Which nutrient is essential for plant metabolism and is often supplied through fertilizers?

Nitrogen is essential for plant metabolism as it plays a crucial role in the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are fundamental components of plant cells. It is a primary nutrient that drives vegetative growth, influencing aspects like leaf development and overall plant vigor. Nitrogen also contributes to chlorophyll production, which is vital for photosynthesis, enabling plants to convert sunlight into energy.

Fertilizers often supplement nitrogen in the soil to ensure plants have adequate access to this nutrient, particularly in agricultural settings where soil may be depleted of nitrogen through continuous cropping. This is why nitrogen fertilizers are one of the most commonly used types in farming practices around the world.

While phosphorus, potassium, and calcium are also important nutrients for plants, each serves different roles. Phosphorus primarily supports root development and energy transfer through ATP, potassium regulates various physiological processes and improves drought resistance, and calcium is key for cell wall structure and plant stability. Each of these nutrients contributes to plant health, but nitrogen is particularly critical for metabolic processes.