Chlorine (Cl)

• 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