Periodic Graphics: The elements of fertilizers

As a research chemist who works in the agriculture industry, I can appreciate the graphic that Mr. Brunning has constructed. It gives an idea of the importance of fertilizers that agronomists can use at the grower level.

However, this is missing one key element: silicon. Silicon is used by plants (in the silicate form) to strengthen their cell wall, in conjuction with potassium and calcium. It is an important and rarely mentioned essential element that should be mentioned more often. I would direct you to the work of Dr. Lawrence Datnoff at Louisiana State University for more information. Prof. Datnoff is considered the foremost expert on the function of silicon in plants.