Question

Differentiate between macro and microelement

Answer 1

Hint: Plants acquire these nutrients from the air, water and soil. Inorganic nutrients acquired from the soil are called mineral nutrients. Each and every mineral plays an important role in the functioning of the plant.

Complete answer: An essential element is the element without its presence plant is unable to complete its life cycle or unable to perform any specific role. An essential element is directly involved in plant metabolism. Essential elements are of two types – Non-mineral and Mineral essential elements.
a. Non-mineral elements are carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen which plants acquire from carbon dioxide and water.
b. Mineral elements- The majority of elements received from the soil are called mineral elements.
According to the relative concentration in plant tissue, the mineral elements can be of the following two categories: macroelements and microelements.

	Macroelements	Microelements
1.	Macroelements are required in large quantities.	Microelement is required is very less quantity but is essential.
2.	The amount required is 1000 mg/kg of dry mass.	The amount required is less than 100 mg/kg of dry mass.
3.	Six essential elements are Macroelements.	Nine essential elements are Microelements.
4.	Includes; Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur.	Includes; Boron, copper, iron, Chloride, Manganese, Nickel, Sodium, Molybdenum, and Zinc.
5.	Can be divided further into two categories primary macroelements involves, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium. Secondary macroelements include Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur.	Also, called trace elements because required in trace amount.

Note: Deficiency of essential elements retards the plant growth. If the concentration of essential elements decreases than that of critical required concentration, the plant shows deficiency symptoms. The absence of any single element does not allow the plant to complete its life cycle.