Carbon is a macronutrient and forms about 45% of the structure of most vascular plants. It is available to plants in the form CO2  (Carbon Dioxide) which is taken in as part of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts atmospheric carbon to simple sugars using light energy in the presence of chlorophyll.

Nitrogen is also a macronutrient and functions as a component of such molecules present in plants as amino acids, nucleotides, nucleic acids, chlorophyll and coenzymes. It is obtained from the soil where organisms convert gaseous nitrogen to a form that can be used by plants and forms about 1.5% of a typical plant. As a component of these important molecules, it is essential to plant growth, production of chlorophyll and efficient use of moisture and carbohydrates.

Phosphorus is a macronutrient that makes up about 0.2% of an average, vascular plant. It is a component of energy-carrying compounds (ATP and ADP), nucleic acids, coenzymes and phospholipids. It is taken up by plants from the soil. It is part of plant genetic material and involved in cell division and reproduction, storage of energy, root growth and resistance to disease and other essential functions.

Plant Information Guides.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service