Chlorine

Micro-nutrient indispensable for the growth of plants but which they absorb in very small quantities and as a Cl- ion. It contributes to the photolysis of water inside the chloroplasts, during the photosynthesis process; the element also acts as a temporary binder for the stabilization of manganese oxides. It also contributes to the processes that regulate the opening and closing of stomata. In ordinary pedological and agronomic conditions, the chlorine content in the soils is sufficient to meet the needs of plants (considering the contributions that also come from irrigation water, rain, slag present in fertilizers, pesticides and atmospheric pollution, it is understood how deficiencies of this element are unlikely to occur in the soil).
Any chlorine deficiencies (very rare) lead to a reduction in the surface of the leaves (due to an inhibition of cell division), with tissues that take on a chlorotic or bronzed color and then undergo a process of necrosis. In these cases the shoots and the vegetative apexes are more fragile and break very easily. All these symptoms disappear quite quickly by treating the plants, possibly with potassium chloride.
Given the reduced needs of the plant, if the presence of chlorine exceeds the necessary quantities it can give rise to a toxic action.

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