(essential element) Any chemical element required by a plant in relatively large quantities for successful growth. Macronutrients include * carbon , hydrogen, and oxygen, which are obtained from carbon dioxide and water. The remaining macronutrients, * nitrogen , * phosphorus , * potassium , * sulphur , * magnesium , * calcium , and * iron , are obtained from the soil. In a culture medium these are provided by calcium and potassium nitrates, potassium and iron phosphates, and magnesium sulphates. Compare micronutrient. |
