Summary
This narrative review synthesises current understanding of macronutrient physiological functions and uptake mechanisms in plants. Maathuis discusses how six essential macronutrients—calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur—are taken up from the soil solution in specific ionic forms and distributed throughout plant tissues, and summarises recent progress in identifying the molecular mechanisms governing their transport and regulation.
Regional applicability
As a fundamental plant physiology review, the principles of macronutrient uptake and function apply universally across agronomic contexts, including United Kingdom crop and horticultural production. The work provides a knowledge foundation relevant to soil fertility management and nutrient supply strategies across all UK farming systems.
Key measures
Macronutrient uptake mechanisms; transport and regulatory pathways; ionic forms in soil solution; physiological functions of individual macronutrients
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews physiological roles of plant macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur) and recent advances in understanding their transport, uptake, and distribution mechanisms in plants.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.