acidity, 46, 47, 60–61, 69, 150, 186, 222, 232
actin filaments, 21, 23, 49–51, 73, 232
actinorhizae, 16
active transport, 34, 54, 66–67, 70, 108, 130, 139–41, 150, 153, 191, 232
adhesion, 80–82, 83, 93, 126–27, 147–49, 232
ADP (adenine diphosphate), 38, 64, 102
alkalinity, 60–61, 69, 186, 222, 232
animal bone meal, 206
amino acids, 18, 42, 62–63, 69, 150, 154, 157, 157, 232; copper and, 109; movement into and around the plant, 142, 162; nitrogen and, 98, 154, 157
amyloplasts, 39
anions, 58, 114, 115, 135, 140, 141, 143–44, 232; exchange capacities, 179, 188–89, 193; mobility in the soil, 179, 193
apatite, 104
apoplastic pathway, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 51, 78, 80, 97, 115, 116, 124, 125–26, 129, 132, 146, 152, 153, 226, 232
aquaporins, 20, 32–33, 52, 125, 127, 132, 149, 152, 153, 232
atoms, 17, 53, 54–55, 56, 67, 69, 155, 232; covalent bonds and, 56–58, 234, 235; hydrogen bonds and, 58–60, 233; ionic bonds and, 58; molecules, compounds and, 56
ATP (adenosine triphosphate), 17, 37, 38, 52, 53, 64–65, 70, 139, 146, 162, 191, 232; creation of, 40; magnesium and, 106; phosphorus and, 102, 104, 119
Azotobacter and Azospirillum, 100, 210–11, 222
Bacillus thuringiensis, 203
bacteria, 24, 37, 38, 40, 47, 90, 99, 136, 137, 138, 184, 191, 196, 201, 202, 204, 213, 225; growth-promoting, 212, 222; nitrifying, 101, 185, 204; nitrogen-fixing, 72, 99, 100, 101, 110, 152, 183, 189, 192, 194, 198, 210–11, 217, 220, 222; phosphate-solubilizing, 211, 222
base. See alkalinity
biofertilizers, 194, 210–13, 220–21, 222, 223, 232; Azotobacter and Azospirillum, 210–11; compost, 212–13; earthworm castings, 213; manures, 213; mycorrhizal fungi, 211–12; PGPR, 212; phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fungi, 211; Rhizobia and Frankia, 210
boron (B), 15, 18, 24, 34, 108, 111, 140, 141, 163; as boric acid, 108, 114n, 140; deficiency, 108, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 185, 191; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 108, 119, 149; mobility, 112, 115; root uptake, 135, 136; sources of, 108
C4 plants, sodium and, 110
calcium (Ca), 15, 18, 38, 111, 114, 115, 135, 163, 164; deficiency, 106, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 191, 192; fertilizers, 208, 222; functions, 105–6, 119; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97, 105–6; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189; movement into and around the plant, 140, 142, 143–44, 145; pump, 145; root hair growth and, 85–86; root uptake, 135, 136; soil testing for, 173–74; sources, 106
callose, 83
carbohydrates, 17, 39, 41, 53, 61, 69, 82, 105, 150, 154, 156, 163, 232; disaccharide, 62; molecule, 68; as molecule of life, 61–62, 154, 155, 156, 165; monomers, dimers, or polymers, 156; monosaccharides, 61; photosynthesis and, 18, 36, 39, 41, 156; polysaccharides, 24, 25, 26, 45, 61, 62, 105, 111, 156, 235
carbon (C), 18, 105, 114, 162, 164; atmospheric, 12; carbohydrates and, 61, 68, 156; exudates and, 197; glomalin and, 196; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97–98, 118; mycorrhizae and, 114, 137; organic molecule and, 67–68, 70; photosynthesis and, 149, 197; root uptake of nutrients and, 136
carbon dioxide, 72, 80, 84, 93, 138; poor soil aeration and, 186, 197; in soil, 183; as source of plant nutrients, 94, 97, 98, 118
carrier membrane proteins (cotransporters), 34, 144–45, 153
Casparian strip, 26, 27, 28, 29, 80, 90, 91, 125, 132, 152, 160, 232
catalysts, 65
cation exchange capacity (CEC), 115, 116, 134, 135, 169, 186, 188–89, 192, 193, 197; test for, 173
cations, 26, 58, 105, 110, 114, 140, 191, 192, 232; mobility in the soil, 179, 193; organic matter in soil and, 183; roots and, 115
cellulose, 23–25, 51, 62, 105, 154, 232
channel membrane proteins, 34, 143–44, 153, 232
chemical bonds, 17, 53, 56, 57; covalent, 53, 56–58, 69, 234, 235; hydrogen, 53, 57–60, 69; ionic, 53, 57, 69; Lewis diagrams, 56, 57; nonpolar and polar, 57–58, 234, 235
chlorine (Cl), 18, 111, 114, 163; deficiency, 108, 112; factors influencing availability, 191; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 108, 119, 123; mobility, 112, 115, 189; movement into and around the plant, 142, 143–44, 145; root uptake, 135, 136
chlorophyll, 38, 39, 40, 41, 64, 232; iron and, 109, 119; magnesium needs, 106, 119; molecule, 106; nitrogen in, 98, 118
chloroplasts, 20, 23, 38–40, 41, 64, 82, 88, 93, 232
chlorosis, 106, 108, 109, 110, 232
cofactors and coenzymes, 66, 70
cohesion, 80–82, 83, 93, 126–27, 147–49, 232
collenchyma cells, 75, 76, 88, 233
colloidal rock phosphate, 207
compost, 11, 183, 186, 191, 200, 212–13
concentration gradient, 66–67, 138–39
copper (Cu), 18, 66, 105, 111, 114, 135, 163; biofertilizers for, 211, 212; deficiency, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 185, 187, 190; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 109, 119; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189; movement into and around the plant, 141, 142, 145; mycorrhizal fungi and, 137, 222; root uptake, 135, 136
corn gluten meal, 203
cottonseed meal, 203
crab shell meal, 207
cutin/cuticle, 84, 86, 87, 160
cytoplasm, 17, 20, 27, 28, 36, 105, 162, 226, 233; hyaloplasm, 163, 233; pH of, 163
cytosol, 23, 36, 44, 48, 51, 73, 75, 105, 106, 125, 126, 138–41, 162; pH of, 46, 47, 141, 153, 233
dermal tissue, 71, 83–86, 93, 233; epidermis, 83–84, 107, 119, 160; of leaves, 87; periderm, 83–84; root hairs as, 84–86
diffusion, 31, 54, 66–67, 70, 108, 134–36, 138, 139, 140, 143, 150, 152, 233; facilitated, 67, 150; temperature and, 181; water and, 67
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), 18, 21, 42, 49, 63, 70, 73, 98, 143, 154, 158, 160, 162, 163, 165, 225–26, 227, 233; double-helix shape, 59, 63, 160; human, 162; of IMPs, 34; magnesium and, 106; nucleotides and, 118, 155, 160, 162; phosphorus and, 102, 104, 119
earthworm castings, 212, 213, 222
electrons, 17, 53, 54, 55, 56, 233; Lewis diagrams, 55, 56, 57; oxidation and reduction, 63–64
elements, 53, 233; atomic numbers, 55; chemical formulas, 55; essential, 18, 94, 96–97, 118, 164; heavy metals, 117, 205, 213, 233; metals, 66, 93; molecules, 56; nonessential, 95–96, 115, 117–18
endoplasmic reticulum, 20, 23, 32, 40, 42, 43–44, 48, 49, 51, 73, 75, 126, 233
energy: active transport needs, 139–41, 142, 150, 153, 191; differentiation of plant cells and, 73; energy gradient, 139, 145; exudates and use of, 137; hydrogen ions and, 145; ion pumps and, 67; plant cell and, 36, 53, 64–65; production of root hairs and, 86; stored as carbohydrates, 105; stored as lipids, 159, 165; sugar and, 104, 129, 191; synthetic fertilizers and use, 198; transport proteins needs, 144. See also ATP; mitochondria
enzymes, 17, 25, 45, 47, 48, 53, 65–66, 70, 98, 154, 158, 162, 165, 226, 227, 233; in action, 65; ATPase, 40, 145–46; calcium and, 105–6; cofactors and coenzymes, 66, 70; copper and, 109, 119; iron and, 109, 119; kinds of, in plants, 158; magnesium and, 106; manganese and, 109, 119; nitrogen and, 25; nonessential elements and, 118; potassium and, 105; temperature and, 179, 181, 193; zinc and, 109, 120
Equisetaceae, 107
exudates, 89, 105, 118, 136, 137, 150, 189, 196, 197; of grasses, 197; microbial partners, 184, 191; pH of soil, 184, 196, 197; plant specific, 137; soil quality and, 196–97
facilitative transport, 34, 108, 145
fatty acids, 18, 48, 154, 159, 165
feather meal, 203
fertilizer recipes, 194, 214–17; All-Purpose Vegetable and Annual Organic Fertilizers, 214–16; All-Purpose Vegetable and Annual Starter Solutions, 216; Grandpa Al’s Can’t Fail Recipe, 215; Lawn Fertilizers, 217; Quick Starter for Planting, 216; Steve Solomon’s Recipe, 215–16; Wayne Lewis’s Graceland Lawn Food, 217
fertilizers, 11, 15, 19, 115, 141, 168, 178, 201–13, 220; acidic or alkaline soils, correcting, 186, 222; animal manures, 13, 191, 200, 213; applying, methods, 192, 218–21, 223; applying, timing, 189, 190–91; biofertilizers, 194, 210–13, 217, 220–21, 222, 223; calcium sources, 208, 222; CEC of soil and applying, 189; compost, 11, 183, 186, 191, 200, 212–13; definition, 200; dry, 201; foliar feeding, 112, 201, 219–20; Law of Return and, 167, 174, 178; Law of the Minimum and, 167, 168; limestone application and iron deficiency, 185; liquid, 201; maximizing nutrient availability, 213–14; micronutrient sources, 209–10, 222; mulches, 11, 181, 186, 191; natural/organic, 194–98, 200–212, 221; natural/organic, commercial mixes, 217–18; natural/organic, fertilizer calculator, 176; nitrogen in, 198; nitrogen sources, 201–6, 222; N-P-K ratio, 7, 14, 96, 200–201; phosphorus sources, 206–7, 222; plant tissue testing and, 172; pollution and, 7, 15, 135, 198–99; potassium sources, 208, 222; recipes for making, 214–17; as salts, 61; soil amendments vs., 200, 212; soil testing and, 166–78, 213–14, 221; soil testing laboratories, 176; synthetic, 8, 12–14, 13, 15, 17, 61, 102, 167, 176, 195–96, 198
fish fertilizers: emulsion, 203–4; hydrolyzed, 204; meal, 204; powder, 202
Frankia, 99, 102, 110, 136, 152, 189, 197, 210, 222
gardening: chemical, 8, 183; compost and, 183, 186, 189, 191, 212–13; fertilizer and, 8, 11, 15, 19, 168, 191, 194–98, 200–221; Law of Return and, 167, 174, 177, 178, 217, 220; Law of the Minimum and, 167, 168; mulches, 11, 181, 186, 191; nitrogen overuse, 199; phosphorous use, 104; plant choice and climate, 181; plants requiring acidic soil, 186; plant tissue testing, 172; rainfall and sodium problems, 183; rototilling, 188; soil structure and, 197; soil testing, 166–78; sustainable practices, 15; temperature and, 180–81; watering, 122, 184. See also fertilizers; soil
glucose. See sugars
glycoproteins, 44
GMO (genetically modified organism), 16
gold (Au), 115
Golgi apparatus, 23, 43, 44–45, 47, 49, 51, 75, 233; Camillo Golgi, 44
grana, 41
greensand, 208
ground tissue, 71, 75–77, 92–93, 233
growth (of plants): bacteria-promoting, 212, 222; cells for, 72–73, 75; competition for nutrients and, 151; deficiencies and, 110, 187; of flowers and seeds, 151; nutrient uptake and, 152; partitioning and, 151; photosynthesis and, 151; roots and root hair, 75, 85–86, 151
Helmont, Jean Baptiste van, 12
Howard, Sir Albert, 167
humus, 12, 114, 116, 167, 173, 183, 198, 212, 218, 222, 233
hydrogen (H), 18, 55, 162, 164; bonds, 58–60, 152, 233; carbohydrate molecule, 68; ionic form of, 34, 47, 52, 53, 58, 60, 99, 114, 129, 134, 140, 141, 145, 182–83; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97–98, 118; movement into and around the plant, 140, 141, 142, 143–44, 145. See also water
hydrogen phosphate, 141
hydroxyl ions, 60, 69, 99, 138, 115, 182, 183, 185, 188, 197, 233;
hyperaccumulation, 117
hypha/hyphae, 136, 196, 211, 233
imbibition, 124
IMPs (integral membrane proteins), 33–34, 35, 36; active transport of nutrients and, 31, 54, 66–67, 70, 153; receptor proteins, 34–35. See also specific types
intercellular or direct pathway, 28, 29, 78, 124, 125, 126
iodine (I), 163
ions, 58; acids and bases as, 60; bonds, 58, 69, 233; carriers, channels, and pumps, 67, 127, 129, 132, 142, 233; hydroxyl, 60, 69, 99, 138, 115, 182, 183, 185, 188, 197, 233; ionic form of nutrients, 34, 93, 94, 105, 113, 114, 115, 119, 122, 133, 135, 140–41, 147–49, 152, 213. See also specific nutrients
iron (Fe), 18, 58, 66, 111, 114, 119, 163; deficiency, 109, 112, 113, 185; factors influencing availability, 184, 185–86, 191, 197; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 109; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189; movement into and around the plant, 141, 142, 145; plants’ use of, 14; root uptake, 89, 150
kelp-based fertilizers, 209–10
Law of Return, 167, 174, 177, 178, 217, 220, 234
Law of the Minimum, 13–14, 15, 108, 167, 168, 177, 234
leaves, 18, 39, 80, 84, 86–88, 149; chlorine-potassium balance and, 108, 123; chloroplasts in, 39, 40, 88; epidermal cells, 87, 107, 119; evaporation and, 72, 131; guard cells, 88, 105; nickel for, 110, 120; nitrogen for, 14; photosynthesis and, 71, 86, 93, 119; potassium needs, 88, 105, 123; stomata (pores), 72, 80, 81, 81, 84, 93, 97, 105, 108, 119, 123, 236; temperature and, 181; transpiration and, 80, 84, 123; veins, 87, 151; water loss and, 123
legumes, 99, 100, 110, 137, 220
lignin, 26, 76, 77, 79–80, 109
limestone/lime, 185, 186, 208, 214, 222
lipids, 17, 18, 44, 53, 65, 69, 126, 136, 154, 159, 163, 234; classifications, 159; as energy storage, 159, 165; as hydrophobic, 62, 154, 159; as molecule of life, 150, 158–60, 165; molecules, 62; steroids, 62, 159–60
lysosomes, 21, 23, 47–48, 51, 234
macronutrients, 18, 94, 96, 97–107, 118, 234; fertilizer sources, 201–8
magnesium (Mg), 15, 18, 106, 111, 114, 119, 135, 163, 164; deficiency, 106, 112, 113; excessive, effects of, 174; factors influencing availability, 191, 192; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97, 106; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189; movement into and around the plant, 140, 141, 142, 145; root uptake, 89, 135, 136; soil testing for, 173–74; sources, 106
manganese (Mn), 18, 111, 114, 163; deficiency, 109, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 185, 191; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 109; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189; movement into and around the plant, 141, 142, 145; photosynthesis and, 109, 119; root uptake, 135, 136, 150
mass flow, 123, 131, 134–36, 152; soil moisture and, 179, 189, 193
meristematic tissue, 71, 72–75, 234; calcium and, 106; differentiation of cells and, 73, 75, 90; lateral meristem cells, 73, 75, 84, 92; phosphorus and, 102; shoot and root apical meristem, 72, 74, 75, 84, 88, 89, 92, 102
microbes, 19; anaerobic soils and, 187; biofertilizers for, 210–11, 220, 222; in compost, 212–13; in earthworm castings, 213; exudates and, 184, 191, 197; fertilizers and, 201; nitrogen fixation and, 99, 102, 133, 136–38, 152, 185, 210–11, 222; nutrients and, 18, 72, 89, 133, 136–38, 152; soil moisture and, 179, 189–90, 193; symbiosis and, 196–97; temperature and, 179, 180–81, 193, 201, 213
micrometers (microns), 21, 22, 234
micronutrients (trace minerals), 18, 94, 96, 97, 108–10, 234; fertilizer sources, 209–10, 222
microtubules, 21, 23, 49–50, 51, 73, 234
Mineral Theory of Plant Nutrition, 12
mitochondria, 20, 23, 36–38, 51, 64, 65, 73, 128, 234; cristae, 36, 37, 238, 233
molecules, 56, 58, 69, 234; and compounds, 55, 233; nitrogen, Lewis diagrams, 57; organic, 57, 61, 67–68, 70, 163–64, 165; oxidation and reduction, 63–64; poles of, 57–58; shape of, 59; sugar, 83; types in plants, 155; of water, 57, 58, 59, 80–81
molecules of life, 17, 53, 61–63, 98, 154–65; assimilation of nitrogen and, 163–64; carbohydrates, 61–62, 68, 154, 155, 156, 165; lipids, 62, 154, 155, 158–60, 165; nucleic acids, 63, 155, 160, 162; nutrients and, 162–64; proteins, 62–63, 154, 155, 157–58, 165
molybdenum (Mo), 18, 111, 114, 163; biofertilizers for, 211; deficiency, 110, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 185, 191; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 110, 120; mobility, 112, 115, 189; movement into and around the plant, 145; mycorrhizal fungi and, 222; root uptake, 136
monocots (maize, grasses), 75, 90
mycorrhizae, 7, 16, 137; symbiosis and, 72
mycorrhizal fungi, 99, 135, 136–38, 152, 172, 211, 213, 234; biofertilizers and, 211, 220, 222; collecting, 220–21, 223; glomalin, coating of, 196; introducing to soil, 220; metal nutrients and, 117; phosphorus provided by, 105; rototilling and destroying, 188; soil aeration and, 187; soil moisture and, 189; synthetic fertilizers, negative effects on, 196, 198; temperature and, 180, 181
neutralization reaction, 60
nickel (Ni), 18, 105, 114, 163; deficiency, 110, 112; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 110, 120; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189, 193; root uptake, 136; sources, 110
nitrogen (N), 18, 25, 55, 56, 99, 100, 118, 151, 163, 164; amino acids and, 98, 154, 157; as ammonium, 163–64, 165, 173, 175, 183; assimilation of, 163–64, 165; atmospheric, 99, 100; biofertilizers for, 211, 212; deficiency, 98, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 135, 180, 185, 187, 189, 191, 192; fertilizers (artificial), 7, 12, 198; fertilizers (natural), 201–6, 222; fixed, 100; ionic form, 114, 135, 140–41; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97, 98–99, 102, 118; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189; molecule, 56; movement into and around the plant, 140–41, 142, 143, 145; mycorrhizal fungi and, 222; natural sources, 102, 194; as nitrate, 135, 143, 145, 163, 164, 165, 175, 183, 191, 205–6; the nitrogen cycle, 100, 101; N-P-K ratio in fertilizers and, 7, 14, 96, 200–201; plants’ use of, 14, 118; root uptake, 135, 136; soil pH and, 183; soil testing, 173–76
nitrogen fixation, 99–102, 234; biofertilizers for, 194, 210–11; Haber-Bosch process, 100, 102; iron and, 109; microbial partners, 72, 99, 100, 101, 110, 133, 136–38, 152, 183, 185, 189, 192, 194, 198, 210–11, 217, 220, 222; molybdenum and, 110; pH and, 185, 197; plants for, 102; soil aeration and, 187; temperature and, 180–81
nucleic acids, 17, 18, 53, 63, 160, 162, 165, 234
nucleotides, 63, 65, 98, 118, 155, 160, 162, 163, 165, 234
nucleus. See plant cell nucleus
nutrient availability, 179, 179–93, 221; cation and anion exchange capacity and, 179, 186, 188–89, 193; clay content of soil and, 179, 193; factors influencing individual nutrients, 191–92; maximizing, 213–14; mobility in the soil and, 193; natural fertilizers for, 197–98; organic matter in soil and, 179, 186, 193, 197; pH and, 179, 182–86, 193, 197; plant stages of life and, 179, 190–91, 193; soil aeration and, 179, 186–88, 193, 197; soil moisture and, 179, 189–90, 193, 197; soil testing and, 183–84, 186, 193; synthetic fertilizers, negative effects on, 195; temperature and, 180–81, 193; water and, 183, 184, 192
nutrient deficiencies, signs of, 94, 112; bluish green leaves, 104; bronzing of plant tips, 108; curling of leaves (whiptail), 109, 110; dead spots on leaves, 105; excessive branching of leaves, 109; flower and fruit formation problems, 108; growing tip damage, 108; leaf tip burns, 110; loss of green color in leaves (interveinal chlorosis), 106, 108, 109, 110, 232; malformation of roots, shoots, and young leaves, 106; regions of occurrence, 112, 113, 120; slow or no growth, 110, 187; stem elongation, 110; wilting, 105, 108; yellowing of leaves (chlorosis), 98, 107, 108, 109, 110
nutrients, 53, 84–86, 94–120, 150, 155; botany for plant nutrition, 71–93; as charged particles, 60, 138–40; chemical bonds of, 53; essential elements, 18, 94, 96–97, 150; getting through the membrane barrier, 133, 138–41, 142; grouping based on biochemical functions, 111; grouping based on mobility, 111–15; ionic form of, 34, 93, 94, 105, 113, 114, 115, 119, 122, 133, 135, 140–41, 147–49, 152, 213; macronutrients, 94, 97–107, 118; metals, 89; microbial partners, 18, 72, 89, 133, 136–38, 152; micronutrients, 94, 108–10; mobility in the soil, 18, 111, 113–14, 120, 134–36, 192, 193; in molecules of life, 18, 162–63; movement into and around the plant, 18, 24–25, 26, 31, 32, 34–35, 54, 67, 71, 78–86, 89, 94, 98, 104–10, 112–15, 119, 121, 133–53, 226; nonessential elements, 95–96, 115, 117–18; water soluble, 60. See also specific nutrients
organelles: exudates and, 136; typical plant cell and, 23; universe as, 224. See also specific types
osmosis, 31, 32, 54, 66–67, 70, 80, 83, 121, 124, 125, 138, 139, 146–47, 148, 152, 234; sodium and, 110; synthetic fertilizers, negative effects on, 195
oxidation and reduction, 63–64, 70, 234, 235; copper and, 109, 119; iron and, 109, 119
oxygen (O), 18, 93, 114, 138, 162, 164; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97–98, 118
parenchyma cells, 75–76, 88, 91, 126, 127, 132, 234
passive transport, 34, 66–67, 138–39, 143–45, 152, 235
peptides, 142, 148, 157, 158, 162
perennials, 14, 129, 150, 167, 168, 177, 185, 190, 194, 220
pericycle, 27, 91, 92, 127, 234
peroxisomes, 21, 23, 47–48, 235
PGPR, 212
pH, 46, 47, 60–61, 69, 232, 235; of ammonium/nitrate, 183, 192; chemical gardening and problems with, 183; of compost, 183; correcting acidic or alkaline soil, 186, 222; of cytoplasm, 163; of cytosol, 46, 47, 141, 142; enzymes of lysosomes and, 47; exudates and, 184, 196, 197; of fertilizer, 61; high or low, nutrient unavailability and, 179, 182–86, 192, 193, 197, 213; neutral, 47; pH gradient and, 139; plant regulation of, 184; scale for, 182; soil moisture and, 179, 189, 193; soil testing and, 174–75, 183–84, 186, 213; synthetic fertilizers, negative effects on, 195; tonoplast membrane and, 47, 143; of vacuole, 141, 142
phloem, 18, 71, 77–78, 82–83, 87, 92, 93, 121, 128–30, 150, 152, 153, 235; sap, 149, 150, 151; the sink, 83, 130–31; transporting sugars, starches, and proteins, 149–51; water transporting compounds in, 127–31
phospholipids, 30, 33, 35, 39, 45, 49, 62, 104, 119, 126, 138, 150, 152, 159; mitochondria and, 36, 37, 38; plasmalemma and, 30–31, 32, 33, 226
phosphorus (P), 18, 102, 111, 114, 139, 141, 163, 164; applying, methods, 192, 218, 223; applying to fields and gardens, 104; biofertilizers for, 211, 212, 222; cycle, 103, 104; deficiency, 102, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 184–85, 187, 190, 191, 193; fertilizers (artificial), 7; fertilizers (natural), 206–7, 222; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97, 102–5; mobility, 112, 115, 189; molybdenum and, 110, 120; mycorrhizal fungi and, 105, 117, 137, 180–81, 222; N-P-K ratio in fertilizers and, 200–201; phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, 211, 222; plants’ use of, 14, 102–5, 119; root uptake, 89, 135, 136, 150; shortage, 15, 104–5; sources, in soil, 104; temperature and, 180, 181
phosphorylation, 64
photosynthesis, 17, 38–40, 41, 62, 64–65, 71, 82, 86, 92–93, 107, 118, 150, 151, 191; carbohydrates and, 18, 36, 39, 41, 156; carbon and oxygen used in, 97, 149; carbon produced by, 197; chlorine and, 108, 119; copper and enzymes, 109, 119; magnesium and, 106; manganese and, 109; nitrogen and enzymes for, 98
photovolatilization, 117
plant cell, 17, 20–52; animal cells vs., 23, 37, 156, 226; death of, 47, 158, 165; differentiation, 73–74; hydrogen ions, 34, 47, 52; imagining viewing the cell, 50–52; molecules of life, percentage by weight, 163, 165; number of, in one plant, 22, 52, 225; nutrient ions, 20, 26; pathways for water and nutrients, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 38, 51, 78, 80, 90, 97, 115, 116, 125–26; potassium and water movement, 119; protoplasm in, 162–63; redundancy in key operations and, 50, 65, 124; size, 21–23; transporting of nutrients in, 20, 24–25, 32–36, 47, 49–50, 63, 73, 75, 77–83, 115, 133–54, 227; turgidity of, 25, 33, 36, 46, 130; universe compared to, 224–27; waste removal from, 31, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47–48. See also specific parts
plant cell membrane, 20, 104, 106, 108
plant cell nucleus, 17, 21, 23, 44, 48, 48–49, 73, 162, 164, 226, 234
plant cell walls, 17, 20, 23–27, 105, 108, 111, 125, 226, 232
plant color, 39–40; cell sap and, 46
plasmalemma, 23, 27, 28–36, 44, 47, 51–52, 75, 80, 125, 128, 129, 132, 152, 153, 226, 235; as bidirectional, 29, 139; nutrients crossing, 31, 138–43, 142
plasma membrane, 17, 20, 75, 138
plasmodesmata, 23, 28, 31–32, 33, 34, 75, 79, 83, 125–26, 128, 129, 131, 152, 235; desmotubule, 126, 233
plastids, 23, 38–40, 235; three groups of, 38
polysaccharides, 24, 25, 26, 45, 61, 62, 105, 111, 156, 235
potassium (K), 18, 111, 163, 164; applying, methods, 218, 223; biofertilizers for, 212; boron and, 108; deficiency, 105, 112, 113; excessive, effects of, 174; factors influencing availability, 185, 187, 191, 192; fertilizer (artificial), 7; fertilizers (natural), 208, 222; ionic form, 105, 114, 115, 119, 135; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97, 105; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189, 193; movement into and around the plant, 140, 142, 143, 143–44, 145; N-P-K ratio in fertilizers and, 200–201; plants’ use of, 88, 14, 105, 123; pump proteins and, 34, 145; root uptake, 135, 136; soil testing, 173–74
protein pump (ion pump), 34, 67, 145–46, 153, 235
proteins, 17, 24, 32, 53, 62–63, 65, 69, 126, 144, 163, 235; amino acids and, 18, 42, 62–63, 69, 154, 157; channel carriers, 143–45, 153; cysteine, 106–7, 119; differentiation of plant cells and, 73, 75; diffusion of nutrients and, 67; DNA and, 63; enzymes as, 98; Golgi apparatus and, 45, 49; iron and, 109, 119; membrane, 143–45; as molecule of life, 62–63, 154, 155, 157–58, 165; movement into and around the plant, 149–51; nitrogen and, 98, 111; phosphorus and, 111; RNA and, 42, 49, 63; shapes, 60; sulfur and, 106–7, 111, 119; synthesis of, 20, 40, 42, 43, 49, 126; transport, 20, 32–36, 47, 63, 73, 75, 115, 143–46, 152, 153, 154, 227. See also enzymes; IMPs
proton, 53, 54, 55, 58, 69, 142, 235
reduction. See oxidation and reduction respiration, 36, 37, 63, 64, 66, 81–82, 98, 106, 107, 109, 119, 148, 163, 181, 186, 187
Rhizobia, 99, 100, 110, 136, 152, 189, 197, 210, 217, 220, 222, 223
rhizosphere, 89, 90, 136, 150, 197, 235; pH, nitrogen and, 98–99
ribosomes, 20, 37, 40, 42–43, 48, 49, 51, 73, 75, 162, 235
RNA (ribonucleic acids), 18, 42, 48, 49, 63, 70, 73, 98, 151, 154, 160, 162, 163, 165, 225, 227, 235; magnesium and, 106; messenger (mRNA), 42, 43, 73, 162, 234; phosphorus and, 104, 119; protein synthesis and, 42, 49; transfer (tRNA), 42–43, 162, 236
root hairs, 27, 29, 71, 84–86, 90, 93, 116, 235
roots, 18, 26, 27, 28, 29, 39, 71, 88–92, 93, 116, 125, 127, 134, 140, 196; Casparian strip in, 26, 27, 80, 90, 91, 125, 132; cations of, 115; cross section, 90, 91; fibrous, 88; growth, 75; hydraulic pressure and, 89, 90; lateral, 92; microbial partners, 133, 136–38, 150, 152, 210; movement of nutrients into, via diffusion, interception, or mass flow, 67, 134–36, 138, 152; mucilage, 89, 93, 136; osmosis and, 80; phosphorus for, 15; root pressure and absorption, 123–24, 132, 146–47; soil aeration and, 186–87; soil moisture and, 189; starch stored in, 62, 105, 156; statoliths, 88, 235; stele, 28, 92, 235–36; taproot, 88; tip, 91; water getting to, two systems, 122–23; water uptake, 18, 27, 28, 29, 80–82, 121; zones of elongation/maturation, 89, 90. See also exudates; rhizosphere
rototilling, 12
rubidium (Rb), 110
sap, 82, 83, 93, 130; cell, 46, 150; flow of, 128, 147–49; makeup of, 150–51; nuclear, 29; phloem, 149, 150; pH of, 150; tapping maple and birch trees, 82, 148
schlerenchyma cells, 77, 235; schlereids, 77
seeds, 39, 48, 77, 84, 95, 124, 151, 171; fertilizers and, 192, 202, 203, 216, 218; phosphorus application and, 192; Rhizobia application to, 220
selenium, 118
shrimp shell meal, 209
sieve element cells, 78, 79, 83
silicon (Si), 107, 118, 119; deficiency, 107; drought tolerance and, 107, 119
sodium (Na), 34, 145; as essential element, 110; factors influencing availability, 191; movement into and around the plant, 140, 142, 143; as nonessential element, 115; rainfall, low, and excess in soil, 183
soil, 13, 13–14; acidic and alkaline, correcting, 186, 222; aeration, 179, 186–88, 193, 197; anaerobic, 100, 187, 188, 197; anions in, 115; buffering, 183, 186; cation exchange capacity, 115, 116, 134, 135, 179, 188–89, 192, 193; clay, 114, 116, 179, 188–89, 193; compaction, 19, 188; detoxifying, 117; electrical charges and, 133; exudates and quality of, 196–97; fertilizers (artificial), negative effects, 195–96; how nutrients get to roots, 134–36; how water gets to roots, 122–23; humus content, 116, 198, 212; ions in, 114–15, 134; macro- and micro-anthropods in and fertilizers, 198; metals in, 118; microbial partners, 99, 100, 101, 102, 133, 135, 136–38, 152, 179, 187, 193; mobility of nutrients in, 18, 111–15, 120, 134–36, 189, 192, 193; moisture and nutrient availability, 19, 179, 193; nitrogen fixation, 99–102; organic matter content, 179, 183, 186, 189, 193; parent material of, 184; pH and nutrient availability, 61, 98, 179, 182–86, 193; pH and watering practices, 184; phosphorus in, 104; plants requiring acidic soil, 186; plug aeration for, 187; rototilling, 188; sampling, 170, 171–72, 178; sandy, 189, 197–98; sodium excess in, 183; testing, 166–78, 183–84, 186, 193; tropical, 114–15. See also fertilizers
soil food web, 7, 16–17, 167, 169, 172, 185, 186, 188, 189, 233; bringing nutrients to plants in, 137–38; exudates and quality of, 196–97; macro- and micro-anthropods in soil and, 198; natural fertilizers for, 195, 200, 201, 221; nutrient availability and, 221; synthetic fertilizers, effects on, 196
soil testing, 166–78, 213, 221; basic tests, 166, 173–76, 178; biological testing, 172, 273; CEC test, 169, 173–74; cost, 171; following recommendations, 166, 176–77, 178; follow-up tests, 177; frequency, 177, 178, 213–14; government agencies and, 171; home testing kits, 171; laboratories, 166, 169, 171–72; for local conditions, 176; nutrient availability and, 193; nutrient tests, 175–76; for organic matter content, 169, 174; for pH, 174–75, 183–84, 186; sample report, 175; soil sampling, 166, 170, 172–73, 178
soybean meal, 205
Sprinkle, Carl, 13
starch, 39, 62, 105, 156; movement into and around the plant, 129, 149–51
stem, 18, 75, 82, 83, 87, 92, 110, 127, 168
stroma, 41
sugar, 18, 36, 37, 40, 41, 43, 46, 48, 63, 65, 69, 82, 89, 105, 129, 150, 156, 191; -alcohols, 150; boron and, 108; disaccharides, 62, 156, 233; fructose, 156; glucose, 24, 38, 39, 61–62, 63, 64–65, 150, 156, 158; maltose, 156; molecules, 61; monosaccharides, 61, 62, 234; movement into and around the plant, 71, 77, 81, 83, 88, 90, 92, 105, 108, 130–31, 142, 147–51; photosynthesis and, 64, 71, 80; polysaccharides, 24, 25, 26, 45, 61, 62, 105, 111, 156, 235; stored as starch, 62, 105; sucrose, 62, 151, 156
sulfate of potash, 208
sulfur (S), 18, 107, 111, 114, 163, 164; availability of, 185; deficiency, 107, 112, 113; as macronutrient, 94, 96, 97, 106–7, 119; mobility, 112, 115, 189; sources of, 107; uptake of, 135, 136
symplastic pathway, 28, 29, 31, 38, 78, 80, 116, 124, 125–26, 129, 132, 146, 149, 152, 153, 236
temperature, 19; cellular enzymatic activity and, 179, 181, 193; soil microbial activity and, 179, 180–81, 193, 201, 213; transpiration and, 191; water flow and, 179, 181, 193
titanium (Ti), 118
tonoplast, 20, 23, 46–47, 141, 142, 143, 152, 153
transpiration, 117, 123, 127, 131, 153; factors influencing, 181, 191
transport proteins, 20, 32–36, 47, 63, 73, 75, 115, 143–46, 152, 153, 154, 227
trees. See woody plants trichomes, 80, 84, 87, 236
uranium (U), 115
vacuole, 20, 23, 27, 45, 46–47, 131, 141, 150, 226, 236
vascular tissue, 71, 77–83, 93, 128, 236
vesicles, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 236
Von Liebig, Justus, 8, 12–14, 17, 138; Law of the Minimum, 13–14, 108, 167, 168, 177; Mineral Theory of Plant Nutrition, 12
water, 12, 27, 65, 67, 133–53; aquaporins and transport of, 32–36, 125, 127, 132, 149, 153; chemical formula, 55, 56; hydrogen bonds and characteristics of, 59, 60; hydrostatic pressure, 83; mass flow and, 123, 131, 135, 179, 189, 193; molecule, as polar, 57, 58, 59, 80–81, 122, 152; molecule size, 32; movement into and around the plant, 105, 119, 121–32, 146–47; nutrient availability and, 192; nutrient uptake and, 28, 60, 135; osmosis and, 31, 67, 83, 138; pathways in the plant cell, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 38, 51, 78, 80, 90, 97, 115, 116, 124, 125–26; percentage of cell’s weight, 122, 163, 165; phloem and, 127–31; plant uptake of, 18, 20, 80–82, 93, 121, 122–24, 131, 134, 138; soil aeration and, 179, 193; as solvent, 60, 122, 134, 135, 152; as source of plant nutrients, 97, 118; temperature and, 179, 181, 193; testing of, 184; transpiration, cohesion, and adhesion and movement through the xylem, 80–82, 83, 93, 126–27, 147–49; transport proteins and, 34–35; turgidity of cells and, 25, 33; vapor, and stomata, 93
wood ashes, 208
woody plants: acidic soils for, 185; bark (periderm), 84; cell walls of, 26; cork, 84; fertilizing, 220; Law of Return and, 167; lignin and, 26, 79–80; maple and birch sap, 82, 148; mycorrhizal fungi and, 212; number of cells in a tree, 225; rings in trees, 127; root endodermis, 26; secondary cell walls, 26; tracheids in symnosperms, 79; vessel elements in hardwoods, 79
xylem, 18, 27, 29, 71, 78–79, 87, 92, 93, 126, 127, 132, 149, 152, 236; environmental conditions and, 127; movement of water through, 80–82, 93, 121, 126–27, 131, 147–49, 153; sap and, 147–49, 150
zinc (Zn), 18, 66, 111, 114, 163; applying, methods, 219; biofertilizers for, 211, 212; deficiency, 110, 112, 113; factors influencing availability, 185, 191; as micronutrient, 94, 97, 109–10, 120; mobility, 112, 115, 120, 189, 193; movement into and around the plant, 141, 142, 145; mycorrhizal fungi and, 137, 222; root uptake, 89, 135, 136, 150