1.

0 INTRODUCTION
Plant nutrition is a term that takes into account the interrelationships of mineral elements in
the soil or soilless solution as well as their role in plant growth. This interrelationship involves a
complex balance of mineral elements essential and beneficial for optimum plant growth. Plant
nutrients fall into three categories, all of which are based on the amount a plant needs, not the
importance of the individual elements. Each plant nutrient performs a crucial role in plant
growth and development.

Fertilizers are generally defined as "any material, organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic,
which supplies one or more of the chemical elements required for the plant growth." Most
fertilizers that are commonly used in Agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients
Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus P) and Potassium (K). Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of
plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and
phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate). Some countries compile fertilizer data
on a calendar year basis, while others are on a split-year basis. Although fertilizer production is
highly concentrated, fertilizer use is dictated by soil composition and the crop being produced.
For the purpose of data dissemination, FAO has adopted the concept of a calendar year,
January to December on the rate at which Nigeria use fertilizer.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF PLANT NUTRIENTS TO PLANTS

 To complete their life cycle

 To help perform specific functions
 For structural support and cell growth.

1.3 IMPORTANCE OF NUTRIENTS TO PLANTS

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Plants need nutrients for the same reasons that animals need them. They need them to

 Germinate
 Grow
 Fight off diseases and pests
 To reproduce.

Like animals, nutrients are needed in larger, smaller or trace amounts for the plant to stay
healthy.

2.0 CLASSIFICATIONS OF PLANT NUTRIENTS

There are 16 essential elements that are classified as essential nutrients, indicating the mode at
which plants take them into their system and the amount of proportion they eaxh contain. They
are basically grouped into three categories, namely,

A.) MACRO NUTRIENTS:

They are also called primary nutrient. Macronutrients are essential plant nutrients that are
required in larger amounts by plants and other living organisms. They mostly occur during the
harmattan season. Examples includes, Nitrogen (N2), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Calcium
(Ca), Sulfur (S), and Magnesium (Mg). N/b: ppm means PART PER MILLION

1.) NITROGEN (N2):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Plants absorb nitrogen from the soil as both NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions
(Ammonium and Nitrate?). Proportion: Healthy plants often contain 3 - 4% in their above-
ground tissues.

FUNCTIONS (S): Excess results in extremely dark green leaves, and promotes vegetative plant
growth. Its a primary macro nutrient.

2.) POTASSIUM (K):

MODE OF UPTAKE: K+. Plants readily absorb the K dissolved in the soil water. As soon as the
soil water's K concentration drops, additional K is released into the soil solution from the K
attached to the clay minerals. Proportion: Generally ranges from 1.75 - 2.00%

FUNCTION (S): Potassium necessary for formation of sugars, starches, carbohydrates, protein
synthesis and cell division in roots and other parts of the plant. It is a primary macro nutrient.

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3.) PHOSPHORUS (P):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Plants take up phosphorus in two ways, namely, Orthophosphate ( HPO₄²⁻)
and PO₄³⁻ or as organic phosphate. Generally, roots absorb phosphorus in the form of
orthophosphate, but can also absorb certain forms of organic phosphorus. Phosphorus moves
to the root surface through diffusion. Proportion: Constitutes about 0.2% of a plant's dry
weight,

FUNCTION (S): Responsible for assisting with the growth of roots and flowers and also helps
plants with stand environmental stress. It is a primary macro nutrient.

4.) MAGNESIUM (MG):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Mg(2+). Plants absorb magnesium through the plant's roots.

FUNCTION (S): Magnesium is a critical structural component of the chlorophyll molecule and is
necessary for functioning of plant enzymes to produce carbohydrates, sugars and fats. It is
secondary macro nutrient. Proportion: The normal concentration of Mg is 120ppm Magnesium.

5.) CALCIUM (Ca):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Ca(2+). Calcium is taken up by roots from the soil solution and delivered
to the shoot via the xylem. It may traverse the root either through the cytoplasm of cells linked
by plasmodesmata (The symplast) or through the spaces between cells (The apoplast). It is a
secondary macro nutrient. Proportion: Concentrations in the shoot ranges from 0.1 to over 5%
of dry weight.

FUNCTIONS: Activates enzymes, is a structural component of cell walls, influences water

movement in cells and is necessary for cell growth and division.

6.) SULPHUR (S):

MODE OF UPTAKE: SO₄²-. Plants uptake sulfate directly from the soil by using their dedicated
sulfate transporters. In addition, plants also use the sulfur transporter of a symbiotically
associated organism like bacteria and fungi to uptake sulfur from the soil especially under sulfur
depleted conditions. Proportion: Plants only need 10 to 30 pounds of sulfur per acre .

FUNCTION (S): Used in the formation of amino acids, proteins, and oils, Necessary for
chlorophyll formation and Promotes nodulation in legumes. It is a secondary macro nutrient.

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B.) MICRO NUTRIENTS:
They are also Trace elements. Micro nutrients are essential plant nutrients that are found in
smaller amounts in tissue, but play an imperative role in plant growth and development.
Without these nutrients, plant nutrition would be compromised leading to potential declines in
plant productivity. Out of the 16 elements essential for plant growth, seven (7) are Micro
nutrients, namely, Boron (B), Chlorine (CI), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn),
Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc (Zn).

1.) IRON (Fe):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Fe2+ (Ferrous acid) and Fe₂O₃ (Ferric acid). Plants mainly acquire Fe
from the rhizosphere. Although Fe is one of the most abundant metals in the earth's crust, its
availability to plant roots is very low. Fe availability is dictated by the soil redox potential and
pH. Proportion: Requires the order of 1 - 1.5 lb Fe per acre.

FUNCTION (S): It is necessary for many enzyme functions and as a catalyst for the synthesis of
chlorophyll and essential for the young growing parts of plants.

2.) MANGANESE (Mn):

MODE OF UPTAKE: It is absorbed by plants as Mn2+. Manganese is an immobile nutrient and,

therefore, deficiency symptoms show up on younger leaves first. A manganese level of 20 to 40
ppm (mg kg–) in plant tissue is sufficient for most plants. Proportion: The optimum
concentration ranges 0.07–0.21% for monocots, and 0.10–0.70% for dicots.

FUNCTION (S): Involved in enzyme activity for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen
metabolism.

3.) BORON (B):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Boron is taken up by plants primarily as H3BO3 (Boric acid) and
H2BO3- (Borate). Boron transport in plants is primarily based on three transport mechanisms
across the plasma membrane: passive diffusion of boric acid, facilitated diffusion of boric acid
via channels, and export of borate anion via transporters. Proportion: Developed in amounts
as small as 1 μ/g–1 mg/g.

FUNCTION (S): Use for cell wall formation and may aid in the translocation of sugars.

4.) ZINC (Zn):

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MODE OF UPTAKE: ZN2+. Zn is taken up mainly as divalent cation (Zn2+ ion) by plant roots.
However in some cases, organic ligand - Zn complexes are also absorbed by plant roots.
Depending upon the ligand secreted by plant roots, two physiological strategies are involved in
uptake of divalent cations like Zn2+. Proportion: The normal concentration of Zn in most plants
is between 20 - 100 ppm.

FUNCTION (S): Essential to carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and internodal

elongation (stem growth).

5.) COPPER (Cu):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Copper is absorbed by the plant cu(ii) or copper (II) ion Cu2+. Once
absorbed, it accumulates mainly in the roots. Proportion: Its concentration in plant tissue
ranges from 5 - 20 ppm.

FUNCTION (S): Concentrated in roots of plants and plays a part in nitrogen metabolism.

6.) MOLYBDENUM (Mo):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Molybdenum is absorbed in the form of molybdate ions MoO+22.

Molybdate which is the predominant form available to plants is required at very low levels
where it is known to participate in various redox reactions in plants as part of the pterin
complex Moco. Proportion: The normal range for most plant tissue is between 0.3-1.5 ppm.

FUNCTION (S): It is a structural component of the enzyme that reduces nitrates to ammonia.
Without it, the synthesis of proteins is blocked and plant growth ceases.

7.) CHLORINE (Cl):

MODE OF UPTAKE: CL-. Chloride is a major osmotically active solute in the vacuole and is
involved in both turgor- and osmoregulation. In the cytoplasm it may regulate the activities of
key enzymes. Proportion: Low milli-molar range (4.5–5.0 mM).

FUNCTION (S): Involved in osmosis (Movement of water or solutes in cells), the ionic balance
necessary for plants to take up mineral elements and in photosynthesis.

C.) NON ELEMENT NUTRIENT:

They can also be called Non - mineral nutrients. They include Oxygen (O), Carbon (C) and
Hydrogen (H). Their major sources are Atmosphere and Water. Non-mineral nutrients are in the
compounds required for photosynthesis. Water, supplied via irrigation or rainfall provides the
hydrogen (And electrons) required to convert solar energy (light) into chemical energy (sugars.)

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1.) OXYGEN (O2):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Plants takes in CO2 through small cellular pores called stomata in the
leaves during the day. During respiration (oxidation of stored sugars in plants producing energy
and CO2) plants take in oxygen (O2) and give off CO2, which complements photosynthesis
when plants take in CO 2 and give off O2. Proportion: This contains about 21%.
FUNCTION (S): Responsible for cellular respiration in plants.

2.) CARBON (C):

MODE OF UPTAKE: As plants photosynthesize, they absorb carbon dioxide Co2 from the
atmosphere. When plants die, the carbon goes into the soil, and microbes can release the
carbon back into the atmosphere through decomposition. Proportion: This contains about 50%
by dry weight.

FUNCTION (S): Used by plants to build leaves and stems.

3.) HYDROGEN (H):

MODE OF UPTAKE: Plants receive Hydrogen via photosynthesis, they receive oxygen via the
conversion of Co2. Carbon dioxide is broken down into carbon and is used by the plant for
energy which is what forms proteins and carbohydrates. Proportion: Constitute about 6% of
dry plant tissue (biomass).

FUNCTION (S); Has positive effects on seed germination, seedling growth, adventitious rooting,
root elongation, enhance plant symbiotic stress resistance.

3.0 INTRODUCTION
Fertilizers are generally defined as "any material, organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic,
which supplies one or more of the chemical elements required for the plant growth." Most
fertilizers that are commonly used in Agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients
Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus P) and Potassium (K). Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of
plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and
phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate). Some countries compile fertilizer data
on a calendar year basis, while others are on a split-year basis. Although fertilizer production is
highly concentrated, fertilizer use is dictated by soil composition and the crop being produced.

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For the purpose of data dissemination, FAO has adopted the concept of a calendar year,
January to December on the rate at which Nigeria use fertilizer.

3.1 OBJECTIVES OF THIS REPORT

1.) Provides details on the rate of the fertilizer use in Nigeria

2.) Assesses the Nigerian Fertilizer Industry, with regards to demand and supply chain
dynamics.

3.) The purpose of this paper is to examine some factors that influence the intensity of fertilizer
use in Nigeria.

3.2 CURRENT LEVEL OF FERTILIZER USE IN NIGERIA

In 2020, fertilizer consumption or its current level for Nigeria was 19.6 kilograms per hectare.
Though Nigeria fertilizer consumption fluctuated substantially in recent years, it tended to
increase through 1971 - 2020 period ending at 19.6 kilograms per hectare in 2020.

3.3 FACTORS CAUSING THE USE OF FERTILIZER

The farmer's purchasing power is dependent on two factors Affordability and Cash liquidity
(The input-output price ratio, that is, the number of kilograms of produce required to buy a
kilogram of fertilizer/nutrient, is one indicator of affordability) The benefit from
fertilizer/nutrient application in monetary terms should be high enough to motivate farmers to
use fertilizer. Crop response trials should provide the necessary data on benefit-cost ratios and
these can be made known to farmers through extension programmes. Both the existence of the
benefit and its awareness by farmers are equally important to create demand. The following
leads to the excess demand of fertilizer and its use,

 Extent of available land

 Actual area cultivated
 Availability and adoption of fertilizer-responsive seed varieties
 Cropping pattern which determines the quantity of nutrients needed
 Soil characteristics: A strong soil structure can provide sufficient water, nutrients, and
oxygen to support plant growth and enough space for roots to penetrate, while poor
soil structure impedes root growth, water movement and drainage.
 Nutrient content

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  Amount, distribution and reliability of rainfall
 Area under irrigation, which determines the scope for multiple cropping
 Size of holdings: If holdings are small, a large portion of produce is retained for
consumption and fertilizer demand tends to be more sensitive to price
 Lack of eco-efficient fertilizers
 Access to irrigation, credit facilities and use of available cash, this is due to the increase
in the prices of a bag of fertilizer caused by excess demand of it.

Some include farm size, price of fertiliser, price of manure and farmers education to be
important variables that significantly affect the demand for fertiliser in the state.

3.4 LACK OF RESPONSE FROM THE APPLICATION OF PHOSPHORUS (P) ON A

MAIZE FARM
Phosphorus (P) is one of the most critical nutrients for maize production. Its deficiency results
in reduced yields and is common in soils. The benefits of P applicatiin on the maize farm are,
Helps the maize crop plant to better establish itself, Get good development, Hasten maturity
stage, Prevent harvest losses and Improve the overall maize yield. Its deficiency in soil therefore
results in catastrophic consequences.

It is noted that a good quality maize crop will take up 30 to 40 pounds of phosphate (P2O5) per
acre.

Phosphorus fertilizer can be applied on a maize farm by broadcast or in a concentrated band.

Broadcasting and mixing P in the soil can maximize the probability of root contact with the
fertilizer.

3.5 OBJECTIVES OF THE REPORT

1.) To the know the solutions given to lack of response from the application of phosphorus on
the maize farm

2.) To know what causes the lack of response from the application of phosphorus

3.) To know the negative effects (Symptoms) on maize crops due to the lack of response from
phosphorus.

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3.6 FACTORS THAT CAUSES THE LACK OF PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION
The inability of the application of phosphorus (P) to be active on a maize farm is due to or
caused by the following

1.) Acidic or very alkaline conditions

2.) Cold or wet conditions: Excessive rainfall and cold weather can temporarily cause a
phosphorus deficiency in plants. This is because the phosphorus is leaching out of the soil. If the
soil is acidic, the plants can have difficulty absorbing phosphorus even when plenty of the
nutrient is available. If the issue is due to cold weather, the deficiency should correct itself once
the soil becomes warmer.

3.) Soils with low phosphorus reserves.

4.) Soil compaction

5.) Herbicide injury

6.) Insect pressure

7.) Poor soil health (Low organic matter).

3.7 POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS DUE TO LACK OF PHOSPHORUS ON MAIZE CROPS

Symptoms for the lack of response from the application of phosphorus are

1.) Young plants look dwarfed and thin with dark green leaves

2.) Leaf margins, veins and stems show purple tints which may spread over the whole leaf blade

3.) By reddish discoloration at juvenile stages of growth.

3.8 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ADOPTED TO SOLVE THE INEFFICIENCY OF

PHOSPHORUS ON MAIZE FARM
Phosphorus deficiency or lack of response from phosphorus application can be managed by
applying the following:

 CARRYING OUT SOIL TEST:

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 A soil test is a process by which elements (Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and
measured for their "plant available" content within the sample. The goal of soil testing is to
provide an accurate assessment of the soil's fertility to make fertilizer recommendations.

Soil testing reveals soil pH, the soil phosphorus level, and determines the recommended
application amount of phosphorus for the crop to be grown. Consistent and representative soil
sampling is very important for correct interpretation of soil test results. Take as many cores as
practical. Sampling depth is extremely important for both pH and phosphorus, especially in
reduce and no-tillage systems where there is little or no mixing to homogenize the soil.

 APPLICATION OF TRADITIONAL MATERIAL, PERFECT EXAMPLE IS WOODASH:

Ash is also a good source of phosphorus. In terms of commercial fertilizer, average wood ash
would be about 0-1-3 (N-P-K). In addition to these macro-nutrients, wood ash is a good source
of many micronutrients needed in trace amounts for adequate plant growth. In general, wood
ashes contain 1 1/2 to 2 percent phosphorus.

The analysed ashes exhibit good physical and chemical properties. They can be suitable for use
in Agriculture as a liming agent to be applied on soils which have been tested to be lacking
phosphorus.

 APPLICATION OF ORGANIC MATERIALS:

This includes Well decomposed compost manure made from plants such as manure, plant
residues or green manure crops to soils with high pH values not only supply phosphorus, but
also unlock the phosphorus that was previously unavailable.

 ADDITION OF LIME (CALCIUM HYDROXIDE):

This helps to reduce soil acidity, this can unlock the phosphorus that was previously
unavailable. This is a common practice.

 USE OF EFFICIENT APPLICATION METHOD;

Research has shown that Band application of phosphorus is much more efficient than
broadcasting. Band application is also known as starter application, Fertilizer is applied in bands
near where developing roots will easily reach it; either to the side and below the seed rows,
slightly below the seeds, or in between rows.

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Some other measures includes, Check the plant for root issues because this can result in a
phosphorus deficiency. The deficiency can be corrected by using one or more of the following
solutions Make pH adjustment, Flush plants with pH water and nutrients containing
phosphorus, Do not overwater plants, Ensure the temperature is correct, Provide plants with
the correct nutrient ratio, Change out the reservoir, Provide additional phosphorus for plants
grown under high-powered lights, Correct root issues and Closely observe plants to ensure the
deficient has been corrected.

CONCLUSION
Plant nutrition is the study of the chemical elements and compounds necessary for plant
growth and reproduction, plant metabolism and their external supply. In its absence the plant is
unable to complete a normal life cycle, or that the element is part of some essential plant
constituent or metabolite.

Fertilizers help the soil increase its fertility thereby promoting growth. The use of manures as
compost is presumably as old as Agriculture itself. With the help of fertilizers, plants become
resilient against harmful plant pathogens, pests, and weeds. Knowing the benefits of fertilizer
to Agricultural practices has really skyrocketed the use of fertilizer in Nigeria and also the
demand is increasing. Phosphorus being one of the essential nutrients required in maize
cultivation should always be enough and be made readily available in it's required Rate.

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REFERENCE
Soil fertility and fertilizer - An introduction to nutrient management (7th edition) by John L.
Harvlin, James D. Beaton, Samuel L. Tisdale and Werner L. Nelson.

Barrow, N.J. 1980. Evaluation and utilization of residual phosphorus in soils.

F.E. Khasawneh, E.C. Sample & E.J. Kamprath, eds. The role of phosphorus in agriculture, pp.
333–359. Madison, USA, American Society of Agronomy.

Barrow, N.J. 1983a. A mechanistic model for describing the sorption and desorption of
phosphate by soil. J. Soil Sci., 34: 733–750.

Barrow, N.J. 1983b. On the reversibility of phosphate sorption by soils. J. Soil Sci., 34: 751–758.

Barrow, N.J. & Campbell, N.A. 1972. Methods of measuring residual value of fertilizers. Aust. J.
Exp. Agr. Anim. Hus., 12: 502–510.

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