Question map
Which of the following is not a micro-nutrient for a plant?
Explanation
Essential plant nutrients are classified into macronutrients and micronutrients based on the quantity required for growth. Macronutrients are needed in larger amounts and include primary nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and secondary nutrients (Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur) [2]. Magnesium (Mg) is specifically categorized as a secondary macronutrient essential for chlorophyll formation. In contrast, micronutrients are required in trace amounts, typically comprising less than 0.025% of dry plant tissue. The standard list of micronutrients includes Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), and Nickel (Ni) [2]. Since Iron, Molybdenum, and Manganese are all confirmed micronutrients, Magnesium is the only element in the options that is classified as a macronutrient.
Sources
- [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > FERTILISERS > p. 302
- [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > z. Micronutrientsl > p. 363