Mineral Nutrition Question 23

23. Which one of the following is not an essential element for plants?

[1996]

(a) Potassium

(b) Iron

(c) Iodine

(d) Zinc

Show Answer

Answer : c

Hints & Solution

(c) Iodine is the only such element which is an essential mineral for animals but is not required by plants. The natural iodine content in soil is low. While iodine is not an essential nutrient for plant growth, fertilizing with iodine derivatives has been shown to aid in biomass production and increase the antioxidant levels in plants which provide drought and stress resistance.