What are the essential nutrients required by plants in minute amounts called?

The correct answer identifies micronutrients as essential nutrients that plants require in minute amounts for various physiological processes. These nutrients, which include elements like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and boron, play crucial roles in plant metabolism and growth, despite being needed in much smaller quantities compared to macronutrients.

Micronutrients are vital for functions such as enzyme function and chlorophyll production, contributing to overall plant health and productivity. While plants need these in smaller amounts than macronutrients (which include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), their absence can lead to deficiency symptoms, stunted growth, and poor crop yields.

Understanding the distinction between micronutrients and other categories, like primary nutrients and essential elements, is fundamental in landscape management and agronomy, as it ensures that plants receive a balanced diet essential for optimal growth.