO3-)
• the most commonly absorbed form of nitrogen in plants. It is highly
soluble in water, making it readily available for plant uptake. Nitrate is
produced through the process of nitrification, where bacteria in the
soil convert ammonium into nitrate.

2. Ammonium (NH4+)
• Is less soluble in water and is often found in soils with a high organic
matter content. Some plants, such as legumes, have the ability to
directly absorb ammonium through their roots, while others will first
convert it into nitrate before uptake.
Function of Phosphorus (P) Deficiency Symptom of
PHOSPHORUS
• Energy storage and transfer • slow, weak, and stunned growth
through ATP-ADP conversion
• dark to blue-green coloration to
• Structural component of nucleic appear on older leaves of some
acids, coenzymes plants, under severe deficiency,
purpling of leaves and stems may
• Involved in metabolic processes appear
such as photosynthesis,
respiration, etc • Lack of P can cause delayed
maturity and poor seed and fruit
• Important in seed formation and development
development of reproductive
parts of plants

• Associated with increased root

growth, early maturity particularly
grain development
Function of Potassium (K) Deficiency of Potassium
• Chlorosis along the edges of leaves (leaf
margin scorching), occurs first in older
• Enzyme activator leaves

• Regulates osmotic pressure in • slow and stunted growth

roots
• Weak stems and lodging
• regulates opening of stomata
• Needed in ATP synthesis • Reduced size of seeds and fruit

• Strengthens straw of grain crops

• Increases pest and disease

resistance
Function of Calcium Deficiency Symptom of Calcium
(Ca) • Symptoms first appear on the
younger leaves and leaf tips
• Enhances NO3-N
uptake and regulates • Growing tips of roots and leaves
cation uptake turn brown and die
• stem structure weakened
• Essential for cell • leaves may be cupped and
elongation and division crinkled, with the terminal bud
deteriorating
• Calcium pectate in cell • Buds and blossoms fall
wall prematurely in some crops
Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency Symptom of Magnesium
• interveinal chlorosis first appears in
• Constituent of older leaves
chlorophyll molecule
• Leaf tissue between the veins may be
yellowish, bronze, or reddish, while the
• Structural component in leaf veins remain green.
ribosome
• leaves appear yellow-striped with
green veins, orange-yellow color with
• Associated with energy green veins
transfer reactions from
metabolic processes • premature leaf drop
Sulfur (S) Deficiency Symptom of Sulfur
• Younger leaves are chlorotic with
• Needed in synthesis of sulfur- evenly, lightly colored veins
containing amino acids
• Growth rate is retarded and
• Needed in synthesis of maturity is delayed.
coenzyme A, biotin, thiamin
• Plant stems are stiff, thin, and
(or Vitamin B1) and woody
glutathione
• Symptoms may be similar to N
• Required for synthesis of deficiency
chlorophyll
Function of Iron (Fe) Deficiency Symptom of Iron
Chlorophyll synthesis and in • Interveinal chlorosis in younger
enzymes for electron transfer leaves
Function of Copper (Cu) Deficiency Symptoms of Copper
• Catalyst for respiration, • Reduced growth, distortion of the
younger leaves, and possible
enzyme constituent necrosis of the apical meristem.

• multiple sprouts occur at growing

points, resulting in a bushy
appearance.

• Young leaves becomes bleached,

and eventually there is defoliation
and dieback of twigs.

• The plant is stunted and chlorotic

 Deficiency Symptoms of Zinc
Function of Zinc (Zn) • Interveinal chlorosis occurs on
• regulate various metabolic younger leaves, similar to Fe
deficiency.
activities
• vegetable crops, color change
appears in the younger leaves
first; small, mottled, and chlorotic.

• citrus, irregular interveinal

chlorosis occurs with small,
pointed, mottled leaves. Fruit
formation is significantly reduced.

• legumes, stunted growth with

interveinal chlorosis appears on
the older, lower leaves. Dead
tissue drops out of the chlorotic
spots.
 Deficiency Symptoms of Manganese
Function of Manganese (Mn)
• Controls several oxidation- • chlorosis in young tissues
reduction systems, formation • In monocots, greenish-grey specks
of O2 in photosynthesis appear at the lower base of
younger leaves. The specks may
eventually become yellowish to
yellow-orange
• In legumes, necrotic areas develop
on the cotyledons, a symptom
known as marsh spots.
Function of Boron (B) Deficiency Symptoms of Boron
• Important in sugar • stunted growth, first showing
translocation and
symptoms on the growing
carbohydrate metabolism
point and younger leaves.
• leaves tend to be thickened
and may curl and become
brittle
Elemental Toxicity - Boron
• Boron toxicity in salt-stressed eucalyptus (Eucalyptus
camaldulensis).
• Reddish areas close to margins are early symptoms;
necrotic leaf tips and margins are later symptoms of
boron damage
Function of Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency Symptoms of
needed for nitrogen Molybdenum
fixation • Older and middle leaves
become chlorotic, and the leaf
margins roll inwards.
• necrotic spots appear at the
leaf margins
• stunted, and flower formation
may be restricted
Function of Chlorine (Cl) Deficiency Symptom of Chlorine
Activates system for • Chlorosis of younger leaves and
production of O2 in wilting of the plant.
photosynthesis
Function of Nickel (Ni) Deficiency Symptoms of Nickel
• Component of enzymes • Older leaves may appear yellow
urease and hydrogenase;
• Necrotic leaf tips
involved in the mobilization of
nitrogeneous compounds • Reduced leaf size
• Shortened internode
• Weak shoot growth
• Abnormal growth
Function of Cobalt (Co) Deficiency Symptoms of Cobalt
• Essential for symbiotic nitrogen •Growth retardation
fixation
•Chlorosis
•Necrosis
•Misshapen leaves
•Reduced seed production
•Poor nodulation
•Lower resistance to disease
•Susceptibility to abiotic stress
•Decline in food value
Elemental Toxicity – Aluminum
• Aluminum toxicity in tomato. Mn
Plants are stunted; developing leaves
become white
Mobile nutrients Immobile nutrients
The deficiency can • The deficiency can be
be seen on older leaves seen on younger leaves
•N • Cu
•P • Mn
•K • Bo
• Mg •S
• Zn • Ca
• Fe
• For plants to utilize these nutrients efficiently, light,
heat, and water must be adequately supplied.
• Cultural practices and control of diseases and
insects also play important roles
• At minimum level of nutrient = plants start to show
nutrient deficiency symptoms
• Excessive nutrient uptake = poor growth because
of toxicity
References
J. A. Silva and R. Uchida, 2000
Plant Nutrient Management in Hawaii’s Soils, Approaches for
Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture Essential Nutrients for
Plant Growth: Nutrient Functions and Deficiency Symptoms
eds. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources,
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Mechanisms of
Nutrient Uptake

• Plant nutrient uptake is a process

in which nutrient enters the
cellular material of the plant
following same pathway as water.
• The most common entry point for
nutrient uptake is through the
roots, sometimes in the leaves.
• Three mechanisms of plant
nutrient uptake which are mass
flow, diffusion, and root
interception.
Mass Flow
• Occur as dissolved nutrients in the
soil solution flow towards roots as
the plant takes up water
• amount of nutrient taken up =
amount of available water in the
soil, the concentration of nutrient
in soil solution and the volume of
water consumed by the plant
• water and the nutrients moves
below the root zone- referred to as
leaching.
Diffusion
• Diffusion is the movement of a nutrient
ion from an area of high concentration
to an area of lower concentration.
• The surface of the root is usually
considered to be the area of lower
concentration.
• The surface of the clays in the soil
aggregates is thought to be the area of
high concentration.
• diffusion distances are very short (much less
than 1 mm) and high densities of roots are
required for significant uptake.
Diffusion
• Nutrient uptake by plants keeps the
concentration at the root surface
low.
• management practices that can
affect diffusion, clay size particles in
the soil, the rate of nutrient applied in
a fertilizer program, and the
placement of the fertilizer (band or
broadcast).
• Diffusion is slow but continuous as
long as the plants are growing.
Factors that affect the rate of
diffusion towards the root surface

Temperature Soil moisture – Moist Nutrient Soil texture – Nutrient retention –

– Warm soils increase the concentration – Coarser soils (ex: Diffusion is greater
temperatures rate of diffusion Greater sands and loams) in soils with low
increase because soil water is concentrations of have higher rates of nutrient retention
random ionic the pathway for ion nutrients in soil diffusion since the (ex: less adsorption
movement movement and the increase the rate of pores are larger and and precipitation).
and the rate thickness of water diffusion. pathways are not as
of diffusion in films determines the convoluted as for
the soil ease of nutrient fine textured soils
solution. movement to the (ex: clays).
root.
Root Interception
• the process whereby nutrients are taken up
as a result of direct contact between roots
and soil particles
• roots have direct contact with less than 1 per
cent of soil volume and less than 5 per cent
of available nutrients
• this process accounts for negligible uptake
for most nutrients in most situations
The following are the conditions
required for nutrient uptake by plants:

1. Actively growing plants 2. Metabolic energy – 3. Root hairs – these

– anything that affects plant roots must be able are the most active
the metabolism of the to respire, and soils must points of nutrient
plant will affect nutrient have oxygen. uptake.
uptake.
 Carbon enters almost completely
through stomata as CO2 with
release of O2 produced during
photosynthesis. Hydrogen as part of
water molecules is absorbed
through stomata however in much
lower level compared to
absorption by the roots.
An equation which can describe nutrient uptake is the
Mitscherlich’s equation which has this formula:
DY/DX = (A-Y)c
where:
DY = increase in yield
DX = increase in input
A = maximum possible yield
Y = actual yield
c= constant depending on the nature of x

Mitscherlich’s equation explains that “Plant growth increases as more of

the element was added but not in direct proportion to the amount of
the growth factor added”.
Calculate for DY/DX
Problem 1.
Suppose the maximum possible yield (A) of a crop is 12
tons/ha, the actual yield (Y) is 8 tons/ha, and the constant (
c) is 0.2. Calculate the rate of change in yield (DY/DX).
Calculate for DY/DX
Problem 2.
A crop has a maximum possible yield (A) of 100 tons. The
actual yield (Y) is 70 tons, and the constant ( c ) is 0.05.
Calculate the increase in yield per unit increase in input
(DY/DX).
Calculate for DY
Problem 3.
For a crop with A= 10 tons/ha, Y= 7 tons/ha,c= 0.15, and DX
=5 units of input, calculate the increase in yield (DY).
Solve for c
Problem 4.
The increase in yield per unit input (DY/DX) is 2 tons. The
maximum possible yield (A) is 120 tons, and the actual yield
(Y) is 100 tons. Determine the value of c.
Predict for Increase in Yield (DY)
Problem 5.
If the maximum possible yield (A) is 200 tons, the actual
yield (Y) is 150 tons, and c= 0.02, calculate the increase in
yield (DY) when the input increases by 5 units (DX= 5).
Calculate for Actual Yield
Problem 6
The maximum possible yield (A) is 80 tons, c= 0.04, and the
increase in yield per unit input (DY/DX) is 0.8 tons. Find the
actual yield (Y).
Calculate for Maximum Yield (A)
Problem 7.
The actual yield (Y) is 90 tons, c= 0.03, and the increase in
yield per unit input (DY/DX) is 1.5 tons. Calculate the
maximum possible yield (A).
Timing of Nutrient Uptake
Nutrient Mobility
Within the Plant and
Soil

• All nutrients move relatively easily from

root to the growing portion of the
plant through the xylem.
• Some nutrients can move from older
leaves to newer leaves.
• if the lower leaves are affected (older
leaves), then mobile nutrient is most
likely deficient.
• If only upper leaves (younger leaves)
are affected, the immobile nutrient is
likely deficient.
Factors Affecting the Release of
Nutrient to Plants
1. Percentage saturation of the exchange complex by
nutrient cation. For example, if the percentage Ca
saturation of a soil is high, the displacement of this cation
is comparatively easy and rapid.
2. Influence of complementary adsorbed cations. For
example, based on the lyotropic series
Factors Affecting the Release of
Nutrient to Plants
3. Nutrient antagonisms
For example, K+ uptake by plants is limited by high
levels of Ca. High K levels limit the uptake of Mg even when
significant quantities of Mg are present in the soil.

4. Effect of type of colloid

The strength of adsorption of specific cations varies
with types of colloids.
Gains of Nutrients
to Soil
• Atmospheric deposition –refers
to nutrients that are deposited
on land or water from the air.
• Biological fixation –the
conversion of biologically
unavailable atmospheric N to
plant available ammonium
(NH4) by rhizobial bacteria.
• Application of synthetic
fertilizers –increase crop yields
and quality
Gains of Nutrients
to Soil
• Plant residues – Crop residues
contain significant quantities of
nutrients that are returned to the soil
if the residues are not removed from
the field at harvest.
• Livestock manures – Manure is a by-
product of livestock production and
an excellent source of nutrients for
crop production.
• Municipal biosolids, industrial waste
and other amendments –contain a
variety of nutrients that enter the
nutrient cycle when applied to soil
Crop Uptake and Removal
of Nutrients from Soil
• Crop uptake of nutrients from soil
– Almost all of the nutrients used
by plants are taken up in soluble,
inorganic free ion forms from the
soil solution. The quantity of
nutrient taken up is a function of
crop species and growth.
• Crop removal of nutrients at
harvest – Nutrients are removed
from the soil in harvested
materials that leave the field..
Internal Transformations of Nutrients in
Soil
• Mineralization –the microbial
process of converting organic
nutrients into inorganic forms
making them available to
plants
• Immobilization –occurs when
soil microorganisms
incorporate inorganic, plant
available forms of nutrients into
their body tissues making the
nutrients unavailable to plants.
Internal Transformations of Nutrients in
Soil
• Precipitation –occurs when water
soluble forms of nutrients consolidate
and separate from the soil solution
to form a solid, inorganic mineral.
Decreases the supply of nutrients
that is immediately available to
plants.
• Dissolution –occurs when inorganic
minerals release water soluble
nutrients from their bulk solid reserves
into solution where they become
available for plant uptake.
Internal Transformations of Nutrients in
Soil
• Adsorption –the process by
which nutrients, in their ionic
forms, become attached to
the charged surfaces of soil
organic matter and some
inorganic minerals.
• Desorption –occurs when
adsorbed nutrients are
released from the surface of
soil organic matter and
inorganic minerals.
Soil characteristics that play a large role
in the internal transformations of
nutrients include:

• Cation exchange capacity (CEC) – The total

number of exchangeable cations that a soil
can hold depends on the number of
exchange sites
• Soil organic matter –has the capacity to
adsorb some cations very strongly in non-
exchangeable forms that are relatively
stable and unavailable for uptake by plants
or movement with water
• Soil pH –a measure of soil acidity (pH7).
• Aeration –a well-aerated soil, the supply of
oxygen is sufficient to maintain normal,
aerobic respiration by soil microbes
Losses of Nutrients
from Soil
• Atmospheric losses – Nutrients can be
lost to the atmosphere through
chemical and biological processes.
• Leaching –the downward movement of
water and soluble substances in soil
below the root zone
• Runoff –occurs when rainfall exceeds
the infiltration rate of the soil; carries
away dissolved nutrients
• Soil erosion – the movement and loss of
soil by water, wind or tillage; carries
away nutrients that are associated with
the soil particles
CAUSES OF THE DECLINE
IN SOIL FERTILITY
1. Loss of topsoil by erosion
2. Nutrient mining
3. Physical degradation of soil (poor
structure, compaction, crusting and
waterlogging
4. Decrease in organic matter content
and soil bioactivity
5. Loss of nutrients through various routes
6. Soil acidification, salinization and
alkalinization
7. Inefficient soil management
8. Soil pollution
REASONS FOR DECLINE IN SOIL FERTILITY
1. Loss of top soil by erosion
The top soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Loss of the
fertile top soil components through erosion by water and wind
results in decreased fertility.
Soil erosion is very common in many parts of the country.

The basic causes of soil erosion are the result of human activities
such as deforestation, overgrazing and poor soil management.
REASONS FOR DECLINE
IN SOIL FERTILITY
2. Nutrient mining
removal of more nutrients by
crops than added thorough manures
or fertilizers is called nutrient mining or
depletion
at present, nutrient mining is a
major threat to productive sustainable
farming
It is widespread problem in low
and medium input agriculture
Nutrient mining is accelerated
by imbalance fertilization
REASONS FOR DECLINE IN SOIL FERTILITY
3. Physical degradation of soil
Physical degradation of soil (poor
structure, compaction, crusting and
waterlogging) reduces soil fertility

Soil structure is a variable soil

property that, from an agronomic point
of view, can improve or deteriorate

High disturbance of soils (tillage)

often results in some structural
deterioration, which can be reversed to
different degrees.
REASONS FOR DECLINE IN SOIL
FERTILITY
4. Decrease in organic matter content
and soil bioactivity
The decreased levels of organic
matter causes a strong reduction in soil
fertility as it plays several roles in soil
decreased organic matter levels
results in poor physical, chemical and
biological properties
the microbial activities in soil
decrease due to reduced levels of
organic matter. These microbial activities
play significant role in nutrient availability
and recycling.
REASONS FOR DECLINE
IN SOIL FERTILITY
5. Loss of nutrient through various routes
losses of nutrients from soil can
be caused by soil erosion, leaching,
crop removal or in the form of gases (as
in case of N and to a lesser extent S.

Nutrient removal by crop

products compared with external
nutrient inputs can be similar, higher or
lower. Negative nutrient balances result
where nutrient removals exceed
nutrient additions.
REASONS FOR
DECLINE IN SOIL
FERTILITY
6. Soil acidification, salinization
and alkalinization
acidification, salinization
or alkalinization causes
reduction in soil fertility, and
eventually lead to problems of
nutrient deficiencies, toxicities
and imbalances
factors responsible for
soil degradation are generally
interrelated.
REASONS FOR
DECLINE IN
SOIL FERTILITY
7. Inefficient soil management
poor or inefficient soil
management results in
decreased soil fertility
improper crop
rotations followed may
decrease the soil fertility
tremendously
excessive soil tillage
leads to erosion of the soil,
which leads to reduced soil
fertility
REASONS FOR
DECLINE IN SOIL
FERTILITY
8. Soil pollution
Soil pollution caused by
indiscriminate use of agro-
chemicals and heavy metals
reduces fertility of soil by affecting
the soil biological properties.
The growth of useful soil
organisms is adversely affected,
which eventually causes a decline
in biological soil fertility.
LEARNING POINTS:
• There are 18 nutrient elements that are considered essential for
plant growth.
• The essential nutrient elements can be derived from organic matter,
minerals, air, and water.
• There are three mechanisms of plant nutrient uptake which are
mass flow, diffusion, and root interception.
• Mitscherlich’s equation explains that “Plant growth increases as
more of the element was added but not in direct proportion to the
amount of the growth factor added”.
• Knowing nutrient mobility within the plant is useful in diagnosing
plant nutrient deficiencies.
REFERENCES
• Benton Jones Jr., J. 2012. Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility
Manual Second Edition ISBN 13:978-1-4398-1610-3
• Malhi, S.S., A.M. Johnston, J.J. Schoenau, Z.H. Wang, and
C.L. Vera. 2006. Seasonal biomass accumulation and
nutrient uptake of wheat, barley and oat on a Black
Chernozem soil in Saskatchewan. Canadian Journal of
Plant Science. 86: 1005–1014. DOI: 10.4141/P05-116
• Video to watch: https://youtu.be/uapQT4WWvWU
• Book to read: Benton Jones Jr., J. 2012. Plant Nutrition and
Soil Fertility Manual Second Edition ISBN 13:978-1-4398-
1610-3 You can download the book from this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16l4UmehnkO5T_X-
P342pou6NeDE0WO19/view?usp=sharing 201
• Links to read: https://www.smart-
fertilizer.com/articles/nutrient-uptake/
https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf
/all/epw11920/$FILE/2 -1.pdf
https://landresources.montana.edu/soilfertility/nutuptake.
html