“For healthy growth, plants require many different nutrients.  Of these, nitrogen is needed for leaf growth and protein production, phosphorus promotes root and early seedling growth, while potassium regulates the transport of other nutrients and water within the plant.  Sulfur is essential for protein synthesis and magnesium is required for the formation of chlorophyll.  Other necessary elements include Ca, Na, Fe, Mn, B, Cu, Zn and Co. Deficiencies in a particular soil can be treated by the addition of appropriate fertilizers.”