Which one among the following is a micronutrient present in soil for various crops ?

Essential plant nutrients are categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients based on the quantity required by the plant. Macronutrients, which are needed in larger amounts, include primary nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, as well as secondary nutrients such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur [2]. In contrast, micronutrients (or trace elements) are required in very small concentrations but are vital for survival and growth [1]. Manganese (Mn) is explicitly classified as an essential micronutrient [2]. It plays a critical role in biological processes such as photosynthesis and enzyme activation [3]. While Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium are essential for root health and chlorophyll formation, they are consumed in larger quantities and thus categorized as macronutrients. Therefore, among the given options, Manganese is the only micronutrient.

Sources

1. [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > FERTILISERS > p. 302
2. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > z. Micronutrientsl > p. 363
3. [3] https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/soils/soil-testing-and-analysis/plant-nutrients