These three elements are not considered nutrients, but they are necessary for the plant to survive. Plants absorb them in large quantities through water and the carbon dioxide in the air.
| Element | Part Affected | Deficiency Symptom | What it Does | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | Whole Plant | N/A | Promotes healthy growth in the plant | Essential for photosynthesis |
| Hydrogen (H) | Whole Plant | N/A | Promotes healthy growth in the plant | Helps release oxygen into the air |
| Oxygen (O) | Whole plant | Stunted plant | Used for respiration in the plant | Extra produced oxygen is released into the air |
1. Carbon
When carbon is combined with other elements, they form molecular chains (such as fats, carbohydrates, or proteins) that provide nourishment for plants, animals, and humans. Carbon is the main element in organic compounds, which carry out the process of life in every living thing. Water aside, carbon makes up for most of the physical structure of a plant.
How Do Plants Get Carbon?
Plants absorb carbon from the air, as it is comprised primarily of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide. It enters the plant through the stomata (small openings) on the leaves.
Carbon can also be added to the soil of a plant as other plants or feces decomposes around it.
Why Do Plants Need Carbon?
Carbon is is the element most responsible for growing all aspects of the plant. Combined with hydrogen, and energy from the sun, carbon is essential in the production of the plant’s glucose and the oxygen it needs to respire. When the glucose molecules combine, they create cellulose, which is responsible for developing cell walls. As these develop, the cells divide, allowing your plant to grow larger.
When a plant dies and begins to decompose, it releases carbon dioxide into the air.
2. Hydrogen
Hydrogen makes up 75% of the universe’s mass. Hydrogen gas is non-toxic, odorless, and colorless. Hydrogen is one of the elements that make up water (H2O). Plants are made up of approximately 95% water. It is combined with carbon and the sun’s energy to create the process of photosynthesis. Hydrogen is also incorporated into other organic compounds of the plant through photosynthesis.
How Do Plants Get Hydrogen?
Plants get the hydrogen they need through water absorbed through the roots. It can not be given to plants in its gas form.
Why Do Plants Need Hydrogen?
While plants don’t need hydrogen on its own to survive, it does need water (made up of 2 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule) to aid in the process of photosynthesis.
3. Oxygen
Oxygen is the element that enables all living things to respire. Although plants produce oxygen, they also need oxygen. Oxygen is created from photosynthesis and, when respired, helps the plant break down glucose for its growth. Extra oxygen produced through the process is released into the air for the consumption of other living beings.
How Do Plants Get Oxygen?
Oxygen comes from the air and enters (along with carbon dioxide) through stomata on the leaves of the plants. As a byproduct of photosynthesis, oxygen is created, which is used for respiratory purposes.
Why Do Plants Need Oxygen?
As with all living things, plants need energy for growth. This is provided through respiration when the glucose created from photosynthesis is combined with oxygen.