Plant nutrition refers to the need for basic chemical elements and compounds for plant growth and the interrelated steps by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissue.

Plant nutrition refers to the need for basic chemical elements and compounds for plant growth and the interrelated steps by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissue.

Secondary Nutrients in fertilizers are Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) which are needed in smaller amounts for normal plant growth. Micronutrients like Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) are also needed but in even smaller quantities. A deficiency in any nutrient whether primary, secondary or micro-nutrients affects the yields directly.

These plant nutrients can be in the form of: 

•Organic fertilizers such as plant residues or livestock manure. 

•Mineral fertilizers which are chemically processed to meet crop needs.