Which nutrient is essential for healthy plant growth and development?

Nitrogen is essential for healthy plant growth and development because it plays a critical role in the synthesis of key components necessary for plant life. It is a major constituent of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which are vital for growth and cellular functions. Additionally, nitrogen is a key component of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, which are essential for genetic information and protein synthesis.

Moreover, nitrogen is involved in the production of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis, enabling plants to convert sunlight into energy. A sufficient supply of nitrogen helps promote vigorous growth, enhances leafy green development, and ultimately leads to increased crop yields.

While calcium and iron are important for specific functions—such as calcium contributing to cell wall structure and iron playing a role in chlorophyll formation—nitrogen is the primary nutrient that fuels overall growth and development in plants. Sodium, on the other hand, is generally not considered essential for most plants and can even be harmful in excess.