Water is required for the transport of minerals and nutrients. It also enters into many of the chemical reactions necessary for plant growth while hydrating plant tissues. Hydrogen is also a constituent of many other compounds required for plant growth. These three elements are supplied to plants primarily from air and water. Plants to synthesize amino acids, which in turn form proteins, use nitrogen.
Proteins are present in every living cell on the planet.
Plants for other vital compounds such as chlorophyll, nucleic acids and enzymes also require nitrogen. The remaining elements known to be used by plants are found in mineral form and are primarily found in the soil. These minerals are phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. We will be focusing on these minerals in the order of the quantities that are used by plants in order to grow along with their activity and effect on soil structure and fertility. As a footnote to this discussion on soil minerals, we should definitely touch on the importance of a balance for plant nutrients in soils.