Which elements are essential for plant growth and found in fertilizers?

The choice identified is indeed the most relevant in the context of essential elements for plant growth and their presence in fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are commonly referred to as the primary macronutrients. These elements are critical for various physiological functions in plants.

Nitrogen is vital for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and it plays a key role in the formation of nucleic acids, which are essential for genetic material. Phosphorus is important for energy transfer and storage through its role in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and is also crucial for root development and overall plant vigor. Potassium regulates various physiological processes, including enzyme activity and water uptake, and it enhances overall plant resilience and growth.

While the other elements listed do have roles in plant nutrition, they are not classified as primary elements in fertilizers. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are classified as secondary macronutrients, and while they are important, they are generally needed in smaller quantities compared to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Zinc, copper, and iron are micronutrients, which are also essential but are required in much smaller amounts. Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen are primarily obtained from the environment through processes like photosynthesis and respiration