Question

We know that plants require nutrients. If we supply these in excess, will it be beneficial to the plants? If yes, how/If no, why?

Answer 1

Essential elements are required in low quantities by plants, especially for micronutrients. Even a slight deviation from this quantity can be detrimental to the plant. If micronutrients increase even by 10%, this can produce toxicity in plants.

Let us take an example of manganese which is an essential micronutrient for plants. Manganese shows the following properties:

1. It competes with iron and magnesium for uptake.
2. It competes with magnesium for binding to specific enzymes.
3. It inhibits the translocation of calcium to shoot apex.

Thus, excess manganese can hamper the uptake of iron and magnesium, and plants may begin to suffer from iron and magnesium deficiency. Excess manganese can prevent magnesium from binding with certain enzymes. This can hamper many metabolic activities. Inhibition of translocation of calcium to shoot apex can result in stunted growth. 

Thus, excess of any micronutrient can never be beneficial for the plant; rather, it would be detrimental.