🍃 Macronutrients: The Building Blocks
Macronutrients are required in large quantities for robust growth. The primary three are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) - often called N-P-K.
🔋 Nitrogen (N)
- Function: Essential for chlorophyll production, amino acids, proteins, and rapid vegetative growth.
- Deficiency: General yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves, stunted growth.
- Excess: Dark green, brittle leaves, delayed flowering.
🌸 Phosphorus (P)
- Function: Crucial for energy transfer (ATP), root development, flowering, and fruit/seed production.
- Deficiency: Dark green or purplish leaves, stunted growth, slow flowering, red stems.
- Excess: Can lead to deficiencies in Zinc and Iron.
💪 Potassium (K)
- Function: Regulates water movement (osmosis), enzyme activation, strengthens cell walls, and improves flower quality.
- Deficiency: Yellowing/browning of leaf edges (necrosis), weak stems, poor flowering.
- Excess: Can lead to deficiencies in Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc.
🎯 Diagnosis Tip: Understanding these roles helps you diagnose and correct nutrient imbalances by observing specific symptoms and their patterns.