1. Plants absorb mineral nutrients from their surroundings. 

2. For a proper growth of plants about 35 to 40 different elements are required. 

3. Plants absorb these nutrients in ionic or dissolved form from soil with their root system e.g. Phosphorus as PO₄^- , Sulphur as SO4^2- etc. 

4. Based on their requirement in quantity, they are classified as major nutrients or macronutrients and those needed in small amounts Eire minor or micronutrients. 

5. Macro elements are required in large amounts, as they play nutritive and structural roles e.g. C, H, O, R Mg, N, K, S and Ca. – Ca pectate cell wall component, Mg component of chlorophyll. 

6. C, H, O are non-mineral major elements obtained from air and water e.g. CO₂ is source of carbon, Hydrogen from water.

7. Microelements are required in traces as they mainly have catalytic role as cofactors or activators of enzymes. 

8. Microelements may be needed for certain activity in life cycle of plant e.g. B for pollen germination, Si has protective role during stress conditions and fungal attacks, Al enhances availability of phosphorus. 

9. The important micronutrients for plant growth are Mn, B, Cu, Zn, Cl.