- chlorine is one of the 13 essential elements for plant growth, and is considered a micronutrient based on the concentration required for plant growth
- principle form of uptake: ionic form, chloride (Cl–)
- amount required for healthy plant growth: 100 ppm, dry soil matter
- chloride ions primarily move through the soil via diffusion
- soil factors that affect chloride uptake by plants:
- soil test level
- decomposition level of organic matter
- plant factors that affect chlorine uptake by plants:
- hybrid or variety of plant
- stage of growth
- interactions with other elements
Roles of Chlorine in Plant Functions:
- involved in the osmotic potential, balancing anions, controlling membrane permeability & electropotential
- involved in the formation of O2 in photosynthesis
- raises cell osmotic pressure
- affects stomatal regulation
- increases hydration of plant tissue
- may be related to the suppression of leaf spot disease in wheat and fungus root disease in oat
