Intensive Farming - Ion Deficiency
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 6.1.2
Mineral Ions
Plants need many mineral ions for healthy growth. They extract most of these mineral ions from the soil. If the soil quality is poor, plants can suffer from ion deficiency diseases.
Nitrate (N)
- Nitrates are needed for the production and synthesis (creation) of proteins.
- Without proteins, plants cannot grow. This means that a nitrate deficiency causes stunted growth.
Phosphate (P)
- Phosphates are needed to make DNA and cell membranes.
- Phosphate deficiency affects the growth of roots, so plants have short, stunted roots.
Potassium (K)
- Potassium is needed to make the enzymes needed for respiration and photosynthesis.
- Potassium deficiency causes yellowing of a plant's leaves.
NPK fertilisers
- NPK fertilisers contain nitrogen, phosphate and potassium.
- They can be added to plants to prevent disease caused by mineral deficiency and promote healthy growth.
Test yourself on Intensive Farming - Ion Deficiency
Which minerals do NPK fertilisers contain?