Nitrogen is necessary for overall plant growth and is required for healthy stem and leaf growth. An over abundance of nitrogen can delay flowering while a deficiency can reduce yield. Phosphorus is necessary for almost all aspects of plant growth and is essential for flower and fruit formation. Potassium is necessary for formation of sugars, starches, carbohydrates, protein synthesis and cell division in roots and other parts of the plant.
Sulfur is a structural component and is required for the production of chlorophyll.
Magnesium is necessary for seed germination and the production of carbohydrates, sugars etc. Calcium is a structural component of cell walls and is necessary for cell growth and division. Iron is essential for the young growing plants and is necessary for many enzyme functions. Manganese is involved in plant enzyme activity for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism. In highly acid soils can result in toxicity.