Micronutrients vs Macronutrients

Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients: Nutrients are chemical substances required for the proper growth and functioning of all living organisms including plants and animals. The nutrients are also called essential elements because, in the absence of these chemicals, plants and animals cannot complete their life cycle. Important nutrients required by the plants for their proper growth are C, H, O, N, P, K, Cs, S, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, B, Cl and Ni. Except for C, H and O, all other nutrients are absorbed from soil as inorganic ions by the root cells.

Learn more: Mineral Absorption in Plants

In Plants, the nutrients are classified into two categories based on how much quantity they are required by the cells. They are (1) Micronutrients and (2) Macronutrients.

Micronutrients: These nutrients are required in very less amount when compared to macronutrients. Micronutrients of plants are Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, B, Cl and Ni.

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Macronutrients: These nutrients are required in relatively large amounts for the proper functions of the cells. C, H, O, N, P, K, Cs, S and Mg are the macronutrients of plants. Among these, C, H, and O are NOT absorbed from the soil by root. N, P and K are called Primary nutrients. Ca, S and Mg are called Secondary nutrients.

The present post discusses the differences between Micronutrients and Macronutrients

Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients

Sl. No.	Micronutrients	Macronutrients
1	Examples: Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, B, Cl, and Ni.	Examples: C, H, O, N,P, K, Ca, S, and Mg
2	Micronutrients are required in minute quantities.	Macronutrients are required in large quantities.
3	Micronutrients are present in minute concentration inside the plant body.	Macronutrients are present abundantly in the plant body.
4	The concentration of micronutrients in plant cells is less than 1 mg/g / dry weight.	The concentration of macronutrients in plant cells is more than 1 mg/g/dry weight.
5	They are also called trace elements	Also called as major elements
6	Micronutrients are not further classified.	Macronutrients are further classified into primary nutrients and secondary nutrients.
7	All micronutrients are minerals.	Majority of macronutrients are minerals, some are non-minerals (C, H and O).
8	All micronutrients are absorbed through roots.	Majority of macronutrients are absorbed through roots, some are not (C, H and O).
9	Micronutrients do not have any role in building the body structures.	Macronutrients are used for the building of body structures.
10	Micronutrients do not have any role in maintaining the osmotic potential of the cells.	Some macronutrients help to main the osmotic potential of the cells.
11	Micronutrients are toxic if present excess in the cell than the required quantity.	Macronutrients are usually not toxic to the cell if they are present in relatively higher concentration than the normal level.

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